Sheffield Wednesday backed to avoid League One play-off agony with statement promotion

Sheffield Wednesday are joint-favourites to win automatic promotion from League One for the 2022/2023 season and avoid another year of playoff heartbreak, according to the bookies odds . Darren Moore’s side finished fourth last season but lost in the playoff semi-final against eventual winners Sunderland.

The Owls failed to bounce straight back into the Championship following their 2021 relegation and now face a second consecutive campaign in the third-tier. But the bookies are backing them to keep it at just two seasons in League One, with the Owls backed to win automatic promotion (all odds provided are from William Hill).

Wednesday are level favourites alongside Ipswich Town at 9/4 to finish the season in the top two, placing them above all of the three sides relegated from the Championship last year. Peterborough as 4/1 to bounce straight back up, while promising developments at Derby County have boosted them into fourth spot at 11/2.

Wycombe Wanderers are not expected to match last season’s performances that got them to within 90 minutes of the Championship, and they are currently priced at 8/1.

The Owls have good reason to be among the favourites to win promotion, having experienced the gruelling League One season last year with one of the best bosses in the division in Moore. The lifting of the club’s transfer embargo means Wednesday now have the freedom to spend if they wish, while a host of early free transfers have strengthened the squad.

Michael Smith has come in to add reinforcements to the attack following his 19-goal campaign with promoted Rotherham United last season, while the likes of Will Vaulks and David Stockdale will add Championship level quality.

Wednesday will no doubt be up there again next