Bookies fear the Rafa factor as Newcastle are shortened for promotion

Rafa Benitez has the bookmakers running scared ahead of the big Football League kick-off, following his decision to stay on as manager of Newcastle despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Newcastle were available at 5-1 to win the Championship before the Spaniard's announcement. Now they are 7-4 with BetVictor for the title and odds on at 4-7 to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

Newcastle also have the favourite in the Championship top scorer market, with new signing Dwight Gayle at 8-1 while team-mate Aleksandar Mitrovic is next best at 10s.

Aston Villa and Norwich, the two other relegated sides from the top flight, are expected to be Newcastle's closest challengers for outright honours at 8-1.

BetVictor are producing enhanced ante-post specials in the run-up to the new season and you can get 10-1 on Newcastle winning the Championship and Manchester City being crowned Premier League champions in Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge.

Brentford, QPR and Fulham make up the capital's challenge in the Championship but quotes of 33-1 suggests neither of the sides will be battling for the title.

In League One, London rivals Charlton (8s) and Millwall (10s) are fancied to be in the promotion shake-up at the end of the season. Only Sheffield United, at 4-1, are a shorter price to be crowned champions. AFC Wimbledon are 5-2 to be relegated.

Barnet are more likely to go down (6s) than go up (10s) in League Two, according to BetVictor. Leyton Orient are 10-1 fourth favourites to win the division in a market headed by 4-1 Portsmouth.