As promised here are my assessments of the weekends games and some tips for betting purposes. As I might have mentioned, I have been doing pretty well so far so there might be something in this!?
Blackburn v Arsenal, 1245 Saturday
This should be interesting, as 2 proponents of vastly differing football philosophies go head to head. Big Fat Sam is from the 'old school' to put it politely and Arsene Wenger has made his Gunners into Barca-lite. When in charge of Bolton the man that resembles a gammon hock was adept at sending his team out to kick lumps out of more skilful opponents and to grab set-piece goals to win. Wenger's Arsenal suffered before and I can see them suffering again and the likes of Alan Hansen to refer to Arsenal as fairies. I would back Blackburn to win this at a tasty 6.5 at Paddy Power.
Blackpool v Fulham, 1500 Saturday
The first Premier League game from Bloomfield Road will see Mark Hughes Fulham the visitors. Blackpool put out the reserves in midweek and lost whereas Fulham beat Port Vale 6-0 and should take some confidence from that. I really think this is difficult to call due to Fulhams horrendous away form over the last few years. If it were any other similar level team I would back the away team in this, but I can't! I certainly wouldn't put anyone off it though at 2.3 in various places. I'm going for Moussa Dembele to score though. He got off the mark in midweek and should give Pool's defenders a torrid time, take the 3.25 at Ladbrokes.
Chelsea v Stoke, 1500 Saturday
With Asmir Begovic refusing to play and Carlo Nash deputising again this is only going one way. Chelsea have been absolutely awesome so far and I can see them again annihilating the opposition here. There is no value in the match prices and the handicaps are skinny unless you fancy the Blues to win by over 3 so I'm looking elsewhere for my money. I'm going to again tip Malouda to score anytime at 2.3 with Victor Chandler. I assume the cut in prices from last week is due to someone at bookie HQ noticing my blog!
Tottenham v Wigan, 1500 Saturday
Much as I truly hate backing 'ol Sloppy Chops boys there will be no upset here. Wigan are, to borrow a phrase from a man far more eloquent than I, toilet, utter, utter toilet. Martinez is a dead man walking and only scraping a win against lower league opposition had kept him in a job, a huge loss here could see him on his way. Peter Crouch is a man in form having bagged the match ball against Young Boys (heehee) and should net again. In fact, I'm going to back him to score 2+ at 5.5 with Skybet and pile on the misery for both Wigan's fans.
Wolves v Newcastle, 1500 Saturday
In what must go down as one of the shocks of the season already the Geordie boys beat a hopeless Villa 6-0 last week. Mick McCarthy has this Wolves team well drilled though and I don't see them conceding anywhere near that! In a similar fashion to Pulis at Stoke, McCarthy seems to be making gradual improvements to his team rather than wholesale changes, and this has led to a settled side and that will be enough this year to again keep them up. I think there may be goals in this one for both teams, as I think chances will be available, both teams to score is the bet for me. Take the 1.9 on offer at William Hill.
Manchester United v West Ham, 1715 Saturday
In one of the most insipid performances I have ever seen live, West Ham were made to wear a dress and cry at Old Trafford 2 years ago. And West Ham have got steadily worse since then. Avram Grant might well get this team to gel and keep them up, but he would not have marked this game as one to get points from. United are, in my opinion, a team in a bit of a decline, but they will murder the Irons, leaving the GSE and Bovver crying in their cheap continental lager. No doubt the Scholes love-in will continue as aside from Scott Parker West Ham's midfield is more porous than a sieve. I'd have to handicap United as they are as short as 1.12 to win with William Hill's. I'd fancy them to overturn a -2 hcap and Stan James have that at 1.72.
Bolton v Birmingham, 1330 Sunday
Both of these teams have made decent starts to the season and I think they are both going to gain the majority of their points at home this season. Owen Coyle has made some interesting additions to complement Megson's functional team and that should be enough to overcome Big Eck's Brum outfit. I do like the signing of Matt Derbyshire on loan for Brum though, just thought I'd add that! I would take the 2.2 at Betfred on the home win.
Liverpool v West Brom, 1500 Sunday
Some Liverpool 'fans' are already calling for Woy Hodgson's head for his less than stellar start. Obviously these people haven't realised that Pool are now an upper mid-table side and shouldn't be unhappy having taken 1 point from 2 members of the Sky 4/5. He has implemented a more attacking style than Benitez and his Fulham side tended to beat most teams they should at home. This should continue against the enduringly hopeless WBA. I have already stated that Di Matteo's attacking philosophy is commendable, but ill-advised so I wont go into the in's and out's again here. Handicap Liverpool HT/FT at 1.76 with Victor Chandler now as most other firms are nearer the 1.6 mark.
Sunderland v Manchester City, 1500 Sunday
City will be riding the crest of a wave having resoundly beaten Liverpool 3-0 on Monday night. Sunderland on the other hand should be ashamed to have been beaten by WBA 1-0 last weekend. Having said that they are a different beast at home and should give City's credentials a good test. I would imagine Mancini would start the same team that beat Pool and I would think these players will again give the opposition defence the run-around. Steve Bruce is living on his Wigan achievements for me, he has spent heavily and only Darren Bent could be classed as a real success. I think Niall Quinn and his 'disco pants' might give him a bit longer, but City win this one. Take the 1.9 at Ladbrokes and wait for Bruce to blame the referee at 1700 on Sunday.
Aston Villa v Everton, 1600 Sunday
Everton were many people's tips for the challenger to the Sky 4/5 this season, including mine. As yet they haven't been firing on all cylinders, but this slow start is nothing unusual. Villa have looked excellent in handing out a hiding to West Ham and dreadful in being thoroughly spanked by Newcastle. I'm not a draw backer in general, but I have a suspicion they might cancel each other out in this match. Take the 3.3 at Betfred for that result.
Just to ask again if any of you who regularly check my blog to become followers? If I can get them up then I can publish more blogs and it makes me feel all warm inside too!
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Quick Update...
Well hello again followers. After last weeks fantastic opening weekend tips I have gone some way to proving this was no fluke by again showing a profit! Here's the results of the 2nd weekends tips:
Arsenal v Blackpool - Arsenal -2 at 1.82 - +8.20
Birmingham v Blackburn - Birmingham at 2.3 - +13.00
Everton v Wolves - Everton at 1.57 - -10.00
Stoke v Tottenham - Changed to Stoke at 3.6 - -10.00
WBA v Sunderland - Sunderland - -10.00
West Ham v Bolton - Bolton at 3.6 - +26.00
Wigan v Chelsea - Malouda to Score at 2.88 - +18.80
Newcastle v Villa - Both to Score at 1.91 - -10.00
Fulham v Man Utd - Draw and Fulham at 2.4 - +14.00
Manchester City v Liverpool - City at 2.38 - +13.80
Overrall Profit of £53.80
This weekends tips will follow...
Arsenal v Blackpool - Arsenal -2 at 1.82 - +8.20
Birmingham v Blackburn - Birmingham at 2.3 - +13.00
Everton v Wolves - Everton at 1.57 - -10.00
Stoke v Tottenham - Changed to Stoke at 3.6 - -10.00
WBA v Sunderland - Sunderland - -10.00
West Ham v Bolton - Bolton at 3.6 - +26.00
Wigan v Chelsea - Malouda to Score at 2.88 - +18.80
Newcastle v Villa - Both to Score at 1.91 - -10.00
Fulham v Man Utd - Draw and Fulham at 2.4 - +14.00
Manchester City v Liverpool - City at 2.38 - +13.80
Overrall Profit of £53.80
This weekends tips will follow...
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
7 out of 9, 7 out of f*!king 9!!!...
Well, well, well, what a set of tips they were last week! The title is something of a giveaway, but in case you're a little slow, I had 7 of my 9 tips come in, showing a very healthy profit. I'm going to keep a running score of where I would be if I had a level £10 stake on every tip I give. I think I am also going to go along the lines of looking at all the Premier League games and then picking a selection of a further 10 games that I have taken an interest in. There is the possibility of a midweek one as well for European games if my diary allows! Anyway...if you were to have had said £10 stake on all my bets last week this would be the result:
Tottenham v Man City - Backing City +0.5 at 1.83 = +£8.30
Aston Villa v West Ham - Backing Villa at 1.72 = +£7.20
Blackburn v Everton - Under 2.5 goals at 2.15 = +£11.50
Bolton v Fulham - Backing Bolton at 2.3 = -£10
Sunderland v Birmingham - D. Bent First Goal at 5's = +£50
Wigan v Blackpool - Over 2.5 goals at 2.1 = +£11
Wolves v Stoke - Under 1.5 goals at 3.0 = -£10
Chelsea v WBA - Chelsea clean sheet at 1.62 = +£6.20
Liverpool v Arsenal - Both to score at 2.0 = +£10
Overall profit = £84.20
This weeks Premier League fixtures:
Arsenal v Blackpool 1500 Saturday
As Ian Holloway acknowledged after the game last week, that is probably as good as it gets for Blackpool this year. I have tipped Wigan to go down due to their gung-ho approach to defending and Blackpool will not have that sort of game again this year. Whilst teams have shocked the Gunners in the last few years, they usually posed a physical problem to Arsene's group of tippy-tappers. Unfortunately for Blackpool they are not built like this. I would imagine Holloway will try to tighten up but I think it will be in vain. I see a big Arsenal win glossing over Wenger's failure to improve the defence or in goal again and a season of disappointment. I would take Arsenal -2 at 1.82 with bet365 for this.
Birmingham v Blackburn 1500 Saturday
Both teams had good results on the openeing weekend with Blackburn defeating Everton at home and Birmingham coming back from 2-0 down away at Sunderland to draw 2-2. Big fat Sam's team will take lots of points at home I think, but will struggle to impose their bullying style away. Under Big Eck Birmingham are anything but fairies and I would expect them to see Blackburn off in this one. I would take the 2.3 on offer at 365 and Chandler's for this one.
Everton v Wolves 1500 Saturday
I have a good feeling for Wolves this year and think Mick McCarthy has made some canny investments in Steven Fletcher, Stephen Hunt and the lad Mouyokolo from Hull. These boys wont set the world alight, but they'll do a more than adequate job for Wolves. Everton are another team I think will do well this year, and I'm not alone in that from looking at other sites. They were the form team after Xmas last season and Moyes has almost a full squad to pick from at the start of this. Whilst the 1.57 at Ladbrokes isn't going to let you move to Barbados and sip Malibu's for the rest of your years, it looks far too big to me. Steam in now and count your winnings at 1700 Saturday.
Stoke v Tottenham 1500 Saturday
Stoke are now almost a fixture in the Premier League and they look set to stay as they have a good mix of hard-working, athletic players and an astute manager in Tony Pulis. He does look a twat in that cap though. The assumption that they are brilliant at home was turned on it's head last year and their away form was better. This worries me as Tottenham have got the attacking talent to turn most teams in this league over if the opposition aren't at the races. I reckon I'll hunt for some longer odds than 2.1 on an away win though, the Draw/Tottenham in HT/FT at 5's widely available is the bet for me.
WBA v Sunderland 1500 Saturday
I thought it would be a long hard slog for West Brom this term, but even I didn't see a 6-0 tonking at the hands of Chelsea last week! Di Matteo seems to be from the school of thought, like Roberto Martinez, that if they score 2 we'll score 3. This is admirable, and will work most weeks in the Championship with their players, but is fooking mental in the Premier League. All these people discussing whether Blackpool will have the lowest points total ever would do well to cast a glance towards the Hawthorns to see they might not even have the lowest points this year! You can get 2.88 on the away win here with a number of firms and I think that's the price of the weekend. If you don't want to get on a HT/FT in the Spurs game then double your stake and get it on the Mackems here!
West Ham v Bolton 1500 Saturday
With Aston Villa running rings around the East End Boys last week it looks like it could be a long season again for the Hammers. This is by far the easiest game of the first 6 for West Ham and if they don't win this they could be bottom at the end of October, and it'll be a long way back. I've been talking Bolton up for this season as a suprise and they were all over Fulham last week with Stockdale performing great on his debut in goal for the Cottagers to steal a draw. Rob Green's World Cup hangover looks like continuing, as does Matt Upson's, and sadly I think West Ham might get beat here. I'll take the 3.6 at Ladbroke's for a Bolton win in this one.
Wigan v Chelsea 1715 Saturday
The opening days most impressive team meets the least impressive in this match. Wigan have been known to spring a suprise against the big boys, but I just can't see it this time. Because of that first weekend prices have been stretched massively here with 1.25 the best available on an away win and 1.2 in some places. I can't back that so I'll take Florent Malouda to score again at 2.88 with Boylesports.
Newcastle v Aston Villa 1330 Sunday
Newcastle weren't that bad for the first 30 minutes last night away at Man Utd and on that basis alone I think they will survive this season. In saying that they look like goals might be a problem with Andy Carroll a willing runner and aerial menace, but not a natural goalscorer. Villa on the other hand threw in Marc Albrighton and were rewarded with 3 goals for the team and 3 assists for Albrighton. I fancy Kevin MacDonald's boys to score, but I also think Newcastle will get off the mark with the backing of St James Park behind them. I'll take both teams to score at 1.91 at William Hill.
Fulham v Manchester United 1600 Sunday
I'm going way out on a limb here and expect to be mocked for my ridiculous assertion that Fulham could win this! They've done it before and I think they can repeat the trick as I wasn't that impressed with United's opening performance. Wayne Rooney looks miles away from being ready and I can't see Scholes performing like that every week. Fulham might not have been very good away at Bolton, but with something like 3 away wins in the last 2 season's you can see where there form lies. I wouldn't recommend following this with any great amount of money, but I think they're worth a dabble. You can get 13/2 with a number of bookies or for those who don't want to steam in you could get Fulham and the draw in the double chance market at 2.4 with Bwin.
Manchester City v Liverpool 2000 Monday
A tough one to call this. City might have got a good away point at White Hart Lane last week, but they were far from impressive. They needed a presence up front to hold the ball up a bit and they looked much better when Adebayor came on to fulfil that role. Expect Mancini to correct his error for this match. Liverpool did much better when they had 10 men and I can only see them coming for a draw in this match. I think City's attacking talent might tell in this, particularly if Adebayor starts instead of the quite frankly awful Wright-Philips. I'll be backing them to take all the points at the fortress that is the City of Manchester at 2.38 with a number of firms.
Tottenham v Man City - Backing City +0.5 at 1.83 = +£8.30
Aston Villa v West Ham - Backing Villa at 1.72 = +£7.20
Blackburn v Everton - Under 2.5 goals at 2.15 = +£11.50
Bolton v Fulham - Backing Bolton at 2.3 = -£10
Sunderland v Birmingham - D. Bent First Goal at 5's = +£50
Wigan v Blackpool - Over 2.5 goals at 2.1 = +£11
Wolves v Stoke - Under 1.5 goals at 3.0 = -£10
Chelsea v WBA - Chelsea clean sheet at 1.62 = +£6.20
Liverpool v Arsenal - Both to score at 2.0 = +£10
Overall profit = £84.20
This weeks Premier League fixtures:
Arsenal v Blackpool 1500 Saturday
As Ian Holloway acknowledged after the game last week, that is probably as good as it gets for Blackpool this year. I have tipped Wigan to go down due to their gung-ho approach to defending and Blackpool will not have that sort of game again this year. Whilst teams have shocked the Gunners in the last few years, they usually posed a physical problem to Arsene's group of tippy-tappers. Unfortunately for Blackpool they are not built like this. I would imagine Holloway will try to tighten up but I think it will be in vain. I see a big Arsenal win glossing over Wenger's failure to improve the defence or in goal again and a season of disappointment. I would take Arsenal -2 at 1.82 with bet365 for this.
Birmingham v Blackburn 1500 Saturday
Both teams had good results on the openeing weekend with Blackburn defeating Everton at home and Birmingham coming back from 2-0 down away at Sunderland to draw 2-2. Big fat Sam's team will take lots of points at home I think, but will struggle to impose their bullying style away. Under Big Eck Birmingham are anything but fairies and I would expect them to see Blackburn off in this one. I would take the 2.3 on offer at 365 and Chandler's for this one.
Everton v Wolves 1500 Saturday
I have a good feeling for Wolves this year and think Mick McCarthy has made some canny investments in Steven Fletcher, Stephen Hunt and the lad Mouyokolo from Hull. These boys wont set the world alight, but they'll do a more than adequate job for Wolves. Everton are another team I think will do well this year, and I'm not alone in that from looking at other sites. They were the form team after Xmas last season and Moyes has almost a full squad to pick from at the start of this. Whilst the 1.57 at Ladbrokes isn't going to let you move to Barbados and sip Malibu's for the rest of your years, it looks far too big to me. Steam in now and count your winnings at 1700 Saturday.
Stoke v Tottenham 1500 Saturday
Stoke are now almost a fixture in the Premier League and they look set to stay as they have a good mix of hard-working, athletic players and an astute manager in Tony Pulis. He does look a twat in that cap though. The assumption that they are brilliant at home was turned on it's head last year and their away form was better. This worries me as Tottenham have got the attacking talent to turn most teams in this league over if the opposition aren't at the races. I reckon I'll hunt for some longer odds than 2.1 on an away win though, the Draw/Tottenham in HT/FT at 5's widely available is the bet for me.
WBA v Sunderland 1500 Saturday
I thought it would be a long hard slog for West Brom this term, but even I didn't see a 6-0 tonking at the hands of Chelsea last week! Di Matteo seems to be from the school of thought, like Roberto Martinez, that if they score 2 we'll score 3. This is admirable, and will work most weeks in the Championship with their players, but is fooking mental in the Premier League. All these people discussing whether Blackpool will have the lowest points total ever would do well to cast a glance towards the Hawthorns to see they might not even have the lowest points this year! You can get 2.88 on the away win here with a number of firms and I think that's the price of the weekend. If you don't want to get on a HT/FT in the Spurs game then double your stake and get it on the Mackems here!
West Ham v Bolton 1500 Saturday
With Aston Villa running rings around the East End Boys last week it looks like it could be a long season again for the Hammers. This is by far the easiest game of the first 6 for West Ham and if they don't win this they could be bottom at the end of October, and it'll be a long way back. I've been talking Bolton up for this season as a suprise and they were all over Fulham last week with Stockdale performing great on his debut in goal for the Cottagers to steal a draw. Rob Green's World Cup hangover looks like continuing, as does Matt Upson's, and sadly I think West Ham might get beat here. I'll take the 3.6 at Ladbroke's for a Bolton win in this one.
Wigan v Chelsea 1715 Saturday
The opening days most impressive team meets the least impressive in this match. Wigan have been known to spring a suprise against the big boys, but I just can't see it this time. Because of that first weekend prices have been stretched massively here with 1.25 the best available on an away win and 1.2 in some places. I can't back that so I'll take Florent Malouda to score again at 2.88 with Boylesports.
Newcastle v Aston Villa 1330 Sunday
Newcastle weren't that bad for the first 30 minutes last night away at Man Utd and on that basis alone I think they will survive this season. In saying that they look like goals might be a problem with Andy Carroll a willing runner and aerial menace, but not a natural goalscorer. Villa on the other hand threw in Marc Albrighton and were rewarded with 3 goals for the team and 3 assists for Albrighton. I fancy Kevin MacDonald's boys to score, but I also think Newcastle will get off the mark with the backing of St James Park behind them. I'll take both teams to score at 1.91 at William Hill.
Fulham v Manchester United 1600 Sunday
I'm going way out on a limb here and expect to be mocked for my ridiculous assertion that Fulham could win this! They've done it before and I think they can repeat the trick as I wasn't that impressed with United's opening performance. Wayne Rooney looks miles away from being ready and I can't see Scholes performing like that every week. Fulham might not have been very good away at Bolton, but with something like 3 away wins in the last 2 season's you can see where there form lies. I wouldn't recommend following this with any great amount of money, but I think they're worth a dabble. You can get 13/2 with a number of bookies or for those who don't want to steam in you could get Fulham and the draw in the double chance market at 2.4 with Bwin.
Manchester City v Liverpool 2000 Monday
A tough one to call this. City might have got a good away point at White Hart Lane last week, but they were far from impressive. They needed a presence up front to hold the ball up a bit and they looked much better when Adebayor came on to fulfil that role. Expect Mancini to correct his error for this match. Liverpool did much better when they had 10 men and I can only see them coming for a draw in this match. I think City's attacking talent might tell in this, particularly if Adebayor starts instead of the quite frankly awful Wright-Philips. I'll be backing them to take all the points at the fortress that is the City of Manchester at 2.38 with a number of firms.
Monday, 9 August 2010
The Big League is back...
Here we are, standing on the cusp of the new Premier League season, can I take the excitement? Well, yes. To be honest I'm sick and tired of the whinging, overpaid tarts that currently inhabit the place. But, in saying this I see no reason not to have a look at the games this weekend and put my tips where my mouth is.My big tip, having seen the frankly pathetic offering in the Community Shield yesterday is to get on Manchester City for the title. Whilst I let you get your heads round that I'll have a look at those games!
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, 1245 Saturday
Deja vu anyone? The last meaningful game of last season is the first meaningful game of this year. Having tipped City for the title you might expect me to be backing them to beat Tottenham here. Not so, I think it might take a few games for the new boys to bed in and for Mancini to figure out his starting XI. With Tottenham having not added to their squad yet we can only be days, if not hours, away from Sloppy Chops moaning about being down to the 'bare bones'. The twat. They have basically a full squad to pick from for this one and they are all used to playing together so I would be looking at them to probably look better in terms of their passing and movement. I think City can get a draw though with their impressive new backline. I would back them with a +0.5 handicap at 1.83 with Victor Chandler.
Aston Villa v West Ham, 1500 Saturday
I have Villa down to be one of the more disappointing teams this year as O'Neill's staggeringly poor tactics get found out and exposed. They are a long ball team with no flair or plan B whatsoever and personally I find them almost as poor to watch as Big Fat Sam's Blackburn. West Ham now have Avram Grant in the dugout, and he is a manager I do rate from his spells at Chelsea and Portsmouth. So far though this summer he has failed to significantly strengthen his squad and I think this will cost them in this game. As boring as Villa are, they are strong at home so I can only see a Villa win here. With 1.72 widely available, that's where my money would be.
Blackburn v Everton, 1500 Saturday
This is a hard one to call I think. Everton, for once, have a fit and settled squad heading into this season and I wouldn't be suprised to see them challenge the Top 4 this year. But, Blackburn under the Fat One are tough to beat at home and wont roll over for anyone. Blackburn do lack a striker currently with Kalinic not looking up to the pace last year and Jason Robets being, well, Jason Roberts. I really couldn't pick a winner in this, but I fancy a cagey game and under 2.5 goals is the bet for me. William Hill are a standout 2.15 for this and I'd fill them in accordingly.
Bolton v Fulham, 1500 Saturday
Bolton are my tip for the suprise package this season. They've got some good players in their squad like Gary Cahill, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Fabrice Muamba and have added some interesting signings like Martin Petrov and Ivan Klasnic. I am a huge fan of Petrov myself and he will weigh in with a few goals and numerous assists I think this season, Coyle has got a gem there. Fulham continued their dreadful away form last year mostly un-noticed because of their Europa exploits. Because of their lack of signings and the relatively short time Hughes has been in charge I'm taking Bolton for this at 2.3 with Paddy Power.
Sunderland v Birmingham City, 1500 Saturday
Last season's underachievers against last season's overachievers in this match. Sunderland spent big and started well last year, sadly only Darren Bent continued to play well and in the end they were nearer to relegation than Europe. Steve Bruce will be looking to remedy that this year and the signing of Paraguay's impressive Cristian Riveros and the return of tough-tackling Lee Cattermole should see them more solid. Birmingham have struggled to add to their squad and freshen things up. They should still be tough to beat, particularly at St Andrew's, but they really need a top drawer striker to push on. Ferguson and Bowyer both faded last year from Xmas, probably due to age. I fancy Darren Bent to open his account early and will be backing him at 5's with William Hill to be first goalscorer.
Wigan v Blackpool, 1500 Saturday
I fancy both of these to struggle a lot this year. The game has already been moved to Wigan as Blackpool's ground isn't ready , an auspicious start for the Tangerines. Both teams aren't renowned for their defending, with Holloway and Martinez putting most of the emphasis on attack. With this in mind I think this could be the best game for the neutral if goals=fun for you? I never had a bet on a Wigan game in 90 minutes last year as they are far too unpredictable and I wont be changing that habit whilst Martinez is in charge. I'll take over 2.5 goals at 2.2 with bodog.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Stoke City, 1500 Saturday
Here we have 2 teams most neutrals would struggle to get excited about! Tony Pulis has been linked with attacking players all summer, which would suggest he knows his side's weakness and is trying to improve. But, he has been thwarted by the fact Stoke are a realtively small team and are synonymous with crap football to most. Mick McCarthy has again added 2 very good Championship players to his squad in Stephen Hunt and Steven Fletcher. I think both are good enough to be in a team in the bottom half of the table and are good buys. I reckon we could be in for a boring game here and would back under 1.5 goals and hope for a lack of action! Best price for this is 3's at Bet365 and I'd have a little bit on that.
Chelsea v West Brom, 1730 Saturday
This is only going one way surely!? As poor as Chelsea looked on Saturday West Brom are once again too good for the Championship and nowhere near good enough for the Prem. Di Matteo did a good job getting them up so early in his managerial career, but he's taking them down again with his refusal to strengthen significantly and frankly mental decision to release Robert Koren. There isn't any markets to retire off in this one! Chelsea to keep a clean sheet at 1.62 at Paddy Power looks the best of it to me.
Liverpool v Arsenal, 1600 Sunday
Woy's Boy's first real test is this encounter with Arsene Wenger's Gunners. As ever Stevie Wonder could have seen Arsenal's glaring weakness at centre back and in goal last season, and not for the first time. And as ever Wenger has refused to do anything about it. Whilst Lorent Kocielsny looks a good defender, Wenger released 3 centre backs and has brought in 1 with a grand total of 2 seasons in a big European league. Refusing to improve on Almunia and Fabianski is the worse crime though. Both are not good enought o be in a team with title aspirations and are costing Arsenal 10 points a year. Liverpool fans on the other hand are getting excited about signing a Chelsea bench-warmer on astronomical wages and persuading the perma-crocked Torres and clearly past his best Gerrard to stay. Unless Wenger brings in a goalkeeper this week then both teams to score is the bet for me. Evens at Hill's is the best price for that.
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, 1245 Saturday
Deja vu anyone? The last meaningful game of last season is the first meaningful game of this year. Having tipped City for the title you might expect me to be backing them to beat Tottenham here. Not so, I think it might take a few games for the new boys to bed in and for Mancini to figure out his starting XI. With Tottenham having not added to their squad yet we can only be days, if not hours, away from Sloppy Chops moaning about being down to the 'bare bones'. The twat. They have basically a full squad to pick from for this one and they are all used to playing together so I would be looking at them to probably look better in terms of their passing and movement. I think City can get a draw though with their impressive new backline. I would back them with a +0.5 handicap at 1.83 with Victor Chandler.
Aston Villa v West Ham, 1500 Saturday
I have Villa down to be one of the more disappointing teams this year as O'Neill's staggeringly poor tactics get found out and exposed. They are a long ball team with no flair or plan B whatsoever and personally I find them almost as poor to watch as Big Fat Sam's Blackburn. West Ham now have Avram Grant in the dugout, and he is a manager I do rate from his spells at Chelsea and Portsmouth. So far though this summer he has failed to significantly strengthen his squad and I think this will cost them in this game. As boring as Villa are, they are strong at home so I can only see a Villa win here. With 1.72 widely available, that's where my money would be.
Blackburn v Everton, 1500 Saturday
This is a hard one to call I think. Everton, for once, have a fit and settled squad heading into this season and I wouldn't be suprised to see them challenge the Top 4 this year. But, Blackburn under the Fat One are tough to beat at home and wont roll over for anyone. Blackburn do lack a striker currently with Kalinic not looking up to the pace last year and Jason Robets being, well, Jason Roberts. I really couldn't pick a winner in this, but I fancy a cagey game and under 2.5 goals is the bet for me. William Hill are a standout 2.15 for this and I'd fill them in accordingly.
Bolton v Fulham, 1500 Saturday
Bolton are my tip for the suprise package this season. They've got some good players in their squad like Gary Cahill, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Fabrice Muamba and have added some interesting signings like Martin Petrov and Ivan Klasnic. I am a huge fan of Petrov myself and he will weigh in with a few goals and numerous assists I think this season, Coyle has got a gem there. Fulham continued their dreadful away form last year mostly un-noticed because of their Europa exploits. Because of their lack of signings and the relatively short time Hughes has been in charge I'm taking Bolton for this at 2.3 with Paddy Power.
Sunderland v Birmingham City, 1500 Saturday
Last season's underachievers against last season's overachievers in this match. Sunderland spent big and started well last year, sadly only Darren Bent continued to play well and in the end they were nearer to relegation than Europe. Steve Bruce will be looking to remedy that this year and the signing of Paraguay's impressive Cristian Riveros and the return of tough-tackling Lee Cattermole should see them more solid. Birmingham have struggled to add to their squad and freshen things up. They should still be tough to beat, particularly at St Andrew's, but they really need a top drawer striker to push on. Ferguson and Bowyer both faded last year from Xmas, probably due to age. I fancy Darren Bent to open his account early and will be backing him at 5's with William Hill to be first goalscorer.
Wigan v Blackpool, 1500 Saturday
I fancy both of these to struggle a lot this year. The game has already been moved to Wigan as Blackpool's ground isn't ready , an auspicious start for the Tangerines. Both teams aren't renowned for their defending, with Holloway and Martinez putting most of the emphasis on attack. With this in mind I think this could be the best game for the neutral if goals=fun for you? I never had a bet on a Wigan game in 90 minutes last year as they are far too unpredictable and I wont be changing that habit whilst Martinez is in charge. I'll take over 2.5 goals at 2.2 with bodog.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Stoke City, 1500 Saturday
Here we have 2 teams most neutrals would struggle to get excited about! Tony Pulis has been linked with attacking players all summer, which would suggest he knows his side's weakness and is trying to improve. But, he has been thwarted by the fact Stoke are a realtively small team and are synonymous with crap football to most. Mick McCarthy has again added 2 very good Championship players to his squad in Stephen Hunt and Steven Fletcher. I think both are good enough to be in a team in the bottom half of the table and are good buys. I reckon we could be in for a boring game here and would back under 1.5 goals and hope for a lack of action! Best price for this is 3's at Bet365 and I'd have a little bit on that.
Chelsea v West Brom, 1730 Saturday
This is only going one way surely!? As poor as Chelsea looked on Saturday West Brom are once again too good for the Championship and nowhere near good enough for the Prem. Di Matteo did a good job getting them up so early in his managerial career, but he's taking them down again with his refusal to strengthen significantly and frankly mental decision to release Robert Koren. There isn't any markets to retire off in this one! Chelsea to keep a clean sheet at 1.62 at Paddy Power looks the best of it to me.
Liverpool v Arsenal, 1600 Sunday
Woy's Boy's first real test is this encounter with Arsene Wenger's Gunners. As ever Stevie Wonder could have seen Arsenal's glaring weakness at centre back and in goal last season, and not for the first time. And as ever Wenger has refused to do anything about it. Whilst Lorent Kocielsny looks a good defender, Wenger released 3 centre backs and has brought in 1 with a grand total of 2 seasons in a big European league. Refusing to improve on Almunia and Fabianski is the worse crime though. Both are not good enought o be in a team with title aspirations and are costing Arsenal 10 points a year. Liverpool fans on the other hand are getting excited about signing a Chelsea bench-warmer on astronomical wages and persuading the perma-crocked Torres and clearly past his best Gerrard to stay. Unless Wenger brings in a goalkeeper this week then both teams to score is the bet for me. Evens at Hill's is the best price for that.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Championship Preview continued...
Having previewed the chances of the first 11 alphabetically in a very open division last time, let's move onto the final 11.
Leicester City
Chances:
In their first year back at this level Leicester had a very good season under the management of Nigel Pearson. However, this year will see ex-Swansea boss Paulo Sousa take the reigns. Sousa had a decent season himself at Swansea, but was hampered somewhat by a lack of goals leading to too many draws last season. He will hope that with players like Steven Howard and Matty Fryatt that goals wont be a problem this time. I think Leicester will definitely rise again soon, with the backing of regularly high crowds and Milan Mandaric's money they really ought to. Having said that though, I do think they may need one more season to adjust to the new managers ideas. A challenge for the play-offs isn't out of the question by any means though.
Key Man:
Richie Wellens; Whilst it would be easy to look at Fryatt as the key man due to him grabbing the headlines with his goals, it is Wellens who should make the team tick. He is a wonderful passer with an eye for a pass unrivalled at this level. If he can perform anywhere near his best this season he should flourish under Sousa, who was an international playmaker with Portugal himself as a player.
Middlesborough
Chances:
With Gordon Strachan seemingly intent on building something of a Scottish Premier League team at Boro it will be interesting to see if the experiment works. Strachan's assertion that the players are not used to losing, having mostly come from the Old Firm sides, you can sort of see his point. Looking at the national team and the Old Firm's recent performances in Europe it might be that the players are actually now playing at their natural level. The bookies make them fav's for this division and I think the goals of Kris Boyd, if they come, would make them a good bet at around 8/1.
Key Man:
Kris Boyd; Having taken a lot of stick north of the border for being a 'flat-track bully' Boyd will be looking to prove himself in The Championship. Personally I hate the 'flat-track bully' label. If you're playing for a good team what's the harm in scoring loads against weaker opponents? Surely logic dictates that it will be harder to score aginst the better teams? Anyway, I think Boyd will score plenty this season and should fire Boro back to the Premier League.
Millwall
Chances:
Millwall got up at the second time of asking in the play-offs to rise to a level more suited to their history and fanbase. Kenny Jackett proved himself to be a very good manager in spells at Watford and Swansea and has turned Millwall into a very solid side. David Forde in goal, Paul Robinson in defence and Steve Morison up front are a formidable spine. And you can guarantee the fans will make the New Den an intimidating place to play for any visitors. They might not set the league alight this season, but they should be well clear of relegation.
Key Man:
Steve Morison; After taking a season to bed in at the Lions Morison performed brilliantly last year. I saw him playing for Stevenage aginst Cambridge a couple of times and he always impressed with his pace and power. It's a massive step up from Non-League to The Championship in 3 years, but if he can get around 15 goals, and I think he can, then that should go a long way to ensuring another season of Championship football in South London.
Norwich City
Chances:
Another of the promoted clubs is the Canaries and a club I have a soft spot for as my Dad used to take me to Carrow Road as a lad! After a humiliating 7-1 defeat on the opening day of last season Norwich went from strength to strength under Paul Lambert. They overhauled Leeds at the top and finished 9 points ahead on the final day. Lambert has been busy adding players to his squad like John Ruddy, Simeon Jackson and Andrew Surman it looks like a tilt at the play-offs is the aim. In an open year they might just do it too!
Key Man:
Wes Hoolahan; Whilst Grant Holt grabbed most of the goals last season pint-sized playmaker Hoolahan impressed in a new central role behind the strikers. Proven at this level during his time with Blackpool, Hoolahan is capable of being the standout player in the league this year. If Norwich are to do well then most of that will be down to him as the play tends to funnel through him. He revelled in the role last year and I can see him giving many defenders sleepless nights once again this season.
Nottingham Forest
Chances:
Forest were hugely impressive in spells last year under Billy Davies and should challenge again having kept hold of most of last seasons squad. Davies is hugely motivated to get them up after feeling he was dismissed far too early having led Derby up 4 years ago. He's not shy of blowing his own trumpet, but at this level there are few better and any team he is in charge of should regard the play-offs as a given. Having fallen away a bit last year due to a small squad I would expect Davies to add a few players and challenge for the automatic places this year.
Key Man:
Radoslaw Madjewski; This man scored one of the goals of the season last year and Davies moved quickly to snap him up this summer on a permanent deal. He is a skilful midfielder, who is more than capable of weighing in with his share of the goals. Having been capped by Poland and still under 24 he is a cut-above in this league and should show this with a prolonged run in the team this season.
Portsmouth
Chances:
Unfortunately for fans of Championship clubs you will have to put up with that twat with the bell this season as Pompey's stay in the Premier League ended last year. With huge debts, around 263 owners in a season and very few players on permanent contracts it is hard to see anyhting but a season of struggle this time. If they can get a few players in permanently and top up with loans then the best they should hope for is to stear clear of the relegation fight. With all the confusion at the club still going on I see them getting dragged into it. It'll get worse before it gets better on the South Coast. The silver lining is that the fans don't have to listen to the sloppy-faced one whining about it and ruining any sort of support they might get from outside.
Key Man:
Michael Brown; Having played and impressed in this division before with Sheffield United and being one of the few players not linked with a move Brown it is! A tough-tackler, he will set an example that the rest of the squad will have to follow if they are to battle their way to safety.
Preston North End
Chances:
After a few seasons of getting oh so close to the play-offs Preston have dipped a bit in the last couple of years. Having appointed Darren Ferguson during last season they will be looking for an improvement in his first full season as manager. He has shipped out a few of the familiar face like Neil Mellor it will be a different looking side this year. With so many faces coming in it might take time for them all to gel, but there are some good players there and the play-offs should be the target.
Key Man:
Jon Parkin; The 'big-boned' striker has been important to Preston for a few years now and enjoyed possibly his best season last time. In a squad that's a little short on experience his role will be even more important this time. He wont score hatfuls, that will be more Paul Hayes responsibility, but he will be the focal point of the attack in a similar role to the one Kevin Davies plays with aplomb at Bolton.
Queens Park Rangers
Chances:
The 'richest club in the world' haven't looked anything like contenders for the past 2 or 3 years, mostly due to boardroom interference and the constant changing of managers. With Neil Warnock now in the hottest of hhotseats they have a man vastly experienced in this division. He always makes a promotion push and will have his teams fired up every week. He has got some excellent players at his disposal, it's just getting the best out of them regularly has been the problem previously. With a settled manager and team this should come though. I would expect a play-off place if the board have learnt from their mistakes and give Warnock time and space to do his job. Don't count on it though!
Key Man:
Akos Buzsaky; A midfield general when on form, the Hungarian will have a large say in the teams fortunes this time. In a constantly changing team and squad Buzsaky has been one of the few constants. His experience at international level should mean he is unphased by the league and he ought to be a good example to some of the younger members of the squad. So long as he doesn't drop the nut on his manager again!
Reading
Chances:
Having finished strongly in the second half of last season under Brian McDermott and having kept hold of the majority of their squad many people are tipping Reading as outsiders this time. I wouldn't disagree with that assessment and if their best players all perform they are better than most teams in the division. The problem lies in a small squad and the suspicion that some players are resting on their laurels. McDermott has already said his style is to let them enjoy their football, and whilst this might work for some, some of the team could do with a rocket up their jacksies!
Key Man:
Gylfi Sigurdsson; This young man is a fantastic player. A central midfielder who contributes fantastically to the goals of the team he also takes penalties. This shows what a mature player he is even at the age of 21. He has been linked with a move to the Premier League, but I think he would be best served experiencing another year at Reading and to see if he can reach the Premier League with them first.
Scunthorpe United
Chances:
Perennial strugglers Scunny have survived against the odds for a few years now under ex-phsio Nigel Adkins. I think this might be the year that those miracles cease sadly as coping with the loss of Gary Hooper to Celtic might be a blow they don't recover from. Even in a struggling team he scored goals and goals are vital in this division. Defences aren't great in the main and any chances need to be snapped up. No Hooper = relegation for me.
Key Man:
Chris Dagnall; The man signed as Hooper's replacement has a hell of a task in his first season. Without a striker scoring over 15 goals Scunthorpe look absolute certainties for relegation and whether the young striker sinks or swims after his big move will go a long way to determining the clubs fate.
Sheffield United
Chances:
The Blades have traditionally had a say in the promotion shake-up and this season should be no different. Kevin Blackwell has been at the helm for a while now and I think he may need a push for the play-offs or the board might look for a new appointment to shake things up a bit. Nick Montgomery, Chris Morgan, Darius Henderson and Richard Cresswell are all seasoned performers in the Championship, but I have my doubts. I think they are an ageing squad and this might be the last chance a lot of the players and manager get. I think they'll be up there at points but will ultimately fall away.
Key Man:
Ched Evans; In an ageing squad Evans will hopefully provide some youthful exuberance and drag the team forward. He will get the benefit of his teammates vast experience and the combination of this and his potential will be hoped by the Blades fans to reap rewards.
Swansea City
Chances:
Brendan Rodgers has been rewarded for his time as a coach under Jose Mourinho and an initially promising spell at Watford with the Swansea managers role. The Swans looked a solid side last season, but weren't creating or finishing nearly enough chances. Rodgers will look to improve on this as there is already a solid defence and midfield in place and the team only looks to need a few tweaks. The manager will be looking to find a partnership from the 3 of Shefki Kuqi, Gorka Pintado and Craig Beattie. How well he does in this task will probably determine whether they make the play-offs or not.
Key Man:
Ferrie Bodde; Just over a year ago this man was setting the division alight and being linked with a host of Premier League clubs for anything up to £5m. Since then a couple of horrific injuries have curtailed that progress, but if he's fit this season and firing then he will be key to any chances Swansea have of promotion. A box-to-box midfielder, he would definitely have walked into most lower Premier League clubs first XI's back then, Swans fans will be hoping he can recapture that form.
Watford
Chances:
Malky Mackay has done an admirable job at Watford so far, but the lack of spending power and debts at the club mean they are unlikely to do anything but battle relegation for the forseeable future. With only a small squad and no budget for additions the club has been looking to their academy to produce first-team ready players. Expect to see many new local faces in the team this year, but expect another relegation battle that could well end in tears this time out.
Key Man:
Scott Loach; The England U19 stopper has been linked with Tottenham a lot over the last year and will be looking to impress this year and get a move. With Watford heading downwards I would expect him to get plenty of opportunities to show his skills between the sticks. He is only young, but any chance Watford have of staying up will largely depend on his ability to keep the ball out of their net.
Leicester City
Chances:
In their first year back at this level Leicester had a very good season under the management of Nigel Pearson. However, this year will see ex-Swansea boss Paulo Sousa take the reigns. Sousa had a decent season himself at Swansea, but was hampered somewhat by a lack of goals leading to too many draws last season. He will hope that with players like Steven Howard and Matty Fryatt that goals wont be a problem this time. I think Leicester will definitely rise again soon, with the backing of regularly high crowds and Milan Mandaric's money they really ought to. Having said that though, I do think they may need one more season to adjust to the new managers ideas. A challenge for the play-offs isn't out of the question by any means though.
Key Man:
Richie Wellens; Whilst it would be easy to look at Fryatt as the key man due to him grabbing the headlines with his goals, it is Wellens who should make the team tick. He is a wonderful passer with an eye for a pass unrivalled at this level. If he can perform anywhere near his best this season he should flourish under Sousa, who was an international playmaker with Portugal himself as a player.
Middlesborough
Chances:
With Gordon Strachan seemingly intent on building something of a Scottish Premier League team at Boro it will be interesting to see if the experiment works. Strachan's assertion that the players are not used to losing, having mostly come from the Old Firm sides, you can sort of see his point. Looking at the national team and the Old Firm's recent performances in Europe it might be that the players are actually now playing at their natural level. The bookies make them fav's for this division and I think the goals of Kris Boyd, if they come, would make them a good bet at around 8/1.
Key Man:
Kris Boyd; Having taken a lot of stick north of the border for being a 'flat-track bully' Boyd will be looking to prove himself in The Championship. Personally I hate the 'flat-track bully' label. If you're playing for a good team what's the harm in scoring loads against weaker opponents? Surely logic dictates that it will be harder to score aginst the better teams? Anyway, I think Boyd will score plenty this season and should fire Boro back to the Premier League.
Millwall
Chances:
Millwall got up at the second time of asking in the play-offs to rise to a level more suited to their history and fanbase. Kenny Jackett proved himself to be a very good manager in spells at Watford and Swansea and has turned Millwall into a very solid side. David Forde in goal, Paul Robinson in defence and Steve Morison up front are a formidable spine. And you can guarantee the fans will make the New Den an intimidating place to play for any visitors. They might not set the league alight this season, but they should be well clear of relegation.
Key Man:
Steve Morison; After taking a season to bed in at the Lions Morison performed brilliantly last year. I saw him playing for Stevenage aginst Cambridge a couple of times and he always impressed with his pace and power. It's a massive step up from Non-League to The Championship in 3 years, but if he can get around 15 goals, and I think he can, then that should go a long way to ensuring another season of Championship football in South London.
Norwich City
Chances:
Another of the promoted clubs is the Canaries and a club I have a soft spot for as my Dad used to take me to Carrow Road as a lad! After a humiliating 7-1 defeat on the opening day of last season Norwich went from strength to strength under Paul Lambert. They overhauled Leeds at the top and finished 9 points ahead on the final day. Lambert has been busy adding players to his squad like John Ruddy, Simeon Jackson and Andrew Surman it looks like a tilt at the play-offs is the aim. In an open year they might just do it too!
Key Man:
Wes Hoolahan; Whilst Grant Holt grabbed most of the goals last season pint-sized playmaker Hoolahan impressed in a new central role behind the strikers. Proven at this level during his time with Blackpool, Hoolahan is capable of being the standout player in the league this year. If Norwich are to do well then most of that will be down to him as the play tends to funnel through him. He revelled in the role last year and I can see him giving many defenders sleepless nights once again this season.
Nottingham Forest
Chances:
Forest were hugely impressive in spells last year under Billy Davies and should challenge again having kept hold of most of last seasons squad. Davies is hugely motivated to get them up after feeling he was dismissed far too early having led Derby up 4 years ago. He's not shy of blowing his own trumpet, but at this level there are few better and any team he is in charge of should regard the play-offs as a given. Having fallen away a bit last year due to a small squad I would expect Davies to add a few players and challenge for the automatic places this year.
Key Man:
Radoslaw Madjewski; This man scored one of the goals of the season last year and Davies moved quickly to snap him up this summer on a permanent deal. He is a skilful midfielder, who is more than capable of weighing in with his share of the goals. Having been capped by Poland and still under 24 he is a cut-above in this league and should show this with a prolonged run in the team this season.
Portsmouth
Chances:
Unfortunately for fans of Championship clubs you will have to put up with that twat with the bell this season as Pompey's stay in the Premier League ended last year. With huge debts, around 263 owners in a season and very few players on permanent contracts it is hard to see anyhting but a season of struggle this time. If they can get a few players in permanently and top up with loans then the best they should hope for is to stear clear of the relegation fight. With all the confusion at the club still going on I see them getting dragged into it. It'll get worse before it gets better on the South Coast. The silver lining is that the fans don't have to listen to the sloppy-faced one whining about it and ruining any sort of support they might get from outside.
Key Man:
Michael Brown; Having played and impressed in this division before with Sheffield United and being one of the few players not linked with a move Brown it is! A tough-tackler, he will set an example that the rest of the squad will have to follow if they are to battle their way to safety.
Preston North End
Chances:
After a few seasons of getting oh so close to the play-offs Preston have dipped a bit in the last couple of years. Having appointed Darren Ferguson during last season they will be looking for an improvement in his first full season as manager. He has shipped out a few of the familiar face like Neil Mellor it will be a different looking side this year. With so many faces coming in it might take time for them all to gel, but there are some good players there and the play-offs should be the target.
Key Man:
Jon Parkin; The 'big-boned' striker has been important to Preston for a few years now and enjoyed possibly his best season last time. In a squad that's a little short on experience his role will be even more important this time. He wont score hatfuls, that will be more Paul Hayes responsibility, but he will be the focal point of the attack in a similar role to the one Kevin Davies plays with aplomb at Bolton.
Queens Park Rangers
Chances:
The 'richest club in the world' haven't looked anything like contenders for the past 2 or 3 years, mostly due to boardroom interference and the constant changing of managers. With Neil Warnock now in the hottest of hhotseats they have a man vastly experienced in this division. He always makes a promotion push and will have his teams fired up every week. He has got some excellent players at his disposal, it's just getting the best out of them regularly has been the problem previously. With a settled manager and team this should come though. I would expect a play-off place if the board have learnt from their mistakes and give Warnock time and space to do his job. Don't count on it though!
Key Man:
Akos Buzsaky; A midfield general when on form, the Hungarian will have a large say in the teams fortunes this time. In a constantly changing team and squad Buzsaky has been one of the few constants. His experience at international level should mean he is unphased by the league and he ought to be a good example to some of the younger members of the squad. So long as he doesn't drop the nut on his manager again!
Reading
Chances:
Having finished strongly in the second half of last season under Brian McDermott and having kept hold of the majority of their squad many people are tipping Reading as outsiders this time. I wouldn't disagree with that assessment and if their best players all perform they are better than most teams in the division. The problem lies in a small squad and the suspicion that some players are resting on their laurels. McDermott has already said his style is to let them enjoy their football, and whilst this might work for some, some of the team could do with a rocket up their jacksies!
Key Man:
Gylfi Sigurdsson; This young man is a fantastic player. A central midfielder who contributes fantastically to the goals of the team he also takes penalties. This shows what a mature player he is even at the age of 21. He has been linked with a move to the Premier League, but I think he would be best served experiencing another year at Reading and to see if he can reach the Premier League with them first.
Scunthorpe United
Chances:
Perennial strugglers Scunny have survived against the odds for a few years now under ex-phsio Nigel Adkins. I think this might be the year that those miracles cease sadly as coping with the loss of Gary Hooper to Celtic might be a blow they don't recover from. Even in a struggling team he scored goals and goals are vital in this division. Defences aren't great in the main and any chances need to be snapped up. No Hooper = relegation for me.
Key Man:
Chris Dagnall; The man signed as Hooper's replacement has a hell of a task in his first season. Without a striker scoring over 15 goals Scunthorpe look absolute certainties for relegation and whether the young striker sinks or swims after his big move will go a long way to determining the clubs fate.
Sheffield United
Chances:
The Blades have traditionally had a say in the promotion shake-up and this season should be no different. Kevin Blackwell has been at the helm for a while now and I think he may need a push for the play-offs or the board might look for a new appointment to shake things up a bit. Nick Montgomery, Chris Morgan, Darius Henderson and Richard Cresswell are all seasoned performers in the Championship, but I have my doubts. I think they are an ageing squad and this might be the last chance a lot of the players and manager get. I think they'll be up there at points but will ultimately fall away.
Key Man:
Ched Evans; In an ageing squad Evans will hopefully provide some youthful exuberance and drag the team forward. He will get the benefit of his teammates vast experience and the combination of this and his potential will be hoped by the Blades fans to reap rewards.
Swansea City
Chances:
Brendan Rodgers has been rewarded for his time as a coach under Jose Mourinho and an initially promising spell at Watford with the Swansea managers role. The Swans looked a solid side last season, but weren't creating or finishing nearly enough chances. Rodgers will look to improve on this as there is already a solid defence and midfield in place and the team only looks to need a few tweaks. The manager will be looking to find a partnership from the 3 of Shefki Kuqi, Gorka Pintado and Craig Beattie. How well he does in this task will probably determine whether they make the play-offs or not.
Key Man:
Ferrie Bodde; Just over a year ago this man was setting the division alight and being linked with a host of Premier League clubs for anything up to £5m. Since then a couple of horrific injuries have curtailed that progress, but if he's fit this season and firing then he will be key to any chances Swansea have of promotion. A box-to-box midfielder, he would definitely have walked into most lower Premier League clubs first XI's back then, Swans fans will be hoping he can recapture that form.
Watford
Chances:
Malky Mackay has done an admirable job at Watford so far, but the lack of spending power and debts at the club mean they are unlikely to do anything but battle relegation for the forseeable future. With only a small squad and no budget for additions the club has been looking to their academy to produce first-team ready players. Expect to see many new local faces in the team this year, but expect another relegation battle that could well end in tears this time out.
Key Man:
Scott Loach; The England U19 stopper has been linked with Tottenham a lot over the last year and will be looking to impress this year and get a move. With Watford heading downwards I would expect him to get plenty of opportunities to show his skills between the sticks. He is only young, but any chance Watford have of staying up will largely depend on his ability to keep the ball out of their net.
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