The Premiership 2009/2010
SoccerBetting Predictions:
Outright Winners: Liverpool - 4/1 WilliamHill
Finish Rock Bottom: Burnley - 12/5 Betfair
Top Goalscorer: Robbie Keane - 100/1 Betfair
Everton V Man City (Season Match Bet): Everton - 15/8 Bet365
Bottom at Christmas: Wolverhampton - 15/2 Bet365
Arsenal
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Stadium: The Emirates
2008/2009 Finish: 4th Position
Premiership Outright: 17/2 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 1000/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Thomas Vermaelen
Transfers Out:
Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor
Key Player - Andrei Arshavin
The sneaky Russian made an instant impact with the Arsenal fans last season after a blistering end to the season which seen him score six goals in just 12 appearances for 'The Gunners'. His highlight was undoubtedly the four goals against Liverpool at Anfield and manager Arsene Wenger will be hoping Arshavin can emulate his performance at the latter end of last season and produce many more memorable displays for the forthcoming 2009/2010 campaign.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Arsene Wenger has been reluctant to go shopping in the summer, surprise - surprise. His stubbornness could be Arsenal's downfall though this season with other clubs now catching the former Premiership champions up in terms of quality within their squads. Arsenal have not only lost a host of key players over the summer but they've yet to fill their voids. Injuries to Samir Nasri and Thomas Rosicky have only hindered Arsenal's preparations in what could be another frustrating season for Arsenal fans.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 4th Position
Aston Villa
Manager: Martin O'Neill
Stadium: Villa Park
2008/2009 Finish: 6th Position
Premiership Outright: 200/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 66/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Fabian Delph, Stewart Downing
Transfers Out:
Zat Knight, Gareth Barry, Stuart Taylor
Key Player - Ashley Young
Last seasons Young Play of the Year will be aiming to continue where he left off after enjoying his best season in the Premiership in his very young career. He scored seven goals in 36 appearances in a Villa shirt although he did start to fade away come the very end of the season. He started brightly and help guide Villa into fourth place contention at one stage. He has bags of pace and will scare the living daylights out of all full-backs this year. He notched up 9 assists last year and will be aiming to hit double figures for Villa this season.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Martin O'Neill is building a team of stars for the future it would seem with Ashley Young, James Milner & Gabriel Agbonlahor all plying their trade for the England U21's. Villa do lack a bit of experience but their young starlets are beginning to mature and we expect Aston Villa to be a nuisance once again this term. However, Villa may have a starting eleven capable of competing against the best sides in the league but they lack the strength in depth required to really challenge the bigger clubs. Any injuries to their big players would be a huge concern.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 7th Position
Birmingham City
Manager: Alex McLeish
Stadium: St. Andrews
2008/2009 Finish: 2nd Championship
Premiership Outright: 5000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: Evens Bet365
Transfers In:
Barry Ferguson, Lee Bowyer, Christian Benitez, Giovanny Espinoza, Roger Johnson, Scott Dann, Joe Hart
Transfers Out:
Krystian Pearce, Mehdi Nafti, Stephen Kelly, Radhi Jaidi
Key Player - Christian Benitez
After shelling out an initial £6mil on Ecuadorian; Christian Benitez, whilst setting the club's biggest transfer in the process, it's not surprising that the fans are expecting big things. It's not too hard to see why Alex McLeish liked the Ecuador international after a prolific spell in Mexico, scoring 31 goals in 58 games for Santos Laguna. However, the Premiership is a different kettle of fish and many big signings have faltered in the Premiership.
SoccerBetting Opinion - We aren't impressed with the squad Alex McLeish has assembled and can see them sustaining their Premiership status a constant battle. However, they do have a handful of players with plenty of Premiership experience under their belts but lack any real quality, especially in the final third. Veteran Kevin Philips will chip in with the odd goal here or there but his efforts won't be enough to carry Birmingham to safety single handily. A tough season for Birmingham but one that might just scrape through.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 17th Position
Blackburn Rovers
Manager: Sam Allardyce
Stadium: Ewood Park
2008/2009 Finish: 15th Position
Premiership Outright: 1000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 7/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Franco Di Santo, Gael Givet, Steven N'Zonzi, Elrio van Heerden, Lars Jacobsen
Transfers Out:
Roque Santa Cruz, Matt Derbyshire, Aaron Mokoena, Andre Ooijer, Tugay (Retired)
Key Player - Benni McCarthy
The departure of Roque Santa Cruz during the summer now leaves 'Big Sam' with one out-an-out forward to play with. Benni McCarthy endured a difficult season at Ewood Park last term with his first team appearances significantly reduced after falling out of favour with both Paul Ince and Sam Allarydyce. However, Blackburn's forward options are now down to the bare bone and McCarthy will now be called upon in a bid to revert the striker back to his old goalscoring ways. He also has a world cup over the horizon and will want to impress ahead of the finals, providing he gets the call.
SoccerBetting Opinion - This is arguably the weakest Blackburn team I've ever seen. Their striking options look limited while their defence hardly fills us with any confidence. Fans will be pinning their hopes on Morten Gamst Pedersen returning to form while El Hadji Diouf will need to aid his side with a few goals while avoiding the red cards in the process. Blackburn are fortunate they have a manager with relegation experience in Sam Allardyce because without him they could be facing an uphill task this season.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 15th Position
Bolton Wanderers
Manager: Gary Megson
Stadium: The Reebok
2008/2009 Finish: 13th Position
Premiership Outright: 2000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 11/2 Bet365
Transfers In:
Zat Knight, Sam Ricketts, Paul Robinson, Sean Davis
Transfers Out:
Key Player - Jussi Jaaskelainen
The Finnish international has become an integral part of the Bolton set up and has now occupied the Bolton Number 1 shirt for the past twelve years in the Premiership. When Bolton come under pressure, Jussi is often their last line of defence and what a defence it is. His immense shot stopping talent combined with his ability to command an often lacklustre defence has seen him command the respect from all his peers. If Bolton are to to remain in the Premiership, you can bet your bottom dollar it will be because of their Number 1.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Bolton seem to do just enough each season and despite their lack of fresh faces over the summer, we still feel Bolton will have just enough in the tank to avoid the drop for yet another season. Bolton have made a name for themselves by being physical and they will want to assert themselves once again this season in a bid to secure their Premiership status for a 12th successive year.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 12th Position
Burnley
Manager: Owen Coyle
Stadium: Turf Moor
2008/2009 Finish: Championship Play-off Winners
Premiership Outright: 7500/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 8/13 Bet365
Transfers In:
Richard Eckersley, Brian Easton, Tyrone Mears, Steven Fletcher, David Edgar
Transfers Out:
Alex McDonald, Alan Mahon, Gabor Kiraly, Steve Jones
Key Player - Steven Fletcher
Burnley's big expenditure this season has come in the way of former Hibernian forward Steven Fletcher. Manager Owen Coyle obviously felt his Burnley side lacked the aerial presence required in the final third and Steven Fletcher is the man called in to complete that duty. Fletcher scored 43 goals in 156 appearances while at Hib's and the Burnley fans will be hoping he has his goalscoring boots on for their first ever season in the Premiership.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Burnley gained promotion via the play-off's but we can only foresee them heading straight back where they came from. They don't have enough quality within their ranks to contend with the high standards the Premiership sets and it would take a colossal team effort for Burnley to avoid a scrap for survival.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 20th Position
Chelsea
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Stadium: Stamford Bridge
2008/2009 Finish: 3rd Position
Premiership Outright: 2/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 2500/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Yuri Zhirkov, Daniel Sturridge, Ross Turnbull
Transfers Out:
Scott Sinclair, Franco Di Santo, Ben Sahar
Key Player - Frank Lampard
Mr Lampard is known as Mr consistent amongst both his team mates and his rivals. Not often do you see a player deliver phenomenal displays on a consistent basis but that's what Frank Lampard brings to the fort at Chelsea. Despite spending his days in midfield, Lampard has scored no less then 83 goals for Chelsea and with the World Cup in South Africa over the horizon, Frank Lampard will be eager to impress and bolster his tally for the forthcoming season.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Chelsea undoubtedly have one of the strongest teams in the Premiership and their relatively short outright price tag comes as no surprise. By their very own high standards, Chelsea endured a poor season last year after finishing in 3rd but that could be the reality check they needed. It's been three years since Chelsea last lifted the Premiership crown and they will be fired up under new management to end their mini baron run. Will they do it in Ancelotti's first year in charge? We don't see it unfortunately but they'll nevertheless go close.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 3rd Position
Everton
Manager: David Moyes
Stadium: Goodison Park
2008/2009 Finish: 5th Position
Premiership Outright: 200/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 66/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Anton Peterlin, Jo
Transfers Out:
John Ruddy, Lars Jacobsen, Nuno Valente, Andy van der Meyde
Key Player - Tim Cahill
The small Australian has made a right name for himself throughout his time in the Premiership, mainly for being a complete and utter nuisance in the oppositions penalty area. Despite his apparent lack of height, Tim Cahill is prolific from set pieces and will often leave his marker trailing in his wake. However, there is more to his game then just heading. Cahill has a fabulous touch and has a fantastic knack of getting into the right place at the perfect time. Tim Cahill scored 9 goals in 39 appearances last season and barring a few injuries, he will be in for another glittering season.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Everton have become an extremely tough side to play against under David Moyes. 'The Scot' has built up an immense defence from next to nothing and reinforced it with Tim Howard in goal. Their forward options have been given a boost with the loan of Brazilian Jo from Man City while Tim Cahill will be an ever present threat for 'the toffees' this season. They do have a few injuries to key players to contend with, especially Mikel Arteta, and David Moyes will hoping he gets the rub of the green this season in terms of his players avoiding the treatment room.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 5th Position
Fulham
Manager: Roy Hodgeson
Stadium: Craven Cottage
2008/2009 Finish: 7th Position
Premiership Outright: 1000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 12/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Bjorn Helge Riise, Stephen Kelly
Transfers Out:
Collins John, Moritz Volz
Key Player - Breda Hangeland
Roy Hodgeson has a gem of a player in Norwegian international - Breda Hangeland. He was literally their rock last season and was by far and away their stand-out player of the previous year. His immense performances at the back for Fulham not only led to him gaining the captaincy for his country but also seen him linked with several of the Premierships top clubs. Fulham will have a tough job keeping hold of Breda but if they do he will be a huge asset for them.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Fulham were a frustrating side to play against last season. They play with 10 men behind the ball and don't give the opposition an ounce of space. This showed in their goals against column with Mark Schwarzer conceding just 34 goals throughout the whole of last season. That's just under one-goal-a-game which is some statistics for a club that has spent the vast majority of it's Premiership career battling for survival. However, Fulham now have to contend with European commitments and with their squad not as strong as others, their final league position could suffer if they don't get their priorities in order.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 9th Position
Hull City
Manager: Phil Brown
Stadium: The KC Stadium
2008/2009 Finish: 17th Position
Premiership Outright: 5000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 10/11 Bet365
Transfers In:
Seyi Olofinjana, Steven Mouyokolo
Transfers Out:
Sam Ricketts, Ryan France, Michael Bridges, Dean Windass
Key Player - Geovanni
The Brazilian is hardly what you would call a 'team player' but the lad has one lethal right foot. Geovanni scored a handful of memorable goals last season and single handily guided Hull to some huge results. He is a temperamental sort who needs a lot of love it would seem and Phil Brown does look a little reluctant to give him that attention. However, Geovanni is a potential match winner and everyone at Hull needs to get behind their little play-maker if they wish to have any chance of staying up.
SoccerBetting Opinion - In our honest yet brutal opinion, we feel Hull City are doomed. Their finish to the 2008/2009 season was abysmal and although things can only improve for 'The Tigers' we simply can't Phil Brown producing the magic needed to lift Hull safely away from relegation. Hull got off to the best possible start last season, winning games a plenty, but they are a team who thrives on confidence and suffers frustrating lulls when they're low on team morale. A few defeats early on could get the relegation ball rolling for Hull.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 18th Position
Liverpool
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Stadium: Anfield
2008/2009 Finish: 2nd Position
Premiership Outright: 3/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 2500/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Alberto Aquilani, Glen Johnson
Transfers Out:
Jermaine Pennant, Ryan Flynn, Sebastian Leto, Sami Hyypia, Jack Hobbs, Paul Anderson, Xabi Alonso
Key Player - Steven Gerrard
It's hardly surprising that Liverpool's most influential player is their club captain; Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool born legend is a born winner and that shows in his efforts on the pitch. He puts his heart into every game for Liverpool and can win a game all by himself at times. Pin-point passing, Inspirational leader and one heck-of-a shot makes for one special player. Steven Gerrard scored 24 goals in 41 games for Liverpool last season and he could of scored a bucket load more were it not for a few niggling injuries. If he stays away from the treatment room this season then he will undoubtedly be, once again, one of the players of the forthcoming Premiership season.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Liverpool are already being touted as possible title contenders and it's hard to write them off despite their lack of league titles in recent Premiership history. The departure of Xabi Alonso will be hard felt but they've brought in Alberto Aquilani to fill the void and will once again be big players. However, like every side, Liverpool will need to keep their best players fit. Fernando Torres spent too much time on the treatment table last season and with Rafael Benitez yet to strengthen his forward options, Liverpool will be left very exposed were Torres to suffer another injury blow. Liverpool's starting eleven can beat anyone on their day but there's still doubts over their strength in depth.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 1st Position
Manchester City
Manager: Mark Hughes
Stadium: The City of Manchester Stadium
2008/2009 Finish: 10th Position
Premiership Outright: 10/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 100/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Gareth Barry, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz, Stuart Taylor
Transfers Out:
Daniel Sturridge, Jo, Elano, Valeri Bojinov, Ched Evans, Felipe Caicedo, Gelson Fernandes, Joe Hart, Darius Vassell
Key Player - Robinho
Despite all their big money signings over the summer it's still their most expensive player ever who leads the way in terms of quality. Robinho is arguably one of the world greatest wingers, if only he shown us his true quality on a regular basis. The Brazilian samba often makes an appearance when Robinho is on show although his best stuff tends to come on home soil. Robinho failed to assert himself in City's away games last season but he should be more settled after spending a full year in England and we expect the former Real Madrid star to come on leaps and bounds for City this year.
SoccerBetting Opinion - It's no secret that Man City and mark Hughes have spent big during the summer. However, a cliché which often gets thrown about is 'money doesn't always buy you success' and that will be the case this season. In our opinion, City have spent over the odds on their signings and now have too many strikers compared to last season where they had too few. Their forward line maybe full to the brim with talent but their defence still looks edgy and they will need to bolster their defensive options before they can be touted as possible 'top four' contenders let alone title challengers.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 6th Position
Manchester United
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
Stadium: Old Trafford
2008/2009 Finish: Champions!
Premiership Outright: 2/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 5000/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan
Transfers Out:
Manucho, Richard Eckersley, Fraizer Campbell, Lee Martin, Rodrigo Possebon, Christiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez
Key Player - Wayne Rooney
United have lost a huge player in Ronaldo but still posses arguably England's finest talent in Wayne Rooney. The kid literally has it all. An abundance of pace, bundles of strength and he can also chip in with a fair amount of goals as well. Speaking on the topic of goals, Rooney will be under a lot of pressure to make up for the loss of Ronaldo and he will certainly thrive on the pressure asserted on him throughout the course of the coming season. Rooney will have more freedom to play the way he wants and he will now be the main man at United this season.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Manchester United aren't nine time Premiership champions for nothing. They have obvious Premiership credentials and it comes as no surprise that they are amongst the favourites to win the crown for a fourth successive year. The loss of Ronaldo now means United are without a winger who can score 25 odd goals a season. They've brought in Valencia and Owen in a bid to bolster their forward options but there are obvious doubts over United's chances without the world's current greatest player in Christiano Ronaldo. Nevertheless, Manchester United will certainly be thereabouts come the very end.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 2nd Position
Portsmouth
Manager: Paul Hart
Stadium: Fratton Park
2008/2009 Finish: 14th Position
Premiership Outright: 2000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 15/8 Bet365
Transfers In:
Frederic Piquionne, Steve Finnan, Aaron Mokoena
Transfers Out:
Glen Little, Peter Crouch, Glen Johnson, Noe Pamarot, Jerome Thomas, Sean Davis, Lauren, Djimi Traore
Key Player - David James
Portsmouth look weaker than ever with big players being shipped out of Fratton park left, right and centre in a bid to even out the bank balance. Portsmouth now look to posses a squad destined for trouble this season and fans will be hoping David James will be their savour in the Pompey goal. The former England shot-stopper has come under a lot of criticism in his time, a lot of it justified, but he's still a very talented goalkeeper and Portsmouth will need some big displays from their number 1 if they are to avoid a relegation dogfight.
SoccerBetting Opinion - There has been too many outgoings then incoming transfers at Portsmouth to have any genuine confidence in Paul Hart's side. Glen Johnson was their best player by a country mile last season - he went. Peter Crouch was their most prolific striker - he also went! Portsmouth now have a blunt attack with a vulnerable back four, especially if Sylvain Distin does leave for pastures new. It's hard to see who will create the chances for Pompey let alone will actually score the rare few they do create. However, after looking at other teams who shape up as much weaker sides then Pomepy, we think they'll have enough to just survive... Just!
SoccerBetting Prediction: 16th Position
Stoke City
Manager: Tony Pulis
Stadium: The Brittania Stadium
2008/2009 Finish: 12th Position
Premiership Outright: 3000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 10/3 Bet365
Transfers In:
Dean Whithead
Transfers Out:
Seyi Olofinjana, Vincent Pericard
Key Player - James Beattie
Stoke signed James Beattie from Southampton during January earlier in the year and he has been an absolute bargain for Tony Pulis. His 7 goals in just 16 appearances for Stoke last season help guide Stoke not only to safety but also to a 12th place finish. He's great in the air but he can also earn his wages with his feet. Stoke tend to play route one football and that will almost certainly benefit James Beattie who's a nuisance to contend with in the air. He'll be Stoke's main striker this season and should reward the Stoke fans with another fruitful season.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Stoke aren't everyone's cup of tea but they know how to get the job done, albeit in a scruffy manner. They use the strength and height of their players to their advantage and are a huge threat from all set pieces, especially from a special Rory Delap throw-in. Their form at The Brittania in front of their home fans will be crucial in their bid to avoid relegation once again and we think they'll pull it off once more and secure another season in the top flight.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 13th Position
Sunderland
Manager: Steve Bruce
Stadium: The Stadium of Light
2008/2009 Finish: 16th Position
Premiership Outright: 1000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 8/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Darren Bent, Lorika Cana, Paulo Da Silva, Fraizer Campbell
Transfers Out:
Dean Whitehead, Greg Halford, Michael Chopra, Dwight Yorke
Key Player - Darren Bent
Darren Bent never really got a look in at Tottenham under Harry Redknapp. Now he will ply his trade under Steve Bruce, who obviously has a soft spot for the former England international, after he shelled out a club record fee of £10 Million for the ex Spurs bench warmer. There will be doubts over his confidence after only a handful of appearances at Tottenham but with a bit of 'tender loving care' Darren Bent could be a huge success at Sunderland. He will get the run of games he needs to build his confidence and regain the goalscoring touch he actually never lost.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Sunderland have spent most of their recent history flirting with Promotion and relegation. They've finished the 2008/2009 campaign just two points above safety in 16th position but we fancy them to spare the nails of their supporters this time around and secure a more respectable finish. Their defence could still do with a few reinforcements but their options in the final third should be enough to guide Sunderland to a boring and somewhat rare mid-table finish this season, much to the liking of the Sunderland fans.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 11th Position
Tottenham Hotspur
Manager: Harry Redknapp
Stadium: White Hart Lane
2008/2009 Finish: 8th Position
Premiership Outright: 100/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 66/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Sebastien Bassong, Peter Crouch, Kyle Naughton, Kyle Walker
Transfers Out:
Darren Bent, Ben Alnwick, Gilberto, Chris Gunter, Didier Zokora
Key Player - Robbie Keane
After a dream move to Liverpool turned into a nightmare, Robbie Keane booked a return ticket back home where Tottenham fans are now delighted to see their golden son back on Spurs soil. Keane has regained the captains armband and will not only look to lead from the front but also rocket his side into the top half of the table. Keane has no less than 85 goals in 211 games for Tottenham, which is a hefty tally by anyone's standards. He has played his best football in a Spurs shirt and we fully expect the Republic of Ireland international to return to his old goalscoring ways back at a familiar hunting ground.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Harry Redknapp has been wheeling and dealing over the summer but we don't think he's made the right purchases. He already boasted a pretty impressive attack so the purchase of Peter Crouch from Portsmouth was a tad bizarre. However, he should be a success back under Redknapp's management. Our biggest concern with Tottenham is their defence. Woodgate can be world-class at times but he's just like Ledley King - Bags of talent and experience but way too injury prone. Bassong has arrived from a Newcastle side that leaked goals like a sieve last season so his credentials are hardly a confidence boost. A mediocre defence means Spurs will have another 'OK' season but their fans will end up disappointed once more.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 8th Position
West Ham United
Manager: Gianfranco Zola
Stadium: Upton Park
2008/2009 Finish: 9th Position
Premiership Outright: 1000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 12/1 Bet365
Transfers In:
Fabio Deprela, Luis Jimenez, Herita Ilunga
Transfers Out:
Diego Tristan, Lee Bowyer, Freddie Sears, Kyel Reid
Key Player - Carlton Cole
Carlton enjoyed his most fruitful season to date, scoring 12 goals for 'The Hammers' last season. Not only did he improve his relations with the West Ham fans but he also won over Fabio Capello. Carlton Cole now has a taste of International football and with the World Cup in South Africa looming ever larger, Carlton will be eager to impress once again this season in a bid to book his ticket with the England squad to South Africa next year.
SoccerBetting Opinion - West Ham didn't make the most impressive of starts last season but finished it in fine style, ending the season in 8th position, just outside the European places. However, although West Ham, under Zola's guidance, have become a very tough side to beat, especially at home, they still lack consistency. Some disappointing run of results cost 'The Hammers' last season but if Zola can correct those consistency issues, West Ham should finish in the top half of the table for a second consecutive season.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 10th Position
Wigan Athletic
Manager: Roberto Martinez
Stadium: The JJB
2008/2009 Finish: 11th Position
Premiership Outright: 2500/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 7/2 Bet365
Transfers In:
Scott Sinclair, James McCarthy, Jason Scotland, Jordi Gomez
Transfers Out:
Antonio Valencia, Antoine Sibierski, Henri Kamara
Key Player - Jason Scotland
Manager Roberto Martinez knows an awful lot about Jason Scotland after his spell at Swansea with the Trinidad & Tobago forward. Scotland averaged a goal ever-other-game while at Swansea so it's clear why Martinez wanted Scotland as his main coup for the season. He's a big presence in the final third and a player who can score both in the air and on the floor. Wigan don't posses the most prolific of front lines so the omen will be on Scotland to score the majority of the goals for the 'Latics' this season.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Wigan have done well to cement their place in the Premiership and it was a credit to everyone involved at the club that they finished the 2008/2009 season in 11th position. However, they've lost a few players since the end of last season, most notably Ecuador international Antonio Valencia. Wigan have now lost a player who can create a goalscoring opportunity out of nothing and that's going to be very hard to replace. However, the look a solid enough side and, providing they get it together in the final third, should do enough to avoid a relegation scrap and end up in safe water.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 14th Position
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manager: Mick McCarthy
Stadium: The Molineux
2008/2009 Finish: Championship Winners!
Premiership Outright: 5000/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 11/8 Bet365
Transfers In:
Ronald Zubar, Greg Halford, Nenad Milijas, Marcus Hahnemann, Andrew Surman, Kevin Doyle
Transfers Out:
Lewis Gobern, Darren Potter
Key Player - Sylvain Ebanks-Blake
The former Manchester United trainee has been a revelation at Wolves since he signed from Plymouth Argyle back in 2008. He scored 25 goals in all competitions last season and finished as the clubs top goalscorer. Ebanks-Blake has a unique knack of getting his body in the right positions to prod home from just inside the oppositions box but that's not all he's about. He is physically very fit and his strength makes him a tough individual to disposes. He's also a sweet finisher in the final third and will more then likely finish this season as the clubs top goalscorer once again.
SoccerBetting Opinion - Wolves don't boast the best of squads on paper and, unless they can spring a handful of shocks this season, will more then likely spend their time in the Premiership gasping for safe air. We can't see Wolves scoring enough goals while their defence looks extremely vulnerable. Mick McCarthy needed to strengthen all areas of his squad but we aren't satisfied with his summer signings. A tough season looms ahead for Wolves.
SoccerBetting Prediction: 19th PositionLabels: Premier League, Premier League 2009/2010, premier league betting, Premiership, Premiership 2009/2010, premiership betting, Premiership outright betting, Premiership promotion
Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 12:22 PM
 
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