|
 In our latest preview of the English Football League long term betting markets we turn our attention to the Championship and put faith in Roy Keane’s Ipswich Town to gain promotion.
Last term the Championship was dominated by Newcastle and West Brom, two sides who had been relegated from the Premier League the previous season. Newcastle finished with 102 points and West Brom with 91 some 12 points clear of 3rd placed Nottingham Forest. Burnley, Hull and Portsmouth who were all relegated from the top flight last season are not without their chances but have big ask to bounce straight back. That gives the Championship a really open look about it and finding a long term punt is no easy task.
Middlesbrough have been reasonably active in the transfer market with Gordon Strachan raiding Scotland to strengthen his squad. Boro finished a disappointing 11th last season, 8 points behind Blackpool who grabbed the final play off place.
Nottingham Forest will be a popular choice after last season’s near miss but at the time of writing they have lost a couple of key players and recruitment has been limited. At best, they look on a par with last season in terms of strength in depth.
Reading finished last season in great form in both league and cup after a shocking start to the campaign. If they begin this season like the ended the previous one they could challenge but they are another side who do not look to have strengthened significantly.
This is a huge season for Roy Keane and Ipswich Town. There is no doubting the job Keane did in getting Sunderland promoted from this division in his first season as a coach although the jury is out thereafter. Keane overhauled the Ipswich squad but they disappointed last season finishing 15th and never threatening the play offs. There hasn’t been much transfer activity this time around but he does have some useful players at this level in the squad and if you are a believer in Keane, they could well be worth an interest.
Leicester made the play offs last season but there manager has moved on to Hull with Paulo Sousa, formerly of Swansea coming in. Sousa has stated that young players will be given a chance and the lack of proven quality coming in puts me off their chances this time around.
QPR could be an interesting one and Neil Warnock is an experienced manager who knows what it takes to go up from this level. Adel Taarabt was the star turn last season but he was on loan from Spurs and that deal has not yet been renewed though efforts are being made.
Cardiff and Sheffield United have been hampered by financial problems whilst newly promoted Leeds have sold star striker Beckford though I wouldn’t discount any of the aforementioned completely in an open looking division.
The Betting
To Win the Championship Title
Prices from Mbet and World of Sport were not published at the time of writing.
Middlesbrough 13/2 BetXchange
Nottingham Forest 8/1 BetXchange , Victor Chandler
Burnley 10/1 GreatOdds , Victor Chandler
Reading 12/1 BetXchange
Ipswich 16/1 World Sports Betting , BetXchange
Norwich 18/1 BetXchange
QPR 12/1 GreatOdds
Leicester 16/1 World Sports Betting
Cardiff 18/1 World Sports Betting
Hull 22/1 BetXchange
Leeds 18/1 World Sports Betting , BetXchange
18/1 Bar
To Be Promoted
Middlesbrough 2/1 GreatOdds
Nottingham Forest 11/4 GreatOdds
Burnley 7/2 Victor Chandler
Reading 7/2 GreatOdds , Victor Chandler
Ipswich 9/2 World Sports Betting , BetXchange , Victor Chandler
Norwich 7/1 BetXchange
QPR 15/4 GreatOdds
Leicester 5/1 Victor Chandler
Cardiff 5/1 World Sports Betting , Victor Chandler
Hull 13/2 BetXchange
Leeds 11/2 World Sports Betting , BetXchange , Victor Chandler
Note odds are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Check the links below for all the options as many more long term markets are available.
  
 
The Verdict
Although the Championship season begins on 6th August, the transfer window does not close until the end of that particular month and I get the impression that only Middlesbrough have really shown their hand in terms of strengthening. There have to be question marks against pretty much all the leading contenders and I will stay well clear of the Championship title race market. Instead a chance will be taken on Ipswich to be promoted. There can be no excuses for Roy Keane and his side this time around and I would be very surprised if there are not a few comings and goings before the first transfer window closes and then again at the midway stage of the season should Ipswich be in contention. In the most open looking of outright betting markets, Keane is given the nod to get Ipswich promoted, if he doesn’t, he could well be on his way out.
Bet: Ipswich to be promoted, 9/2 World Sports Betting , BetXchange , Victor Chandler
BEST BET MAILING LIST
Brent Graham of Goodforthegame sends out a weekly e-mail with Best and Value Bets and my weekly football picks will also be included – just e-mail
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
with the title Best Bets and we will include you.
Follow Goodforthegame on FACEBOOK – Click here to become a fan and twitter at http://www.twitter.com/goodforthegame
Watch out for more previews of the major games in the PSL, English and selected European leagues throughout the season on www.goodforthegame.co.za and remember you can also have your own say on our discussion forum.
A reminder that we will be previewing many local and European games individually on www.goodforthegame.co.za with betting previews highlighting the best prices throughout the season. You can also have your own say on our discussion forum
|
