Finland betting, MPS Helsinki - Kapylan Pallo


Can’t believe what I see here. Home side is as short as 1.50. Made some calculations and got huge price on away win. Since I can’t get any team news, I put in my formula a strong advantage for home side, but not even close to the books. For me, it definitely worth of a small wager.

Bet: K.Pallo 0.0
Odd: 3.75 (Bet365)
Stake: 2/10 

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Championship betting, Middlesbrough – Coventry


After a draw against Pompey at the opening day, ‘Boro have noticed five wins in a row (three in league, two in Cup). Tony Mowbray’s men have been playing really well and they could be serious contenders for promotion. However, their both home games produced four goals (conceded three).
Coventry are the opposite, their start brought them only a point (last round, Watford at home 0-0). However, their key man, striker Freddy Eastwood is fit after playing half an hour against Watford. ‘Boro remain as favorites, but I expect a goal from visitors and take goals instead.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.93 Pinnacle

Stake: 7/10 
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League One betting, Yeovil - Sheff Utd


The Blades are having a very good start, since they’ve noticed three wins and a draw (in previous round where conceded a late equalizer vs. Tranmere). There’s no big philosophy, difference in quality is big and both sides will finished at the opposite sides of the table. Utd’s manager, Danny Wilson, did some rotation against Everton in midweek, but this is actually their seventh game for 20 days! So, I am taking some cover in case of a draw.

Bet: Sheff Utd -0.25
Odd: 1.86 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

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Carling Cup betting, West Ham - Aldershot


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West Ham are still (my, at least) top favorites for direct promotion, they simply have an unreal players for the second tier. They won both away games, but at Upton Park noticed just a point from two games. Both times they conceded in the last minutes (Cardiff 0-1, Leeds 2-2). I think they will try to finally put some good display at home and notice a convincing victory. Big Sam will certainly rotate, but he has very good fringe players anyway. West Ham also have a good League Cup history results.

Aldershot started the season in League Two with a win on opening day and three defeats in a row (without scoring). This is very big game for the Shots, but I think all will depend on West Ham and their approach to the game. Visitors will try to keep the pace as long as they can, but difference in the quality is simply huge.

It’s a good chance for the Hammers to demonstrate the power. They have a squad to successfully play in all competitions and simply they owe it to the fans.

Bet: West Ham -1.25
Odd: 1.81 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10 

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Carling Cup betting, Peterborough - Middlesbrough



The Posh started this campaign in a very good manner with two wins, draw and a defeat. These are results: C.Palace (H) 2-1, Stevenage - previous Cup round (A) 2-2, Blackpool (A) 1-2, Millwall (A) 2-2, Ipswich (H) 7-1! They’re without Gabriel Zakuani, Nicky Ajose, Dave Hibbert and goalkeeper Joe Lewis, but it’s not about who will play. The Posh have a system that always brings goals, for and against. Additionally, their last 13 of 15 League Cup games ended with three or more goals.

‘Boro started to justify the role of favorites from previous season. Change of managers, looking for suitable style of play, questionable players’ selection were the problems, but now they finally started to look like serious promotion contenders. Three wins and a draw in league and win over Walsall away in the Cup. Four of these five produced three or more goals. Also, last six Carling Cup games ended with three or more goals.

I think Tony Mowbray’s side is a slight favourite here, they’re in very good shape and will certainly try to keep the momentum with another win. On the other, hand... It’s Posh. Goals for me.

Bet: Over 3ah
Odd: 1.85 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

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Carling Cup betting, Aston Villa - Hereford


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Villa and McLeish made a very good start in Premier and I doubt he’ll risk spoiling that momentum. We’ll see some fringe players tonight, but the fact is reserve team played a game last night (away to Blackburn) and he won’t be able to rotate too much.

Hereford are probably one of the worst sides in League Two. One draw and three defeats in previous four rounds (goal diff. 1-9). All games were against sides that will be fighting to avoid relegation. Premier League scalp would be a huge boost (they’ve never beaten a top-flight club in this competition), but quite frankly can’t see how it is possible. Trying to stay in the league should be their top priority. Additionally, Hereford have a long injury list. Captain defender Stam, goalie Barlett, defender Dalibard are all out, midfielder Clist is cup-tied, while  left-back Joe Heath and midfielder Rob Purdie are in doubt.

I expect an entertaining game and sort off easier training session for Villa. It’s huge difference even between Villa’s reserves and Hereford’s first squad.  4-0, 5-0 correct score.

Bet: Aston Villa -2ah
Odd: 1.88 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10 

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Premier League betting, Man Utd - Tottenham


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In previous season, United had terrific record of 18 wins and one draw of 19 home games. There’s also a really weird tradition that says United haven’t lost against Spurs in last 24 competitive games (both home and away) and haven’t lost at home for 22 years (December 1989)! Bad sides. De Gea’s start in clubs doesn’t seem promising at all. In both games (Man City and WBA) he made mistakes, punished with goals. Defenders Rio, Vidic and Rafael are out for several weeks (months?). Central duo will be Evans - Jones (Smalling). It’s still Man Utd, but defence doesn’t look rock solid. Javier Hernandez is also out.

Spurs didn’t play first game (London riots), but showed some potential trashing Hearts away 5-0. It’s hard to be confident with such a dreadful record at Old Trafford, but I think they’re not without chances. Bale and Lennon could cause plenty of problems on the flanks and more important for my bet, I think if Arry settle for a draw he’ll very likely lose by one. Spurs will need a goal or two for positive result. I hope he knows it. : ) Additionally, I think they won’t hesitate to test De Gea from the distance. Sounds interesting the fact they scored 15 goals from outside the penalty area last season (more than any other side). Modric didn’t travel to Manchester since his saga doesn’t seem to be finished, despite Chelsea are about to sign Mata. Peter Crouch is in doubt, defenders Ledley King, Gallas and Hutton are out.

When United have defensive problems they usually play more attacking, to decrease pressure on the back four. Man Utd are favorites in my opinion, they get used to rotation but De Gea's for is something that doesn't give me enough confidence for that bet. Think Spurs can be very competitive and score at least once. I am taking goals. Gambles to think about, Van der Vaart anytime at 4.60 (Unibet) and Man Utd to win from behind at 9.50 (Betfair). 

Bet: Over 2.75
Odd: 2.02 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10

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Championship betting, Southampton - Millwall


The Saints have made a perfect start with all three wins and I am about to think they really have a quality to fight for play-off at least. Including previous season, they have nine competitive wins in a row and eleven straight at home. They’re scoring for fun lately (13 goals in four games this season) and five of their last six encounters ended with four or more goals. They will be missing Richard Chaplow, Radhi Jaidi and Lee Barnard.

Millwall are also undefeated in the opening three rounds. They have a decent fire power with Liam Trotter and especially with Darius Henderson (if he manage to stay fit through the season). They scored twice in every of those three games, but interesting two times lost the advantage (conceded both times two goals in the space of 5 min). Dany N'Guessan has joined Therry Racon and Shaun Batt on Millwall’s injury list.

Lads from the Den won’t have too much respect on St Mary's and I am pretty sure they can score at least once (Henderson). The Saints won’t mind as long as they have one goal more on the balance. My sixth sense says draw or away win, but wouldn’t dare to oppose the leading side and their perfect run. Both teams are able to score a lot (and to concede), so my bet is over 2.5.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.98 188 bet
Stake: 7/10 

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League One betting, Charlton - Scunthorpe


The Addicks made a perfect start with all three wins over decent oppositions. Bournemouth at home and two away wins at pretty tough places, Notts County and Colchester (goal diff 6-1). Goalie, Rob Elliot, stays for now, since club has rejected an offer from Newcastle. After 10 years, Jason Euell, returned to the Valley and should make a first start for the club.

After a relegation from the 2nd tier, Scunny had to release several players (total of 10), including few keys. They started the season with two draws and home defeat in previous round vs. North End. I don’t expect too much from them this season. Glanford Park should be a hell place for many league sides and that should be enough for avoiding relegation, but far from play-off ambitions. Winger, Jimmy Ryan, will face a fitness test, while skipper Cliff Byrne (DEF) and Jordan Robertson (STR) continue to miss out. 

Honestly, I am well surprised with these odds on Charlton. The hosts are serious promotion contenders and have been playing quite well, not a single reason to stop now. Early pick, since I expect it's gonna drop to 1.65-1.70. 

Bet: Charlton -0,5

Odd: 1.80 Pinnacle

Stake: 7/10

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Championship betting, Cardiff - Brighton


Before the start of the season, my impression was Cardiff lost some quality. But, two nice wins for them in the first two rounds. First lucky one at Upton Park, then they furiously finished the job for 35 min against B.City at home. Certainly, they won’t be lacking in confidence tonight. Only doubt is midfielder, Aron Gunnarsson, who will face the late fitness test. Cardiff haven’t lost last nine home league games against Brighton and lost only one of the last 12 in league. On the other hand, they never won the first three fixtures of a season in their 91-year league history (why should they now?). Every of their last seven home games produced three or more goals.

Brighton also made an impressive start of the campaign, winning both league games (and Carling Cup fixture). However, they were very fortunate in both of them. First scored a winner against Donny in 97th min and at Pompey, Liam Lawrence missed a penalty in 96th min for a draw. Maybe, they’re running out of luck. They play nice passing game and have great Craig Mackail-Smith in attack. It should make a serious threat for Welsh defence line. Only problem for Poyet is other striker Will Buckley (scored twice against Donny), got an injury and will be out for tonight. The Seagulls haven’t lost in nine away league games (6W, 3D). 

Both sides won their games and we still haven’t seen their limits. I am closer to think that home win is on cards, but all that attacking potential should produce some goals and make a good entertainment. Over for me.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.86 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

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Champions League betting, Dinamo Zagreb - Malmo



Home side has been trying to reach Champions League for 12(?) years. Usually they were unlucky like in previous two years (Red Bull Salzburg, Sheriff), or got too strong side like Arsenal, Werder, or Shakhtar. They have a decent squad with, in my opinion, enough quality to play CL group stage. Stadium has been renovated and will be packed tonight (some funny ticket price, less than 1 EUR). Atmosphere should be very good, despite their ultras are boycotting club’s chairman and not attending the games.

From those that I’ve read and seen (not an expert for Sweden), Malmo play Scandinavian football with long balls and plenty of running. This play usually fits well to Balkan teams, technically strong sides. Eliminating Rangers is a great achievement, but CL should be too much for Malmo.

Quality is on home side, home crowd and much more experience. I expect a comfortable win for Dinamo, 2-0 correct score.

Bet: Dinamo -1ah
Odd: 2.20 Victor Chandler
Stake: 7/10

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Championship betting, Watford - West Ham

This is another season where I tipped Watford as serious contender for relegation. This time should be even harder for them than usual. Probably two most important figures left the Vicarage Road. Manager Malky Mackay (now in Cardiff) and his key man, Danny Graham (to Swansea for 3.5mill). Important midfielder, Don Cowie and winger Will Buckley also left the club. Good news are new manager is ex-assistant, Sean Dyche and he didn’t change the style of play. They have brought several players and got experience with Mark Yeates, Chris Iwelumo, David Mirfin, Craig Forsyth, Prince Buaben, but I think they lost in quality comparing with previous season. Only absence is long-term injury of Stephen McGinn. The Hornets have failed to win 10 of their last 11 Championship outings.



I guess it looks unusual for the Hamers’ fans watching them winning and being favourite before any game. They have unreal squad for the 2nd tier and obviously a failure to gain promotion would be real disaster. My concern regarding their ambitions is Big Sam (accepted the job despite announcing his ambitions to take Real or Barca) and his defensive style of play, adjusted to his previous clubs. It’s kind a weird to play 4-5-1 against injury clashed Donny where they actually should have dominated and scored an easy victory. However, they’re still a class above other teams in Championship. John Carew has been training last seven days and should be in contention. Along with Julien Faubert, Carlton Cole and George McCartney. 


2.31 is pretty high and I think we won’t be seeing such odd for West Ham during the season. However, I still have concerns about Sam’s 4-5-1 and I am afraid he could be satisfied with a draw here. So, I am taking -0.25. With a draw, half of the stake is back.


Bet: West Ham -0.25
Odd: 1.96 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10 

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Premier League betting, WBA - Man Utd


First thought about this one was an away win. West Brom have lost last seven home games against Utd, run from 1984. Man Utd already got pretty big confidence with a Community Shield win. Rooney, Young and Nani looked very dangerous. But on the other hand, same United noticed just five away wins whole last season. With Roy Hodgson, The Baggies play with some confidence, especially at The Hawthorns. Smaller pitch dimensions don’t fit well to bigger clubs, their passing game and domination. Shane Long will have his debut, partner in attack will be, last season excellent Peter Odemwingie. Few players on both sides are doubtful.
Think WBA will be able to make a serious threat and score at least once. Last seven games between these rivals ended with three or more goals. Over for me.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.85 188bet
Stake: 7/10 

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Championship betting, Leicester City - Reading


The Foxes have a great squad for Championship and have every right to be called league favourite for a title. First home game should be building up on the first round win at Coventry. Right-back Lee Peltier is out with an injury, but will be replaced with another top signing - John Pantsil.

As I wrote, Reading will be hardly the same team from previous season. Shane Long has been sold (6 mill) to WBA, before him Matt Mills to Leicester. No adequate replacements so far, even Brian McDermott was moaning to the press. They also have some missing players. Shaun Cummings, Marcus Williams and Simon Church are injured, Jay Tabb is suspended.

I fancy home side to take it, they shouldn’t be losing too many points at home this season. Home win.

Bet: Leicester -0.5
Odd: 1.93 188bet
Stake: 6/10 

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Championship betting, Ipswich - Hull City


Ipswich could be one of the hidden favourites for play-off. Decent squad from previous season has been additionally strengthened with three (for Championship) top signings. Michael Chopra guarantees goals, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is still Arsenal player, while Lee Bowyer should be a rock in the midfield. And Paul Jewell as a man in charge. I like it. They started campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory at Bristol, after that got eliminated from Northampton in Carling but Pearson played a reserve squad.

Hull City started the season with home defeats vs. Blackpool and League Two side - Macclesfield Town, both without scoring. There’re already some unrest in the club and Nigel Pearson could become the first candidate to be fired manager in Championship. They had very good away record last season, but won at Portman Road just once (in 1990). Striker Dele Adebola and defender Liam Rosenior could both return.

Hull on their travels could be a tough nut to crack, but I fancy Ipswich to win this one and to confirm play-off ambitions.
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Bet: Ipswich -0.5
Odd: 2.07 188bet
Stake: 6/10

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Quite frankly I am struggling to keep my stakes low, since I feel very confident about some bets. The Saints were so impressive against Leeds and Leeds can’t be that bad. If you know what I mean. West Ham have an unreal squad for Championship, while Donny would be with all seven missing players (including Sharp and Hayter) still contenter for relegation. Reading probably won’t be the same team from previous season. Too much income in the club and no investments in the new players. Leicester should win it...
Maybe one more game from Championship, or I’ll pick something from League One.
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Premier League betting - QPR-Bolton



Rangers could be a positive surprise this season. Nice list of players and old fox Neil Warnock in charge. They have brought DJ Campbell, Jay Bothroyd, Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon. They’ve also kept their superstar, Adel Taarabt. Should be enough, at least to avoid relegation. QPR have lost only one of their last 12 opening-day matches.

I am not sure what to think about Bolton’s ambitions this season. They should keep the status, but cannot see they have what they need for a top-half of the table. They lost Daniel Sturridge (back to Chelsea), brought Tuncay (won’t play as he hasn’t been granted a work permit), Nigel Reo-Coker and Chris Eagles. In my opinion, last two were big talents and all three are only average players now. Owen Coyle is very good manager and probably The Trotters’ biggest quality. However, his teams (Bolton and Burnley) have very good record at home and horrible on the road. In previous season, Bolton won just twice of 19 away games (5 draws), season before that 4W-3D-12L, in Burnley it was even worse.

For every newcomer, first game is the most important. The biggest enthusiasm and so. Bolton seems to be very good rival for the opening game and good start.
Bet: QPR -0.25
Odd: 2.01 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10

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League One betting, Preston - Colchester


North End are one of the favourites for direct promotion, beside Sheffield clubs and maybe Charlton. Phil Brown turned the things over when he arrived in the club. It was too late for saving in Championship, but it should be a good season in the third tier. Despite an interest from bigger clubs, they have kept key players (except Sean St Ledger - Leicester) and returned Neil Mellor from Sheff Wed.
Considering their moves on the transfer market, mid-table should be again Colchester’s ambition. They’ve brought two experienced players, midfielder Duguid and def Rose from Plymouth and Swindon, and young Tom Eastman from Ipswich.
First game calls on some caution (and hardly all favourites will win), but Preston should be too much for the visitors.

Bet: Preston -0.75
Odd: 2.07 188bet
Stake: 7/10 

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Championship betting, Brighton - Doncaster


After a superior season in 3rd tier, the Seagulls probably couldn’t wish a better opponent for a first game in Championship. As every newcomer, their enthusiasm will be highest at the start. In fact, when I think a little bit better, they maybe even have some chance for good result. Poyet made a first class surprise and beat other rivals for a Craig Mackail-Smith’s signature (35 goals last season in League One). 
Donny were one of the worst travellers last season and conceded 50 goals in 23 away games. They haven’t strenghten the team too much (I’ve noticed Giles Barnes from WBA) and probably one more season of struggling is in front. However, they usually have a good start of the campaign and maybe they can surprise today.
I was in dilemma, home win or goals. Brighton will have to adopt to their new home, Falmer Stadium (will probably be packed though). They scored 54 goals in League One at home and got huge quality in Mackail-Smith. On the other hand, both sides play a nice passing game that usually produces some goals. Over for me.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.96 188bet 

Stake: 6/10

One more...

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Championship betting, Coventry-Leicester 13:30h cet


Sven-Goran Eriksson has brought not less than 10 new players in the club. With those that stayed, the Foxes are public favourites (reasonable in my opinion) for a direct promotion (alongside West Ham). The question is how fast they all can gel up and start producing some results.
On the other hand, I doubt Coventry have a quality to do something in the league. Mid-table is expected and I cannot even exclude a possibility they will be struggling. But the fact is they always have a good start of the campaign and Ricoh Arena is always tough place to go.
I like the look of goals here. Think some books overreacted on Freddy Eastwood’s absence (injury) and 2.13 worth of a shot.

Bet: Over 2.5 
Odd: 2.13 Canbet
Stake: 7/10 


More later... 
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League One Season Betting

Today, I am posting an article about League One. Great season preview by Alan Dudman, from Betfair. Bets suggestions are included.
New season starts tonight, wish you plenty of wins and huge profit! Cheers.

In preparation for the new League One season, the editor has produced me in peak condition for an assault on the ante-post markets. I have survived the betting.betfair.com bleep test, just. The directive of NO CARBS has been adhered to, whilst my keyboard schools have been honed throughout the month of July. Pre-season can be tough.

Sadly I have no Peterborough to wax lyrical about this season, whilst the void in my life since the departure of Eddie Howe to Burnley, has never quite been filled.
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Winner Market
Huddersfield Town at 6.00 are the title favourites, and were my selection to land top honours last term. They were 11.00 then, but choked in key games and spent most of the campaign chasing the tail of Brighton. Although they finished third, the play-offs were once again their downfall - they should be in the top three, and should be strongly considered.

I am quite intrigued by Sheffield Wednesday 7.60, who survived a relegation scare last season. That should be excused, as the Yorkshire club seemed in turmoil. Manager Gary Megson revived his beloved Owls towards the end of the campaign, and key to that was the strong home form in the closing weeks. Megson now has a clean slate to work with, and will have the financial backing of owner Milan Mandaric.

Wednesday have made some good signings, including the excellent Jose Semedo from Charlton. However, the firepower looks lacking at the moment, with Megson seemingly thwarted in chases for Cody McDonald (Norwich) and Adam Le Fondre (Rotherham). And with this being a bit of a make or break season for the giants of the division, Mandaric won't let a striker slip through the net.

Relegated Preston North End (8.00) have purchased Clarke Carlisle and Neil Mellor, and have the excellent Iain Hume up front. Manager Phil Brown lacks some quality on the left-hand side though. Meanwhile another class dropper Sheffield United 11.00 look more interesting as Danny Wilson got Swindon to the play-offs two seasons ago, and the Blades have a much stronger squad.
 
Recommended bets: Back Sheffield Wednesday to win 7.60

Promotion Market
One of the best footballing teams in the division last term was MK Dons, and their equally exciting young manager Karl Robinson. Having made the play-offs in 2011, I expect a similar sort of showing from the Buckinghamshire outfit. They trade at 4.70, which I think is a good back-to-lay. Their style is pass and move, and score plenty. They must keep hold of livewire striker Sam Baldock though - he turned down a move to Peterborough recently.

I might have a wild dart at Notts County at 9.00, purely on the Martin Allen factor. He worked magic at Brentford taking them to the play-offs on a shoe-string budget, and has a better squad at Meadow Lane. I rate Allen highly as a coach, and this is a big job for him.
 
Recommended Bets
Back MK Dons @ 4.70
Back Notts County @ 9.00


Top Goalscorer Market
Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes 11.00 netted 16 times last season, and should expect around 20 for the new campaign. Rhodes can be a bit streaky, but can find hot spells - especially at home. Neil Mellor 25.00 still had fire in that belly of his last season, scoring 13 times in the league with Sheffield Wednesday. Expect more now back with his former club Preston - who should be one of the forces in the division. A flyer would be Bury's Andy Bishop at 55.00, who was prolific at Gigg Lane before an injury hit two seasons.

Recommended Bets
Back Jordan Rhodes @ 11.0
Back Neil Mellor @ 25.0
Back Andy Bishop @ 55.0


http://betting.betfair.com/football/english-football-league/league-one-season-betting-wednesday-any-day-040811.html 

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League Championship Season Preview

The most boring time of the year is almost over. Championship starts tomorrow, League One and Two at Saturday, Premier next week. I am copying great Championship analyze wrote by Thomas Dobby.

Amazingly, it’s almost time to kick off the new season in England’s lower leagues. It seems just weeks ago (about 9 actually) that Swansea closed the 2010-11 season by beating Reading at Wembley and booking their place in the Premier League. But here we are, on the eve of a new year in one of the most unpredictable leagues in the world. Predictions are futile (I’ll still make them of course). After seeing my beloved Sheff United sink to League One (I still can’t believe it), there is no more bias involved! Hull v Blackpool kicks it off on Friday. As always, I’d love to read your thoughts below.


Who’s Coming:
-West Ham, Blackpool, Birmingham (relegated from PL)
-Brighton + Hove Albion, Southampton, Peterborough (promoted from League One)

Who’s Going:
-QPR, Norwich, Swansea (promoted to PL)
-Scunthorpe, Sheffield United, Preston (relegated to League One)

Manager Merry-go round:
Talk about big-name managers…The Championship starts the season with bosses with some serious CV’s. Allardyce (West Ham), McClaren (Nottingham Forest), and Sven (Leicester) have all been on the biggest stage, while names like Holloway (Blackpool), Hughton (Birmingham), and Poyet (Brighton + Hove) add even more spice on the touchline.

Contenders:
There’s still a lot of activity to come on the transfer market, but the season waits for no one. Listed odds are their current price to win the league (actual odds).
My predictions are at the bottom of this post.

LEICESTER (4/1)-Sven-Goran Eriksson’s charges shoulder huge expectations after a flurry of quality signings at this level. David Nugent, Matt Mills, Paul Konchesky, John Pantsil and Kasper Schmeichel headline the newcomers. Their experience and pedigree are what make the Foxes joint favourites to win the division. But remember, ‘Boro and Bristol City were favourites last seaosn and were closer to relegation tham promotion. Were very good at home, but poor away last season. Must improve away from home to get where they want to be.

WEST HAM (4/1)- Like Newcastle before them, pundits thought West Ham were “too good to go down”. Whatever that means. Newcastle were able to bounce right back up after holding on to a lot of their Premier-League calibre players. West Ham are tipped to do the same. Kevin Nolan, Championship player of the year with Newcastle 2 seasons ago, comes in and will be immense for them. Scott Parker is still a Hammer…for now, but will likely be gone soon. Demba Ba and Carlton Cole are gone back to the Premier League, but Matty Taylor and Abdoulaye Faye join Nolan as solid new recruits.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (12/1)-Back in England after stops in Holland and Germany, Steve McClaren inherits a Forest side who have been throttled in the play-offs 2 seasons running. First is was Blackpool, and then Swansea utlimately leading to Billy Davies’ sacking. McClaren has yet to make any huge signings, inking only Andy Reid, George Boateng and Jonathan Greening. Forest likely need more to get over the hump.

BIRMINGHAM (16/1)- A prototypical yo-yo team, Birmingham find themselves again looking to climb the ladder after a heartbreaking drop on the final day. New boss Chris Hughton did an outstanding job getting Newcastle right back in to the top flight 2 years ago… but this is a different beast. The Blues have lost key performers in Roger Johnson, Lee Bowyer, Craig Gardner, Barry Ferguson and Ben Foster so far this summer, with Cameron Jerome and Scott Dann still possibly on the move as well. Those are gut-wrenching losses. Boaz Myhill comes in as the #1 keeper, as well as free transfers Jonatahan Spector, Chris Burke and Marlon King. Still, tons of work to do…

Playoffs?

MIDDLESBROUGH (16/1)- Very disappointing last season under Tony Mowbray. Maybe less expectation will lead to better results on Teesside?

SOUTHAMPTON (16/1) - Can they earn back-to-back promotions? Norwich just did it!

IPSWICH (18/1)- Some big-name signings in Michael Chopra and Lee Bowyer give them hope.

CARDIFF (18/1)-Big changes after a disappointing play-off exit to Reading. Dave Jones is out as boss, and in comes sexy choice Malky Mackay. Gone are Bothroyd, and Chopra while Craig Bellamy’s future is uncertain. In come signings Robert Earnshaw, Jon Parkin and Kenny Miller, all proven goal- scorers, as well as the promising Aron Gunnarson from Coventry.

LEEDS (18/1)- Stumbled at the business end of the season last year, just missing out on the
play-offs. Will hope for better this time around.

BRIGHTON & HOVE (18/1)- Gus Poyet’s League One winners are full of confidence coming up a division. Major coup winning the signature of striker Craig Mackail-Smith.

READING (20/1)- Beaten in the play-off final, Reading have lost some key performers, with Shane Long likely the next to go. Will be hard-pressed to repeat last season’s run.

BLACKPOOL (20/1)- Ian Holloway’s lovable Tangerines will try and scratch and claw their way back to the top flight. But will have to do so without Charlie Adam, DJ Campbell and David Vaughan, who have all signed with Premier League clubs. Vets Kevin Phillips and Barry Ferguson come in.

BURNLEY (25/1)- Strong second-half last year bodes well heading in to the new campaign. Have a lot of crafty veterans, sprinkled in nicely with young blood.

FEARLESS PREDICTIONS:

Going up (automatic): West Ham, Cardiff
Playoffs: Leicester, Ipswich, Leeds*, Burnley
Going Down: Crystal Palace, Peterborough, Barnsley

Enjoy the season!
Thomas Dobby
Footy Show producer
http://blogs.thescore.com/footyblog/2011/08/03/league-championship-season-preview/

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