Watford opened the campaign with an unimpressive away win at Palace. They were behind 1-2, but scored two goals in the closing minutes (Speroni wasn’t on his best, as well). Squad probably has potential for the top half of the table, but trouble is decent amount of new players and Zola certainly needs some time to put it all together.
Ipswich also made a decent start, stayed undefeated against ex-Premier Blackburn. And also survived in the last stage of the match, by own goal in 83th min. On their travels last season, they conceded 45 goals (biggest number in the league).
My impression is both attacks are best lines the teams and both sides will be in the good mood for the match and trying to take all three points. I will go for goals. And interesting thing is from their last 14 encounters, 8 of them and last four at this place ended with 2-1 to Watford. So...
Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.88 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 7/10
Bet: Correct score 2-1
Odd: 9.00 (William Hill)
Stake: 1/10
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Southampton 2 - 1 Ipswich
Swansea is in great run of five games without defeat and only one goal conceded. Despite that, my impression is they’re limited side with average players and can not see them higher than middle of the table. They have also some injury problems. Striker Gorka Pintado and midfielder Joe Allen will face late fitness tests. Defender Fedde Bessone should be fit but striker Guillam Bauza and another defender Albert Serran are likely to be missing.
Considering players’ individual qualities, it’s gonna be another tough season for the Sky Blues. And if we consider previous season, when team showed it’s potential from time to time recording surprising performances and victories, but finished at the 17th place, fans have every right to be concerned about forthcoming season. The biggest strength is surely, talented manager Chris Coleman (ex Fulham and Real Sociedad boss). He faced with budget reducing problems and some players had to leave to balance the books at the Ricoh Arena. Star youngster Danny Fox (sold to Celtic) and skipper Scott Dann (Birmingham City) both had to leave. Beside them, Coleman wrote off French midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin, experienced goalie Andy Marshall and Maltesian Michael Mifsud. But, real shock for the fans came this thursday, when club decided to send key midfielder Michael Doyle to Leeds on one year loan deal. Counted players were the spine of the squad. Instead them, club have brought two midfielders, Michael McIndoe from Bristol City and excellent Sammy Clingan from Norwich and young Chelsea’s defender Patrick van Aanholt who came on loan until the end of the year. Coventry have finished in the bottom half of the table five times in the last eight seasons, but this time I’ll dare to predict even fight for avoiding relegation. For this game, hosts are without midfielder David Bell (ankle), while center-back James McPake is out for two months after breaking his collarbone in pre-season. Only good news for them is statistics which say Coventry have not lost their opening league game since 2000. Their last three campaigns have started with the wins.
As a sign of big ambitions, chairman Marcus Evans brought Roy Keane in the club two rounds before the previous season ended. He started with two wins (second one was against Coventry at the same place, 2-1) and everybody in the club wants to continue where they stopped. Club finished the previous season at 9th place, showing a great potential during the main part of competition and the clubs’ officials think they were victims of complacency. Instead the soundable signings, they mostly relied on Keane’s ability to motivate the lads and raise their limits. However, they brought some decent Championship players who will fight for a place in the first eleven. From his former club, Sunderland, Keane brought midfielder Jack Colback, another midfielder, Colin Healy from Cork City, while striker Tamás Priskin came from Watford. Also, winger Lee Martin (ex Man.Utd.) and defender Damien Delaney (ex QPR) have joined the club. Club left midfielder Velice Sumulikoski and striker Kevin Lisbie. With the expected loan deal of Giovani Dos Santos from Spurs, Tractor Boys will be a serious contender for a play-off spot. Defender David Wright has recovered from a rib injury but forward Pablo Counago misses out with a groin problem.
