The 2012/13 football season is just a few weeks away now, with pre-season in full swing. This is historically the time of the year when experts and armchair pundits alike make their big predictions for the year ahead, and at Route One we’re no different.
We’ve had a quick scout around the leading bookmakers and tried to snoop out some tasty morsels of value. Here’s what we found:
Champions
To be honest, we can’t really see any surprises here. Following last season's thrill ride, culminating in one of the greatest last day's of drama in memory (Paul Merson on Soccer Sunday clearly agreed), it looks to be a two horse race once again, with the Manchester sides dominant. The bookmakers agree – with the best price for Man City to be had at William Hill (6/5), and pop down to Ladbrokes for 5/2 on Man United.
Neither club has made any ‘marquee’ signings as yet, although there is a few weeks of course before the transfer window slams shut. RVP to Man Utd? The jury is still out on that one.
But Sir Alex Ferguson’s signing of Shinji Kagawa looks a shrewd one, although there are still a few question marks over the goalkeeping position and the centre back pairing, with Rio Ferdinand not getting any younger, Nemanja Vidic recovering from a long-term injury and Jonny Evans not really up to scratch as yet.
The blue half of Manchester has yet to see any new faces arrive, or any of the existing ones leave – in stark contrast to this time last season. The popular money is on Edin Dzeko to depart however, but with Carlos Tevez seemingly back in the fold the Bosnian’s presence won’t be missed.
The Verdict: A lot will surely depend on any transfer dealings that occur in the next few weeks. But as things stand we think it will be a Blue Moon come next May, with City retaining their crown.
Relegation
The relegation battle is always keenly contested, and it’s usually the three promoted teams who come under the closest scrutiny. It’s fair to say that Southampton, Reading and West Ham will all be flirting with the dreaded trapdoor, but at Route One we can foresee a mix of sensible management and some gritty performances keeping that triumvirate safe.
For us, the value is with three existing clubs who may struggle for similar reasons. It would be a big shock to many if Roberto Martinez saw out another season at Wigan (7/4, Coral), as a promising young manager who likes his teams to play the game the right way. For a side that has barely squeaked home these last two seasons, that could be catastrophic.
Two of the neutral spectator’s favourite team’s have both lost their respective managers in the close season - Norwich and Swansea. In the case of the Canaries, Chris Hughton has come in. A bright young manager without doubt, but one with a mixed Premier League pedigree. Take the 5/4 offered by William Hill.
Down Swansea way, in comes Michael Laudrup – a superb player in his day, but one that lacks crucial top flight management experience. Add into the mix the dreaded ‘second season syndrome’, and at around 2/1 punters have got good value on one or t’other packing their bags and departing the promised land.
Keep your eyes peeled for Part Two of this piece, where we'll have a look at the latest odds for Top Four Finish, Top Goalscorer, First Manager Sacked and a little Route One Special for y'all.
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