The 2015/16 SkyBet Football League season is just around the corner and the principal sponsors have a whole host of exciting betting opportunities that we can look at for the entire season.
In this series of ‘Ben’s Bets’ we will take an in depth look at each division, in order and throw up a few markets that might be of value in the Ante Post category.
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Premier League – Champions
Starting with the Premier Division and personally, I cannot see past Chelsea strengthening their hold on the trophy, but I’m not going to kick start this article by tipping a 6/4 favourite, so I’ve been on the hunt for some value.
I think I’ve found that value in the ‘Straight Forecast’ market.
I’ve already mentioned that Chelsea should be winning the title and so, adding in the team to finish second immediately ups the odds considerably.
If you thinking Man City will come second to Mourihno’s men, you can have 7/2. Picking Arsenal in silver medal position is 11/2 but I’m going one further.
My first selection is Chelsea 1st, Manchester United 2nd at 13/2.
United have added well this summer, Schweinsteiger adds solidity to an already classy midfield and with Rooney the main man thanks to Van Persie’s departure there are goals to be scored.
There is still a goalkeeping issue to be resolved, Valdes and De Gea look set to leave but Jasper Cillisen is a more than adequate replacement should that deal go through.
Relegation
That’s the top of the division sorted, but what about the other end?
The three promoted sides lead the betting for sides to be relegated, but with odds of 4/5 (Watford), Evens (Norwich) and 6/5 (Bournemouth) there isn’t much value in any of those for the average punter.
Leicester’s managerial switch puts them in prime position, but Claudio Ranieri is well equipped to deal with a Premier League battle.
So, it is Aston Villa who I fear for, they will be counting the pennies from the sales of Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke and the void they leave may be too big to fill.
There are doubts over Randy Lerner’s position as owner and so he may be reluctant to splash that cash on replacements.
Tim Sherwood’s management style is certainly entertaining and guiding Villa to the FA Cup final may paper over some cracks, following that up with big spending clubs coming up from the Championship may be too much to ask.
Aston Villa to be relegated – 10/3.
Specials
With so much transfer activity likely to happen between now and kick off, the top-scorer market is still subject to change, but the 16/1 on Wayne Rooney strikes me as each way value as does Diafra Sakho of West Ham at 66/1.
West Ham are one of three or four clubs who will be looking to make significant strides this season, they along with Stoke, Everton and Swansea finished just short of the automatic European places last season and will be hoping to make the kind of progress shown by Southampton.
With that in mind, you can get a few special markets on SkyBet and I’ve found a few that might be of interest.
West Ham to finish higher than Tottenham is a striking 15/2 and Crystal Palace to finish in the top half is 6/4 – Yohan Cabaye wouldn’t have signed for a side not going places.
Head into the #RequestABet section of the SkyBet website for more wild and wacky bets; it’s 6/1 that any Premier League player scores from inside his own half, 10/1 that a Goalkeeper scores at any point and my personal favourite…
‘Wayne Rooney, Alexis Sanchez, Sergio Aguero and Deigo Costa all to score 15 or more league goals’ at 7/2.
So, I’m suggesting good seasons for Jose Mourihno and Louis Van Gaal, but Tim Sherwood and his gilet are heading in the opposite direction.
If you disagree, then SkyBet will have something to fit your taste – click HERE to sign up or log in.
Stay tuned to YTFC.net for my views on the SkyBet Championship.
Yeovil Town Football Club and SkyBet promote responsible gambling for over 18s only. Please Bet Responsibly – only bet to levels you can afford and are comfortable with. Odds suggested are correct at time of writing and subject to change. Visit www.gambleaware.co.uk for the facts and help with problem gambling.