League - Championship
Selection - Derby County
Why? Underachieved in 2010/11 and avaliable at 50/1 antepost to win the league this term suggests a large points handicap for the Rams.
Notoriously in the Championship anyone can beat anyone and next season should be no different. Derby Chairman Andrew Appleby has said he'll back Clough Jnr during the summer months, so much so that if season ticket holders not happy with the summer signings they can request their money back if incomings fail to excite. Derby have moved quicker than most and already secured the services of Chris Maguire, Theo Robinson, Craig Bryson and 'keeper Frank Fielding and rumoured to be signing Jason Shackell and striker Nathan Tyson (nearly a done deal) from rivals Nottm Forest already look to have a good foundation to amass an impressive points haul next term.
Robbie Savage has now retired and although a permenant fixture when fit throughout 10/11 Derby may benefit from his exit. A change in style and pace in the centre of the park should add to their attacking options which last season was one dimensional to say the least.
Lastly, with the boards backing Clough knows he needs to deliver. He can't and won't except anything but success come August.
League - League 2
Selection - Oxford
Why? Last season saw Oxford play some of the most exciting football in League 2, thier problem was at the back where they leaked goals all to easily. Like Derby, Oxford have moved quickly to do their summer business and have already signed 6 players.
Amongst them the old heads of defenders Michael Duberry and Tony Capaldi. Although their best days may now be behind them these two are more than capable than helping Oxford to a lofty place in League 2. Capaldi comes with an incredible throw which offers Oxford further attacking options.
Games against Everton and Birmingham in pre-season will show just how good this squad is.
Points/Prices on 2011/12 handicaps are currently not available - watch this space for updates nearer the beginning of the season.
El Jugador
Interesting thoughts on Derby above. After a nothing season, I am fairly confident ahead of 11/12 due to strong early signings and the current management merry-go-round with the bigger clubs.
ReplyDeleteHave been looking for handicap points on the main betting websites but no joy. Any idea when prices out? Derby points?
Alan_Rams
Alan, thanks for your comment. Tyson signing confirmed earlier today so that's another piece of the jigsaw in place.
ReplyDeletePoints and prices unlikely to be available until later in the summer, we'll be writing another piece (and a season preview) once the points/prices are released - keep an eye out for updates.
Cant argue with anything youve said about my team Oxford youve got it spot on. Last year the big problems were a leaky defence and a lack of on pitch leadership and steel.
ReplyDeleteCapaldi and particularly Duberry have been brought in to mitigate that but theres going to be a lot of pressure on 36 year Duberry.
Although the division does look tougher this season Oxford should improve on last seasons finishing position but of course we need to see the handicap points and prices before recommending a bet.
Can't see Derby improving on last season they have been on a plateau ever since Clough joined.
ReplyDeletePompey are the ones I am looking for on the handicap?
Has anyone done any analysis on where the handicap winners come from?
Hi 'S' thanks for the comment. We'll only back Derby should they receive a large points handicap. We'll do an analysis of all the teams once the points are out in a few weeks (generally the teams with the most points do well - in the Premierahip last season West Brom, Blackpool and Bolton were the top three).
ReplyDeletePortsmouth could well have a decent season. We really need to wait until the majority of the signings are done to have a more reasoned selection. Keep an eye on the blog for more information over the coming weeks.
Agree on waiting for signings,impossible to guess any teams starting line up at the present.
ReplyDeleteI have had a look back at last year Derby were given +17 which only gave them 66, winner was Norwich on 97 given +13.
The 1st two in the prem were the bottom 2 in the handicap Blackpool and WBA, if Norwich and Swansea are given over 40 points they could be worth a go.
Also in League 1 and 2 you would have made a profit backing the bottom 4 in the handicap each way.
Look forward to your preview, and your thoughts on my team Peterborough staying up.