CJ`s Odds-On, Soccer
This page details my predictions for ALL the english and scottish leagues, this site was developed pre-season.
In the main season starting August there will be accumulators here.
i.e. Liverpool to beat Bognor Regis at home, 10/Sept/97
Site Created : 9th June 1997
Last Updated : 7th October 1997
Well, Its the soccer season so its about time I put some things here. I`ve included my tips for each of the english and scottish divisions, and also this weeks games.
ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP
The Premiership this season is difficult to predict, although
realistically only a handful of teams have the capabilities to win it.
Manchester United will be strong as ever, and Sheringham / Solskaer up
front looks like being a great partnership. However, they do not
seem as strong as they did this time last season, and consequently
I am quite happy to say straight away that MANCHESTER UNITED WILL NOT WIN
THE LEAGUE THIS SEASON. ( Pre Season Odds 6-4 )
Liverpool are good. They have bought two outstanding players in Oyvind
Leonhardsen and Paul Ince, and they have Fowler, Riedle and young Owen in
attack. But the defence is weak and David James remains something of
an enigma. A european place is certain, however they will concede too
many to win the title, but they will probably come second. ( Pre Season
Odds 4-1 )
Arsenal. Or "The French Side" as they are seemingly becoming. Its said
that the strength of a side is down the centre. i.e. the keeper, centre
backs, centre midfield and striker. Arsenal have David Seaman, arguably the
best keeper in Britain. Tony Adams, who has been outstanding in the
Arsenal and England defences for many seasons. An endless supply of
european artistry in midfield will conjure up LOTS of chances for
the arsenal strikers... and when consider Wright and Bergkamp in attack
Arsenal will score a great deal this season. Arsenal are my tip for the
championship. ( Pre Season Odds 9-2 )
Newcastle. Sorry, but Newcastle havent a hope. They`ll struggle without
Shearer, especially having sold Ferdinand to Spurs. They have the
best holding midfielder in the country in Batty, but you have to ask
where the goals are going to come from. Tomasson has been prolific
in pre-season... but so was Ian Rush for Leeds last season and look
how many he scored in the league. At the back Newcastle have never
looked good, relying on scoring more than they concede. However, now
they have scoring problems this could turn into a season of mid
season obscurity for Newcastle.
Best of the rest...
Spurs.... Ginola and Ferdinand will ensure a top 10 spot, but thats all [ 33-1 ].
Leeds.... Could be VERY strong this season, George Graham will have
turned the defence into a fortress in the close season, the midfield
looks reasonable with the inclusion of Hopkin from Palace and
Haaland from Forest, up front Hasselbaink seems good and Wallace
may be back to his best form, so scoring will not be the problem it
was last year. A top 3 finish is not out of the question... worth a
bet at 20-1 for a top 3 place. [ 80-1 ]
Everton.... Forget about it. [ 50-1 ]
Aston Villa.... Not much transfer market activity, Collymore is in, and
the strike force looks very strong. Possible Villa may win a cup but the
league is beyond them. [ 20-1 ]
Chelsea.... Like Arsenal, Chelsea have been into the european transfer
market. They may go after the Cup Winners Cup 100% and therefore I dont
think they`ll beat last seasons 6th place. [ 11-1 ]
To go down...
Barnsley.... WILL STAY UP. Dont ask me how, but they`ll stay up...largely
because of team spirit.
Palace.... Will go down. They are not strong enough, and the inclusion
of Lombardo will not produce enough of an improvement.
Southampton.... First to be relegated this season. Not strong enough for
the 1st division, never mind the premiership.
Leicester.... Theyre in europe. They`ll be in the first division next
season. If they can keep hold of Emile Heskey they will battle it out
and get relegated on the last game of the season. If they sell him they
will be down long before that.
First Division....
Sheffield United to win the 1st Division now they have Deane back.
Forest will join them and Bury will get there in the play-offs.
Second Division....
I`d like to say my team, York City, will be promoted, but they wont.
Hopefully they`ll stay up a bit safer than the last two seasons. Fulham
are my tip to win the division [ 10-1 ]
Third Division....
Difficult league to predict, but I think Cardiff may do it, with
Rotherham pushing them hard.
Scottish Premier....
Er.....Rangers [ 1-6 ].
Scottish First Division....
Dont look any further than last seasons relegated teams from the Premier,
Raith Rovers will bounce straight back up.
Scottish Second Division....
Livingston were impressive last year, and get my vote this season.
Scottish Third Division....
Ross County should have gone up last season, and will walk it this
season. Call this my NAP if you want.
Feel Free to mail me any comments on anything here....
Get your own
