The SPL season is already a few weeks old but form has been hard to judge with intermitting friendly matches as well as internationals breaking up the rhythm of the teams. This season will no doubt be full of twists and turns.
The last three seasons have seen Rangers crowned champions and deservedly so. Last season was a very close run thing and was, as the norm, between the two team of the Old Firm. Hearts came closest to challenging the top two but were still a massive 30 points behind. Hamilton managed to throw together a winless run that stretched 22 games and only managed a measly 26 points, slipping out of the top league with little more than whimper. The previous year’s First Division champions Inverness Caledonian Thistle proved to be more than a match for some of the more seasoned Scottish Premier League sides finishing a respectable seventh.
What will happen this year? That’s anyone’s guess but I’m going to give the whole prediction thing; a go. If you’re a gambler then turn away now. I’m rarely ever right so don’t go for any of these tips. I’m not going to try and guess every team’s final position but I’m sure I’ll paint a rough picture. For a change, let’s start at the bottom of the table and the relegation candidates.
Last year, St Mirren were holding on by the skin of their teeth and I feel again they could struggle. They have made a few interesting signings such as Steven Thompson and Gary Teale and I think they will be a mid-table side for this season. There are three sides who I think will be battling it out to stay in the top-tier of the Scottish game; namely Aberdeen, Inverness and new boys Dunfermline. The two teams from the north have had indifferent starts to the season and in my opinion, they could be struggling come the end of the season. Aberdeen are 14/1 to be relegated and Inverness are only 4/1. Dunfermline after being promoted last season are favourites to go down at 15/8. There are other teams that could be in contention but they three will be in the mix in my opinion.
As for finishing top, shall I just toss a coin between Rangers and Celtic? I would probably be as well too. Hearts in most people’s eyes, are the third team in Scotland and could even challenge for the top spot. For me, they just don’t seem capable, yet. Having sacked manager Jim Jeffries and replaced him with Paulo Sergio; Hearts are 40/1 to win the SPL with Celtic as 4/7 favourites and Champions Rangers on 13/8.
I have said that this season will belong to Celtic (no bias, honest) and they will be too strong for their Glasgow rivals. This I feel, will be the transitional season for Ally McCoist and his Rangers team. Neil Lennon has had the chance to gel his side together. Having added a few players to the squad, there is only themselves standing in the way of grasping the SPL title back from their bitter foes. I understand that the Rangers team hasn’t changed much in the past few years and they have managed to win the league three times in a row. Last year also saw the referee’s strike and let’s hope there is no repeat performance from the officials this season.
The final market I will have a look at is the prestigious ‘Top Goalscorer’. Last year was a strange one for the SPL as Kenny Miller picked up the accolade even after he moved away from Rangers in January. There are plenty of names being mentioned this year but there are only a few who I would even think about backing. Nikica Jelavic at 11/4, Gary Hooper at 3/1 and Anthony Stokes at 4/1 are the sensible options and one of them will no doubt clutch the trophy come May. There is one outside bet I would look at though and that is John Sutton. After his move to Hearts he will be given a good chance to show what he is worth and at 20/1, he is a great outside bet and could be crucial if Hearts are to be in with a chance of the title.
There you have it. These are just my opinions and as I said earlier, if you follow any of these bets and they turn out to be wrong; don’t hunt me down and riot outside my house (Ed note – I know a guy who has his address should Paul really deserve it).
The odds quoted by Paul are offered by @McBookie, bookmaker which puts Scottish sport first.
