There’s a feeling of spring in the air. That’s great for those who like spending evenings in the garden, but for football fans, it means the season is heading into the home straight. Manchester City and Liverpool are having their own fight up at the sharp end of the Premier League table, but there are plenty of other questions to be answered between now and 22 May.
In fact, the opening weeks and the closing weeks are the most popular periods for placing outright bets. So let’s take a look at some of the more tantalizing possibilities out there for Wolves fans.
A top-six finish
Wolves came so close to finishing in the top six in their first season back in the top flight, and were even closer the following year, tied for sixth on points and losing out to Spurs on goal difference. This season has seen some strange performances from the likes of United and Spurs, and although all Big Six teams are expected to finish in their customary places, either of these two could wobble over these closing weeks. Wolves just need to keep on picking up points and not to trip up in tricky little fixtures like the Villa game on 02 April. Do that and sixth is within reach – the bookies are offering 8/1 odds if you fancy it.
European showdown
Champions League qualification is going to be a bridge too far for Wolves this year (66/1 odds for a top four finish if you feel super-confident!). But that doesn’t stop us sitting back and watching the final stages of this year’s campaign from the sidelines. There’s a great sense of freedom in just watching a game and having no emotional investment in the outcome. The quarter finals will be in the first two weeks of April, and a glance down the Champions League odds offers some great outside shots for the title. Atletico Madrid look particularly good value at 16/1.
Ups and downs
This is also when things start to get exciting in the battle to stay out of the relegation zone. There are lots of betting options here, but the positive spin of backing a team to stay up always seems more rewarding. Watford have shown their fighting spirit before and gave Arsenal a scare a couple of weeks ago. The bookies favour them for relegation, and if you disagree, they’ll offer you 3/1 odds. As for who will be coming up next season, Fulham and Bournemouth are all but assured. The fun question surrounds the playoff spot. Sheffield United always make the Premier League a more entertaining place, and are surely worth a punt at 5/2.
Golden boot
Finally, a mention of this year’s biggest non-event for betting enthusiasts. The Golden Boot is usually well worth a punt at this time of year, but Mohamed Saleh has somewhat spoiled things this year by scoring almost as many as the second and third placed contenders put together. Oh well, there’s always next year for that one!
