Last season, easyodds.com
tipster and lifelong Bristol City fan Ross Casey started his column the Bookies
Corner on this blog. He finished in profit after tipping five correct tips in
the final nine games of the season.
He returns here ahead of the new season as
we kick-off against League One favourites Sheffield United.
Remember that if you can’t make the trip to Yorkshire, that
the match is LIVE on Sky Sports this Saturday at midday. Read below for Ross’
full betting preview…
There are parallels between the two sides in this opening
day clash after seasons of two halves for both Bristol City and the Blades.
Nigel Clough took over the helm at Sheffield United with little expected of the
rest of the term after such a poor start to their campaign but he really turned
them around finishing just one place behind the play-offs and even managing to
reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Whilst Robins fans could only dream of such a cup run, Steve
Cotterill undoubtedly was the reason for the upward trajectory of our season
after his arrival. A top half finish was accomplished after his arrival and
there is now optimism for the new season with many fans expecting at least a
play-off push.
This is a cracker of an opening fixture and will be a real
test for the new look Robins squad Sheffield United are clear favourites to win
League One and have a best price of 11/2. Bristol City have been made joint
second favourites with a best price of 17/2 alongside Simon Grayson’s Preston
North End.
MATCH ODDS:
SHEFF UTD – 21/20 (Coral)
DRAW – 5/2 (Boylesports)
BRISTOL CITY – 333/100 (MarathonBet)
SHEFFIELD UNITED:
As previously mentioned the Blades are favourites to win the
league this year with Nigel Clough in charge and their excellent finish to last
season. They lost just three of their last 22 matches last year and despite
losing the likes of John Brayford and Conor Coady from last season’s squad –
they have invested heavily and have brought in plenty of new faces.
Walsall captain Andy Butler has been brought in to run the
backline alongside Neill Collins in the absence of Harry Maguire after the
young talent joined Hull somewhat controversially. Ben Davies, Craig Alcock,
Michael Higdon and former Robin Jamal Campbell-Ryce are all good additions at
this level and they should be in the promotion hunt all season long.
The signing of Michael Higdon from NEC Nijmegen in Holland
seems particularly astute. The burly striker has scored goals for fun in
Scotland and now Holland at a very good record and now he is in the best place
to score goals in League One. The bookies make him favourite to score at 2/1.
Their pre-season form was decent – including a historic win
over Turkish champions Fenerbahce at Bramall Lane. Their home form was
magnificent come the end with just one loss in their last 17 matches. If
Bristol City are to beat them on their own patch, that would be some statement
to the rest of the league.
BRISTOL CITY:
Bristol City look destined for a successful campaign
following an excellent transfer window which has seen them bring in some very
accomplished League One players and hold on to both Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Sam
Baldock (for now).
Baldock finished top scorer in League One last season and
has looked sharp in pre-season too. The former MK Dons and West Ham striker is
15/8 to score here – one of the few grounds he failed to net at last season!
A great team bonding pre-season tour of Botswana which
included a 1-0 win over the national team has meant the squad have clicked both
on and off the pitch and the final pre-season game ended in a decisive 4-1 win
over Cheltenham Town.
Confidence and expectation is high, pus the Robins will be
running out in the infamous purple and lime at Bramall Lane – City fans
rejoice!
However – in the next section you may want to look away!!!
HEAD TO HEADS:
Unlike their city rivals Wednesday, where City have recorded some great wins –
including a televised 1-0 victory a few years ago thanks to a great Brian
Wilson strike, Bramall Lane is NOT a happy hunting ground for the Robins.
They haven't won at Bramall Lane in 18 attempts, LOSING nine
on the trot! This run means we have not won on this ground since 1957. City
have conceded goals at an alarming rate there too – letting in TWENTY NINE in
their last nine visits.
The last time we met we were rolled over 3-0 in February – a
performance that Steve Cotterill described as the worst in his time at the
club.
Perhaps little surprise we are a best price of over 3/1 to
end this embarrassing history of losses and routs.
MY RECOMMENDED BET:
Bristol City draw no bet @ 41/20 – BET
NOW
Yes Bristol City have a horrible record at Bramall Lane but
confidence should be high coming into this game, plus the Blades are in a bit
of a transition from their excellent side last year – so I think facing them
now is the best time to play them. This bet means you will get the over double
your money for a Robins win – plus the safety net of your stake back for a
draw. Considering we drew 19 games last season I like those odds. Only a United
win will mean we are in the red. C’mon the Purple and Limes!
The Exiled Robin
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