by Tom Allen
While the top eight in the Premier League looks fairly settled, aside from
the order, of course, it is anybody's guess what will happen below that. There
are two clubs I want to remain on the right side of this season however and both
West Ham and Bolton are worth chancing on the handicaps.
Bolton, receiving 40 points, will be hoping to continue their decent finish
to the last campaign under manager Owen Coyle, who replaced Gary Megson in
January, and the signing of Martin Petrov from Manchester City is an excellent
one.
Wanderers will also welcome back long-term absentee Sean Davis from injury to
play in the holding role in front of the magnificent Gary Cahill and the spine
of their side looks strong with Jussi Jaaskelainen still between the sticks and
Kevin Davies terrorising Premier League defenders.
With approximately 90 points required to land the spoils in this market, a
top half finish would see Bolton there or thereabouts and that is certainly not
beyond them.
Nor is it for West Ham and, with a head start of an attractive looking 39
points, new boss Avram Grant can guide the Hammers to mid-table safety after
last year's troubles.
Gianfranco Zola never really got going in the Upton Park dugout and Grant is
an impressive figure having led Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008
and Portsmouth to Wembley last season against all the odds.
Robert Green, Mathew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole are all full
England internationals and this is a squad that should be achieving plenty more.
Perhaps Grant is the man to deliver for new owners Gold and Sullivan and there
is seemingly some money to spend in East London should the Israeli desire.
Elsewhere, Blackpool look well out of their depth on their return to the top
flight for the first time since 1971 and, having finished 32 points adrift of
Championship winners Newcastle in sixth place last season, manager Ian Holloway
has his work cut out.
It is easy to argue that not a single player at Holloway's disposal is of
Premier League quality, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Brett Ormerod look set to lead
the line, and I'm surprised to see the Seasiders available at odds against with
Ladbrokes to finish bottom.
The other two promoted sides from last season, West Brom grabbed second spot
behind the Magpies, both possess an abundance of recent top flight experience
and Blackpool could well be cast adrift early on.
Pick: 1pt Each Way Back Bolton (+40pts) @ 16/1 (Victor
Chandler)
Pick: 1pt Each Way Back West Ham (+39pts) @ 16/1 (Victor
Chandler)
Pick: 6pts Back Blackpool To Finish Bottom @ 11/10 (Ladbrokes)
