We are into August now which means the start of the football season isn’t too far away. In fact the beginning of League 2 is now less than a week away so now is a good time to have a good look at the division and in particular form an outright bet for the title.
There are some really big names in the division this season which should make for a competitive league although in truth this league is always competitive with so many sides having so much to play for over such large parts of the season with seventh place potentially getting promoted albeit through the playoffs.
The Favourites
It comes as no surprise that Portsmouth are the 9/2 favourites. There is a wide belief they have the biggest budget in the division which I’m not convinced is true but given that they were in the Premier League and winning major cups at the turn of the decade they are always going to be favourites this season.
That said they’ve got plenty of improving to do because they never really threatened the title last season. I guess when you’ve had a fall from grace like they have you would settle for just getting automatic promotion and that is something you have to factor in if taking a short price about them.
The second favourites are Doncaster who will be looking to bounce back to League One at the first attempt. Darren Ferguson made a number of eye catching signings and he did it early in the close season and I expect them to be strong this season. If they have recovered from last season’s disappointment by the time they head to Accrington on the opening day of the season they could plough a strong challenge for the title.
My own team Luton begin the season as third favourites at 10/1, which in itself is an indication of how wide open the division is this season. Apart from a brief time at the top two seasons ago Luton haven’t really threatened promotion in their two goes back in this division and I’m not convinced they’ve improved a huge amount on last season. If they are to win the title their home form needs an amazing improvement.
Leyton Orient flattered to deceive last season and need an improvement if they are to be competitive this season. Kevin Nolan has gone as manager and has left completely with Andy Hessenthaler taking up the reins in the hotseat. The big question I have about them is if they can’t challenge when Jay Simpson scores 25 goals in a season when will they be able to?
The Contenders
Plymouth narrowly missed out on promotion last season, losing in the playoff final at Wembley to AFC Wimbledon having made a complete mess of getting automatic promotion in the final quarter of the campaign. Disappointment like that can linger although there has been a real turnover in players in the close season which might negate that.
Cambridge will be hoping to fare better this season after flirting with the playoffs last season. Joe Pigott has been acquired among others for what looks like a stronger Cambridge squad. Whether they have the depth to sustain a challenge is an issue and could be the difference between promotion and just missing out.
Carlisle were another side who threatened the playoffs last season but couldn’t quite stay with the pace in the last month of the season. Keith Curle has made a number of appealing signings though and there is a real thought they could last the duration this time around. Very much ones for the dark horses draw.
Colchester will be looking for an immediate bounce back after their relegation last season but losing players like Alex Gilbey and George Moncur isn’t ideal. They have made one or two signings in return but you sense the Us need a season of stability before being in a position to get promoted back to League One.
Best of the Rest
Notts County were well touted ahead of last season but they soon found the continental approach doesn’t work in this league and their season never really got going. Signings on the field are always important but perhaps the best piece of business they have done is get John Sheridan in as manager. He has made some good signings so the Magpies should be much more on it this season.
Accrington Stanley missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of last season and couldn’t recover in time to make it through the playoffs. Since then some key players have gone but if John Coleman can wheel and deal and manage his squad wisely Stanley could be a surprise package again.
Wycombe will never win anything for style but you don’t get points for looking good in this league, which is just as well for half of it! They are effective at what they do though and if they avoid injuries they have shown they can get up towards the top end. Being hard to beat takes you a long way in this division so they can’t be ruled out.
Betting
I like seeking the value in my ante-post bets. Having my money tied up on short prices for nine months isn’t really my cup of tea. As it happens I don’t really fancy any of the favourites this season anyway. If I was going to take any of them I would probably go with Doncaster but a short price and the need to turn around the disappointment of relegation is enough to put me off there.
I’ve a feeling this league will be challenged by a couple of clubs further down the betting for whom the expectation isn’t as great and who can go under the radar with the amount of big names in the division and there are a couple of those who certainly fit the bill.
Keith Curle knows all about this division and I like Carlisle’s chances this season. The additions of Jamie Devitt and Nicky Adams will ensure that the strikers never lack for opportunities. Shaun Brisley should shore up a leaky defence and if he does then we should expect to see Carlisle much nearer the top than they managed last season. At 16/1 they look a decent value shout.
I was impressed by John Sheridan taking the Notts County job and that can be a move that proves successful. County had the core to go well last season but they didn’t have anyone managing them who had a clue. With the likes of Izale McLeod in the squad goals are guaranteed and Sheridan has a reputation for making sides harder to beat and turning them around.
He has got Chesterfield promoted from this division and worked well at Plymouth. The improvement in Newport in the short time he was there last season was sizeable too so we should expect a much better Notts County this term and at 6/1 they are decent value to be promoted with the resources they have.
Tips
Back Carlisle United to win League 2 (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 17.00 with 138.com
Back them here:
Back Notts County to be promoted for a 2/10 stake at 7.00 with NetBet
Back them here:
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