Value bet in handicap markets

OPTIMISTIC Athletic fans who fancy a flutter can do worse than take a look at the handicap markets for the coming League One season.

Rated by the bookies generally as fourth-favourites for relegation, behind Shrewsbury, Colchester and Carlisle, Athletic are given a significant helping hand of +28 points by BetVictor.

That means that if Athletic’s overall points total at the end of 2013-14 – with those 28 points added – ranks the team top of League One, then odds of 18-1 will be paid out.

Last season, the addition of a 28-point handicap put Lee Johnson’s side in fourth place. But the

manager’s ambitions are for a better league campaign this time around.

Elsewhere in the betting markets, last season’s relegated trio are rated by the bookies as clear favourites for promotion from League One back to the Championship.

Wolves lead the way in the market (best price 13-10 to be promoted, Betway), followed by Peterborough (3-1, Betway) and Bristol City (7-2, Coral).

In terms of Athletic’s closest geographical rivals, the club is rated 15-2 (Bet365) to finish top of the a North-West sub-league that includes Preston, Tranmere and Carlisle.

Athletic fans confident that Jose Baxter can better his 15-goal tally last season can get 40-1 (BetVictor) for him to top the scoring charts this time around. Fellow forward Charlie MacDonald is a 100-1 shot.

Our tips: Promotion: Rotherham 13-2 (Sportingbet)

Relegation: Coventry 6-1 (Betway)

Top scorer: Leigh Griffiths

8-1, Jake Cassidy 25-1 (Skybet)