As the English Premier League season draws to a close, it is difficult to look beyond the success story of little known Leicester City this season and their remarkable achievements. When manager Claudio Ranieri was appointed last summer, the former relegation favorites were given little hope of survival by supporters and pundits alike, let alone mounting a challenge for glory. However, just under a year later, the team are continuing their celebrations in front of over 100,000 fans in the streets of their city. Leicester’s story, however, is just one of a number of reasons why this year’s campaign has been one of the most unpredictable in EPL history.
If Leicester’s performance was a surprise, then the collapse of reigning champions Chelsea sent shockwaves throughout the world of soccer. Previously untouchable Jose Mourinho quickly lost his job as his team languished in mid table, with player of the year Eden Hazard looking a shadow of his former self, along with countless others. The West London club are 5/1 with bookmakers Coral to regain the title next year under the guidance of new boss Antonio Conte, who takes over after the European Championships in France this summer.
The inconsistency of Manchester rivals City and United was another shock throughout the campaign, with both teams looking likely to have new men in charge come the start of next season as a result of disappointing positions in the final standings. Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has been confirmed as taking over from the departing Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium, while it is widely reported that Mourinho will swap London for Manchester and finally take over at Old Trafford. An FA Cup final match up with strugglers Crystal Palace this weekend appears to be Louis Van Gaal’s last chance to save his job. The Red Devils are the favourites for victory at Wembley, and Coral tip them to win with odds of 5/6.
At the other end of the table, the demise of Newcastle United under the ownership of Mike Ashley continued as the team based in the North-East of England suffered relegation to the Championship. Despite hiring experienced Spaniard Rafa Benitez towards the end of the season, it was too little, too late for Newcastle, who joined Aston Villa and Norwich in the bottom three. With Benitez likely staying at the club despite their relegation, Newcastle are 4/1 in the football betting tips with Coral to win the Championship next season.
If Leicester’s performance was a surprise, then the collapse of reigning champions Chelsea sent shockwaves throughout the world of soccer. Previously untouchable Jose Mourinho quickly lost his job as his team languished in mid table, with player of the year Eden Hazard looking a shadow of his former self, along with countless others. The West London club are 5/1 with bookmakers Coral to regain the title next year under the guidance of new boss Antonio Conte, who takes over after the European Championships in France this summer.
The inconsistency of Manchester rivals City and United was another shock throughout the campaign, with both teams looking likely to have new men in charge come the start of next season as a result of disappointing positions in the final standings. Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has been confirmed as taking over from the departing Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium, while it is widely reported that Mourinho will swap London for Manchester and finally take over at Old Trafford. An FA Cup final match up with strugglers Crystal Palace this weekend appears to be Louis Van Gaal’s last chance to save his job. The Red Devils are the favourites for victory at Wembley, and Coral tip them to win with odds of 5/6.
At the other end of the table, the demise of Newcastle United under the ownership of Mike Ashley continued as the team based in the North-East of England suffered relegation to the Championship. Despite hiring experienced Spaniard Rafa Benitez towards the end of the season, it was too little, too late for Newcastle, who joined Aston Villa and Norwich in the bottom three. With Benitez likely staying at the club despite their relegation, Newcastle are 4/1 in the football betting tips with Coral to win the Championship next season.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
