In the hope that neither is lured away before 31 August, my two against the field are Mitrovic (8/1) and Armstrong (8/1). That's a combined bet at 7/2, which represents a 22% chance of one or t'other topping the field. Mitrovic has a five-year deal at Fulham which runs to June 2024 and is reported to be very happy living in London. Only three goals in the Prem last season but in Fulham's promotion year the season before he rattled in 26 goals. Now 26, he should be in his prime, and will surely relish the easier challenge in the second tier again. Armstrong finished second last year on 28, five goals behind Ivan Toney. His contract runs to next summer. At 24 years of age he is a prodigious Championship striker, but perhaps without the class to make the top division. Should he stay at Blackburn then he is bound to be in the goals again if remaining fit, although I wouldn't be unhappy to see him snapped up by Bournemouth or Sheffield United. I'm not betting on the league winners, but my top three would be Bournemouth, Fulham and the Blades, although not necessarily in that order. I think Scott Parker to Bournemouth is a fascinating change of head coach, and one that might bring about enough for them to better last seasons playoff finish. Fulham have a strong-looking squad, headed by yer man Mitro. Despite last year's dismal Prem showing I think the Blunts still have a strong squad and a good man in Jokanovic to take the club forward. Their youth and U-23 setup is reported to be a strong one. I really don't know what to expect of West Brom under Valerien. I hope he does well, but I'm not sure how the Baggies fans will take to it if he perseveres with his 'pragmatic' style. Whatever, he is a good bloke and I wish him well. As for the Reds, surely we know better than to make any predictions, don't we?
Collins at Cardiff must be in with a decent chance of being up there. His goals to games ratio at Luton has always been good and Moore could be a good provider. 33/1 ew for first four May mean you have a good shout for most of the season
If we get off to a decent start, I can see us finishing in the top 24. If not, it could be the bottom 24. That's the best I can do.
After looking at the offered odds for promotion and relegation, the bookies (!) have us to finish round about 10th. I certainly would be happy at that.
Mitrovic is very much a confidence player. I honestly think it could take him a while go get firing again. Armstrong seems to score, even when Blackburn are in a shocking vein of form, so I think he's a very good bet.
Not likely to start every game for them, though. Kieffer Moore himself would be a decent bet. SkyBet have Morris at 25/1, but Woodrow at 66/1. I would've thought Woodrow would start more games, and still be on penalty duty. He might be a decent each way bet.
If you'd seen my form at Goodwood this week you'd run a mile from anything I put up! However, on a very cursory glance at the card at Donny: 1.45 Mount Rainier [For in-form trainer Richard Hannon. Won LTO in a good time.] 2.20 - [Too difficult and nothing stands out.] 2.55 Poet Of Life [By Frankel, but may be too short to back!] 3.30 Dawaam [Has some good form in more competitive events.] 4.02 - [Too hard.] 4.37 Ubahaa [For the Gosdens and the ever-reliable Dane O'Neill.] Hope one or more of those can oblige mate!
Swansea have lost their manager Top scorer Ayew has left. Loan signings Woodman Guehi Hourihane have left Roberts out injured until October Grimes was set to join Fulham. Watford also look to be in for him. Parachute payments ended. No manager/coach.
My 3 for the drop are- Derby County (karma) Reading (squad of just 17 first team players and under an embargo) Blackpool (step up in quality may be too much for them)