European Leagues Preview August

There are some things in life that you don’t think you would live to see, the crumbling of the Berlin Wall, the Olympics in London and that glorious day when Westlife finally split up. Add to that list another one, 5/4 Barcelona to win the League.

Bookmakers seem convinced that the era of Barcelona dominance is over and that the Real Madrid era begins. Jose Mourinho’s men are 4/5 (general) favourites to be the Spanish Champions once more, a title they won by nine points last season. Madrid are yet to make a purchase this season, but have been heavily linked with Luka Modric who would be a great additional to an already talented midfield that features Sami Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Mezut Osil and Cristiano Ronaldo. Bodog are the firm pushing the generous 5/4 on Barcelona. True a lot of question marks exist over new manager Tito Vilanova, but he has inherited an exceptional squad with Xavi, Iniesta and the genius that is Lionel Messi. The return of front-man David Villa is a massive boost and the signing of Jordi Alba (arguably the player of the tournament in the Euros) gives the side a huge boost at the full-back slot. It promises to be another fascinating battle between these two sides again and one that could see the prices shift regularly.

Over in Italy, defending champions Juventus are 6/4 (general) champions to regain the title they won by four points last season. The Old Lady have acted quicky in the market to add to their squad with Lucio, Udinese duo Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah and Sebastian Giovinco added to the mix. The Turin side will as ever be reliant on playmaker Andrea Pirlo who had a fantastic Euros. Milan are second favourites, at 11/5 (Stan James/Bwin), and this is a reflection on the changes in their squad this summer. The San Siro giants have lost a lot of the old-timers in Nesta, Seedorf, Gattuso and Inzaghi and brought in a number of younger players. Ricardo Montolivo is probably the pick of signings in a seemingly uninspired bunch. Andy Carroll is an interesting name in the mix, but Milan have work to do if they wish to make up the ground on Juventus. Inter are 9/2 (bet365) to bounce back and should be improved, but Andrea Stramaccioni looks to still be in the early stages of his rebuilding job.

In Germany Bayern Munich are, as ever, favourites (9/10-sportingbet). The Champions League finalists have strengthened since that loss to Chelsea signing Xherdan Shaqiri, Dante, Tom Starke, Mitchell Weiser and Claudio Pizarro. Munich should be in the mix along with Dortmund who are aiming to make it three titles in a row and they are 13/8 (bet365) to do so. Dortmund lost midfielder Shinji Kagawa to Man Utd, but did sign Marco Reus who scored in the Euros for Germany.

Bookmakers do not think that Montpellier will repeat their shock French League title win of last season and make them 20/1 (sportingbet/BetVictor/188bet) for the repeat. The overwhelming favourites are PSG at 3/5 (188bet). With backing from the Qatar Investment Authority and Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout it is clear that this is a side to be watched. Argentina midfielder Ezequiel Lavezzi has already arrived from Napoli and is not expected to be their last signing of the summer. Lille at 6/1(paddy Power/Bwin) and Lyon at 9/1 (paddy Power) are expected to provide the closest competition.

More markets should become available as we edge closer to another exciting season of Football.

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13/07/2012     © Frixo 2024