Three Premier League teams are dropping down to the second tier and all will be familiar to followers of the Championship. Watford and Norwich City reappear after just one season back in the top flight while Burnley are returning after a lengthier absence.
The clear objective for all three clubs is an instant promotion. Financial issues may be eased by parachute payments but that only helps for a certain amount of time. They should all make a challenge but it’s Watford who are more widely tipped to get back into the Premier League at the end of next season.
Hornets Buzzing
The neutral verdict shows Watford as clear favourites in the early promotion betting markets for the 2022/23 season. According to the best football betting sites in India and beyond, the Hornets lead the way, with Norwich City in second place.
The big surprise for many sees Burnley down as sixth favourites to be promoted next term. Ahead of the Clarets are West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough. The odds are supplied via sources affiliated with Asiabet and they are subject to change ahead of the big kick off.
Once the season gets underway, they will switch to the live markets where the panel of recommended bookmakers will update the prices as the season develops. While on the Asiabet site, visitors can also take in sportsbook reviews along with news and opinion pieces.
If any of those sportsbooks appeal, it’s possible to register directly. Following a swift and secure signup process, it’s easy to bet directly in those football markets. Most bookmakers also have a generous welcome promotion in position while there is a set of deposit methods where the necessary funds can be added.
Once the account is confirmed and the welcome bonus has been used, there may be ongoing promotions, plus mobile betting and the option for staking on a wide set of other sports. It’s the place to be in terms of Championship football betting but have the bookmakers got it right with their assessment of Watford?
New Manager Bounce?
To date, only Watford have moved to replace the manager that took them down from the Premier League. Perhaps that isn’t surprising for a club that has had 12 men in charge over the last five years.
The history book tells us that head coaches don’t stay at Vicarage Road too long so the pressure is on the new man Rob Edwards. As a young manager who took Forest Green to the League Two Championship last season, big things are expected of the 39-year-old.
Edwards should provide a boost and some new energy into the Watford squad. The phenomenon of a new manager ‘bounce’ could just be a myth but clearly he is pivotal to the Hornets’ chances of success next season.
Key Players
As is common for a relegated team, goals were hard to come by for Watford last term. The club’s leading scorer was Emmanuel Dennis whose return of ten goals in 33 games was relatively healthy when put into a relegation context.
Nigerian international striker Dennis was only signed from Club Brugge last June and, if he is happy to stay at Vicarage Road, he could be exceptionally prolific in the second tier.
Strike partner Josh King was more of a disappointment. The experience of a 30-year-old who had been a regular scorer for Bournemouth in the EPL, should have brought a better return than five goals in 32 matches.
There are important players in other areas of the pitch, but goals win games and, if King and Dennis can thrive in the Championship, Watford should be a strong option for promotion.
Transfer Targets
Like all clubs, Watford have been linked with a number of transfer targets this summer. Midfield may be a key area with rumours of departures from within the current squad.
Included among the reports are links with Derby County‘s Tom Lawrence and Wigan‘s Will Keane. Both men are forwards and their goals would be useful but the Hornets may have needs elsewhere.
Whatever happens, it’s going to be an important summer for Watford as they aim to justify their positions as favourites for promotion.
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