Firms forecasting struggle

TIPSTERS are lining up to predict doom and gloom for Athletic in 2015-16

Online betting experts We Love Betting have Darren Kelly’s side finishing in the highest of the relegation spots, 21st. Four Four Two magazine predicts a similarly dismal season, leaving the club 22nd.

Predictions are partly based on manager Kelly being an unknown quantity - but also on the lack of form towards the back end of last season.

Under the stewardship of Dean Holden, who was forced to deal with a barrage of injuries, Athletic collected only three wins from 15 games.

Athletic are a best-priced 9-2 to go down and at the other end of the scale, 50-1 to win the title.

Sheffield United (9-2) are clear favourites to finish top, ahead of Wigan (13-2) and Millwall (11-1).

Peterborough — who hardly set the division alight last term - are rated fourth-favourite, which gives an indication how open the race for the top six will be.

The stand-out bet in the division is Gillingham. Under a promising boss in Justin Edinburgh, the Kent side ended last season in excellent form, picking up 38 points from the last 22 matches.

The handicap market may be the one to go for here, with Gillingham given a 20-point start to finish ahead of the respective field at odds of 18-1.

As for top scorer, Billy Sharp of Sheffield United is understandably the favourite and there are some interesting each-way shouts available.

Jonathan Forte (33-1) is the leading contender in Athletic’s squad, followed by Jake Cassidy at 80-1 and Rhys Murphy, Rhys Turner and Dominic Poleon, all 100-1..

Selections — Top-six finish: Scunthorpe (7-2, Betway) Handicap: Gillingham +20 to win title (18-1, BetFred) Top scorer, each way: Paddy Madden (25-1, SkyBet); Tom Bradshaw (20-1, BetFred); Joe Gormley (25-1, Bet365).