It has been a tough season for Middlesbrough fans. The dismal run in November and December really put a dampener on automatic promotion hopes and, even with the good form shown in recent weeks, it is clear that the only hope of getting back to the Premier League lies in the Playoffs.
Most punters would have lost a few quid backing Boro throughout the season, with plenty of slip ups occurring just when you thought they were getting things together. They are currently priced at 5/1 with William Hill to win promotion (via the Playoffs) and, while that looks like good value, many fans will want to swerve it lest they ‘jinx’ Pulis and his men.
In respect of that, here are some shrewd UK football bets for the remainder of the season. To get even more bang for your buck, check out the latest offers from Free Bets UK, who will give you the whole scoop on free bets for the remainder of the domestic season.
West Ham to get relegated, 9/4, Bet365
West Ham are in all kinds of trouble at the moment. Not only have the fans turned on the club’s owners, but they also find themselves just three points above the relegation zone. It is Crystal Palace who currently occupy 18th position, but, crucially, they have a much kinder run-in than West Ham. The Hammers will face Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, over the next few weeks. Palace have only one fixture against a Big 6 club (Liverpool at home). David Moyes’ have been awful in recent weeks, getting hammered by Burnley at home and shipping four goals to Swansea. They have relegation written all over them.
Blackburn to win League One, 7/4, 188Bet
Blackburn are five points clear from Wigan at the top of League One. But, before you rush to back them, it must be noted that Wigan have three games in hand thanks to their FA Cup exploits. Still, while you would expect Wigan to make up some of the shortfall, Blackburn have really been impressive in recent weeks. Both sides look a lock to get promoted to the Championship (let’s hope Middlesbrough don’t meet them there), but it is Blackburn who look in slightly better shape for the run-in. Those odds are pretty generous for a side that, on paper, looks to be the division’s best.
Celtic to win the Scottish FA Cup, 11/10, 10Bet
They have the SPL title already in the bag (more or less) and the League Cup was won some time ago, so now it is just up to Celtic to bag the FA Cup to make it second treble in two seasons. They are almost untouchable in Scotland, overcoming closest rivals Rangers 3-2 recently despite playing with 10 men for a third of the match. Some bookmakers are as low as 8/15 for Celtic to win the FA Cup before they kick off their semi-final against Rangers. It looks inevitable and it is hard to believe that 10Bet have gone odds-against.