Blackpool Odds On To Finish Bottom

When every Premiership season starts, the smart money is on promoted clubs going straight back to the Championship, just as Burnley did last season. However, Hull City defied those predictions and managed two campaigns in the top flight.

There is an extraordinary uniformity in the views of the leading bookmakers about the prospects for Blackpool as they become the 44th team to appear in the Premier League. Not only are the Tangerines rated likely to go back down, they are also odds-on with nearly every firm to finish in last position.

Most of the main players have Ian Holloway's club at 4/5 or 10/11  to occupy 20th position in May- only Eurosport Bet give them an even chance of avoiding the cellar.

Along with the written comments of journalists, these opinions should give the ultra-positive Holloway all the ammunition he needs to stoke up the fires in the Blackpool dressing room.

Blackpool have a desperately difficult opening to the season; their early away fixtures are as difficult as they can be, so some early form at Bloomfield Road (when ready) is essential.

For positive vibes from recent seasons, Ian Holloway can take heart from the first season efforts of Wigan and Hull City, two other Premiership first timers who were expected to struggle.

On a more pessimistic note, there are the experiences of Watford and Derby; neither side ever looked like finishing anywhere other than in bottom slot during their seasons in 2006/07 and 2007/08 respectively.

Blackpool to finish bottom;

Bet 365 10/11

Ladbrokes 10/11

Coral 5/6

William Hill 4/5

Bwin 9/10

Eursport Bet  evens