AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY:SEASON WINNER: BETTING OVERVIEW- ODDS AND PREDICTIONS

The 2010 Aviva Premiership is shaping up to be as competitive as it has been in a long, long time. It has to be noted, that the new sponsors of the Premiership are Aviva who replace Guinness. This transition might prove confusing to a few first up, however it’s something we will all have to deal withWith the Leicester Tigers largely tipped as favourites to add yet another trophy to the cabinet, one feels that the bookies and general public have perhaps made their assumptions somewhat prematurely.Leicester are clear favourites boasting a world-class line up including Dan Hipkiss, as well as game maker Toby Flood. The defending champions who won both the regular season league, as well as the knock out Grand Final, last season are a serious force to be reckoned with, both up front as well as in the backline. With the Tigers having finished top for the fourth time in five years, William Hill have them set at 3.25 to triumph again, with Betfair slightly ahead of the game at 3.3Coming in closely behind are Northampton Saints, who boast yet another well rounded team, including the likes of ex-Springbok Brian Mujati and probable England regular Chris Ashton in the backc. With that said Betfair are placing Northampton second  at 4.3, with Bluequare offering a slightly more liberal 4.5 Although he will be closely marked  this year,  Ashton is a worthy 6.5 paddy power favourite to be top try scorer in the league once again.Close on their heels, and rightly so are Bath. Bath for the past few seasons have always been there, or thereabout, however one would not put it past this star studded side finally proving their worth. With names like Watson and Dixon boosting a sold scrum, and ex nationals Butch James and Olly Barkley attacking from the back, one would be hard pressed to think that this side does not have the capability to this year challenge for the title. I feel that this is the dark horse of the table...and a sold bet at 4.5 on both William Hill, as well as Betfair.Saracens make for an interesting read at betfair odds of 7.2, and an even 8.0 on Bluesquare. Saracens are a class outfit including numerous expat South African nationals in the class of Schalk Brits, Derick Hougaard and Justin Melck. Although heavily losing the season opener a week ago, this set up will bounce back and provide a serious threat to the title. They are a good long shot at 7.2 on Betfair...watch out for this one...it could be lucrativeLondon Wasps and London Irish although recognised brands, just don’t seem to possess the necessary firepower to bring the league home. Wasps are rank outsiders at 16.0, while the Exiles are registered at 11.0. Interestingly, Wasps wing Tom Varndell is being tipped at second favourite to end top try scorer for the season at 8.5, having just scored his 50th premiership try of the league last week. London Irish winger Sailosi Tagicakibau finds himself at the top end of the try scoring predictions at an enticing, yet totally conceivable, 13.0Gloucester, Harlequins and Sale Sharks are even further down the ladder, also not quite harbouring the firepower necessary to challenge the top four. All in all any one of these teams is awesome on their day, and although possessing great historical value, have yet to underline their intentions within the current league set up.  Betfair rank Gloucester as a long shot at 22.0, with a massive spread for Harlequins at 32 even.Newcastle and Leeds are given very little chance. Based on previous year’s performances, coupled with a whole host of individuals increasing their attention to the League format, a proud history of Union seems somewhat uncertain, with the odds reflecting just that. Betfair put Newcastle at 130.0, with Leeds an even more optimistic 150.And so we reach the dreaded bottom half. Simply put...if you have money to throw at this lot, you truly are a person that believes in the underdog. The league welcomes Championship winners, Exeter into the top flight for the first time, but it is clear at the outset that they will be up against it to be staying up at Betfair odds of 250.0.Interestingly...and again this might only interest the true long-shot individual...odds on Exeter are all over the place, going as far as Paddypower putting Exeter at 301.0 to win the season, and an unvelievable 500.0 to win the Grand Final.Much like the Premier League football, this league will be dominated by the ‘Top 4’. Leicester will look to close off all opposition from the get-go, however there were glimpses in the opening weekend that all is not set in stone. Bath are a class outfit, and Saracens will desperately want to be dropping the ‘choking’ tag that seems to be hounding them. This season will be tighter than last, yet will still be dominated by an elite few with Bath being my pick of the lot.