Premiership 2006/2007 Betting Preview

Although it might seem like a case of tilting at windmills to suggest that the Chelsea juggernaught can be stopped in its tracks in the Premiership, if there is one side that looks capable or rustling the feathers of Abramovich's millionaire playthings it's Rafa Benitez's Liverpool side. Under the guidance of the astute Spaniard, the Reds have grown in stature over the past couple of seasons and they might just be ready to come good now and, at 8/1 with VCBet, they rate a value bet to cause an upset and be crowned champions. Pool have been something of a nemesis to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea during Benitez's tenure, eliminating the Blues form the Champions League the season before last, albeit owing to a controversial Luis Garcia goal, and they once again took the scalp of the Stamford Bridge outfit when outpointing them in the semi-final of the FA Cup in April. Obviously, the fundamental fact that they were essentially nine points adrift of Chelsea in the Premiership last season is indicative of the level of improvement they need to find in order to overhaul the reigning champions. However, Benitez has duly identified their shortcomings and the all-important pieces of the puzzle might have been put in place through the signings of Craig Bellamy and Jermaine Pennant. Firstly, Liverpool scored 15 goals less than Chelsea in the Premiership last term and although Peter Crouch made an impact eventually following an inauspicious start to his Anfield career, the Kop have incontrovertibly missed the pace of Michael Owen up front. Fernando Morientes, so impressive when with Monaco, proved a bitter disappointment in his time with the Merseyside club, compounding Rafa's firepower problems. However, the addition of the irrepressible Bellamy looks set to redress the balance. The Welshman, who has sometimes been in the headlines for the wrong reasons, is a player who fits the Owen mould, in that he has pace, skill and his movement off the ball is just as good as it is on the ball. He looks sure to fit into the Liverpool side like a glove, and it is anticipated that he and Crouch will form a formidable partnership up front, but by no means forgetting that the prodigal son, Robbie Fowler, is in the squad. Also, the right midfield conundrum is over for Rafa. Ex Arsenal and Birmingham playmaker Jermaine Pennant will give Pool the width on the right wing which they have so desperately needed - Benitez's search for a genuine right-sided midfielder had prove to be a vain pursuit, but Pennant is the remedy to the malady, and his incisive runs and accurate crosses will provide vital ammunition for Bellamy and Crouch. In addition, Rafa has shored up what was without doubt one of the best defences of last season. The likes of Fabiano Aurelio, Gabriel Paletta and Jan Kromkamp will add great strength in depth to the Liverpool ranks. Furthermore, their midfield is without doubt one of the strongest in European football. Indeed, Steven Gerrard is irrefutably one of the best central midfielders in world football, while Xabi Alonso continues to go from strength to strength, and the likes of Harry Kewell, John Arne Riise and Boudewijn Zenden add plenty of craft and collective experience to the middle of the park, Naturally, Chelsea have been busy in adding more stallions to their illustrious stable, with no less than Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko joining the ranks. The latter, who has consistently been one of the best marksmen in European football in recent years, could easily prove an instant hit on Stamford Bridge, and the brilliant Ballack has all the required attributes to make waves in the Premiership. Ballack was suffering with niggling injuries towards the end of Germany's World Cup campaign, and Frank Lampard wasn't at his best during England's foray, so the Stamford Bridge faithful will be keeping their fingers crossed that both players, who will be so crucial to Chelsea's bid for a third successive Premiership title, are back to their best for the season ahead. But, imperious tough they were overall last season, there were cracks in the armour at times. I will be interested to see how they cope against a Liverpool side that now boasts greater quality throughout the park. The Anfield outfit could lay down a marker when squaring up against Chelsea in the Community Shield and, if they lower the Blues' colours in that fixture, I am sure the 8/1 currently on offer will rapidly contract. Don't get me wrong, I know that the Community Shield isn't significant in the grand scheme of things, but make no mistake, whenever Chelsea and Liverpool locks horns both will play to win, as their is pride at stake. It would be utterly foolish to completely dismiss Arsenal and Man Utd, but both are in a development stage at present. Neither appear to possess the necessary strength in depth and overall resources required to mount a sustained challenge. Therefore, it's likely that this season's Premiership will be a duel between Chelsea and Liverpool, and the latter side are taken to roll back the years and emerge on top in what promises to be a high-octane, fascinating season in the Premiership. verdict - 2pts Liverpool @ 8/1 (VCbet)