Bookies split on Howe Eddie's men will do
BOURNEMOUTH were effectively promoted to the Premier League after they beat Bolton 3-0 at Dean Court on Monday.
Marc Pugh, Matt Ritchie and Callum Wilson were on target for Eddie Howe’s men, who are second in the Championship and three points clear of Middlesbrough going into the final round of fixtures with a superior goal difference of 19.
Betfair rate Bournemouth 3-1 to win the Championship, but leaders Watford remain red-hot 2-7 favourites, while bookmakers are split on how the Cherries will get on in their debut Premier League campaign.
Ladbrokes are most bullish, rating Howe’s men 4-6 to stay up and 11-10 to be relegated, while bet365 also expect the Dorset outfit more likely to survive by offering 8-11 they stay up and evens for a swift demotion.
However, Hills go 4-6 the Cherries are relegated and Coral are even more pessimistic with a quote of 8-13. Those who fancy Bournemouth to stay up should head to Coral, who are a best-priced 6-5.
Howe’s men are 12-1 with Coral to land a top-half finish and 8-11 to accumulate at least 36 points which looks well within their capabilities.
They have an excellent and ambitious manager in club legend Howe, a technical team who play tremendous football and don’t lack for financial backing either.
Bet365 rate Bournemouth and Watford 7-2 to be relegated which suggests both clubs can be optimistic ahead of their step up the ladder and the quality of the duo means the bottom half of the Premier League have every right to be concerned about their top-flight status next term.
