Spreadwise: football spread betting tips for the 2019-20 season

Sporting Index's Premier League points quotes are remarkably similar to Racing Post Sport's projected 1-20, leaving little wiggle room for worthwhile wagers.

The expectation of Wolves at 50.5-52 is arguably the biggest bone of contention as Wanderers fully deserved to finish seventh in last season's Premier League, picking up 57 points.

• Premier League title contenders

They have been patient/slow in the transfer market, depending on your point of view, but centre-back Jesus Vallejo is a step in the right direction and others are set to follow the Real Madrid loanee to Molineux.

Super agent Jorge Mendes works closely with Wanderers so expect them to get more deals done before the end of the transfer window as Nuno looks to build a squad capable of competing on domestic and European fronts.

There's no immediate need to buy but consider Wolves as an option if they bring in much-needed reinforcements to a thin squad.

The Sky Bet Championship offers a greater option to profit with a buy of Preston's points at 63.

North End would need to improve by two points on last term's 61 to break even, something which looks well within their compass given that Alex Neil's side were decimated by injuries for much of last season's mid-table campaign.

Neil was also strongly linked with a switch to West Brom before eventually signing a new three-year contract at Deepdale which is potentially a tip in itself as he spoke of bringing Premier League football to Preston.

"The players understand my thoughts about them and they know how much I believe in them and what I think they can achieve here," he said after turning down the Baggies.

Preston had three poor spells in 2018-19. They started with three points from ten matches, then collected two points in five games either side of Christmas before losing six of their last eight once the playoffs were out of reach.

• Championship title contenders

Otherwise, North End beat champions Norwich at home, drew twice with Aston Villa and claimed four points from Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest.

Neil is blessed with a decent defence and a fine midfield where the trio of Ben Pearson, Paul Gallagher and Alan Browne are among the best in the division.

Callum Robinson has departed for Sheffield United – and Preston have left the number-seven shirt vacant with the aim to bring in a winger or forward – but Dave Nugent returns to boost the striking ranks.

Billy Bodin is also one of the many players to come off the treatment table. It's only logical to expect improvement from January signings Jayden Stockley and Brad Potts as they were adjusting to new surroundings, and Preston's nice link-up with Manchester City also offers a chance for a late-season loan gem.

• League One title contenders

Portsmouth and Peterborough would be the two against the field in League One, although both earn plenty of respect from Sporting.

A buy of Posh at 72 looks a no-brainer after finishing with 72 points last season and clearly improving for the signings of Frankie Kent, Mark Beevers, George Boyd, Dan Butler, Christy Pym, Niall Mason and Mo Eisa.

However, they massively overachieved on expected goals at times last term so buyers should tread carefully.

Stevenage's likely stumble in League Two has not escaped the notice of Sporting, unfortunately.

• League Two title contenders

Loan star Ilias Chair scored some sensational goals and his ability will be sorely missed for an otherwise ordinary side who will do well to get anywhere near last season's 70-point tally.

Sporting quote Boro's points at 60-62 which is probably about right.

Recommendation
Buy Preston points
at 63 Sporting Index

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