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Ollie’s predictions
- Updated: August 3, 2016
Fresh from predicting the outright table, Ian Holloway is back to give us his views ahead of the big EFL kick-off.
Fulham v Newcastle, Friday, Sky Sports 1, 7pm
I can’t wait for the first ball to be kicked this season. Let’s be honest, the Euros were so boring. I turned the TV off in the final when Cristiano Ronaldo came off injured – it just wasn’t my kind of football.
And what better way to start than with the team everyone is talking about.
Newcastle could blow this league wide apart. There seems a strong unity there between the owners, Rafa Benitez and the supporters – that’s pretty unusual after a relegation. They’ve made some incredible and smart signings and lads like Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie and Grant Hanley will be raring to go.
Fulham look in trouble here. They’re losing their best players: Moussa Dembele and now Ross McCormack – I’m fearful for them. I’m sure Newcastle will be a very popular bet.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-3 (14/1 with Sky Bet)
QPR v Leeds, Sunday, Sky Sports 1, 12pm
The future of Leeds United is Garry Monk. If he is given the freedom to inject the same philosophy he used at Swansea, then Leeds could have a magnificent season.
He has a fantastic ability to educate players about how to pass and play. I’m sure the Leeds players will enjoy his methods – can they get off to a winning start? It will be tough as QPR have only lost three games at home in 2016 and two of those were against teams that won promotion (Hull and Middlesbrough).
I was hoping QPR were going to sign some goalscorers in the summer, but it seems the threat of a big fine from FFP (Financial Fair Play) means money is tight. I think the club need to come out and keep the supporters in the loop regarding budgets, then expectations would be more realistic and the fans won’t get on Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s back if they lose a few games.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
Sheffield Wednesday v Aston Villa, Sunday, Sky Sports 1, 4.30pm
There is a feel-good factor …
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