Aviva Premiership Preview
Last year, under the banner of the Guinness Premiership, the Leicester Tigers claimed their second title in a row and buyers of their outright index this year will be hoping for more of the same in 2010/11. Those brave enough to buy Exeter Chiefs' outright index will be hoping the newcomers can make their presence felt early on, but they face a tricky game against Gloucester first up.
Leicester will again be a popular buy on the outright index for spread bettors considering they have been the most successful English club in the professional era. Buyers should note that the side have won the title on three occasions in the past five years. Toby Flood had a terrific last season and those looking to buy any of his player performance spreads during 2010/11 might be interested to learn that he scored 216 points last year, second in the list of total point scorers for the season.
Last year's runners-up Saracens have been hit by some recent injury news with captain Steve Borthwick and Andy Saull ruled out for the start of the campaign - that news will be well received by spread bettors selling the club's outright index spread. However, spread buyers will argue that the side have improved again over the summer by adding the likes of David Strettle to the ranks. The club also have a number of young players such as Alex Goode who promises big things this year.
Newcastle's Jimmy Gopperth was the top points scorer by three points in 2009/10 with 219, but buyers of the Falcons' outright index can expect another tough season after their ninth-place finish last term. The fly-half's kicking will be key to the Falcons' season and buyers of total points or team points in Newcastle matches throughout the season will be banking on Gopperth building on last year's form with the boot.
Spread buyers of Northampton's outright index last season will have been pleased to see the side finish second and qualify for the play-offs, although they were unable to reach the Twickenham finale. The Saints' attacking style might again tempt spread bettors to buy their total tries match spreads during the season. One player to keep an eye on will be winger Chris Ashton and buyers of his spreads such as try minutes in games this season will be delighted to know he topped the try scoring charts last season with 16.
Bath were another side that showed plenty of attacking spirit in 2009/10, finishing fourth and scoring 450 points. Buyers of their outright index will be hoping from another strong season from Matt Banahan - the winger was third in the trying scoring table with 10. However, sellers of Bath's outright index will have noted that Joe Maddock has left the club, who ran over 11 tries last year and was their top try scorer.
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