The 5 Best Premier League Finishes By Newly Promoted Clubs

Securing promotion to the Premier League is the dream for every Championship club at the start of each season but only three clubs can reach the promised land each year.

However, records show that only 50% of promoted clubs manage to avoid relegation in their first season in England’s top flight. That in itself shows the gulf in class between the Premier League and the Championship.

Best Promoted Clubs:

  1. Newcastle United – 3rd in 1993/94
  2. Nottingham Forest – 3rd in 1994/95
  3. Blackburn Rovers – 4th in 1992/93
  4. Ipswich Town – 5th in 2000/01
  5. Sunderland – 7th in 1999/00

As the Big 6 have strengthened their grip on the Premier League in recent times, promoted clubs have failed to compete at the top of the table.

Without further ado, it is time to look at the best performing promoted clubs. Could one of the 2020/21 Premier League promoted sides challenge to break into these rankings?

5) Sunderland

Having secured one of the best ever Championship seasons, Sunderland were expected to do reasonably well under manager Peter Reid in the Premier League.

But the Black Cats exceeded all expectations as they finished seventh – four places clear of arch rivals Newcastle United. The likes of Kevin Kilbane and Steve Bould played key roles for Sunderland having joined the club ahead of 1999/00.

Kevin Phillips was outstanding, notching an incredible 30 Premier League goals to finish as the league’s top scorer. In addition, his tally was enough to ensure that he became the first Englishman to win the European Golden Boot award.

4) Ipswich Town

One year after Sunderland’s exploits, Ipswich went even better. The Tractor Boys were the surprise package in their debut campaign, finishing fifth despite making a limited number of changes to the squad.

Richard Wright and Titus Bramble went on to enjoy solid Premier League careers but it was Marcus Stewart’s 19 goals that really helped Ipswich to climb the table.

Incredibly, Ipswich finished the campaign just four points behind second-placed Arsenal. It was an astonishing achievement given the club’s stature but the Tractor Boys failed to cope with qualifying for the UEFA Cup as they were relegated in 2001/02.

3) Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn earned promotion despite finishing as low as sixth in the second tier. However, Rovers saved their best form for the postseason and it was enough to go up to the Premier League.

Club owner Jack Walker moved to invest heavily in the club, bringing in the likes of Graeme Le Saux and Stuart Ripley. However, Alan Shearer was the biggest draw of all.

Shearer missed half the season but notched 16 goals in 21 matches to help Blackburn to fourth in the table. While Rovers missed out on Europe, they more than made up for it by winning the Premier League title two years later.

2) Nottingham Forest

Forest defied the odds to finish third in 1994/95 – which still ranks as the joint-best finish for a newly promoted side from the Championship. Having been relegated two years earlier, most fans expected Forest to struggle.

The City Ground faithful saw Forest hit the ground running straight away, avoiding defeat in 11 consecutive matches. Stan Collymore scored 22 goals as Forest qualified for Europe, an impressive haul that earned him a move to Liverpool.

With Collymore gone, Forest failed to hit those lofty heights again. The two-time European champions will be a popular pick in 2020/21 Championship betting odds.

1) Newcastle United

Newcastle earned respect from Premier League fans for their efforts in 1993/94, with Kevin Keegan’s men given the nickname ‘The Entertainers’.

Having finished clear as second tier champions, the Magpies were optimistic of avoiding relegation in the Premier League but nobody expected Newcastle to finish third in the table after a fantastic campaign – particularly in the final third.

Peter Beardsley and Andy Cole formed one of the Premier League’s most dangerous striker partnerships, scoring a combined 55 goals that season. Keegan’s men broke a number of club records and will be remembered for their entertaining style.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Charles Dharapak / AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 23rd August 2020

August 23, 2020
Premier League

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
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Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

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Ranking The Top 10 Most Exciting Fighters In Boxing

Boxing is one of the toughest sports on the planet. Not for the faint hearted, you have to be made of pretty stern stuff to engage in physical combat in the boxing ring.

Only the best fighters will go on to achieve greatness in the sport, though some fighters are determined to put on a show while going about their business.

Most Exciting Fighters In Boxing:

  1. Tyson Fury

  2. Vasyl Lomachenko

  3. Saul Canelo Alvarez

  4. Naoya Inoue

  5. Katie Taylor

  6. Oleksandr Usyk

  7. Manny Pacquiao 

  8. Terence Crawford

  9. Dillian Whyte

  10. Artur Beterbiev

You can be a great champion without putting on a show. The likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Wladimir Klitschko were ruthless but neither fighter stood out for entertainment value.

Here, we have a go at ranking the 10 most exciting fighters in boxing. If you want to be on the edge of your seat while boxing betting, these are the fighters to follow.

10 - Artur Beterbiev

Now 34 years old, Beterbiev has dominated the light heavyweight division for some time. Since claiming the IBF world title in 2017, Beterbiev has dealt with each challenge thrown his way.

Although not the most technical boxer in the world Beterbiev is incredibly powerful and his 100% win by knockout rate puts him in an elite group of fighters.

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Beterbiev showed his class when beating the undefeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk last year – a victory that confirmed his status as the best light heavyweight in boxing.

9 - Dillian Whyte

With 18 of his 29 wins coming by way of knockout, Whyte is certainly capable of producing a highlight reel moment for heavyweight boxing fans.

In play betting odds had Whyte as the clear favourite against Alexander Povetkin before the Russian landed a stunning uppercut to claim victory. At heavyweight level, that is always the risk.

However, Whyte can avenge that defeat with success in the rematch. The wait for a world title fight goes on but Whyte remains one of the biggest power punches in boxing.

8 - Terence Crawford

For the boxing purist, Crawford is arguably the most technical boxer in the world. With fast hands, intelligent thinking and reliable defence, Crawford is an exceptional fighter.

Crawford has been there and done it all in three different weight classes. While you could claim that Crawford has yet to fight a superstar, he is still very exciting in the ring.

Should Crawford, unbeaten in 36 professional fights, beat Manny Pacquiao or Errol Spence Jr in the near future, he may rank even higher on boxing lists in the future.

7 - Manny Pacquiao

A true legend of the game, Pacquiao has been around for longer than any of his rivals on this list. If you want to learn more about boxing, watch Pacquiao’s fights.

Pacquiao has won a world title in eight different weight classes over the years and he is still one of the most consistent fighters around, even at 41 years old.

According to reports, Pacquiao could be set to take on four-weight champion Mikey Garcia next year and that would be a mouth-watering bout for boxing fans around the world.

6 - Oleksandr Usyk

Having turned professional in 2013, Usyk has gone from strength to strength in recent years and dominated the cruiserweight division – winning his first world title in his 10th bout.

Usyk decided to make the step up to heavyweight after unifying the division in 2018 though he has made just one appearance in the ring since then.

The Ukrainian oozes confidence and cruises through his fights before landing a devastating combination quick as a flash. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Usyk competing for the world heavyweight title in the near future.

5 - Katie Taylor

Taylor has helped to put women’s boxing on the map and the Irish fighter is a destructive figure in the sport. At the time of writing, she has a 16-0 record with six knockouts.

Already the undisputed world lightweight champion, Taylor has achieved greatness during her professional career. However, she is targeting more success in the coming years.

Keep an eye out for Taylor in sports betting odds ahead of her next bout. She is regarded as the best female boxer on the planet and the sky is the limit.

4 - Naoya Inoue

Inoue has been involved in some fantastic fights throughout his career, none more so than the 2019 Fight of the Year contender with Nonito Donaire.

Some way clear as the best bantamweight boxer on the planet, Inoue has fans on the edge of his seat whenever he steps foot in the ring. He is an absolute joy to watch.

Now promoted by Top Rank, Inoue will be fighting in the United States of America in the near future. A move up to the next weight class could be on the cards…

3 - Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez

Canelo has fought some of the greatest fighters in modern times, defeating the likes of Miguel Cotto and Daniel Jacobs. Oh, and he also claimed victory against Gennady Golovkin in one of the best fights in boxing history.

The only loss on his record came against the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr though many believe that bout came too soon for Canelo. The Mexican was just 23 years old.

Alvarez defies logic with his performances in the ring – he is the super middleweight master but could arguably defeat anyone at middleweight and light heavyweight.

2 - Vasyl Lomachenko

Widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, Lomachenko has taken his game to new heights since turning professional in 2013.

Hailed for being one of the greatest ever amateurs, Lomachenko won gold at the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012 – and he is now the king of the lightweight division.

In terms of athleticism, Lomachenko is up there with the best in the business and he rarely makes a mistake. A real expert of his trade, Lomachenko always puts on a show.

1 - Tyson Fury

Lomachenko comes close to top spot but Fury’s comedy value puts him clear as the most entertaining fighter in boxing. From press conferences to in-ring antics, Fury is an iconic figure in the sport.

Responsible for some of the greatest boxing quotes, Fury has defied the odds throughout his career but he is now back to being at the top of the heavyweight division.

While some would argue that there is no room for showboating in boxing, Fury has the tactical nous and physical strength to pull it off.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Adam Hunger, Archivo / AP Photo*

 

August 23, 2020
Boxing

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
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Leeds United Transfer News: Leeds Target Eze On The Move

QPR star Eberechi Eze has been linked with Leeds in the past and the latest Leeds United transfer news features a major update on his future.

Eze was left out of QPR’s matchday squad for their Saturday friendly with AFC Wimbledon, following the match, QPR boss Mark Warburton suggested Eze could be on the move in the not too distant future.

Warburton said, “He’s a QPR player but there are a few bits and pieces going on.”

Back in July it was reported by The Sun that Leeds were interested in Eze. According to reports, Leeds told QPR in January they would make a bid of around £20 million in the summer if they got promoted.

With their Premier League status secure, Leeds are one of several clubs keen on Eze.

Tottenham and fellow newly promoted side Fulham have both been featured in Eze transfer news this summer. Fulham, per Sky Sports, are the most likely team to meet QPR’s valuation.

Warburton did not mention which teams have been in touch, but he implied there could be movement in the next few days.

The QPR manager said: “We look after all of our players. It was the right decision [not to play him] today and we’ll see what happens in the coming days.”

Gerrard Gives Leeds Hope Of Signing Kent

With a £10 million bid rejected in the week, Leeds’ hopes of signing Rangers winger Ryan Kent took a major blow. Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was clear about his plans to retain the former Liverpool speedster.

This saga took another twist with Gerrard giving the impression that Kent has a release clause.

The former England international said, as reported by Leeds Live, said, “Every player has different things in their contracts, that's just the way it is.

"Negotiations take place between each individual and the club and it's not my place to divulge what is in an individual's contract."

Gerrard continued, mentioning that Kent’s future will ‘probably be taken out of his hands’.

Marcelo Bielsa has been desperately looking to add more wing options to his squad, and it appears Leeds have a clear path to signing Kent if they choose to.

Rodrigo Keen On Elland Road

As reported here a couple of days ago, Leeds are interested in Valencia striker Rodrigo.

Highly regarded football journalist Guillem Balague reported on his YouTube channel that Rodrigo is open to the possibility of a move to Elland Road according to HITC.

Balague became the latest person to praise Leeds’ work in transfer market saying, “I’m sure the wages Leeds could offer would match and improve the ones from Valencia.

"For Leeds it makes complete sense – intelligent, hard worker, desiring the success of the collective. We will have to keep an eye on it. We are still in the early stages in terms of club conversations.”

He added that ‘Rodrigo likes the idea of Leeds’. The Spaniard would certainly be an exciting addition to the Leeds squad and bring crucial versatility in the final third.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*

 

 

August 23, 2020
News
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Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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Leeds United Transfer News: Rafael Leao Linked With Elland Road Switch

One of Leeds’ main transfer targets has been compared to two of the greatest players of the modern era. Rafael Leao, who featured in yesterday’s Leeds United transfer news, is one of several strikers linked with Leeds.

Both Milan’s head coach Stefano Pioli and director Paolo Maldini have heaped praise on the Portuguese starlet with the pair clearly desperate to keep him at the club.

Pioli has claimed Leao has ‘incredible potential’ and he’s clearly a key player as Milan look to return to the top of Italian football. If Leeds do pursue a move for 21-year-old, he won’t be cheap.

Leao has drawn comparisons with both Ronaldos from his former Sporting coach who deemed him better as a youngster than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Of all the players linked with Leeds, few are as exciting as Leao, but it will take something special for Milan to let him go.

Merson Urges Leeds To Replace Bamford

Paul Merson is worried about Leeds’ ability to avoid relegation if they don’t sign a striker. Writing in his column for the Daily Star, Merson had greater faith in Fulham staying up than he does in Leeds.

Merson said, “It’s Leeds I worry about if they don’t sign a striker. I don’t see how they survive. I don’t see Patrick Bamford scoring the goals Mitrovic will.”

Luckily for Leeds fans, the latest transfer news suggests Marcelo Bielsa is doing all he can to bolster his goal scoring options for the upcoming campaign.

Merson clearly thinks a new centre forward should be of the utmost priority of the Yorkshire-based club, adding: “If Leeds can get a top quality forward, they might be okay. But that’s where Fulham have such an advantage.”

Patrick Bamford was Leeds’ top scorer in the Championship with 16 goals, but he missed a lot of good opportunities. No other player in the Leeds squad reached double figures.

Former England Star Excited By Leeds Plans

Former England striker Darren Bent has been very impressed with Leeds’ transfer plans.

Bent believes Leeds are short creativity at the moment, and could do with bolstering that area of the squad. He sees Ryan Kent as an ideal signing after Leeds had a £10 million bid rejected on Friday.

Bent said, “He’s certainly got that Ryan Kent and I understand what Bielsa’s doing. I really like what Bielsa’s doing – he’s identifying his squad, he knows his squad’s very good but they need more and I really like what he’s doing there.”

Kent has already found the net twice for Rangers in the first four matches of the Scottish Premiership season and has been a crucial player for the Glaswegian club.

Steven Gerrard doesn’t want to sell, but there’s likely plenty more to come in this transfer saga.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*

August 22, 2020
News
Body

Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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