Most gamblers are reluctant to part with their money for nearly a year for a potentially modest profit so when assessing some of the long-term bets for next year's football season, we're very much looking for value. In 2012/13 one of the trends that emerged was the gap in finances (Everton aside) between the top 7 and the rest being very much reflected on the league table. 7th placed Liverpool finished 12 points ahead of West Brom in 8th while the Baggies were only 10 points better than Sunderland just outside of the relegation zone. This suggests that the gap in quality between those clubs outside of the elite is relatively small.
So when looking for a team to finish in the top 10 in the Premier League in 2013/14, a world-beater is not required. Newly promoted West Ham finished in tenth last term with only 46 points and we think Cardiff can follow in their footsteps. Malky Mackay's men won the Championship comfortably last year and have already made some ambitious moves in the transfer market to add to an already decent squad that including captain Mark Hudson, Peter Whittingham and of course, Craig Bellamy. Very promising Danish striker Andreas Cornelius has been signed from Copenhagen for £8 Million and Thomas Ince is very close to signing for the same price from Blackpool. The Bluebirds reportedly have given up on signing Victor Wanyama from Celtic but a £10 Million bid shows their financial muscle. It also suggests there will be more highly priced additions and that 7/1 in Ladbrokes about them finishing in the top ten next season is worth a punt.
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