Clubs like Wolves and Wigan, who clung on to their seat at the top table, are the exception. Charlton, not so long ago, looked established in the Premier. This week, defeat on penalties condemned them to another season of life in League One. Look further down and you find Bradford City: 14th in League Two in 2009/10, having been a top-flight outfit less than a decade ago.
But enough of this scaremongering, because fans of both sides will not care one jot about what the future could hold if their side comes out on top at Wembley.
I nearly said the 'hallowed turf' of Wembley - but these days, that would be far too generous. Anyone who watched the FA Cup Final last week will have seen a surface that really does not befit such a great venue.
There are some that think the pitch may help Blackpool more than Cardiff, but Bluebirds manager Dave Jones has been quick to say his side cannot use the playing surface as an excuse. And anyway, Blackpool play some great football...just ask any Nottingham Forest fans.
The way Ian Holloway's side dismantled Forest was simply stunning. This was a side that had been virtually untouchable at the City Ground for months, yet the Seasiders smashed four past them.
I really do believe the force is with Holloway and his troops. They were underdogs before the Play-Offs began, and yet even such a rousing win over Forest hasn't changed that. Therefore, I urge you to take the 3.2 available to back Blackpool as I am convinced that price is just too big. Cardiff are favourites at 2.44 with the draw 3.45 to back.
I think it will be tight, though. Both games during the regular season finished 1-1, and with so much at stake it's no surprise that five of the last six finals have ended 1-0 Therefore, lay Over 2.5 goals at 2.06.
Allied to that, have a good look at a 1-0 Blackpool win in the Correct Score market, available to back at 11.5. As cover, consider backing a 1-1 draw at 7.2.
While I always felt that the Cardiff/Leicester semi-final would probably need at least extra-time to find a winner, I don't get the same sense about this one. You have to go back to 2002 to find the last time the Play-Off Final went beyond 90 minutes - and that was the only occasion there hasn't been a normal-time winner in the last 11 finals.
So, I'll be backing Blackpool to win in 90 minutes at 3.4 in the Method of Victory market - if you agree on the method but not the team, then Cardiff are 2.38 to back for a 90-minute triumph.
With a hat-trick in the semi-final second leg, DJ Campbell attracted plenty of attention and will be a standing dish for many punters in the 'To Score' market. However the striker, on loan from Leicester City, had not been overly prolific before that, and I much prefer backing Charlie Adam at around 4.0. The dominating midfield presence has netted 18 times this season and will be getting his hands on any dead-ball opportunities in (he's their penalty taker) and around the box.
Going back to the state of the pitch, that draws me to the Substitutes Used market. I can't imagine the unhelpful playing surface, the tendency for a bit of cramp, chronic time-wasting and teams chasing/defending the game won't combine to see at least four substitutions. So lay 0-3 substitutions with gusto, when the market develops a bit.
Good luck!
Best bet:
Blackpool to win in 90 minutes at 3.2
Recommended bet: Charlie Adam to score at 4.0
All bets on betfair
| 
Навигация
