Cardiff’s Bellamy big value to break five-goal Premier League barrier

As Cardiff celebrated their promotion to the Premier League, one player it perhaps meant more to than most was boyhood Bluebirds fan Craig Bellamy.

And after playing a big part in his hometown club’s ascendency to England’s top division, Ladbrokes are now offering punters the chance to bet on Bellamy’s contribution to their maiden Premier League campaign.

8/11 is the price that he registers on less than 4.5 occasions, and Bellamy has only scored four times during this campaign, but the player’s prominence as a Welsh international has necessitated him to miss club outings amidst the ruthless nature of the Championship fixture list.

Back in the Premier League though, where matches are scheduled at a less frenetic pace, Bellamy is likely to regularly feature as a key component of Malky Mackay’s line-up, especially given his vast top-flight experience.

Therefore, at 1/1, he looks terrific value to notch at least 4.5 Premier League strikes next term, a feat he has accomplished in all his previous 10 seasons as an English top-flight performer.

Now 33, Bellamy has been forced to adapt his game in recent years, but maintains a sharp eye for goal, and has proven a deadly set-piece specialist on occasions too.

And whilst it would be inaccurate to describe the former Wales captain as a prolific goalscorer in England’s elite division, Bellamy’s average goal ratio does come close to the one in three mark.

As aforementioned, his affinity with the club will be motivation enough for the ex-Liverpool man to significantly contribute, with Bellamy already outlining his determination to end his career by ushering in a glorious new era at the Cardiff City Stadium.

A top-half finish would constitute such success, and the Bluebirds can be backed to achieve that at 6/1, whilst it is 16/1 that Bellamy contributes to a prosperous bid for European qualification next term.

Meanwhile, fans of the Championship champions elect would deem finishing above great rivals Swansea a major triumph, with 11/5 available regarding that outcome.

Alternatively, Cardiff can be backed at 8/1 to complete a league double over Michael Laudrup’s Jacks.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.