Premier League to Represent 20% of all World Cup First Game Starters

ST ALBANS, England, June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

The Premier League is set to confirm its status as the best football league in the globe by providing 20% of the 352 players starting the first round of World Cup matches.

That's the prediction from sports betting firm Spreadex, who reckon between 69 and 72 of the players starting their nation's first group games over the next six days will be from the Premier League.

That compares to a predicted 43 - 46 from the German Bundesliga, 40 - 43 from Spain's La Liga, 39 - 42 from Italy's Serie A, 20 - 23 from France's Ligue 1 and 18 - 21 from the Russian Premier League.

Traders at the bookmaker have been pouring over the statistics to create thousands of fixed odds and spread betting prices on the action from Brazil.

Spreadex spokesman Andy MacKenzie said: "At the start of the last Premier League season we correctly predicted there would be a lowest ever number of English players turning out for their clubs domestically. However it's clear to see that in terms of offering the best global talent for spectators, the Premier League is leading the way.

"For the World Cup our traders are predicting that there will be nearly twice as many players turning out for their countries from the Premier League in the opening round of fixtures than from any other world league.

"That's great news for English and Welsh-based club fans who want to watch the best footballing talent on the planet week in week out, but not so good for young English players hoping to make their way in the game and ultimately not great for the national team."

Regarding England's chances, Spreadex has seen England backed in from 28/1 to become 22/1 eighth favourites as patriotic punters back Roy Hodgson's men. However, the firm's outright World Cup Spread Betting Index, which predicts how teams will fare in the competition, suggests England will be lucky to make the quarter-finals.

MacKenzie added: "We've seen a number of clients getting behind England in the run up to the start of the tournament, but far lower numbers than for previous competitions. It seems reality is finally setting in and we've seen far more money going on Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Belgium.

"As for England's starting XI against Italy on Saturday, the consensus of opinion from our traders is that Jack Wilshere will get the nod ahead of Jordan Henderson to sit in midfield alongside Steven Gerrard, with Raheem Sterling on the right, Adam Lallana on the left and Wayne Rooney behind Daniel Sturridge.

"The back five appears to pick itself with Joe Hart in goal, Glen Johnson at right back, Leighton Baines at left back and Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill at centre back."

About Spreadex: Spreadex Ltd is a financial and sports spread betting and sports fixed odds betting firm, which specialises in the personal service and credit area. Founded in 1999, Spreadex is recognised as one of the longest established spread betting firms in the industry with a strong reputation for its high level of customer service and account management. Find out more by visiting http://www.spreadex.com/

Editor's note: In relation to spread betting, Spreadex Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Spread betting carries a high level of risk to your capital and can result in losses larger than your initial stake/deposit. It may not be suitable for everyone, so please ensure you fully understand the risks involved. In relation to fixed odds, Spreadex Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission under licence number 000-008835-R-104580-004.