What word starts with "pro", ends with "ive", and means generally-accepted or -expected [closed]

Solution 1:

Probably prospective:

• Likely or expected to happen.

• of or concerned with or related to the future; "prospective earnings, "a prospective candidate.

• "prospective Democratic front-runner"

Solution 2:

As Papa Poule wrote in a comment, prohibitive is exactly the right word:

So likely to win as to discourage competition. [thefreedictionary.com]

This is precisely what the reporter meant to say, and conveys the meaning exactly.

Solution 3:

Presumptive:

1. based on probability or presumption
2. giving grounds for reasonable opinion or belief

Edit: just saw the comment above.