Premiership - Saturday 13th August 2011

Blackburn (11/10) v Wolves (11/4)

A lot has changed since these teams fought each other for survival on the final day of last season and odds against quotes make no appeal about Blackburn, who have a lot of issues. Wolves have more than enough talent to stay up with a bit in hand this season and look to have a terrific chance on the handicap.

Advice: 3 pts Wolves +1 (4/5 Skybet)

Liverpool (11/20) v Sunderland (7/1)

There seems to be boundless optimism at Anfield with a stack of new singings in midfield brining out real hope of a top 4 and even a title challenge for Liverpool. Sunderland will represent stiff opposition and the hosts’ opening day record isn’t the greatest, so quotes of 11/4 for a one goal win are of interest if the 4/7 is too short to take.  

Advice: 1 pt Liverpool  to win by one goal (13/5 Bet365)

Wigan (6/5) v Norwich (11/4)

It’s scarcely believable that Wigan, who escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last year, have lost Charles N’Zogbia to Aston Villa during the summer, and lost five of six in their past curtain raisers in the top flight, are a best priced 6/5 to beat Norwich, who scored a large amount of goals in the Championship last season and were deserving runners up. That said, Norwich don’t start too fast either and if there’s to be a goal in this game then it could take some time.

Advice: 1 pt First goal to come after 25 mins (10/11 Paddy Power)

QPR (7/5) V Bolton (23/10)

The fortunes of promoted teams over the last few seasons have been more than fair and it’s not hard to imagine them having a successful season this time round. QPR are no exception and the addition of DJ Campbell is a timely one and this side always looked too good for the Championship. Visitors Bolton are in all reality a far better outfit but with Daniel Sturridge no longer at the club,  Johan Elmander having left for Galatasaray in May, Stuart Holden still on the treatment table, and both new recruit Tyrone Mears and key midfielder Lee Chung-Yong to broken legs, they look there for the taking.

Advice: 1 pt QPR (7/5 Blue Sq)

Fulham (6/5) v Aston Villa (11/4)

The tightest game of the day bar none. Aston Villa are have won four of their last six August encounters but the two losses came away from home, as did many of their defeats last season. Fulham are likely to be fit from the Europa League preliminary rounds but the draw might be the value call in what’s likely to be very much an “introduction” game for the two teams.

Advice: 1 pt Draw (12/5 SkyBet)