Norwich (27/10) v
Everton (13/10)
An uncertain campaign lies ahead for these two clubs, with
Norwich having signed aggressively to stave off any relegation threat and
Everton have kept all of their marquee players and adding Arouna Kone and
Gerard Defoleu to the squad that finished sixth last season. Losing David Moyes
at the end of last summer has the potential to hurt the club long term, but
having kept all of their best players and bought in a very promising replacement
in Roberto Martinez, who is well equipped to play a quick, attractive style of
football similar to the one he did at Wigan with inferior players. Chris Hughton
remains at Norwich and should be delighted with the job he’s done so far,
although agrresive recruitment in the forward ranks after the bemusing sale of
Grant Holt to Wigan suggests nervousness about a poor end to last season.
Norwich were 19 points behind Everton last season but beat them here and face a side that have lost
seven of their last 10 opening day fixtures - and are currently on a run of
eight league games without a win away from Goodison Park. It could be worth
backing both teams to score here if you must have a bet, as Everton were involved
in 13 such games last year and the last three at Carrow Road have gone that
way.
Advice: 1 pt Both teams to score (5/6 Bet Victor)
Sunderland (13/10) v
Fulham (11/4)
Sunderland’s limp end to last season makes one wary of them
and despite some good business, chief amongst them the signing of Emanuel
Giaccherini from Serie A Champions Juventus, and they can’t be a strong choice
at 13/10 against Fulham, who themselves stagnated badly last campaign. Back the
draw.
Advice: 1 pt Draw (12/5 general)
West Brom (31/20) v
Southampton (21/10)
Considering that they were second favourites for the drop
last year Southampton were wonderful last year. Showing no fear of the elite,
they beat Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool all at home last year, but
also drew 15 times along the way, leaving giant scope for improvement. If asked
who will finish higher this season, I wouldn’t hesitate to say Southampton, but
at the same time they won just three times on the road last season and there
are enough question marks over this game for us to avoid this one .
Advice: No bet
West Ham (21/20) v
Cardiff (7/2)
West Ham have named a weaker side than expected for their
opener but it’s still an acid test for Cardiff and one that they may fail. The
Hammers were unbeaten at home to teams outside the top seven last season, and
can do at least as well this season than last campaign, when they finished an
admirable tenth. Cardiff have signed well, but not exceptionally and still come
to Upton Park a team with a lot to prove.
Advice: 2 pts West Ham (21/20 Bet365, Ladbrokes)
Swansea (14/5) v
Manchester United (23/20)
David Moyes couldn’t have asked for a tougher start to his
time at the United helm. Taking over from Sir Alex, he faces one of the
toughest away trips in the league at Swansea, before facing 3 of the top 6 in
the next 5 weeks, and defeat today – a very real possibility – could put him
badly on the back foot. Swansea gave United trouble in both games last season,
and have turned up in at least as good form this season judged on their Europa
League trashing of Malmo. Bet365 and the Tote offer 8/11 on Swansea avoiding
defeat and that looks worth chancing at the least.
Advice: 1 pt Swansea +1 (8/11 Bet365, Totesport)
Crystal Palace (4) v
Tottenham (5/6)
Crystal Palace were deserved winners of promotion through
the playoffs but have struggled to add to their side since and have a baptism
of fire against Tottenham. Much attention will be on the fact that Bale is
absent but Spurs alone should be a class above and were only a few points off
third last season to put things into perspective – and are within touching
distance of the top 4. If they’re to get there, Bale or no Bale, they will win
games like this.
Advice: 6 pts Tottenham (5/6 Paddy Power)
Crystal Palace (4) v
Tottenham (5/6)
Crystal Palace were deserved winners of promotion through
the playoffs but have struggled to add to their side since and have a baptism
of fire against Tottenham. Much attention will be on the fact that Bale is
absent but Spurs alone should be a class above and were only a few points off
third last season to put things into perspective – and are within touching
distance of the top 4. If they’re to get there, Bale or no Bale, they will win
games like this.
Advice: 6 pts Tottenham (5/6 Paddy Power)
The return of Jose Moruiniho to Chelsea is one of the most
exciting features of this Premier League season and his side should have no
problems dispatching Hull in style. The Tigers have signed well in a bid to
stay up and the additions of Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore in particular
could look to be very smart recruitments by the end of the season, but Stamford
Bridge is a different task altogether and this could be a matter of how many –
a small wager on Chelsea being able to put three goals between themselves and
Hull might be the best way to go.
Advice: 1 pt Chelsea -2 (13/8 Bet365)
Manchester City (1/3)
v Newcastle (11)
Manchester City’s title defence was disappointing by their
high standards but they still took 42 points at home and most of the Premier
League, tonight’s opponents Newcastle included, couldn’t handle the quality on
offer at Eastlands. City won ten of their 19 games to nil last year and that
would be a tempting option, but the men in blue can cover a one goal head start
like they’ve done on the last two occasions against Newcastle here.
Advice: 2 pts Manchester City -1 (4/5 general)
No comments:
Post a Comment