Premiership 2013/14 - 24th August 2013

Everton (8/13) v West Brom (11/2)

It’s early to be making judgements after just one week of the Premier League season but there was plenty to like about Everton’s performance at Norwich and they can continue their great Goodison Park record with a win over West Brom. Roberto Martinez’s side created plenty of chances at Carrow Road and were thoroughly deserving of their point, with Ross Barkley particularly impressing, and took 42 points at home last year – more than anyone but the two Manchester Clubs.

Advice: 4 pts Everton (8/13 general)

Hull (29/20) v Norwich (12/5)

This is the first realistic chance of three points for Hull, who were brushed aside in 20 minutes by Chelsea, but the visit of Norwich is hardly an easy one and Chris Hughton’s side showed more than enough to merit support today in a tight game that will tell more about the two sides. However they were poor on their travels and this is hardly a dream betting heat.

Newcastle (7/5) v West Ham (23/10)

There’s a mood of dismay around Newcastle after their hammering at the hands of Manchester City but they will be far from the last side to be taken apart by the Sky Blues this season. A home game against West Ham, who have quietly improved their squad and moved effortlessly through the gears against Cardiff, should tell more but it looks a watching brief with West Ham having won just one of their last 14 away games and Newcastle missing Steven Taylor in their back four.

 Southampton (8/11) v Sunderland (11/2)

Southampton have the look of a club seriously going places and can expect to build upon their 14^th placed finish last year. Mauricio Pochettino’s transfer business has been outstanding so far and the signing of Pabo Osvaldo - the third top goalscorer in Serie A last season  - adds yet more quality to a squad that should be aiming at a top half finish. Sunderland have spent plenty too and possibly could find themselves a little unlucky to have lost at home to Fulham, but face an arguably tougher task here.

Stoke (10/11) v Crystal Palace (4)

Crystal Palace played out of their skin against Tottenham on the opening weekend in some periods and If repeating that level over the season, have survival hopes, but it remains to be seen how they cope on the road. Stoke are the more obvious choice, but have just three wins from 19 league games in 2013 against Reading, QPR and Norwich,  and are not big stake material.

Aston Villa (10/3) v Liverpool (19/20)

We expect Liverpool to do better this season than last and their win over Stoke on the first day was continuation of their strong ending to last season – it could and should have been more, like many of the games for the Redmen. Aston Villa were lucky to stay up last season but look a transformed team based on the last week, and they were unlucky not to take a point against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge –a far cry from their 8-0 humiliation there last year – and the attitude and application of Lambert’s men is a far cry from what we saw then either. There’s a worry that a long week could take it’s toll late on, but Villa look worth chance at 10/3 with Liverpool far too short.

 Advice: 1 pt win Aston Villa (10/3 general)

Cardiff (15/2) v Manchester City (9/20) 

Mnachester City looked wonderful against Newcastle but they lost the title on the road last season when only winning half of their away games against sides outside the big six, with six odds on failures on their travels last season. There are many reasons for those failures which may well have been fixed now, but this match may be best avoided.

Tottenham (4/6) v Swansea (11/2)

Tottenham beat Crystal Palace and could have done so by more, but they looked awkward at times and could be seen to better effect when their new singings gel. Swansea played better than the 4-1 defeat at home to Manchester United suggested and should be able to raise a stiff challenge if Spurs aren’t more cohesive than last week, although home advantage and extra class could see the Lilywhites through. Spurs won by just one goal at home seven times last year and that could be the value bet, along with Draw/Spurs or the 0-0 half time score.

Advice: 1 pt Tottenham to win by just one goal (14/5 Ladbrokes)