PREMIERSHIP (playing Saturday unless stated)
Sheffield United v LIVERPOOL
A big start for United (6.0 at Bet 365) and one that they do not need, or are able to cope with. Liverpool (1.53 at Bet 365) are a confident pick.
The draw is 3.8 at Bet 365.
VERDICT: 3pt Liverpool win
ARSENAL v Aston Villa
Arsenal (1.28 at Bet 365) have the nous, but a new stadium and an expectant crowd can be an albatross. Not worth putting your shirt on Arsenal to beat Villa (13.0 at Bet 365) at that price.
The draw is 4.5 at Bet 365.
VERDICT: 1pt Arsenal
EVERTON v Watford
This could be a good season for Everton (1.66 at Bet 365) starting here. Watford (5.5 at Bet 365) will have to wait until they return to Vicarage Road for their first success in the Premiership.
The draw is 3.4 at Bet 365.
VERDICT: 2pts Everton
Newcastle v Wigan
Too tight to call Newcastle (1.72 at Bet 365) and Wigan (4.75 at Bet 365) are two teams I would urge you to avoid until the season is up and running.
The draw is 3.5 at Bet 365.
VERDICT: No bet
Portsmouth v Blackburn
Although Portsmouth (2.3 at Bet 365) may avoid the drop this season, they may struggle. A mall wager on Blackburn (3.1 at Bet 365) could bring dividends.
The draw is 3.1 at Bet 365.
VERDICT: 0.5pts Blackburn win
READING v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough (2.8 at Bet 365) have struggled in the transfer and that may show in their early results. Reading (2.5 at Bet 365) are value here at Fortress Madejski.
The draw is 3.1 at Bet 365.
VERDICT: 1pt Reading win
West Ham v Charlton
London derbies are notoriously tricky betting affairs. Avoid this as Charlton (3.75 at Bet 365) have a new manager and West Ham (2.0 at Bet 365) have just lost Dean Ashton to a broken ankle.
The draw is 3.2 at Bet 365.
VERDICT: No bet
Bolton v TOTTENHAM
This is a very important season for Tottenham (2.6 at Bet 365) who proved last year they have the squad to succeed. Bolton (2.62 at Bet 365) seem to be going backwards.
The draw is 3.2 at Bet 365.
VERDICT: 2pts Tottenham win
Man Utd v Fulham (playing Sunday)
This is a no-brainer. Fulham (13.0 at Bet 365) are in no way equipped to take on United (1.22 at Bet 365) at Old Trafford.
The draw is 5.5 at Bet 365.
VERDICT: 3pts Man Utd win
CHELSEA v Man City (playing Sunday)
Don't expect any surprises for Chelsea (1.22 at Bet 365) at the Bridge against Man City (13.0 at Bet 365). Although I wouldn't recommend backing them every week this season.
VERDICT: 2pts Chelsea win
