Weekend Premiership Games - Preview/betting guide
By Yidob
August 18 2006
It doesn’t seem that long since I miserably exited Upton Park on the Final day of last season, after the mighty Spurs had been robbed of their place in the Champions League. But the Premiership returns this weekend, and here is a look at this weekends games, from a betting point of view.
SHEFFIELD UNITED v LIVERPOOL (Saturday KO 12:45)
Home 11/2 - Draw 13/5 - Away 8/15
Sheffield United have hardly set the world alight in the pre season transfer market, with Rob Hulse the main signing. A tough opening game for the Blades and I fully expect Liverpool, like many other teams this season, to blow them away.
Recommended bet – On the handicap, give Sheffield United a 1 goal head start, and back Liverpool at 17/10 to still win the match.
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ARSENAL v ASTON VILLA (Saturday KO 15:00)
Home 2/7 - Draw 4/1 - Away 9/1
Aston Villa will improve on last seasons form with the excellent Martin O’Neill taking over from David O’Dreary, and he should have a fair bit of cash at his disposal. Unfortunately for Villa it’s all happened a bit too late for their trip, to Arsenals Emirates Stadium. An emphatic home win is fully expected.
Recommended bet – With the prospect of goals a plenty on the cards for Arsenal’s opener, Thierry Henry at 4/7 to score any time during the game looks a safe bet.
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EVERTON v WATFORD (Saturday KO 15:00)
Home 8/13 - Draw 5/2 - Away 9/2
Everton’s pre season form has been far from impressive, their main transfer dealings of the summer have been taking Andy Johnson from Palace, and Joleon Lescott from Wolves. I expect Watford to surprise a few people this season, with their excellent work rate, excellent manager in Aidy Boothroyd, and a good blend of youth and experience in their squad. I’m hoping for Watford to get off to a nice start, and take a point back from Goodison Park.
Recommended bet – Under 2.5 goals to be scored in the match 4/6.
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NEWCASTLE v WIGAN (Saturday KO 15:00)
Home 8/11 - Draw 23/10 - Away 4/1
Damien Duff will prove to be a good signing for the Toon I’m sure, although I believe his fitness is in doubt for the this encounter. Newcastle’s main problem is obvious for all to see, strikers at their disposal. With Super Al calling it a day, and Mickey Owen out for a good few months it looks like a lot rests on Shola Ameobi’s shoulders. Wigan have made a few signings, although they lack top Premiership quality in my opinion. The main signings being, Heskey from Birmingham, Boyce and “one size” Fitz Hall from Palace. Looks like a tough game, with not many chances being made but I think Newcastle will sneak it.
Recommended bet – A 1-0 win for the barcodes 9/2.
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PORTSMOUTH v BLACKBURN (Saturday KO 15:00)
Home 11/8 - Draw 11/5 - Away 15/8
With David James between the Portsmouth sticks, and Sol Campbell the main man in front of him, this season looks like it’s got calamity written all over it for Pompey. Blackburn haven’t been too adventurous in the pre season transfer market, but they had a good season last season, and I fully expect them to take the three points with them back to Ewood Park.
Recommended bet – Away win 15/8.
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READING v MIDDLESBOROUGH (Saturday KO 15:00)
Home 7/5 - Draw 11/5 - Away 9/5
Again both teams have had a quiet summer regarding bringing players in. A tough season looks in store for Reading, and I expect Middlesbrough’s experience, and a team looking to impress under new manager Gareth Southgate to collect all three points at the Madjeski Stadium.
Recommended bet – Away win 9/5
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WEST HAM v CHARLTON (Saturday KO 15:00)
Home Evens - Draw 9/4 - Charlton 13/5
The first London derby of the 2006/07 season sees Charlton travel to West Ham. New manager Iain Dowie has been busy during the summer bringing numerous players to the valley. The pick of the bunch look to be Amdy Faye from the Toon, and Jimmy Flloyd from Boro. With the disappointment of losing Dean Ashton during the week with a broken ankle, the mood at Upton Park could be a bit low. As always London Derbies are tough, and a share of the spoils looks the most likely outcome.
Recommended bet – The draw 9/4.
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BOLTON v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (Saturday KO 17:15)
Home 8/5 - Draw 11/5 - Away 8/5
The bookies can’t seem to split them, but I don’t think Bolton will be as dangerous as they have over the last few Premiership seasons. There’s been more “outs” than “ins” at the Reebok this pre season and Tottenham with new boy Berbatov looking good up front, and Zokora filling in for Carrick in midfield, look set for another good season. Boss Martin Jol is still looking to strengthen in a couple of areas, and the loss of Keane and King through injury is a blow, but I expect Tottenham to win this game by the odd goal.
Recommended bet – New boy Berbatov to score any time during the ninety 6/5.
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MANCHESTER UNITED v FULHAM (Sunday KO 13:30)
Home 1/4 - Draw 4/1 - Away 11/1
Fulham have made two good signings during pre season in my opinion, with Jimmy Bullard and Franck Queudrue joining their ranks. With United new boy Mickey Carrick sidelined through injury it looks like Red Nose Fergie has pretty much the same squad as last season for this encounter, with the exception of Ruuuuuuud. It will be interesting to see the reception that young Ronlado gets from both sets of fans after his antics in Germany, but any stick or abuse he receives will only spur him on. I fully expect a Manchester United win with Ronaldo putting in a man of the match performance.
Recommended bet – Ronaldo to score during ninety minutes 6/4.
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CHELSEA v MANCHESTER CITY (Sunday 16:00)
Home 2/9 - Draw 9/2 - Away 12/1
Last seasons Champions seem to of strengthened even further with the captures of Schevchonko and Ballack and it’s hard to see them dropping many points at Stamford Bridge this season. Man City have added six or seven new names to last season’s squad with Didi Hamann looking the best of the newbies. A home win is fully expected.
Recommended bet – Give Man City a one goal head start, and back Chelsea to still come out victorious 4/6.
All odds are based on prices given by Paddypower.com, correct at time of issue.
Happy Punting – And may all your wagers by winning ones
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