FOOTBALL BETTING: Live on Skysports 3: Sat 12.45; ESPN: Sat 17.15; Skysports 1: Sun 16.00: Chris Hutcheon looks ahead to the Premier League openers and in particular, Liverpool v Arsenal.
Topping the bill on the opening weekend of the Premier League is Sunday’s mouth-watering Anfield showdown between Liverpool and Arsenal; a match many punters will be sticking down as a draw at 23/10 on their Ladbrokes coupons. Aided by home advantage however, Roy Hodgson’s men are narrow favourites at 6/4 with Jaxx.com to open the campaign with a victory against the Gunners, Paddy Power’s 2/1 outsiders and with spirits lifted somewhat on Merseyside following recent takeover talk as well as the capture of Joe Cole and; the Reds could sneak it.
Bet365’s 3/1 for Hodgson’s charges to prevail by a solitary goal therefore appeals while for bolder punters, William Hill post 9/1 against a 2-1 home success, in a match that is 5/6 courtesy of Partybets to produce goals from both teams. Fernando Torres is favourite to set Liverpool on their way; the Spaniard available at 9/2 (Victor Chandler) to break the deadlock.
Tottenham pipped Manchester City to fourth spot last season and with the duo expected to be in the mix in that area of the table again; their Saturday lunchtime clash has an important air about it, even at this early stage. Betdaq have installed Spurs as 6/4 favourites for the points while City are a 2/1 shot at Paddy Power and it’s perhaps easy to see why given how strong Harry Redknapp’s men were on their own patch last term.
Indeed, the hosts’ formidable home form allied with City’s poor record against Spurs, strips appeal from a flutter on an away win but there’s every chance that the visitors’ quality can ensure they leave with a point; a result Stan James rate at 12/5. In a game that could produce more than 2.5 goals meanwhile (10/11, 888Sport), ambitious punters can back a 2-2 scoreline at 14/1 with Betfred.
Last season’s top two entertain promoted teams and both should start their season with a victory, although at 2/11 (Stan James) and 1/4 (Ladbrokes) to see off West Brom and Newcastle respectively, Chelsea and Manchester United may be worth doubling up at 4/9 with Paddy Power.
At Ewood Park, an Everton side boosted by Mikel Arteta’s decision to commit his future to the club, look overpriced at 13/8 with Betdaq, to overcome Blackburn but rocked by Martin O’Neill’s departure, managerless Aston Villa may only manage a draw (12/5, Totesport) at home to West Ham.
There could be a goal glut at the DW Stadium where Blackpool and Wigan are 23/20 (bet365) to produce three or more and the home side should prevail at 5/6 with Victor Chandler, meanwhile, Totesport’s 23/10 for Wolves and Stoke to share the spoils at Molineux is a touch high, Bolton’s home clash with Fulham is 23/10 (Jaxx.com) to finish all square and at 13/10, Sunderland can edge out Birmingham.
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