Article by David Walker
A new time kicks off this weekend and see’s the return of Walker’s Word. Yet another 10 months of non-stop best flight football action begins on Saturday with equally the opening and closing matches ripe for choosing a few of shock final results at great odds.
Saturday 19 August
Sheffield United vs LiverpoolSheffield United make their Premiership return following a 12 year absence at lunch time, to kick off an additional ten months of best flight action. The bookmakers are predicting a cakewalk for visiting Liverpool, but Blades boss Neil Warnock will have other ideas. During the 2002/03 Carling Cup, United beat Liverpool two-one at Bramall Lane, drew – at house in 1993/94 and beat the Reds one- the preceding yr in the Premiership’s debut season. Liverpool may possibly have one eye on their Champions League tie against Maccabi Haifa three days later which nonetheless hangs in the stability at two-one in the Reds favour. Walker’s Phrase: A “shock” draw to go against the bookmakers @ 12/five.
Arsenal vs Aston VillaThere is unlikely to be any these shock result at the new Emirates Stadium nevertheless. Arsenal have beaten the Villains for the past eight seasons on residence soil, like a 5- thumping previous April. With the takeover at Aston Villa even now not finished and new manager Martin O’Neill only not long ago installed, Villa could continue the type which noticed them shed three of their very last 4 matches at the stop of previous season.Walker’s Phrase: Arsenal to christen their new floor with a win @ 3/10.
Everton vs WatfordWatford travel to Goodison Park on their Premiership return in the knowledge they have by no means beaten Everton on their house turf. Even much more daunting is the in the eight times the pair have met in Merseyside, the Toffees have won each and every single encounter. The very last time these two met was in the Premiership was through the 1999/00 campaign exactly where Everton ran out 4-2 winners thanks to two ambitions apiece from Mark Hughes and USA striker Joe-Max Moore.Walker’s Word: Everton like enjoying Watford so back them @ four/six.
Newcastle United vs Wigan AthleticNewcastle beat Wigan 3-1 previous season in the center of their 5-match winning run in the direction of the conclude of the campaign. The Magpies will be without the injured Michael Owen and the retired Alan Shearer, who scored twice in that match, but strikers Alberto Luque and Shola Ameobi have been in great kind pre season. The Wigan squad has noticed numerous changes this summer season, such as the arrival of report signing Emile Heskey, but it will be the property facet cheering by four-45pm.Walker’s Word: Newcastle to carry on their great form @ 8/eleven.
Portsmouth vs Blackburn RoversBlackburn Rovers have not misplaced at Fratton Park on league or cup duty because an old 2nd division clash in 1990 which saw Pompey win three-2. Considering that then, Rovers have liked excellent fortune on the south coast, including 3 wins and two draws in their past 5 visits. Mark Hughes’ aspect ought to find the Pompey defence a bit sterner since the arrivals of Sol Campbell and Glen Johnson but new strikers Jason Roberts, who scored at Fratton Park previous time, and Benni McCarthy will give them a lot to assume about on Saturday afternoon.Walker’s Phrase: An away win for Blackburn @ 21/ten.
Studying vs Middlesbrough The last time Studying beat Middlesbrough at home was in 1927 and the duo have seldom met since. The last time they met was in Division A single in 1998 in which a Paul Gascoigne and Paul Merson-inspired Boro won 1- thanks to a Marco Branca objective. However, Looking at have improved a whole lot because then and suffered just 1 defeat at the Madejski Stadium very last season. The Premiership will be a substantial step up for them but with opposition supervisor Gareth Southgate even now wet behind the ears, they could deliver their supporters property pleased by holding Boro to an opening day draw.Walker’s Word: A position for each sides, draw @ 11/five.
West Ham United vs Charlton AthleticCharlton have a excellent latest report at Upton Park which will give new supervisor Iain Dowie optimism as he returns to top-flight management. In their very last five visits to East London, the Addicks have won twice and drawn the moment – a goalless draw previous season. The Hammers will be rocked by Dean Ashton’s ankle injury which could keep him out of the game for four months while the evergreen Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and previous season’s top English aim scorer, Darren Bent, lines up towards them. Add to it Dowie spent four many years in two separate spells as a West Ham player and you have all the elements for an intriguing encounter.Walker’s Word: Iain Dowie to get 1 about on his old aspect @ 11/four.
Bolton Wanderers vs Tottenham HotspurThe betting prospects on this match are more fascinating than the on pitch action is probably to be, provided the five.15 Saturday kick-offs are typically drab, low scoring affairs. Bolton have beaten Spurs at the Reebok Stadium for the final 4 seasons however the bookmakers insist on pricing up the visitors as the favourites. Walker’s Word: There is worth in backing Bolton @ 9/five.
Sunday 20 August
Manchester United vs Fulham Sunday lunch time pits Alex Ferguson’s title pretenders versus Chris Coleman’s sad travellers and there is probable to be only a single end result. United have beaten Fulham at Aged Trafford for the previous five seasons and provided the Cottagers dismal away file, which saw them win just once on their travels final time, this run is likely to proceed. Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes experience a 3 match ban, but this does not come into impact until finally right after Sunday’s match.Walker’s Phrase: 1 for the huge hitters, United @ three/10.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Will Chelsea’s domestic dominance proceed this time subsequent the summer signings of Germany captain Michael Ballack and AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko? In accordance to the bookmakers, it will, and value Manchester City up at a huge 14/one to beat the Blues at Stamford Bridge, a thing no group in the Premiership could do previous time. Frankly, it is an insult taking into consideration it is the opening sport of the season and Chelsea haven’t just been firing on all cylinders pre season, which includes final Sunday’s Group Shield defeat towards Liverpool.Walker’s Phrase: Hope for a genuine upset @ 14/1.
About the Author
David Walker runs totally free bets and UK poker internet sites. A no cost email program: “Seven Days to Far better Betting” is available at the two of these sites.