After months of anticipation and the sideshow that was Euro 2016, ‘proper’ football is back this weekend courtesy of the Premier League.
Happily, the fixture gods have delivered a mouth-watering set of games for this opening weekend, so without further ado here are the best of the Premier League betting tips:
12:30pm – Hull City vs Leicester City
You have probably read up on Hull City’s problems heading into their return to English football’s top flight, but if you haven’t then here’s a quick recap. They are manager-less after Steve Bruce resigned a few weeks ago, and while the speculation continues as to the ownership of the club they have as yet failed to appoint a replacement. They have sold one of their best players in Mo Diame, and an injury crisis has left the Tigers with just 13 senior professionals to call upon. Not ideal preparation, then.
Given that champions Leicester City are in town for the curtain raiser, you might think that the bookmakers would be at their pragmatic best. But not so, and in fact a few are offering odds-against on a Foxes victory. Remember, this is essentially the same team that led Leicester to the title by ten clear points, and who recorded the best away form in the division in 2015/16.
Is this the best bet of the day? It’s probably the best bet of August, to be honest.
Recommended Bets
Leicester to Win at 11/10 with Betfair
3pm – Burnley vs Swansea City
A plum home fixture against a side that has just sold their two best players: that will do very nicely for Sean Dyche and his Burnley outfit as they embark on a Premier League survival mission.
The Championship winners are a very tidy unit and at Turf Moor will give plenty of sides a run for their money. Especially so Swansea, who appear to be in self-destruct mode following the sale of club captain Ashley Williams and leading attacking outlet Andre Ayew.
The most likely recipient of the Swans’ generosity is Andre Gray, Burnley’s pacey centre forward. Comparisons with Jamie Vardy are inevitable – he was playing in the Conference North just five years ago – but after 23 goals last season, and an incredible nine in six in pre-season, Gray looks primed to etch his name onto the scoresheet once again.
Recommended Bets
Andre Gray to Score Anytime at 2/1 with BetVictor
3pm – Everton vs Tottenham
Two sides in a contrasting state of flux are Everton and Tottenham. The Toffees have a new manager, Ronald Koeman, and a host of new faces to look forward to pulling on the famous blue shirt. Tottenham, meanwhile, are pretty much ‘as you were’ from 2015/16, with the not inconsiderable midfield warlord Vincent Wanyama adding steel to proceedings. Vincent Janssen comes highly rated from the Netherlands but could be a year or two from his best.
It is Everton’s defensive meanderings that are of interest here: they conceded at nearly two goals per game at Goodison Park last term. Koeman will aim to solidify this area, but he too comes from a Southampton side that leaked more than a goal per game last season at home. To complete the picture, Ashley Williams – signed as a replacement for John Stones – was part of a Swansea backline that was breached 52 times in 38 matches.
So the scene is set for a goal-fest, and Spurs tend to deliver. They scored at a rate of 1.81 goals per game overall in 2015/16 and 1.79 away from home, so backing them to soften the Toffees defences looks sensible.
Recommended Bets
Tottenham to Score Over 1.5 Goals at 6/4 with Betfair
5:30pm – Manchester City vs Sunderland
Opening day fixtures don’t come much kinder than this for new managers, and Pep Guardiola will be licking his lips in anticipation of his new-look Manchester City side teaching Sunderland a lesson on Saturday evening.
The Black Cats survived relegation by the skin of their teeth you may recall, and that was thanks mostly to the pragmatism of Big Sam Allardyce. David Moyes has since come in – a cannier appointment than most have given credit for – but this is not an ideal game for him to find his feet.
City averaged 2.47 goals per game at home last term, and in 13 of 19 matches scored two or more goals. Indeed, their most popular goal bracket at the Etihad was 4+, so a handicap bet in their favour is perfectly logical.
Recommended Bets
Man City -1 Handicap at 4/6 with Coral
