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Preview for the opening day of the Barclays Premier League + Latest betting odds
Blackburn vs. Wolves
The new Blackburn owners haven’t invested much in the squad which is a surprise but I expect to see new faces at the club before the end of transfer window. A very important task for Blackburn is to find a suitable replacement for Phil Jones who was a great presence at the back last season and I believe this could be a key factor for their survival.
Wolves have signed two players this season in Jamie O’Hara and Roger Johnson but I still feel a striker is needed to secure their status in the Premier League. Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake were not consistence enough in my opinion but Wolves have great creativity coming from the wings in Matt Jarvis, Adam Hammill and Stephen Hunt which will be their ammunition for winning games.
I wouldn’t expect this match to bring fireworks to the opening day of the season but I feel this is an important fixture for both teams as they both struggled last season with goals and lacked firepower so it’s important to have a good start and claim points early in the season against teams with similar objectives.
My Prediciton
Blackburn WIN
Blackburn 1 – 0 Wolves
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Latest Odds:
Win Draw Win
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| Blackburn |
1/1 |
11/10 |
23/20 |
11/10 |
1/1 |
1/1 |
| Draw |
12/5 |
23/10 |
21/10 |
9/4 |
12/5 |
12/5 |
| Wolves |
13/5 |
13/5 |
13/5 |
13/5 |
11/4 |
11/4 |
First Scorer
| |
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|
|
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| David Goodwillie |
11/2 |
6/1 |
5/1 |
5/1 |
6/1 |
11/2 |
| Morten Gamst Pedersen |
10/1 |
10/1 |
10/1 |
10/1 |
10/1 |
10/1 |
| Kevin Doyle |
15/2 |
7/1 |
15/2 |
15/2 |
7/1 |
15/2 |
| Sylvan Ebanks-Blake |
8/1 |
8/1 |
8/1 |
8/1 |
9/1 |
8/1 |
Fulham vs. Aston Villa
Aston Villa have lost three key players this summer in Brad Friedel, Ashley Young and Stuart Downing but I believe Villa have made great replacements in Shay Given, Charles N’Zogbia and Marc Albrighton. Of course Albrighton was already a Villa player but I feel after a good season last year, he is ready to fill in the boots of Ashley Young and provide the team with great wing play.
Fulham have signed a few players this summer who I’m not familiar with apart from John Arne Riise but I feel they have a good squad and should be challenging for a top ten position. However, competing in the Europa League this season may hamper their league form due to the number of unnecessary games Fulham have to play to progress in the competition.
I’m expecting this match to be an exciting game as both teams like to play attacking football which will be good for the neutrals. Also both teams have new managers in Alex Mcleish and Martin Jol so it’ll be good to see how both managers set up their teams.
My Prediciton
Aston Villa WIN
Fulham 0 – 2 Aston Villa
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Latest Odds:
Win Draw Win
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| Fulham |
11/10 |
23/20 |
6/5 |
11/10 |
6/5 |
11/10 |
| Draw |
9/4 |
9/4 |
11/5 |
9/4 |
23/10 |
12/5 |
| Aston Villa |
12/5 |
5/2 |
12/5 |
13/5 |
23/10 |
12/5 |
First Scorer
| |
|
|
|
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|
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| Bobby Zamora |
5/1 |
11/2 |
5/1 |
5/1 |
5/1 |
11/2 |
| Andrew Johnson |
13/2 |
6/1 |
11/2 |
11/2 |
6/1 |
6/1 |
| Darren Bent |
11/2 |
11/2 |
11/2 |
11/2 |
5/1 |
5/1 |
| Charles N’Zogbia |
10/1 |
10/1 |
8/1 |
8/1 |
9/1 |
8/1 |
Liverpool vs. Sunderland
This is a very important season for Liverpool with all the new players recruited this summer. I believe the players that have arrived will add the necessary quality and strength in depth which has been lacking for a number of years. But more importantly the new signings have Premiership experience which is vital as in the past foreign signings have not been unable to settle with life in the English Premier League. Realistically I feel Liverpool will be challenging for a top four place and with so much competition around it would be regarded as a great achievement.
Sunderland have been the most busiest team in the league signing 10 players but I believe the signings have been good and this will help their progression in the league as they were hampered with a long injury list which affected their league position. I actually believe Sunderland will be strong contenders for a Europa League position as they have several quality players in the squad.
This game will be a reunion for Jordan Henderson but to be honest I’m not sure if he’ll even start the game. I expect Liverpool to show a dominant performance in this fixture and not forgetting the possible return of Luis Suarez from the Copa America who will frighten any team.
My Prediction
Liverpool WIN
Liverpool 2 – 1 Sunderland
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Latest Odds:
Win Draw Win
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| Liverpool |
1/2 |
1/2 |
11/20 |
1/2 |
1/2 |
1/2 |
| Draw |
11/4 |
3/1 |
11/4 |
3/1 |
11/4 |
3/1 |
| Sunderland |
6/1 |
6/1 |
6/1 |
6/1 |
13/2 |
6/1 |
First Scorer
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| Luis Suarez |
7/2 |
7/2 |
10/3 |
10/3 |
7/2 |
7/2 |
| Andy Carroll |
4/1 |
9/2 |
7/2 |
7/2 |
4/1 |
7/2 |
| Asamoah Gyan |
9/1 |
9/1 |
9/1 |
9/1 |
8/1 |
9/1 |
| Connor Wickham |
11/1 |
11/1 |
11/1 |
11/1 |
11/1 |
11/1 |
Newcastle vs. Arsenal
There have been lots of talks surrounding both clubs in regards of key players leaving and fans showing their displeasure with the lack of transfer activity so far this summer. But everything will be put aside for this fixture and expect an entertaining game.
Newcastlehave been going through bad times with losing their best players in Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique to Liverpool and not replacing them despite the funds available. But I believe this is the target with only a few weeks left in the transfer window and I hope Newcastle will do well this season as they are a club with great fans and tradition.
This will be an important season for Arsenal who are under more pressure from the fans as the club are still seeking silverware since 2005 but with key players wanting to leave the club I’m sure it has affected the morale of the squad. The departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri is imminent and Arsene Wenger has to invest heavily in quality players who are ready made and not ones for the future.
After last season’s game that ended 4-4 you can’t help but think this game will have goals and I believe it will. But due to departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri I feel the Arsenal will lack certain qualities or moments of brilliance that would normally win a game.
My Prediction
DRAW
Newcastle 2 – 2 Arsenal
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Latest Odds:
Win Draw Win
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| Newcastle |
11/4 |
11/4 |
11/4 |
13/5 |
11/4 |
11/4 |
| Draw |
9/4 |
12/5 |
11/5 |
5/2 |
12/5 |
12/5 |
| Arsenal |
21/20 |
1/1 |
21/20 |
1/1 |
1/1 |
1/1 |
First Scorer
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| Demba Ba |
7/1 |
8/1 |
7/1 |
7/1 |
8/1 |
15/2 |
| Gabriel Obertan |
12/1 |
10/1 |
11/1 |
11/1 |
12/1 |
11/1 |
| Robin Van Persie |
4/1 |
9/2 |
4/1 |
4/1 |
4/1 |
4/1 |
| Gervinho |
6/1 |
11/2 |
5/1 |
5/1 |
– |
5/1 |
QPR vs Bolton
New boys QPR enter the league with a tough fixture against Bolton. I have to be honest I’m quite surprise with the level of spending this summer as they have mostly been free transfers and with very rich owners you would expect more. But having said that I believe Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell are good signings and will add firepower to the team but keeping Adel Taarabt is a major boost as he is an exceptional player. I actually believe QPR will stay and do well this season.
Bolton desperately need to sign a new striker as they have not replaced Johan Elmander and will suffer without a new recruit. There have been talks of possible moves for David Ngog or Daniel Sturridge but remains to be seen who arrives at the Reebok Stadium. I feel Bolton will do well this season and finish in the top half as they play good attacking football under Owen Coyle who has a positive approach to games which is great to see.
I’m going for a surprise home victory as I feel QPR will be more fired up for the occasion but I’m expecting lots of shots mounting on goal from both teams so could be an entertaining game.
My Prediction
QPR WIN
QPR 1 – 0 Bolton
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Latest Odds
Win Draw Win
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| QPR |
13/10 |
11/8 |
7/5 |
11/8 |
11/8 |
5/4 |
| Draw |
9/4 |
11/5 |
21/10 |
9/4 |
9/4 |
9/4 |
| Bolton |
21/10 |
21/10 |
21/10 |
2/1 |
2/1 |
11/5 |
First Scorer
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| Jay Bothroyd |
11/2 |
6/1 |
5/1 |
5/1 |
6/1 |
11/2 |
| Adel Taarabt |
13/2 |
13/2 |
6/1 |
6/1 |
7/1 |
13/2 |
| Kevin Davies |
7/1 |
6/1 |
13/2 |
13/2 |
6/1 |
13/2 |
| Chris Eagles |
11/1 |
10/1 |
10/1 |
– |
9/1 |
10/1 |
Wigan vs. Norwich
Norwich return to the Premiership after 6 years and were very successful in the Championship scoring the most goals in the league with 83 and top scorer Grant Holt will be the catalyst for the team’s survival.
Wigan will have a tough season ahead after avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth last season and I’m afraid this season will be no different. The sale of Charles N’Zogbia will have a major effect on their chances of survival but I’m expecting a replacement to be signed very soon. Also it is vital that Wigan keep hold of Hugo Rodallega who is constantly being linked with a move to Arsenal.
I’m going a Norwich win but I’m expecting a close encounter and tackles flying everywhere.
My Prediciton
Norwich WIN
Wigan 1 – 2 Norwich
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Latest Odds:
Win Draw Win
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| Wigan |
1/1 |
1/1 |
6/5 |
11/10 |
1/1 |
11/10 |
| Draw |
9/4 |
12/5 |
11/5 |
12/5 |
12/5 |
23/10 |
| Norwich |
11/4 |
11/4 |
12/5 |
12/5 |
11/4 |
5/2 |
First Scorer
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| Hugo Rodallega |
5/1 |
11/2 |
5/1 |
5/1 |
5/1 |
11/2 |
| Connor Sammon |
11/2 |
13/2 |
6/1 |
6/1 |
6/1 |
6/1 |
| Grant Holt |
13/2 |
13/2 |
13/2 |
13/2 |
8/1 |
13/2 |
| Simeon Jackson |
8/1 |
9/1 |
8/1 |
8/1 |
9/1 |
8/1 |
Stoke vs. Chelsea
Stoke have been improving season by season and that is credit to Tony Pulis. He may not play the most attractive football (far from it) but he plays football according the team’s strengths and it’s very effective. I expect Stoke to have a similar season like last year finishing mid table.
This is a very important season for Chelsea who are now under new management in Andre Villas Boas but need to recruit new players as the current squad is aging. I still feel Chelsea will be among the title challengers but a lot of the pressure will be on the manager due to his success last season wining the treble with Porto. But another player with pressure on his shoulders is Fernando Torres who has not shown any glimpse of quality he once possessed whilst playing for Liverpool and for Chelsea fans that must be a worry.
An away fixture to Stoke is always difficult for any team and I have a slight feeling that Stoke will just sneek in with victory.
My Prediction
Stoke WIN
Stoke 1 – 0 Chelsea
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Latest Odds:
Win Draw Win
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| Stoke |
9/2 |
9/2 |
9/2 |
9/2 |
9/2 |
9/2 |
| Draw |
13/5 |
13/5 |
12/5 |
14/5 |
11/4 |
12/5 |
| Chelsea |
8/13 |
4/6 |
7/10 |
8/13 |
8/13 |
4/6 |
First Scorer
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| Didier Drogba |
4/1 |
4/1 |
7/2 |
7/2 |
4/1 |
9/2 |
| Fernando Torres |
9/2 |
9/2 |
9/2 |
9/2 |
9/2 |
4/1 |
| Kenwyne Jones |
8/1 |
8/1 |
8/1 |
8/1 |
8/1 |
8/1 |
| Jonathan Walters |
9/1 |
9/1 |
9/1 |
9/1 |
9/1 |
9/1 |
West Brom vs. Man United
The appointment of Roy Hodgson was a good decision in the end as I thought the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo was a bit harsh at the time. But I‘ve been impressed with West Brom’s attacking play throughout the season and the signing of Peter Odemwingie was a revelation even though it didn’t surprise me as he’s always been a good player since his days at Lille.
Arguably Man United are the team to beat this season and I have to say their performance against Man City showed their true quality. I would have thought the retirements of Paul Scholes and Gary Neville along with the sale of squad players i.e. John O’Shea, Wes Brown etc would have affected the squad but clearly not. I still feel Sir Alex Ferguson will buy two more players in the shape of a centre midfielder and a right back to complete his squad.
I’m expecting a similar performance from the Community Shield and knowing United they’ll probably concede first and end up thrashing the opposition.
My Predicition
Man United WIN
West Brom 1 – 3 Man United
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Latest Odds:
Win Draw Win
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| West Brom |
6/1 |
11/2 |
6/1 |
6/1 |
6/1 |
5/1 |
| Draw |
16/5 |
3/1 |
11/4 |
3/1 |
3/1 |
3/1 |
| Man United |
4/9 |
8/15 |
8/15 |
1/2 |
1/2 |
8/15 |
First Scorer
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| Wayne Rooney |
4/1 |
7/2 |
10/3 |
10/3 |
4/1 |
4/1 |
| Nani |
8/1 |
13/2 |
5/1 |
5/1 |
7/1 |
11/2 |
| Peter Odemwingie |
8/1 |
15/2 |
15/2 |
15/2 |
9/1 |
8/1 |
| Shane Long |
9/1 |
10/1 |
– |
8/1 |
9/1 |
9/1 |
ManCity vs. Swansea
Big spenders Man City have to prove this season that they are serious contenders for the title despite the number of high profile names in the squad. The future of Carlos Tevez still remains to be unclear but the new acquisition of Sergio Kun Aguero is a mouth watering prospect. If Carlos Tevez ends up staying at Man City, the Premiership will have to be on their toes as the the strike force of Aguero and Tevez will destroy defenses along with Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli providing competition. Plus entering the Champions League for the first time is a new experience so it remains to be seen how they cope with the demands of playing more fixtures. Tottenham’s run last year shows it’s not an easy task and you also need some luck when it comes to injuries.
I have high hopes for Swansea as I personally think they will have the same impact as Blackpool did last season due to their similar attacking style of play. Brendan Rodgers has recruited well with the signing of Leroy Lita who is a good clinical finisher and Wayne Routledge who is a quick winger with great crossing ability but can also play off the main striker. Plus they already have good young English players in Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer who are flamboyant and will provide flair coming from the wings. I believe Swansea will be the surprise package this season and I think they will avoid relegation.
I still think Man City will be suffering from their defeat last week in the Community Shield and therefore Swansea will provide the big surprise for the opening fixtures.
My Prediction
Swansea WIN
ManCity 1 – 2 Swansea
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Latest Odds:
Win Draw Win
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| Man City |
1/5 |
1/4 |
3/10 |
1/4 |
1/4 |
1/4 |
| Draw |
5/1 |
9/2 |
7/2 |
9/2 |
9/2 |
4/1 |
| Swansea |
12/1 |
12/1 |
12/1 |
12/1 |
11/1 |
11/1 |
First Scorer
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| Carlos Tevez |
11/4 |
7/2 |
11/4 |
11/4 |
7/2 |
7/2 |
| Sergio Aguero |
3/1 |
7/2 |
5/2 |
5/2 |
7/2 |
7/2 |
| Leroy Lita |
12/1 |
12/1 |
14/1 |
14/1 |
16/1 |
14/1 |
| Scott Sinclair |
14/1 |
12/1 |
14/1 |
14/1 |
12/1 |
14/1 |
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