You know I’m back! Like I never left, another sprint, another step, another day, another breath! Been chasing dreams, but I never slept! Ok, no, I’m not Macklemore, I’m not a lyricist or a singer, but I am buzzing for this new season, and goodness me it will be Glorious!!
Let’s get into it…
Saturday 17 August
58/10 Ipswich | Draw 42/10 | Liverpool 7/20 (13:30)
Ipswich has enjoyed largely successful campaigns of late, but this will be an entirely new challenge. They host one of the League’s biggest teams and I suspect they will adopt a rather negative approach to handle the pace the Reds have upfront.
Liverpool begins a new era without Jurgen Klopp, but I don’t think they will lose their possession-based, aggressive, and pressing approach. If they overwhelm their hosts, I think it could be a smooth afternoon for them. Back the away win.
2/9 Arsenal | Draw 52/10 | Wolves 11/1 (16:00)
Wolves will be hoping inconsistency won’t be their undoing this year, but you have to favour the home win. I think Wolves will want to make it difficult for Arsenal and stay as compact as possible – but I can’t see past an emphatic Arsenal win. Get on, with good confidence.
15/10 Everton | Draw 47/20 | Brighton 17/10 (16:00)
Everton would have been disappointed with their season last time out, but for me, the takeaway is undoubtedly the resilience shown on the pitch! Even amongst all of the distractions and setbacks, the football they were able to produce kept them in the league!
Brighton win this though, I think they have the quality to undo their hosts and whilst I think it will be close, I like the look of 17/10 about the away win.
7/20 Newcastle | Draw 44/10 | Southampton 6/1 (16:00)
I think Newcastle could be a dark horse for another seriously impressive season this year. Eddie Howe has shown that his side can compete with the very best, and given how they have bolstered their squad, I suspect they will be looking at ensuring this remains consistent for the season.
Southampton are back in the League, and deservedly so, but this is a tough way to start for them and I think the host’s win.
27/20 Nottm Forest | Draw 24/10 | Bournemouth 18/10 (16:00)
I really enjoy watching Forest play, almost too much! At times last season, I really felt for them as well, simply because I thought they failed to convert their chances and take real advantage of their performances.
Bournemouth have lost Dom Solanke – but I have no doubt they will remain competitive. From a forest perspective, it will be all about ensuring they reach a balance between their defensive frailty and what they can produce in the final third. Back the home win here.
14/10 West Ham | Draw 5/2 | Aston Villa 17/10 (18:30)
West Ham will want to replicate their performances in Europe in the League…The Hammers will always be a pragmatic side who are well organized, but their reliance on physicality and set pieces might be found out this season.
Villa is continually improving under Unai Emery, and I don’t see why this year will be any different. They have added notable quality to their ranks, and I think their proactive approach is due to pay dividends at some point. This is a tough one to call, but I think both teams scoring is the play.
Sunday 18 August
27/10 Brentford | Draw 24/10 | C Palace 37/20 (15:00)
This could truly be the ultimate viewing of attack against defence. Brentford has been fearless time and time again; they are committed to their attacking style and have complete confidence in (and often surprising teams with) their high-energy approach.
Palace has often been far more cautious and seeks to maintain a defensive shape before unleashing their weapons up front. If they can exploit the space inevitably left by the Bees’ attack, I think they can find a lot of favour here. However, I think the home side clinch this.
Monday 19 August
39/10 Leicester | Draw 32/10 | Tottenham 6/10 (21:00)
Leicester have flattered to deceive at times, but I suppose such a sentence could easily be describing either of these two teams. Spurs will no doubt want to be the aggressors in this fixture, but Leicester (and their comfortability to counterattack) will no doubt welcome such an approach.
I think the overall quality of the two teams lies with Tottenham, but if there is an upset this weekend, I think it lands here! For the less aggressive punter though, over 2.5 should be good enough for the weekend multiple.