Tottenham v Manchester City

The two teams who went toe-to-toe for fourth place last season meet in the opening match of the campaign and that’s some way to kick off proceedings. Manchester City continue to get the cheque book out in a bid to have the best possible squad and give themselves the best possible chance of winning the Premier League. But we all know that there’s more to success than just having a number of superstar players on your books.

It’s been a quiet summer for Spurs on the transfer front with just the signing of Sandro to speak of but it certainly hasn’t been for want of trying on Harry Redknapp’s part. He’s been in for a few players but for one reason or other they just haven’t materialised and the Spurs boss has been in this business for long enough to know that it’s about going out and getting the right players rather than just any players. Besides, other than Saturday’s opponents no-one has really gone out and spent big, it’s just been that sort of summer.

We know what we’re going to get from Spurs in a match like this. A 4-4-2 with an emphasis on getting the ball out to the wide men and asking them to create chances for Jermain Defoe (and whoever partners him on the day) to get on the end of. Harry knows his best XI is and what each player can bring to the table, but the same can’t be said of Man City. Right now we don’t know who his first-choice keeper is, whether the likes of Stephen Ireland, Emmanuel Adebayor and Craig Bellamy are in the manager’s plans or what formation they’re likely to line up with.

City would probably view a point at White Hart Lane as a decent start to the season but Spurs will be going out to win this one in front of their own fans. Roberto Mancini’s team may have all the star names but Spurs have been the more consistent and organised team over the years and I can see them getting their season off to the best possible start.

Recommended Bets:

Back Spurs to win @ [2.5]

Back both teams to score @ [1.8]

Life at Liverpool under Roy Hodgson gets away on Sunday afternoon and the fixture list hasn’t been particularly kind to them with Arsenal first up. On Monday night it’s the return of Newcastle to the big time and their opponents are just about the last team they’d want to be playing on the opening week. Here’s why….

Liverpool v Arsenal

The absence of Fernando Torres for this match is obviously a huge factor but Arsenal have their own problems in that respect with Cesc Fabregas unlikely to play, or perhaps not make the starting lineup. The good news for Liverpool is the goalscoring form of David N’Gog who has looked sharp in the build-up to the season and who could be handed a rare start in a match of this magnitude.

I’m a firm believer that Steven Gerrard should play in central midfield rather than the second-striker role he’s occupied so often over the last couple of seasons. As ever, Liverpool’s success this season depends on how good a year Gerrard has. Joe Cole seems to have adapted quickly to playing in a new team and it will do the side no harm to have another English player in the ranks.

As far as Arsenal go I’ve been very impressed with Marouane Chamakh and I think he’ll have no trouble at adapting to their system and the way they play the game. I’m expecting big things from this guy and if he can form a good partnership with Robin Van Persie, Arsenal will take some stopping.

This match has the classic makings of a game that both sides will be desperate not to lose but that’s not to say it will be a cagey affair. Liverpool will be happy to be aggressive and ambitious at home whilst Arsenal only know how to play one way so I suspect a couple of goals will be on the cards whilst a share of the spoils looks the most likely outcome.

Recommended Bets:

Back the draw with a sportsbook @ [3.4]

Back both teams to score @ [1.9]

Back 1-1 at [7.2]

Manchester United v Newcastle

I’ve already said that West Brom have some task on their hands this weekend and Newcastle’s isn’t any easier. Not only are they playing one of the league’s favourites but they’re going to a ground where the only thing they’ve got out of their recent visits has been a cup of tea.

The exciting thing for United fans this season are the options upfront at Sir Alex Ferguson’s disposal. Wayne Rooney is obviously still the main man and this could be the season that Dimitar Berbatov finally shows the Old Trafford faithful what he’s all about. Then there’s their brand new signing Bebe, the impressive Javier Hernandez, Federico Macheda and let’s not forget about a certain Michael Owen. It’s likely to be Rooney plus one from that list of players I’ve just mentioned on Monday night and I think that will be the story for most of the season, at least as far as the league goes.

Newcastle have a big task ahead of them this season to stay in this division and a defeat first up is hardly the best way to kick things off but I’d be absolutely amazed if Newcastle get anything from this match and I’ll be betting accordingly.

Recommended Sports Betting Bets:

Back Wayne Rooney to score at evens.

Back Manchester United to win 2-0 at [7.0]

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