IT'S a big day north and south of the border with six top-flight games plus a handful of matches in the lower league.
There is no doubt the one that catches the eye in the Premier League is Bolton v Man City and not because the sides sat top after week one following 4-0 victories.
The excitement factor is caused by one man – £38million striker Sergio Aguero who could his make his first start for City after coming off the bench to hit a double against Swansea on Monday.
I think the opening win will have settled City down and I can see their squad of superstars grabbing a second win. City are a biggest 5-6 at Betfred.
If Aguero starts he is good value at 9-2 with bodog to score first and the Argentine is 29-20 unibet to net at any time.
Bolton are a best 4-1 with Ladbrokes to cause a shock but City are riding on a wave of confidence and I expect them to pick up the points.
Norwich meet Stoke in their first game at Carrow Road since their return to the Premier League and I reckon the Canaries will pick up a point.
Stoke are incredibly streetwise as they proved in beating Thun in the Europa League in midweek and I can't see them giving much away. The draw pays 23-10 at Chandler.
Fulham were another side in Europa League action last week and I can see them also picking up a point at Wolves. The draw pays 11-8 at Chandler and I like both teams to score at 19-20 with William Hill.
There are strong cases for two home wins in the Championship with West Ham facing Leeds and Middlesbrough taking on Birmingham.
The Hammers are the new title favourites after Norwich's stuttering start and are 8-11 (various) to beat a Leeds side whose only away game ended in defeat at Southampton.
Tony Mowbray's Middlesbrough have made a great start to the season in comparison to a year ago when they were regarded as one of the promotion favourites.
They tackle a Birmingham side who may be tired after a midweek European trip to Madeira. Birmingham aren't likely to cause Boro too many problems so take the home at 6-5 with the likes of Betfred.
In the SPL Celtic look bankers at a best 1-5 with the likes of Paddy Power at home to a St Johnstone side who have failed to score in their opening three SPL games.
It's pretty short so instead take the Hoops at 4-7 minus one goal with Betfred.
Gary Hooper was missed in the 0-0 midweek draw with Sion and is out again so take Anthony Stokes at 3-1 with bet365 to score first as long as Neil Lennon doesn't play him out wide as he did against the Swiss.
if he starts could be the one to back for first goal at 11-4 with Skybet.
The most intriuging clash is at Fir Park where early leaders Motherwell tackle champions Rangers.
Well haven't conceded in their first four games but worryingly lost 21 goals to the Ibrox men last season.
However, Stuart McCall's turned the side around and I can see them edging out a Rangers side still to get going under Ally McCoist.
Well are a biggest 5-1 at Betfred with Rangers 4-6 with Stan James. Even the draw is pretty big at
3-1 with Skybet while Well plus one pays 11-8 at boylesports.
Steven Naismith netted five in five games against Well last season and is 11-2 with Chandler to hit the opener and 7-5 at bet365 and Paddy Power to score.
Motherwell dangerman Jamie Murphy, who could still be away before the transfer window closes, is 3-1 with Skybet to net at any time.
I tipped Kenny Shiels to get off the mark as Killie boss last week and he could make it two wins in a row when Hearts visit Rugby Park.
Killie hammered Hibs 4-1 while Hearts are still hurting after their 5-0 demolition by Spurs in midweek.
I reckon Killie could add to their suffering and are a best 7-4 with Paddy Power.
Recommendations
- Man City (5-6, Betfred)
- Kilmarnock (7-4, Paddy Power)
- Motherwell plus one (11-8, boylesports)
- Stokes to score first (3-1, bet365)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
