THE English season officially kicks off at 7.45 and the Sky cameras have picked a match that looks close to call.
Early games are always fairly tight anyway and I don't expect fireworks when the Blades entertain Notts County.
United are fourth favourites for the title at 11-1 with William Hill while County are as big as 33-1 (various).
So it's not a big surprise to see the Blades 1-1 favourites with Coral and William Hill to win tonight. However, they remain an unknown quantity under new boss Davie Weir. The former Scotland defender brings vast playing experience but is untried as a boss.
He earned rave reviews on the coaching staff at Everton but managing the expectations of a home support who expect a promotion challenge is something different altogether. Weir has signed striker Lyle Taylor from one of his old clubs Falkirk but it's a big step for a player who has potential.
Weir will also be trying to get the best from ex-Motherwell star Jamie Murphy and another former Well man Chris Porter needs to chip in with goals.
County enjoyed a fine pre-season and are ready to go under Chris Kiwomya. They finished 12th last season and have made good signings in Danny Haynes from Charlton and Mark Fotheringham from Ross County.
So tonight I reckon the Blades will do well to win and I'm on the draw at 13-5 with bet365 although I can see why some people are making a case for County at 10-3 with William Hill and Betfred.
Best bet may to actually leave this one alone – and certainly play for low stakes – until you see how sides start to shape up.
In the League One outrights I'm edging towards Brentford ahead of favourites Wolves whose best price of 4-1 at Betway doesn't really inspire me.
Wolves have been in freefall in recent seasons but new boss Kenny Jackett and a keen young team and if he gets the best out of Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths, a natural goalscorer and great finisher, his side could go close.
Uwe Rosler's Brentford crashed in the play-off final to Yeovil after missing out on promotion against Doncaster in the final minute of the final game. They are 12-1 at Winner.com and at that price I'd back them each way.
The Bees have managed to hold on to top scorer Clayton Donaldson and brought in Will Grigg from Walsall who notched 19 times last season.
In the top scorer market I'll be on Griffiths at 7-1 with William Hill. If he gets the service he'll score for fun at this level – if he can steer clear of trouble off the pitch.
Recommended Bets
Sheff Utd v Notts County draw
(13-5, bet365)
Brentford to win the title
(12-1, Winner.com)
Griffiths to be top scorer
(7-1, William Hill)
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.
Not going to touch tonight’s game, but will take 7/1 for Giffiths tops gs
Mr. Fixit – you’re a brave man with a tips on the first match of the season :-)
The Dane.
The Dane, I’m advising caution. No one should go big in the first few weeks but what’s a betting site with no tips?
Mr. Fixit – good point.
The Dane.
Mr fixit i am thinkin of BTS for ajax vs roda match.. What do you think?
victor, I’ve not tipped it but I’ve seen others doing so. It has a decent chance but there are no guarantees.
Brentford have to get past the mighty Vale 1st ;)
Dundee utd win
over 2.5 gls/dundee United win
Sheffield United draw
singles & doubles
Btts in all 4 dutch jupiler games & bruges v anderlecht
dundee utd to win by 2
shef utd to win by 1
Had 20 on sheff utd at Evs
And 5 on sheff utd to win 2-1 at 9/1 .. Nice wee profit going into tomorrow