WEEK ONE of the Premier League threw up many pointers – one being the new boys won't be soft touches.
Norwich, Aston Villa and Sheffield United picked up just one point between them but there positives for each of the promoted clubs.
The Blades avoided defeat at Bournemouth with a late goal while Norwich won the second half at Liverpool after a first 45 hammering – and they made a handful of decent chances against the European champions.
Big-spending Villa were the most impressive of the trio as they led for more than an hour at Spurs before eventually caving in to the pressure.
All three are at home today and there is a chance of three wins and that pays 20-1 with bet365 – although much more likely is all three not to lose at 37-10 with Marathonbet.
Let's start with Villa who face a Bournemouth side that's taken just eight points in 11 trips to promoted clubs.
Villa Park will be packed out and Dean Smith has spent £150million to make his team competitive at this level.
Every chance of a home success against a side that didn't look anything special last week.
Villa are a best 7-5 at BetVictor and John McGinn is 11-2 with bet365 to score and make history. The midfielder is aiming to become the first Scot to net in his opening two Premier League games.
Norwich didn't sit back at Anfield and ultimately that was their downfall. An open first 45 could have finished 6-3 to Liverpool so the Canaries deserve credit for only losing 4-1.
They entertain a Newcastle side that looked powderpuff in a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal. Steve Bruce has lost players who netted two thirds of last season's goals and while he spent £42m on Joelinton the Brazilian is a winger rather than a No.9.
Norwich have the firepower to win this but have a few injury problems and will probably concede as they usually do. They are a best 11-8 at betfair and Norwich and both to score tempts at 10-3 with bet365.
Ex-Celt Teemu Pukki netted at Anfield and I fancy the Finn to break the deadlock at 9-2 with Betfred.
Sheffield United are in action tomorrow and looking to take advantage of dissent in the Crystal Palace camp with star man Wilfried Zaha unhappy he wasn't allowed too leave.
Chris Wilder's side are defensively strong and don't give much away and will be looking for their first three points at 13-8 with BetVictor.
Now to the big boys and match of the day is Man City v Spurs. The champions started by rolling over West Ham 5-0 and their firepower is frightening.
It's rare anyone will back against Pep Guardiola's team and while Spurs will be on of their closest challengers the home win is no bigger than 4-11.
Six of the last seven meetings at the Etihad have produced three or more goals so I'm on City and over 2.5 at 20-23 with boylesports – as Spurs are capable of contributing.
I tipped Raheem Sterling as Premier League top scorer and he opened with a hat-trick. Take him to net again at 11-10 with Paddy Power.
Liverpool should win at Southampton but may feel the effects of 120 minutes in the heat of Istanbul as they lifted the Super Cup on Wednesday. They also have a keeper crisis with Alisson out and Adrian a doubt after being injured by a fan in the celebrations in Turkey so 35-year-old Andy Lonergan is on standby to make his debut.
In the Championship I'm on Brentford to beat a Hull side who have lost eight out of 10 on the road and Derby and Leeds look decent away shouts at Stoke and Wigan respectively.
Lincoln look best bets in League One at home to Southend and in League Two I'm on Bradford to get their season off and running against Oldham.
Recommended Bets
- Norwich/Villa/Sheff Utd not to lose
- Norwich & Btts
- Pukki to score
- Sheffield Utd
- Man City & over 2.5 goals
- Sterling to score
- Brentford
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.
