It’s back! Bigger, brighter and expectations more thrilling than ever. The English premiership kicks off tomorrow and while it’s been a relatively short time since the Euro’s and Copa America ended it feels like a chasm of emptiness has taken over my life, and that’s before her indoors left me, or should that now be her ‘outdoors’?
Hull V Leicester
Where better to start than with the reigning champions (still strange to write that, never mind say it!) against the championship playoff winners. Champ against Champ and while they are now technically in the same league, they are divisions apart in terms of talent, tactics and tenacity. The 3 t’s (didn’t they used to be a band!)
With players and manager alike exiting hull through a revolving door they are struggling to make up a first 11. As evidenced by one of their own
Hull City squad photo 2016/17 😂😂 #HCAFC #TheBigLeague pic.twitter.com/BTjA84jlY1
— Curtis Davies #6 (@TheCurtisDavies) August 4, 2016
Aside the surprisingly loss of N’golo Kante, Leicester have consolidated the depth in their squad with some shrewd purchases. I’m afraid it’s men against boys here, with I suspect Leicester, and in particular Vardy should hit the ground sprinting.
Leicester – Away Win – Evens – Paddy Power
Crystal Palace V West Brom
Pulis’ tendency to play 4 centre backs will ensure this game should contain a minimum of 6 central defenders on the pitch at all times. Ironically, the lack of action in this game should get you enough time to make your morning coffee. Crystal Palace’s pacey strikers against West Broom profligacy of defenders would lead no common man to bet on many goals here.
Under 2.5 goals – 1/1 – Bet365
Middlesbrough V Stoke
Middlesbrough will be looking to make an immediate impact on their long awaited return to the Premiership whereas Stoke will be aiming to finally break the glass ceiling on their thrice-consecutive 9th place finish. Both teams boast a few match winners and goals should flow on this season opener.
Stoke to win and both teams to score – 7/1 – Bet365
Arsenal V Liverpool
With both teams transfer dealings (or lack thereof in Arsenals case) coming under scrutiny – Liverpool for overbuying (midfielders), Arsenal for under buying in the same old areas; the mouth watering prospect of the actual match has been overlooked.
Arsenal with their yearly injury crisis don’t know who to put in. Meanwhile Liverpool with their bloated midfield don’t know who to pull out!
I’m calling this one based on Mr eccentric himself – Jürgen Klopp having a full pre-season with his squad. With mountains of motivation behind them coupled with a weakened Arsenal defence I’d expect nothing less than a comprehensive Liverpool victory here.
Liverpool to win – 21/10 – William Hill
***ODDS CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. PLEASE GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY.
When it stops being fun, stop!
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