This Weekend's Premier League Betting Tips

August 14, 2008 - Lawrence Foley It would be fair to say that Tony Mowbray probably wouldn't have wished for his side to face Arsenal in their opening game, and you can see why when looking at Arsenal's unbeaten home record last season.  But after a dour midweek effort against FC Twente in Champions League qualifying where the Gunners were fortunate to escape with a victory and injuries to several key Arsenal players, the Baggies might just fancy their chances of nicking a point.  I think that Arsenal will prove too strong though, and canbet are offering a generous 1.82 about Arsenal winning by 2 goals or more.
 
Liverpool, who also looked below par against Standard Liege in midweek, ought to be given a decent game at Sunderland and will be hoping for three points to get their title challenge off on the right foot.  Rafa Benitez's side have a great record against the Black Cats, winning all four ties between the sides since he took over in 2004.  After tipping Sunderland to be relegated in my season preview, I can't bring myself to recommend a bet on them winning here.  However, Liverpool looked so out of sorts on Wednesday night that betfair's draw price of 3.9 is worth a small wager. 
 
Despite my uncertainties over Liverpool, I cannot understand why Paddy Power are laying 5/1 about Fernando Torres scoring first.  Liverpool appeared to line up on Wednesday with Torres playing up alone, and Benayoun, Keane and Kuyt offering support from deeper.  The Irish firm are even offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets if El Nino scores the game's last goal, so get on.
 
Of the non-live 3pm kick-offs Everton v Blackburn stands out as the best game on paper and Yakubu 2/1 to score at anytime looks a cracking bet.  The Nigerian scored 15 goals in the league last season and with Andrew Johnson having departed for Fulham, he will be their main man again. 

Bolton v Stoke will be another interesting encounter, particularly when you consider that Bolton's opening day fixtures average 4.14 since gaining promotion seven years ago.  That really is a startling statistic given the Lancashire side's reputation for boring, unattractive football.  In the last seven seasons, the goals scored in Bolton's opening fixture have made up 4, 2, 4, 5, 4, 5 and 5.  As such, I would be backing both over 2.5 goals, and over 3.5 goals in this match.
 
Recommendations:

Arsenal v West Brom - Arsenal -1.5 Handicap 1.82 (Canbet)
Liverpool v Sunderland – Draw 3.9 (Betfair)
Liverpool v Sunderland – Fernando Torres First Goalscorer 5/1 (Paddy Power)
Everton v Blackburn - Yakubu Anytime Goalscorer 2/1 (William Hill)
Bolton v Stoke  - Over 2.5 Goals 5/4 (Canbet), Over 3.5 Goals 100/30 (Victor Chandler)