This season was the first since 1953/54 to see the previous year’s champions and runners up lose on the opening weekend and it certainly looks as though it is another season in which everything is to play for.
There were some strong attacking displays and that coupled with a general disregard for the defensive side of the game means that both teams to score could be a good bet. Here we bring you our tips from the Premier League, Championship and La Liga.
Friday 19th August 2016
- Manchester United v Southampton (11/10 with Sky Bet) – United’s new striker has settled in well with Zlatan Ibrahimovic opening his Premier League account at the first available opportunity. The big Swede spearheads a lineup that should score plenty more goals than last season, however, at the other end United have work to do.
Sat 20th August 2016
- Stoke City v Manchester City (8/11 with Betfred) – Given their recent home form against Manchester City, Stoke will be relatively confident heading into this game and they will be buoyed by Man City’s lacklustre opening day display. The Citizens have plenty going forwards but they look shaky at the heart of the defence.
- Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United (20/23 with Coral) – Sheffield Wednesday failed to score last week against Norwich City, but they have the ability to cut open a Leeds defence that goes missing for large periods of the game. There have been some high scoring derby meetings between these two lately and this could well be another in the early kick off at Hillsborough.
- Burnley v Liverpool (evens with Betfair) – Liverpool’s opening game saw seven goals scored and whilst we can’t see seven being knocked in here, both sides should get on the scoresheet. The Reds are so disorganised at the back that even Burnley should be able to fashion a chance or two, that said, Sean Dyche’s side will do well to keep the score down here.
- Real Sociedad v Real Madrid (4/6 with Ladbrokes) – Real Sociedad like nothing more than upsetting the big boys in front of their passionate home crowd and they should be able to feed off that passion to find the back of the net. However, given the embarrassment of riches Real Madrid have up front, we can’t see either keeper keeping a clean sheet.
- Leicester City v Arsenal (4/7 with Bet365) – Arsenal did the double over Leicester last season and the two fixtures produced a total of 10 goals so hopes are high for this one. Arsenal’s defensive injury list means that Leicester will fancy their chances yet the Foxes were troubled by Hull City last Saturday so BTTS looks on the cards.
Sunday 21st August 2016
- West Ham v Bournemouth (3/4 with Bet365) – The action is rounded off on Sunday afternoon as Bournemouth travel to east London. It should be an entertaining game as well given the desire of both sides to play on the front foot with both sides to score looking likely.