thfc

Not an official bet as I won't bet against my own team, but I couldn't put anyone off taking Arsenal at 2.4 (bet365) to beat spurs.  Arsenal were OK in defeat at Liverpool, while spurs were dreadful at home to Newcastle, and to some extent are lucky to have 4 points on the board already having not played well in all 3 PL games to date.  Taking form and home advantage into account, i'm not sure why Arsenal are as big a price as they are. 
 

Final one for me and i'm going to back Man Utd at 2.1 (betfred).  Southampton are nothing special, and I've read that Redmond and Djenpro are out of this game.  Both scored in the last game vs Brighton and Redmond in particular is an important loss that won't be easily replaced. 
Arguably, Utd are nothing special either, but they are still a class above Southampton, especially with a couple of key saints injuries.  I was surprised to see them a bit above evens for this one.  I was expecting something like 1.8- 1.9, so to get 2.1 I have to chance Utd getting back to winning ways against a team weakened by injuries, and one that is likely to finish bottom 8 of the PL.
 

Final one for me and i'm going to back Man Utd at 2.1 (betfred).  Southampton are nothing special, and I've read that Redmond and Djenpro are out of this game.  Both scored in the last game vs Brighton and Redmond in particular is an important loss that won't be easily replaced. 
Arguably, Utd are nothing special either, but they are still a class above Southampton, especially with a couple of key saints injuries.  I was surprised to see them a bit above evens for this one.  I was expecting something like 1.8- 1.9, so to get 2.1 I have to chance Utd getting back to winning ways against a team weakened by injuries, and one that is likely to finish bottom 8 of the PL.
 

I quite the look of Burnley +2 at 1.8 (Ladbrokes).  Ignoring the carabao cup game, Burnley have been in good PL form this season.  They are capable of scoring goals, and Liverpool are conceding goals at the moment.  Burnley are quite strong defensively (probably the best defence Liverpool have faced so far) and Barnes and Wood are a handful for any PL team. 
I can see this potentially being a draw, but if Liverpool win I don't see it being by a big margin, so happy to take the +2 to cover a 1 goal win for Liverpool. 

Not an official bet as I won't bet against my own team, but I couldn't put anyone off taking Arsenal at 2.4 (bet365) to beat spurs.  Arsenal were OK in defeat at Liverpool, while spurs were dreadful at home to Newcastle, and to some extent are lucky to have 4 points on the board already having not played well in all 3 PL games to date.  Taking form and home advantage into account, i'm not sure why Arsenal are as big a price as they are. 
 

My main bet this weekend is Norwich +1 vs Chelsea at evens.  Chelsea at odds on in their current state instinctively feels wrong to me and I think they are being priced up on reputation rather than the ability of their team.
Norwich look like they will score goals this season, although Pukki's form will drop off at some point.  I like the fact Norwich are giving a chance to most of the team from last season.  Team spirit must be good, and they will be confident after the Newcastle win.  
Chelsea to me look short of a top striker.  Giroud has never been prolific, Abraham is unproven at this level and Batshuayi blows hot or cold (mostly cold).  I watched the game vs Leicester last week and they gave up so many good chances to Leicester they were lucky to draw in the end. 
Norwich can score at least once against them, and given I don't think Chelsea are likely to score more than 1 themselves, that makes Norwich capable of getting at least a draw in my book. 

Also tempted by Burnley +1 vs Wolves at around evens.  This is the kind of game Wolves didn't do so well in last season, and coming off a EL game vs Torino on Thursday and the Man Utd game on Monday there will be one or two tired legs. 
Burnley played quite well in defeat vs Arsenal, and they do have some capable players (Barnes/Wood etc).  I think they will score at least once, and if they can do that, it might well be enough to get at least a draw as Wolves aren't often that prolific in front of goal.

My main bet this weekend is Norwich +1 vs Chelsea at evens.  Chelsea at odds on in their current state instinctively feels wrong to me and I think they are being priced up on reputation rather than the ability of their team.
Norwich look like they will score goals this season, although Pukki's form will drop off at some point.  I like the fact Norwich are giving a chance to most of the team from last season.  Team spirit must be good, and they will be confident after the Newcastle win.  
Chelsea to me look short of a top striker.  Giroud has never been prolific, Abraham is unproven at this level and Batshuayi blows hot or cold (mostly cold).  I watched the game vs Leicester last week and they gave up so many good chances to Leicester they were lucky to draw in the end. 
Norwich can score at least once against them, and given I don't think Chelsea are likely to score more than 1 themselves, that makes Norwich capable of getting at least a draw in my book. 

Also tempted by Burnley +1 vs Wolves at around evens.  This is the kind of game Wolves didn't do so well in last season, and coming off a EL game vs Torino on Thursday and the Man Utd game on Monday there will be one or two tired legs. 
Burnley played quite well in defeat vs Arsenal, and they do have some capable players (Barnes/Wood etc).  I think they will score at least once, and if they can do that, it might well be enough to get at least a draw as Wolves aren't often that prolific in front of goal.

My main bet this weekend is Norwich +1 vs Chelsea at evens.  Chelsea at odds on in their current state instinctively feels wrong to me and I think they are being priced up on reputation rather than the ability of their team.
Norwich look like they will score goals this season, although Pukki's form will drop off at some point.  I like the fact Norwich are giving a chance to most of the team from last season.  Team spirit must be good, and they will be confident after the Newcastle win.  
Chelsea to me look short of a top striker.  Giroud has never been prolific, Abraham is unproven at this level and Batshuayi blows hot or cold (mostly cold).  I watched the game vs Leicester last week and they gave up so many good chances to Leicester they were lucky to draw in the end. 
Norwich can score at least once against them, and given I don't think Chelsea are likely to score more than 1 themselves, that makes Norwich capable of getting at least a draw in my book. 

I'm leaving the spurs game alone this time around though I expect City to win by a couple of goal margin.  The rest of the Saturday games don't hold much appeal either.
I'm taking Wolves to beat Utd on Monday.  Wolves were excellent last season against the top 6, and are already match sharp with all their Europa league matches.  They also were perhaps unlucky not to win away at Leicester last weekend, and have kept most of their squad from last season, so look to be at least as good a team as the one from last season.
Utd had their 4-0 win last weekend, but the general view is the scoreline massively flattered them.  I'm not convinced they are going to do any better in the league than last season.  Either way, this is a tough game, and one they lost twice last year (in the league and FA cup), and I don't think Utd should be so far ahead in the betting.  Wolves at 3.25 (BetVictor) for me has some value, as I think Utd have been priced up on their name and an overreaction to their first game.

I'm leaving the spurs game alone this time around though I expect City to win by a couple of goal margin.  The rest of the Saturday games don't hold much appeal either.
I'm taking Wolves to beat Utd on Monday.  Wolves were excellent last season against the top 6, and are already match sharp with all their Europa league matches.  They also were perhaps unlucky not to win away at Leicester last weekend, and have kept most of their squad from last season, so look to be at least as good a team as the one from last season.
Utd had their 4-0 win last weekend, but the general view is the scoreline massively flattered them.  I'm not convinced they are going to do any better in the league than last season.  Either way, this is a tough game, and one they lost twice last year (in the league and FA cup), and I don't think Utd should be so far ahead in the betting.  Wolves at 3.25 (BetVictor) for me has some value, as I think Utd have been priced up on their name and an overreaction to their first game.

Way too early to be looking at these fixtures but i'm away when the PL starts back up so what the heck?.
First thoughts are to do lay both Liverpool and Man City.  Liverpool's pre-season has not been the best to date, and their best attacking players have been busy with international commitments.  I still expect Liverpool to win, but Norwich will have a fairly settled team unless they go on a crazy spending spree in the next couple of weeks, and will be more refreshed so aren't without a chance of getting a result.  It's as good a time as any for Norwich to go to Anfield and be able to get a result.
Similar reasoning for city, but coupled with a tough away fixture to start the season I think they could be worth a lay.  West Ham are capable of a top 10 finish and on their day are able to compete with the top teams.  I think there is a fair chance at least one of Liverpool or City will drop points which would guarantee a profit.
I expect spurs to comfortably beat Aston Villa.  Villa concern me with the number of signings they have made- looks like they don't trust the team that got them promoted bar a couple of players like Grealish.  They could be 'doing a Fulham' and signing quantity and not quality IMO.  Either way, spurs will be too strong for a Villa team with a lot of players being bought in who have no experience of the PL.
I can see quite a few draws in this round.  Burnley-Saints, Palace-Everton, Leicester-Wolves and Utd-Chelsea all look like good candidates for draws as I think the teams are similarly matched.

Way too early to be looking at these fixtures but i'm away when the PL starts back up so what the heck?.
First thoughts are to do lay both Liverpool and Man City.  Liverpool's pre-season has not been the best to date, and their best attacking players have been busy with international commitments.  I still expect Liverpool to win, but Norwich will have a fairly settled team unless they go on a crazy spending spree in the next couple of weeks, and will be more refreshed so aren't without a chance of getting a result.  It's as good a time as any for Norwich to go to Anfield and be able to get a result.
Similar reasoning for city, but coupled with a tough away fixture to start the season I think they could be worth a lay.  West Ham are capable of a top 10 finish and on their day are able to compete with the top teams.  I think there is a fair chance at least one of Liverpool or City will drop points which would guarantee a profit.
I expect spurs to comfortably beat Aston Villa.  Villa concern me with the number of signings they have made- looks like they don't trust the team that got them promoted bar a couple of players like Grealish.  They could be 'doing a Fulham' and signing quantity and not quality IMO.  Either way, spurs will be too strong for a Villa team with a lot of players being bought in who have no experience of the PL.
I can see quite a few draws in this round.  Burnley-Saints, Palace-Everton, Leicester-Wolves and Utd-Chelsea all look like good candidates for draws as I think the teams are similarly matched.

Way too early to be looking at these fixtures but i'm away when the PL starts back up so what the heck?.
First thoughts are to do lay both Liverpool and Man City.  Liverpool's pre-season has not been the best to date, and their best attacking players have been busy with international commitments.  I still expect Liverpool to win, but Norwich will have a fairly settled team unless they go on a crazy spending spree in the next couple of weeks, and will be more refreshed so aren't without a chance of getting a result.  It's as good a time as any for Norwich to go to Anfield and be able to get a result.
Similar reasoning for city, but coupled with a tough away fixture to start the season I think they could be worth a lay.  West Ham are capable of a top 10 finish and on their day are able to compete with the top teams.  I think there is a fair chance at least one of Liverpool or City will drop points which would guarantee a profit.
I expect spurs to comfortably beat Aston Villa.  Villa concern me with the number of signings they have made- looks like they don't trust the team that got them promoted bar a couple of players like Grealish.  They could be 'doing a Fulham' and signing quantity and not quality IMO.  Either way, spurs will be too strong for a Villa team with a lot of players being bought in who have no experience of the PL.
I can see quite a few draws in this round.  Burnley-Saints, Palace-Everton, Leicester-Wolves and Utd-Chelsea all look like good candidates for draws as I think the teams are similarly matched.

Surely Chris Hughton wouldn't be tempted back there after his previous experience?  Mourinho also no chance.
Of the names on that list, I wonder whether Dyche might be worth a punt?  Probably done all he can at Burnley and Newcastle would be a bit of a step up. 
That said Ashley will probably appoint someone who is unemployed so he doesn't have to pay to release the manager from his club.  Whoever they get, it's hard not to think they will be able to do better than Benitez so they will do very well to avoid being involved in the relegation scrap.
So basically, I haven't got a clue!

Newcastle have accepted a bid from Leicester for Perez.  No big deal I originally thought but apparently he's been the team's top scorer the past two seasons so clearly will be a big loss.  Just makes the Newcastle to be relegated bet look even better. 
Taking the 4.5 on offer now as the price can only shorten from here, especially if some of the teams expected to be near the bottom make some astute signings.

I think Palace are holding out for Arsenal's inevitable £40,000,001 bid!

Surprised to see spurs as third favourites in the PL title race, albeit a long way off the top two.  No chance of us challenging for the title as I think we will have a weaker team than last year if Eriksen and maybe Alderweireld go.
At the bottom, I like the look of Newcastle and like @Mindfulnesssays, they should be shorter than that.  No money, no manager and the club in turmoil suggests a very tough season for the toon.  
Could Palace be worth a shout at 6.5 if Zaha goes?  I think they've probably got enough about them if he does go, especially with Hodgson in charge, but the price would probably shorten if he did leave.
My main ante-post bet is to back Everton to finish in the top 4 at 21s.  Main reasoning being they finished last season strongly and have a good team already.  If they can strengthen with one or two more (particularly a decent striker), I think they've got enough about them to give the top 6 a good run for their money, especially as Chelsea are going to be weaker (no Hazard is massive), Arsenal are not improving and don't have much to spend to sort out their problems, and spurs may also be weaker.  And who knows with Man U who always seem to be in some sort of transition?!  

Surely Chris Hughton wouldn't be tempted back there after his previous experience?  Mourinho also no chance.
Of the names on that list, I wonder whether Dyche might be worth a punt?  Probably done all he can at Burnley and Newcastle would be a bit of a step up. 
That said Ashley will probably appoint someone who is unemployed so he doesn't have to pay to release the manager from his club.  Whoever they get, it's hard not to think they will be able to do better than Benitez so they will do very well to avoid being involved in the relegation scrap.
So basically, I haven't got a clue!

Surely Chris Hughton wouldn't be tempted back there after his previous experience?  Mourinho also no chance.
Of the names on that list, I wonder whether Dyche might be worth a punt?  Probably done all he can at Burnley and Newcastle would be a bit of a step up. 
That said Ashley will probably appoint someone who is unemployed so he doesn't have to pay to release the manager from his club.  Whoever they get, it's hard not to think they will be able to do better than Benitez so they will do very well to avoid being involved in the relegation scrap.
So basically, I haven't got a clue!

As a spurs fan I'm just hoping we sign someone!

As a spurs fan I'm just hoping we sign someone!

As a spurs fan I'm just hoping we sign someone!

OK so the big game is nearly here.  As a spurs fan i'm very nervous- this is the biggest game in the clubs recent history and certainly in my 30 years of supporting them.  It will probably be another 30+ years before they are back in the CL final so it really feels like now or never!
I don't see this being a game like the Europa league final where one team is going to win by a couple of goals or more.  Both teams will be fully committed and I think the outright odds for the match are about right, although spurs are perhaps a touch bigger than I would have them.
I think this game will be quite tight.  Both teams know each other well, and Liverpool are rightful favourites having done so well this season, but I don't think you can write off spurs at all just because they finished 20+ points behind Liverpool in the league.  Both premier league games were tight, with Liverpool only winning the most recent encounter 2-1 because of a massive Lloris blunder. 
Having come through against the odds against City and Ajax I don't think spurs will fear Liverpool. Equally Liverpool will feel confident of their chance having come through so well against Barcelona.  In other words, both teams will feel they have a great chance to win the trophy.
Its tough for me to have a bet in this as i'm naturally biased so will be looking out for some more neutral views!  However, I'm going to go with spurs +1 @ 1.95 (Ladbrokes).  This gives me spurs or the draw on my side for around evens which seems fair enough if this does end up being a tight game as I expect.