dylanphan

Usually the second week gives an opportunity or two to take a punt on a team with long odds, however this weeks fixtures are extremely tricky in my eyes.  I generally will try to take an overreaction to the market as a chance to make a play, but I'm not seeing it this week at all.  I'll go through a few games quickly.
Liverpool should smash Southampton,  I to have Southampton tipped for the drop, and Liverpool is obviously a strong side, however with Allison out and now potentially Adrian out well, I'm going to shy away by playing short odds here on the road side.  This game screams pass to me so I will not be involved at all.
City/Spurs is the marquis matchup this week and rightfully so.  Two top sides.  And this is a chance to play a small overreaction.  City went to London and stomped West Ham. Spurs at home struggled mightily against newly promoted Aston Villa.  So now City at home are at -270 to Spurs?  I'm afraid that's too high.  You can get Spurs at +0.25 at +150 or so and that seems a pretty good punt. But, I am passing as Spurs still a bit short handed and again, I just think there are better spots to put my money to work.
Arsenal/Burnley could get my interest a bit.  Arsenal played a sloppy opening fixture vs Newcastle and squeeked out a 1-0 win.  But they played a weakened side.  And it was a dreary rainy day at Newcastle.  Burnley opened up their slate with a convincing 3-0 win vs a shit Southampton side, but I still think Burnley can make some noise here.  Arsenal's defense is nothing to write home about, they play an attacking game and Ashley Barnes seems to score every game. This game has a strong interest to me at over 2.5 and over 2.75 and I'll shop around. I think we get 3-4 goals here pretty easily.
Everton/Watford is a very interesting early fixture.  I like both teams quite a bit.  I played both last week and was obviously quite disappointed in both results. Now, ordinarily I would come back and hit Everton heavily as they are at home and the odds look quite short as I'm only laying about -135 for a home win.  BUT, with Watford losing so badly last week to an inferior Brighton side, I'm simply paring back here as I think the away side will come in with a chip on their shoulders.  This is just a small, 1/4 unit play on the home side to win.  
Now I know at this point in time I'm putting you to sleep.  However, the next two games will have some money in play.
West Ham/Brighton.  West Ham got crushed last week by City.  This will happen.  Brighton won 3-0 last week on the road.  That is a bit of an aberration.  Now, you are giving me West Ham at about +195 on the road.  YES.  This will be a play.  I'll take them to win as well as DNB in parlays all day long.  West Ham has a good side. They struggled last week, sure, but now I'm getting a massive overreaction from last week's results.  Brighton in my eyes is a weak side.  I'm getting near 2/1 for an away win with a superior side, who will be desperate to rebound and get points.  This is exactly a kind of situation I'm hunting.  
Aston Villa/ Bournemouth.  I watched Villas game, did not see much of the Bournemouth fixture, but tbh this game is a simply play.  I'm taking u2.75 goals here all day.  These teams are both going to not want to give away points early, so a draw will do each well.  Villa playing their first home game in the premier league in years will surely be hopping, but with so many new faces in the side, it will take time to gel,  Bournemouth will want to play a pragmatic game and keep it close.  Honestly I think this game ends at 1-1 but I could see one team held to nil.  Either way, Villa played good defense for almost 80 minutes at Spurs and I think they'll do the same here.
Norwich City/Newcastle.  Newcastle looked absolutely dreadful week one.  And if you can't get up for the opening weekend, at home against a big side like Arsenal, well frankly I feel sorry for your supporters and your season prospects.  That being said, I was expecting a bigger price on Norwich at home.  But, at +120 or so, that's just not a big enough price for a home win. I do think the canaries will get the win, but I was fully expecting a +150 or so price against a bigger name.  At this point I'd put a small punt on the home side, simply because I thought Newcastle was terrible and I don't see much prospect for immediate improvement.
gluck
 

Usually the second week gives an opportunity or two to take a punt on a team with long odds, however this weeks fixtures are extremely tricky in my eyes.  I generally will try to take an overreaction to the market as a chance to make a play, but I'm not seeing it this week at all.  I'll go through a few games quickly.
Liverpool should smash Southampton,  I to have Southampton tipped for the drop, and Liverpool is obviously a strong side, however with Allison out and now potentially Adrian out well, I'm going to shy away by playing short odds here on the road side.  This game screams pass to me so I will not be involved at all.
City/Spurs is the marquis matchup this week and rightfully so.  Two top sides.  And this is a chance to play a small overreaction.  City went to London and stomped West Ham. Spurs at home struggled mightily against newly promoted Aston Villa.  So now City at home are at -270 to Spurs?  I'm afraid that's too high.  You can get Spurs at +0.25 at +150 or so and that seems a pretty good punt. But, I am passing as Spurs still a bit short handed and again, I just think there are better spots to put my money to work.
Arsenal/Burnley could get my interest a bit.  Arsenal played a sloppy opening fixture vs Newcastle and squeeked out a 1-0 win.  But they played a weakened side.  And it was a dreary rainy day at Newcastle.  Burnley opened up their slate with a convincing 3-0 win vs a shit Southampton side, but I still think Burnley can make some noise here.  Arsenal's defense is nothing to write home about, they play an attacking game and Ashley Barnes seems to score every game. This game has a strong interest to me at over 2.5 and over 2.75 and I'll shop around. I think we get 3-4 goals here pretty easily.
Everton/Watford is a very interesting early fixture.  I like both teams quite a bit.  I played both last week and was obviously quite disappointed in both results. Now, ordinarily I would come back and hit Everton heavily as they are at home and the odds look quite short as I'm only laying about -135 for a home win.  BUT, with Watford losing so badly last week to an inferior Brighton side, I'm simply paring back here as I think the away side will come in with a chip on their shoulders.  This is just a small, 1/4 unit play on the home side to win.  
Now I know at this point in time I'm putting you to sleep.  However, the next two games will have some money in play.
West Ham/Brighton.  West Ham got crushed last week by City.  This will happen.  Brighton won 3-0 last week on the road.  That is a bit of an aberration.  Now, you are giving me West Ham at about +195 on the road.  YES.  This will be a play.  I'll take them to win as well as DNB in parlays all day long.  West Ham has a good side. They struggled last week, sure, but now I'm getting a massive overreaction from last week's results.  Brighton in my eyes is a weak side.  I'm getting near 2/1 for an away win with a superior side, who will be desperate to rebound and get points.  This is exactly a kind of situation I'm hunting.  
Aston Villa/ Bournemouth.  I watched Villas game, did not see much of the Bournemouth fixture, but tbh this game is a simply play.  I'm taking u2.75 goals here all day.  These teams are both going to not want to give away points early, so a draw will do each well.  Villa playing their first home game in the premier league in years will surely be hopping, but with so many new faces in the side, it will take time to gel,  Bournemouth will want to play a pragmatic game and keep it close.  Honestly I think this game ends at 1-1 but I could see one team held to nil.  Either way, Villa played good defense for almost 80 minutes at Spurs and I think they'll do the same here.
Norwich City/Newcastle.  Newcastle looked absolutely dreadful week one.  And if you can't get up for the opening weekend, at home against a big side like Arsenal, well frankly I feel sorry for your supporters and your season prospects.  That being said, I was expecting a bigger price on Norwich at home.  But, at +120 or so, that's just not a big enough price for a home win. I do think the canaries will get the win, but I was fully expecting a +150 or so price against a bigger name.  At this point I'd put a small punt on the home side, simply because I thought Newcastle was terrible and I don't see much prospect for immediate improvement.
gluck
 

Usually the second week gives an opportunity or two to take a punt on a team with long odds, however this weeks fixtures are extremely tricky in my eyes.  I generally will try to take an overreaction to the market as a chance to make a play, but I'm not seeing it this week at all.  I'll go through a few games quickly.
Liverpool should smash Southampton,  I to have Southampton tipped for the drop, and Liverpool is obviously a strong side, however with Allison out and now potentially Adrian out well, I'm going to shy away by playing short odds here on the road side.  This game screams pass to me so I will not be involved at all.
City/Spurs is the marquis matchup this week and rightfully so.  Two top sides.  And this is a chance to play a small overreaction.  City went to London and stomped West Ham. Spurs at home struggled mightily against newly promoted Aston Villa.  So now City at home are at -270 to Spurs?  I'm afraid that's too high.  You can get Spurs at +0.25 at +150 or so and that seems a pretty good punt. But, I am passing as Spurs still a bit short handed and again, I just think there are better spots to put my money to work.
Arsenal/Burnley could get my interest a bit.  Arsenal played a sloppy opening fixture vs Newcastle and squeeked out a 1-0 win.  But they played a weakened side.  And it was a dreary rainy day at Newcastle.  Burnley opened up their slate with a convincing 3-0 win vs a shit Southampton side, but I still think Burnley can make some noise here.  Arsenal's defense is nothing to write home about, they play an attacking game and Ashley Barnes seems to score every game. This game has a strong interest to me at over 2.5 and over 2.75 and I'll shop around. I think we get 3-4 goals here pretty easily.
Everton/Watford is a very interesting early fixture.  I like both teams quite a bit.  I played both last week and was obviously quite disappointed in both results. Now, ordinarily I would come back and hit Everton heavily as they are at home and the odds look quite short as I'm only laying about -135 for a home win.  BUT, with Watford losing so badly last week to an inferior Brighton side, I'm simply paring back here as I think the away side will come in with a chip on their shoulders.  This is just a small, 1/4 unit play on the home side to win.  
Now I know at this point in time I'm putting you to sleep.  However, the next two games will have some money in play.
West Ham/Brighton.  West Ham got crushed last week by City.  This will happen.  Brighton won 3-0 last week on the road.  That is a bit of an aberration.  Now, you are giving me West Ham at about +195 on the road.  YES.  This will be a play.  I'll take them to win as well as DNB in parlays all day long.  West Ham has a good side. They struggled last week, sure, but now I'm getting a massive overreaction from last week's results.  Brighton in my eyes is a weak side.  I'm getting near 2/1 for an away win with a superior side, who will be desperate to rebound and get points.  This is exactly a kind of situation I'm hunting.  
Aston Villa/ Bournemouth.  I watched Villas game, did not see much of the Bournemouth fixture, but tbh this game is a simply play.  I'm taking u2.75 goals here all day.  These teams are both going to not want to give away points early, so a draw will do each well.  Villa playing their first home game in the premier league in years will surely be hopping, but with so many new faces in the side, it will take time to gel,  Bournemouth will want to play a pragmatic game and keep it close.  Honestly I think this game ends at 1-1 but I could see one team held to nil.  Either way, Villa played good defense for almost 80 minutes at Spurs and I think they'll do the same here.
Norwich City/Newcastle.  Newcastle looked absolutely dreadful week one.  And if you can't get up for the opening weekend, at home against a big side like Arsenal, well frankly I feel sorry for your supporters and your season prospects.  That being said, I was expecting a bigger price on Norwich at home.  But, at +120 or so, that's just not a big enough price for a home win. I do think the canaries will get the win, but I was fully expecting a +150 or so price against a bigger name.  At this point I'd put a small punt on the home side, simply because I thought Newcastle was terrible and I don't see much prospect for immediate improvement.
gluck
 

Sundays fixtures:
Leicester is too heavily favored in my eyes.  Maguire is going to be a massive loss to the confidence of this team.  I don't see why Wolves are so short, I mean they finished ahead of Leicester last year, no?   Give me Wolves at +260 and DNB at +160 here all day.  I don't think Wolves will finish as high as last year, but see no reason why they can't get a result here tomorrow.
I like Arsenal quite a bit this year.  Lacazette/PEA and now Pepe in the attack.  Tierney and Luiz should be good gets in defense.  It make take a few weeks for this team to find their best 11, but I think they should have no issues vs Newcastle this week.  Losing Rafa is going to be a a huge issue for Newcastle.  I don't usually put a full unit on a first weekend fixture, but Arsenal are in my eyes the best bet of the weekend.
I will probably make a small bet on ManUnited this weekend, but in all honesty, this is a supporter bet more than anything else.  Chelsea is going to feel the loss of Hazard for sure.  United was able to keep Pogba which was key, and grabbed Maguire and AWB.  They are at home, and I think they need a result.  I'm really not sold at all on Ole as boss, but I'm not at all sold with Lampard as a manager either.  I don't mind getting +125 here at home opening weekend.  

First week always tricky in my eyes.  I try to keep it simple and don't play much early on.  Here are my quick thoughts on Saturday's games
West Ham/City - this game is just a huge pass for me.  I've got City tipped to win the league and they are just a fantastic side.  But, I do like West Ham quite a bit this year.  A full year with Lanzini, Anderson hit his form late - and I love the Fornals and Haller pickups. But, will take a while for this team to congeal.  Meanwhile, City pretty much the same as last year.  Kompany and Delph gone, Rodri on, this team will be fantastic this year.  Just the odds aren't right for any play to me.  City will be content with a win, West Ham will want to play well, early game, probably a 2-1, 3-1 final but who knows.  No play.
Bournemouth/Sheffield United - this will be a small play.  Both teams will want to do all they can to pickup points where they can.  In my eyes, Sheffield United has not done near enough to improve their side to stay in the premier league.  They should be relegated.  Bournemouth at home at evs seems a great play here, but, just a small play nonetheless.
Burnley/Southampton - Another game where I like the home side.  I have also tipped Southampton to drop. They are a great feeder club, but dont do anything to improve themselves.  Burnley at home is strong and Dyche is a great manager.  Shop around, get a great price and anything above +175 or so is a good play in my eyes.
Crystal Palace/Everton - CP is a team in flux yet again.  Zaha doesn't want to be there and in my eyes, this is a club that just doesn't do enough to improve themselves at all.  Sell AWB for a nice profit but who they bring in?  Seems to me they are always losing players and never bringing in quality in return.  Everton is a team that I absolutely loved their transfer season.  Gomes, Delph, Kean and Iwobi in. Only significant loss was Gueye.  I mean, this was probably the best business in the premier league this summer.  But, this doesn't necessarily equate to immediate results.  Either way, I'm all in on Everton this game if I can get +140 or better.
Watford/Brighton - two years back, Watford finished a point above Brighton in the table.  The last year, Watford may significant improvements, while Brighton stayed the same, and well Watford shot up the table, improved nearly 10 points and 5 positions, while Brighton fell to just 2 points above the drop.  Watford looks to be about the same, and Brighton took action and brought in a number of players to help improve their side.  I think this will take some time to gel so I like the home side here at evs or better.
 
 
 

Going to wake up early, really looking forward to Spurs/Arsenal game.  No strong lean in that match, but do feel Arsenal are being undervalued, taking them +0.5 would make sense.  Be honest here, I think Poch is overrated as a manager.  He has a nice system, has a keen eye for young talent, and gets a lot of his players so something certainly can be said for that, but his in game management is questionable.  
Case in point, Kane's first game back in what, 6 weeks against Burnley of all teams, and leaves him in for a full 90?  Yeah, he scored a goal, that's well and good, but bigger fish to fry and Burnley tough at home.   And then he was outmatched vs a struggling Chelsea side, and again Kane in for full game.  Very questionable strikers brought in in the likes of Soldado, Llorente, et al, I'm not overwhelmed.  
Anyway, I fully expect Man United to stomp Southampton tomorrow.  I'll play them 1H, on the handicap, hell, maybe even a -2 here.  Two teams going in exact opposite directions, United's forms been top notch and they are at home, no reason to believe this is even close.  
I also do like Wolves here at home quite a bit,  Cardiff on the road a bit of a horror show with just 9 goals scored in 13 matches.  Wolves play a nice attacking style.  I really do like Wolves to bounce back here after two disappointing performances, home cooking, I'll lay -0.75 here.
Lastly, I really think Burnley getting a great price at home, seeing close to 2/1 for home win vs Palace.  How soon we forget how great Burnley were at home last year?  Burnley won 3 of their last 4 at home with the other a draw, including a win vs Spurs.  This is a good price, definitely worth a punt.
:cheers:

Going to wake up early, really looking forward to Spurs/Arsenal game.  No strong lean in that match, but do feel Arsenal are being undervalued, taking them +0.5 would make sense.  Be honest here, I think Poch is overrated as a manager.  He has a nice system, has a keen eye for young talent, and gets a lot of his players so something certainly can be said for that, but his in game management is questionable.  
Case in point, Kane's first game back in what, 6 weeks against Burnley of all teams, and leaves him in for a full 90?  Yeah, he scored a goal, that's well and good, but bigger fish to fry and Burnley tough at home.   And then he was outmatched vs a struggling Chelsea side, and again Kane in for full game.  Very questionable strikers brought in in the likes of Soldado, Llorente, et al, I'm not overwhelmed.  
Anyway, I fully expect Man United to stomp Southampton tomorrow.  I'll play them 1H, on the handicap, hell, maybe even a -2 here.  Two teams going in exact opposite directions, United's forms been top notch and they are at home, no reason to believe this is even close.  
I also do like Wolves here at home quite a bit,  Cardiff on the road a bit of a horror show with just 9 goals scored in 13 matches.  Wolves play a nice attacking style.  I really do like Wolves to bounce back here after two disappointing performances, home cooking, I'll lay -0.75 here.
Lastly, I really think Burnley getting a great price at home, seeing close to 2/1 for home win vs Palace.  How soon we forget how great Burnley were at home last year?  Burnley won 3 of their last 4 at home with the other a draw, including a win vs Spurs.  This is a good price, definitely worth a punt.
:cheers:

I'm going for o2.5 goals here in the Fulham/Spurs game
Spurs are super thin, sure.  But they are not out of options fully.  They will need guys like Alli, Lamella and Erickson to step up.  The loss of Son and Sissoko are really going to leave them super short in the mf and will make them susceptible on the counter for sure.  Sessegnon on the bench today but Babel playing and while he was terrible in the premier league, he was actually quite good in Turkey.  We'll see.  
Spurs also always have a chance to score on a set piece.  Trippier is outstanding and Erickson no slouch.  Spurs need points here as they have three teams breathing down their neck for the top 4. They have  a lot of games coming up too.  
I think we get an open game 2-2 final.  

I'm going for o2.5 goals here in the Fulham/Spurs game
Spurs are super thin, sure.  But they are not out of options fully.  They will need guys like Alli, Lamella and Erickson to step up.  The loss of Son and Sissoko are really going to leave them super short in the mf and will make them susceptible on the counter for sure.  Sessegnon on the bench today but Babel playing and while he was terrible in the premier league, he was actually quite good in Turkey.  We'll see.  
Spurs also always have a chance to score on a set piece.  Trippier is outstanding and Erickson no slouch.  Spurs need points here as they have three teams breathing down their neck for the top 4. They have  a lot of games coming up too.  
I think we get an open game 2-2 final.  

Okay, I sat out the first few weeks to watch some games and get a feel for things.  Trust me when I saw the eyes lie, but I think I get too antsy early in the season and press but after just seeing how things play out I get a better feel for teams.
Fulham/Watford o2.5 (-115)
Watford a bit of shock here sitting near top of the table and just one loss to United, a game they did not play that poorly.  Watford a sneaky counter attacking team and they average at 2gpg.  Fulham not much to lose in this one, no reason for them not to attack.  I really think both teams score in this one and it wouldn't shock me to see Fulham get a win here, but I played it a bit more to the vest and just go for goals.
Burnley DNB +115
Burnley sitting bottom of the table here, and just got steam rolled last game out @ wolves.  They absolutely need points here and have an opponent much more on their level.  Their two home games so far have been vs United and the aforementioned Watford, this is a game Burnley desperately need a result.  I'm getting plus odds for DNB play on a home side against an opponent on par, that's too good to pass up.
Cardiff/City pass
All due respect Stevie Day, but this is a bad matchup here for Cardiff.  City coming off a very disappointing CL result, I can see a game that gets out of hand.  I can't see Cardiff wanting to open up, and I'm not laying this kind of handicap on the road but a 0-4 result would not surprise me at all.  I think Cardiff will do well to get away with an 0-2 result, but I've no interest getting involved in this game.
Crystal Palace/Newcastle draw +260
Newcastle have 1 point after 5 games here and are another desperate side.  So soon we forget what CP lost what their first 7 matches last year and did not get relegated?  Newcastle cannot well afford this kind of start, so I do expect a strong performance.  Quite honestly I see this as a tight fought match where Newcastle need a win, but an away draw will suit them fine.  CP with just 4 goals in 5 matches, and their wins are against a newly promoted Fulham and a bottom dwellar in Huddersfield, a point for both sides I think will be good.
Leicesters/Huddersfield o2 (-145)
This one was tough to hit submit.  Every Leicester game gets goals.  Huddersfield is going to want to play compact. In the end I decided with the home side going for goals we'd have a better chance of getting to 3 (or 4) then not getting any. I think Huddersfield wants to get a result here too, so 1-1 wouldn't surprise me, but that would at least get me the push.  
Liverpool/Southampton pass
Hard pass here.  Pool playing against their feeder club, coming off a huge CL win, sitting at a perfect 5-0 start to the premier league season, at home.  All arrows point to massive home win.  Well, a) I hate Liverpool, b) I cannot stand Liverpool and c) there is no chance in hell I'm ever laying 2 goals with a team I am rooting against.  
United/Wolves o2.5 (-120)
Wolves here is a massive dog, but no way in hell should they be.  Have you seen Wolves play?  They've been wonderful.  Should have had at least a half dozen last game vs Burnley.  Their last three matches are two wins and a draw, the draw vs City.  That's top notch.  Now, United do come in brimming with confidence too, winning their last three.  But let's face it, Burnley, Young Boys and Watford not exactly world beaters, and they were not that impressive vs Watford.  but United is at home, without any major injury concerns, and Mourinho a bit under the gun still as they are sitting mid-table early, that's the only reason I am not taking the near +550 for away win.  I do fancy goals here as both teams should score and probably a home win.
 
g'luck

Okay lads, I'm gonna make this write up the night before the match here in the states, and I'll also preface this by stating I'm a United supporter big time. I generally don't like to send bets in before I see lineups, but I'll do my best to prognosticate this match beforehand.
There is no love loss between these two teams for sure.  And I'm also fairly sure that both coaches know that neither side is catching City this year for the premier league title, so a top 4 spot is a key consideration.
Liverpool's form has been top notch.  Not only in the PL, but easing through the CL with a resounding thumping of Porto.  All in all this has to be marked down as a great season for Liverpool, because let's face it, other than Arsenal can any big club in England have a sadder recent history?  A league cup in 2012, an FA cup in 2006, this team is starved for silverware.    But Klopp come in and this team is really fun to watch.  Salah, Firmino, Sane, all fantastic in my eyes.  This team has a realistic shot of making semi's in CL and top 3 in premier league.  Few more pieces and well, they may challenge for another cup title real soon. 
But, United are not going to lose tomorrow at OT.  Mourinho been fantastic against top 6 sides in England this year and I see no reason for this game to be different.  United missing a few players, sure, but other than Martial I think we'll see a top side out there.  It's true that United have Sevilla to deal with mid week, but this is an early Saturday game, and the next game isn't till Tuesday and its at United. In fact, United don't need leave Manchester until end of April ffs.  Next 4 games at home, and then their road game is City, so that's 6 weeks in Manchester.  Rest/travel is not going to be an issue.  Sanchez has had a few games now under his belt with his new teammates, so I'm certainly hoping that will help him acquaint himself better because hes been pretty terrible, but with Martial not in the squad, he'll have the left all to himself now.  Lukaku in the middle, Rashford on the right maybe and Pogba getting the ball forward.  Look, United gonna at the very least draw here and frankly I think they win outright.  Only team I wouldn't back United to get points from at OT is City and Liverpool is not City
United pk +101
United to win +194 

All four home sides are pretty heavily favored as to be expected.  My initial thoughts as I generally wait till much closer to kickoff before sending in any bets
Vancouver blew a beautiful opportunity at home in the first leg to get a result.  They had to know Seattle was punch less, but they came out as under inspiring themselves, afraid to allow a road goal.  That's pretty disappointing as I think you should always play for the win.  Seattle will get two huge boosts, first their massive home crowd.  And then they should have a few players that may be available and of course Dempsey off suspension.  A bit strange they play this one 2 full days before the other games.  Anyway, I think this one should be another dull, drab affair like the pacific northwest - look to the under if anything.  
I don't think Toronto is going to lose at home, barring something very dodgy.  But, being that they already have the win and two away goals in their back pocket, I'm not sure how open they will play either.  Very well would be happy with a draw and rest some guys late.  Again, another low scoring affair more than likely, but I would give a slight nod to Toronto at -135 or better simply because Giovinco such a threat on any set piece.
Other two games have much more interest to me.
The first leg of the Columbus/NYFC was a real cracker, and if you didn't watch the game, do not let the 4-1 scoreline fool you.  NY played down a man most of the 2h and blew at least 2 golden opportunities in the 1h, including a rare David villa sitter he racked off the post.  That being said, Columbus has been impressive in that they advance at Atlanta and then came home where they enjoy a nice home field crowd and just played open and free soccer against NY, netting 4.  That last one really was a big goal, because NY could have advance with a 2-0 home result, but the late late goal really puts the burden on NY to open up.  NY home field is smallish, and could clog things up a bit, but I'll be honest, I think we get a home win and at least 3 goals in this one.  NY 3-1 seems about right, so put me on the home side at -135 or better as well as a touch on the handicap as I think they win by 2.  IF you only watch one MLS game this weekend, this should be the one.
Houston also played uncharacteristically tentative at home in the first leg.  But, a few notes.  First they had a 1h pk overturned by video assistant.  That could have really turned the game.  Second Houston is without two first choice defenders in DelaGarza and Leonardo, so they couldn't open things up too much as a road goal may have spelled curtains.  They are starting Phllipe Sendeross (yes, that Sendeross) as their main CB and he's about as agile as a rocking chair. Plus he got hit with an early yellow so really had to watch himself.  The Houston defense is going to get abused in this leg and it's going to get ugly.  Portland is a fast team, and play on an artificial, slick surface at home where they really play uptempo. And while the Houston mf and forwards to like to press and play a higher tempo game, well, there are goign to be a lot of opportunities for Portland to take advantage of this if they get caught.  Honestly, Portland wins here easy, 3-0.  

All four home sides are pretty heavily favored as to be expected.  My initial thoughts as I generally wait till much closer to kickoff before sending in any bets
Vancouver blew a beautiful opportunity at home in the first leg to get a result.  They had to know Seattle was punch less, but they came out as under inspiring themselves, afraid to allow a road goal.  That's pretty disappointing as I think you should always play for the win.  Seattle will get two huge boosts, first their massive home crowd.  And then they should have a few players that may be available and of course Dempsey off suspension.  A bit strange they play this one 2 full days before the other games.  Anyway, I think this one should be another dull, drab affair like the pacific northwest - look to the under if anything.  
I don't think Toronto is going to lose at home, barring something very dodgy.  But, being that they already have the win and two away goals in their back pocket, I'm not sure how open they will play either.  Very well would be happy with a draw and rest some guys late.  Again, another low scoring affair more than likely, but I would give a slight nod to Toronto at -135 or better simply because Giovinco such a threat on any set piece.
Other two games have much more interest to me.
The first leg of the Columbus/NYFC was a real cracker, and if you didn't watch the game, do not let the 4-1 scoreline fool you.  NY played down a man most of the 2h and blew at least 2 golden opportunities in the 1h, including a rare David villa sitter he racked off the post.  That being said, Columbus has been impressive in that they advance at Atlanta and then came home where they enjoy a nice home field crowd and just played open and free soccer against NY, netting 4.  That last one really was a big goal, because NY could have advance with a 2-0 home result, but the late late goal really puts the burden on NY to open up.  NY home field is smallish, and could clog things up a bit, but I'll be honest, I think we get a home win and at least 3 goals in this one.  NY 3-1 seems about right, so put me on the home side at -135 or better as well as a touch on the handicap as I think they win by 2.  IF you only watch one MLS game this weekend, this should be the one.
Houston also played uncharacteristically tentative at home in the first leg.  But, a few notes.  First they had a 1h pk overturned by video assistant.  That could have really turned the game.  Second Houston is without two first choice defenders in DelaGarza and Leonardo, so they couldn't open things up too much as a road goal may have spelled curtains.  They are starting Phllipe Sendeross (yes, that Sendeross) as their main CB and he's about as agile as a rocking chair. Plus he got hit with an early yellow so really had to watch himself.  The Houston defense is going to get abused in this leg and it's going to get ugly.  Portland is a fast team, and play on an artificial, slick surface at home where they really play uptempo. And while the Houston mf and forwards to like to press and play a higher tempo game, well, there are goign to be a lot of opportunities for Portland to take advantage of this if they get caught.  Honestly, Portland wins here easy, 3-0.  

All four home sides are pretty heavily favored as to be expected.  My initial thoughts as I generally wait till much closer to kickoff before sending in any bets
Vancouver blew a beautiful opportunity at home in the first leg to get a result.  They had to know Seattle was punch less, but they came out as under inspiring themselves, afraid to allow a road goal.  That's pretty disappointing as I think you should always play for the win.  Seattle will get two huge boosts, first their massive home crowd.  And then they should have a few players that may be available and of course Dempsey off suspension.  A bit strange they play this one 2 full days before the other games.  Anyway, I think this one should be another dull, drab affair like the pacific northwest - look to the under if anything.  
I don't think Toronto is going to lose at home, barring something very dodgy.  But, being that they already have the win and two away goals in their back pocket, I'm not sure how open they will play either.  Very well would be happy with a draw and rest some guys late.  Again, another low scoring affair more than likely, but I would give a slight nod to Toronto at -135 or better simply because Giovinco such a threat on any set piece.
Other two games have much more interest to me.
The first leg of the Columbus/NYFC was a real cracker, and if you didn't watch the game, do not let the 4-1 scoreline fool you.  NY played down a man most of the 2h and blew at least 2 golden opportunities in the 1h, including a rare David villa sitter he racked off the post.  That being said, Columbus has been impressive in that they advance at Atlanta and then came home where they enjoy a nice home field crowd and just played open and free soccer against NY, netting 4.  That last one really was a big goal, because NY could have advance with a 2-0 home result, but the late late goal really puts the burden on NY to open up.  NY home field is smallish, and could clog things up a bit, but I'll be honest, I think we get a home win and at least 3 goals in this one.  NY 3-1 seems about right, so put me on the home side at -135 or better as well as a touch on the handicap as I think they win by 2.  IF you only watch one MLS game this weekend, this should be the one.
Houston also played uncharacteristically tentative at home in the first leg.  But, a few notes.  First they had a 1h pk overturned by video assistant.  That could have really turned the game.  Second Houston is without two first choice defenders in DelaGarza and Leonardo, so they couldn't open things up too much as a road goal may have spelled curtains.  They are starting Phllipe Sendeross (yes, that Sendeross) as their main CB and he's about as agile as a rocking chair. Plus he got hit with an early yellow so really had to watch himself.  The Houston defense is going to get abused in this leg and it's going to get ugly.  Portland is a fast team, and play on an artificial, slick surface at home where they really play uptempo. And while the Houston mf and forwards to like to press and play a higher tempo game, well, there are goign to be a lot of opportunities for Portland to take advantage of this if they get caught.  Honestly, Portland wins here easy, 3-0.  

Atlanta on the road Saturday and Almiron is knicked up so no play there.  BUT, if he gets back healthy, play overs and ATL on 10/3 with both fists full as this should be a banker for sure.
Toronto and NYRB should have some goals in it, but honestly need to see lineups as Toronto missing some key players and with playoffs around the corner, don't see much need to rush them back.  
For me there are two plays this weekend
Chicago Fire already down to +106 as opposed to the +120 posted at opening and rightfully so.  Fire this year really turned things around and are a playoff team.  With an 11-2-2 home record against a NYCFC team that really just has a bunch of big names and isn't that great, no reason to not play them getting + money here. 
Other play will be o3 in the Houston/Minnesota game.  Houston only lost 1x at home all year and coming off a very disappointing draw vs LA Galaxy midweek, they will need this game to get in the playoffs for sure.  Houston plays a very attacking aggressive style and at home they are always particularly good for goals averaging over 2.5 gpg.  Meanwhile Minnesota are not particularly defensive stalwarts on the road where they allow over 2.5 gpg to the home side themselves.  So we have a good home offensive team and two weak defensive teams, this line up to see a 3-2, 4-2 type game

Oh, Atlanta home games overs are bankers.
I'll see if I can find any more tips for this week - couple games with some playoff implications make things a bit trickier than normal, but As of now, definitely playing over in the Atlanta/Montreal game.

Oh, Atlanta home games overs are bankers.
I'll see if I can find any more tips for this week - couple games with some playoff implications make things a bit trickier than normal, but As of now, definitely playing over in the Atlanta/Montreal game.

Alright lads, time for some winners.  Very happy with the results yesterday - I'm a United supporter so no money put down, just enjoy a win.  Today we'll need to have some good financial results.
I do believe Spurs get a result today so I will play them for the win at +125 (1 unit to win 1.25).  
I also am playing RB Lepzig/Monaco o1 (First half) -140 (1.40 to make 1.00).  This is going to be a huge match for the German squad and I think they will come out all guns blazing as they really do love attacking.  This will also play into Monaco's hands a bit as they are a good counter attacking squad.  I really have a hard time NOT seeing goals in this one, and the way I like to play these is a First half bet to get to two goals.  Odds are a touch higher than I would have preferred to play them, but I can see this drifting even higher.  Both teams should be at full strength, should be a cracker here.
Feyenoord +550 (first half). (1.00 to make 5.50)  This is simply a spite bet on a line I feel is totally disrespectfully for the home side. Now I know Eredivise rates significantly lower than the premier league, but if you haven't been paying attention you'd think Feyenoord is a mid table team.  I can't imagine City would be favored this highly over Ajax or PSV in Holland.  This Dutch side won the damn league last year, with a +61 goal differential.  To put that in perspective, I BELIEVE the only teams with greater GD's last year in Europes top leagues were Monaco, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.  That's pretty lofty company.  They went undefeated at home last year with a +45 goal differential in 17 games (I'll let you do the math but that's pretty dominant).  And they've started this season with 4 wins in a row already with a 12-3 goal difference.  All that adds up to a very good squad.  They are at home.  City has more talent overall sure, but if you give me this squad and ask them to fight for the first 45 minutes and maybe come to half time with a 1-0 lead and I'm getting 5 1/2 to 1, I'm probably placing this bet every day. 

Alright lads, time for some winners.  Very happy with the results yesterday - I'm a United supporter so no money put down, just enjoy a win.  Today we'll need to have some good financial results.
I do believe Spurs get a result today so I will play them for the win at +125 (1 unit to win 1.25).  
I also am playing RB Lepzig/Monaco o1 (First half) -140 (1.40 to make 1.00).  This is going to be a huge match for the German squad and I think they will come out all guns blazing as they really do love attacking.  This will also play into Monaco's hands a bit as they are a good counter attacking squad.  I really have a hard time NOT seeing goals in this one, and the way I like to play these is a First half bet to get to two goals.  Odds are a touch higher than I would have preferred to play them, but I can see this drifting even higher.  Both teams should be at full strength, should be a cracker here.
Feyenoord +550 (first half). (1.00 to make 5.50)  This is simply a spite bet on a line I feel is totally disrespectfully for the home side. Now I know Eredivise rates significantly lower than the premier league, but if you haven't been paying attention you'd think Feyenoord is a mid table team.  I can't imagine City would be favored this highly over Ajax or PSV in Holland.  This Dutch side won the damn league last year, with a +61 goal differential.  To put that in perspective, I BELIEVE the only teams with greater GD's last year in Europes top leagues were Monaco, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.  That's pretty lofty company.  They went undefeated at home last year with a +45 goal differential in 17 games (I'll let you do the math but that's pretty dominant).  And they've started this season with 4 wins in a row already with a 12-3 goal difference.  All that adds up to a very good squad.  They are at home.  City has more talent overall sure, but if you give me this squad and ask them to fight for the first 45 minutes and maybe come to half time with a 1-0 lead and I'm getting 5 1/2 to 1, I'm probably placing this bet every day. 

I haven't delved too much into yet, as the game is tomorrow, but I do think I like Spurs quite a bit to get a win.  I disagree that Spurs do not have a big enough squad as they've made a number of signings and as it's early in the season, they will not have to rotate much.  Spurs have a problem that Alli is suspended, yes.  But between the likes of Son, Erickson and if it's not August, you can expect Kane to score at least once.  I think Spurs defense will be a tough nut to crack too.
 Dortmund always play better at home, and they are also a team with issues with a number of first team players out with injuries, mainly Reus and Schurrle.  Their expected midfield of Goetze, Sahin and Castro are not exactly world class in my eyes and Pulisic is severely overated.  I don't know if they will get a goal against a very organized and disciplined Spurs team.  
This is a difficult group and a win here would be massive for either side, but moreso for Spurs as it's a home game.  I'd expect Dortmund to be happy with a draw with the number of players missing, and with this being the case, I'll definitely take a shot with Spurs.  
I'll see if I can come up with any bets for today's matches, but I'm usually a horror show in CL play.

I haven't delved too much into yet, as the game is tomorrow, but I do think I like Spurs quite a bit to get a win.  I disagree that Spurs do not have a big enough squad as they've made a number of signings and as it's early in the season, they will not have to rotate much.  Spurs have a problem that Alli is suspended, yes.  But between the likes of Son, Erickson and if it's not August, you can expect Kane to score at least once.  I think Spurs defense will be a tough nut to crack too.
 Dortmund always play better at home, and they are also a team with issues with a number of first team players out with injuries, mainly Reus and Schurrle.  Their expected midfield of Goetze, Sahin and Castro are not exactly world class in my eyes and Pulisic is severely overated.  I don't know if they will get a goal against a very organized and disciplined Spurs team.  
This is a difficult group and a win here would be massive for either side, but moreso for Spurs as it's a home game.  I'd expect Dortmund to be happy with a draw with the number of players missing, and with this being the case, I'll definitely take a shot with Spurs.  
I'll see if I can come up with any bets for today's matches, but I'm usually a horror show in CL play.

I'll tell you one thing, United should be very difficult to score against this year.  And Matic is a great fit.  A Mourinho favorite.  A destroyer to play in front of the back four.  Fit, tireless, big.  
The Matic signing will also help in a number of other ancillary ways.  First, should allow Pogba a lot more freedom to get forward and be a more dynamic offense force.  If you have a midfield of Pogba, Herrera, Mkhitayrin and Matic, you have a great blend of offensive and defensive midfielders, as well as a lot of energy in the likes of Herrera.  Further, if you look at that midfield you see the names Fellaini and Carrick not there.  Fellaini is a dreg and just a waste of space.  Carrick is a fine link between the defense and offense, a smart player, but he's lost almost any speed he had and needs plenty of rest between starts to be at his most effective.
The backline is decent enough.  Bailly has the makings of a very good CB, and then you have the likes of Smalling, Lindeloff and maybe even Jones to rotate in.  Long gone are the days of Rio and Vidic, but this central defense should be quite good all the same.  The full backs are not at full strength, with long term injury concerns of Shaw and Rojo, but Valencia is still very good.  Darmian, Jones (again) Ashley Young, maybe an Aurier signing should be good enough.  And in goal you have DDG who is proving time and time again to be one of the best GK's in the world.
Now, I know preseason pseudo-tournaments are not necessarily a great measure of just about anything, but in the ICC tournament, United was decent enough. They didn't allow a goal to Man City, and were much the better side.  I was at this match, and the score was not indicative of how much better they were.  Now, that City lineup was sub optimal, and I'm not sure what Pep was thinking with his first half lineup, but the second half City still had nothing to offer.  They drew Real Madrid 1-1, and the only goal they allowed there was a howler of a penalty by Lindeloff.  And then they played a strong Barca side and only did allow a single goal, Barca had a number of more early chances, but as the game went on, I feel United was just as good.
United was terrific last year defensively and I think this year will be just as solid.  I'd expect many, many unders unless they can find some goals from someone other than Lukaku (perhaps this is the year that Lingaard or Martial put it together to go with Rashford who is always seemingly dangerous).  
I don't think United are the best team in the premier league, I think City still should be, and I do favor Spurs chances quite a bit even moving into the new stadium.  But United should be in the mix for the first time in seemingly a good long while.

Allow me to make a case for Manchester United.  I am a fan, and have not backed them in this match (yet).
Since Mourinho has taken over, they have yet to lose in a competitive match.  Further, they have only allowed a single goal against.  There has been an obvious emphasis on a more defensive posture - and attacking when the opportunity presents itself.  Fellaini plays well more back in a holding mf role, and Mourinho really likes having Blind out there too.  But, unlike LvG's United, they are allowed to get forward when they can, and Shaw and Valencia have been very good bombing forward.  There is not as much sideways passing, rather there is an absorption of the opponents attack and then get the ball forward.  This has been good. 
But, let's face it their opponents have been weak.  I don't think a single one of Leicester, Hull, Southampton or Bournemouth will quality for CL play next year, and further I'd be surprised if any factor in the top 8 in the league this year.  I'm also a bit concerned with the play of Rooney, as well as the absences of Mkithayin and Rashford as both are superior options in my eyes as to what United has trotted out there so far.
That being said, this is a team coming into form.  Everyone is available, and as this team familiarizes itself with one another, they definitely have a potent attack.  Smalling has barely featured, I am quite optimistic about United's chances tomorrow.  Mourinho has already stated this is a game he very much wants to win, so obviously a strong side will be fielded, but as it's early in the year, I'm not one to send in a big play on this game.  Rather, I'll watch this one closely with a supporters eye.  In my mind, a draw or United DNB is the right bet, but I would be just as happy to not make a punt and watch a United win.  And trust me when I say I like money more than I like these over paid soccer players at Old Trafford.  I do see quite a few opportunities to make some plays this weekend, but unless I can get a great price on a United win, I'll just sit on the sidelines here,

Agree with all of the above.  Much cleaner feel, nice layout, easier to read/browse.
I know there is a lot to be done with an upgrade like this, and plenty of kinks to work out, but well worth it.