StevieDay1983

Manager name - Patricia
Team name - Lucas FC

Cardiff vs Birmingham
The early 12:30pm BST kick-off in the Championship on Saturday will see Cardiff host Birmingham at the Cardiff City Stadium. Both teams struggled last season but managed to avoid the dreaded drop to League One. The home side have endured a mixed bag of results so far but they'll be hopeful of picking up a vital win against a visiting team who have undoubtedly exceeded expectations thus far.
Cardiff were an enigma heading into this season with the large turnover in playing staff and three games have so far failed to alter that opinion. Steve Morison's team started the season with an impressive 1-0 win over promotion favourites Norwich at home but that was followed up by a disappointing 2-1 loss away to Reading. Midweek then saw a scratch team packed with fringe and reserve players battered ruthlessly by League One side Portsmouth by a 3-0 score in the EFL Cup 1st Round. It's hard to read too much into the results. I think someone somewhere said that centre back Curtis Nelson has been directly responsible for 80% of the goals in the last two games. Harsh but probably true. The lack of a potent front man is also evident with the Bluebirds possessing the worst xG in the Championship. A lack of penetration and finishing in the final third was evident again in the EFL Cup game. It'll be interesting to see what team Morison picks for this one but I'm anticipating he'll have Ryan Allsop in goal with Mahlon Romeo, Jamilu Collins, Perry Ng, and Cedric Kipre in the back-line.  After that, it's open to the gaffer.
Birmingham have looked like a club in trouble for a number of seasons now with the fans blaming the ownership for the problems at the club. The Blues appointed the inexperienced John Eustace as head coach after the sacking of Lee Bowyer back at the start of July. The new man hasn't really had a lot of backing in the transfer market but a number of key additions have come into the club either on permanent contracts or loans including keeper John Ruddy, full back Dion Sanderson, centre backs Auston Trusty and Krystian Bielik, and striker Przemyslaw Placheta. The team started the league campaign with a gritty 0-0 draw away to last season's play-off qualifiers Luton followed up by a 2-1 win at home against Huddersfield. A 2-2 draw with Norwich before losing 4-2 on penalties came in the EFL Cup 1st Round but it's fair to say that there has been enough on show to give the fans a bit of optimism after they'd been so pessimistic all summer.
If there is one thing that's looking likely to happen in this game it's a lack of goals. Less than 2.5 goals have been scored in 8 of the last 10 Cardiff home league games and fewer than 2.5 goals have been scored in 4 of the last 5 Birmingham away league matches. The midday heat is also likely to destroy any energy this match will hope to have. I've still got huge concerns about Cardiff's lack of scoring options and our defence is going to need to be on form if we're to get anything here. That won't change until we add an experienced head up front. I'm not as optimistic as I was a few weeks back but I still feel Cardiff should be gutted if they don't get a draw out of this. Can they get the win? It's a tall order without a killer in the final third.
Draw @ 3.35 with SBK
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.74 with SBK

Southampton vs Leeds
The penultimate preview for the 3pm BST kick-offs on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League is a fascinating encounter between two teams anticipated to endure tough seasons this year but who experienced contrasting emotions on the opening weekend of action. It's Southampton versus Leeds at St Mary's Stadium and the home team need a win after taking a battering last week as they go up against a visiting side looking to build on a pleasantly surprising start to their campaign.
Southampton fans and football pundits in general have stated that this could be the toughest season yet for Ralph Hasenhuttl at the Saints. If the 4-1 loss away to Tottenham is anything to go by then they might not be far wrong. It's worth noting that it was an impressive display from an improving Spurs side but the same old defensive issues appear to be haunting Southampton this season. It had briefly looked so positive for Southampton last week when James Ward-Prowse gave his team a 1-0 lead after 12 minutes but the fightback came leaving Southampton stunned. It's now 10 opening home league games without a win for Southampton now. Southampton have also failed to win either of their opening two league games in 7 of the previous 8 seasons. The club is also on the brink of equalling a club record 6 straight league defeats. It's all very grim reading for the south coast side.
Leeds were a team I thought might struggle under the big overhaul by head coach Jesse Marsch but the 2-1 win at home to Wolves on the opening weekend showed that this Whites team might have more to them. It was particularly commendable how they battled back from going 1-0 down after just 6 minutes to get the win thanks to a goal from Rodrigo and an own goal from Rayan Ait-Nouri. Leeds have only managed to win both of their first two league games of a season on one occasion in the last 12 years and that came back in the Championship in 2018/19. Striker Patrick Bamford could be a shout for anytime scorer having bagged a goal in each of his last three league appearances against Southampton. There is also a chance that Marsch could give a debut to winger Luis Sinisterra.
There's a reason that Southampton fans should actually be optimistic about this game despite the historical statistics linked to their opening home game results and that is that they have won 4 of their last 5 home encounters with Leeds. Leeds have also lost 6 of their last 8 league trips to Southampton. Is this the game where it all changes? I'm not sure. Once again, I'm not convinced I can call a winner here. I wouldn't be surprised if they played out a draw.
Draw @ 3.60 with Betfred
Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 1.75 with SBK

Brentford vs Manchester United
The evening kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday is a 5:30pm BST start between Brentford and Manchester United from the Brentford Community Stadium. Both of these teams failed to pick up a win in their opening league game of the season. The home team will undoubtedly be delighted with their away comeback against Leicester but the away side will be holding an inquisition about how they lost at home to Brighton.
Brentford were a team many felt might have issues this season. The term "second season syndrome" has been bounced around a fair bit in pre-season. After the first 46 minutes of their opening league game last weekend you'd have been forgiven for thinking that expectation was holding true. However, a goal each from Ivan Toney and Josh Dasilva helped the London club hit back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Leicester. Head coach Thomas Frank will be smelling blood in this game. The addition of Danish international Mikkel Damsgaard has boosted the quality in the Brentford ranks. The Bees do still have a defensive headache with both Kristoffer Ajer and Ethan Pinnock ruled out. Brentford haven't lost any of their opening home league games for the last six seasons. The team did also keep a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home league games of last season.
Manchester United are a team in crisis right now. I believe the unprofessional phrase would be that it's a sh*t show! Head coach Erik ten Hag started his reign with a 2-1 loss at home to Brighton but it was the manner of the defeat that was the most worrying. The Red Devils looked defensively fragile. New signing Lisandro Martinez looked out of his depth. Captain Harry Maguire continued his woeful form and still looks like an appalling leader on the pitch. The central midfield combination of Fred and Scott McTominay failed to deliver a performance. Then there's the impotency up front. If United lose this game it'll be the first time since 1979 that they have lost four league games in a row. The team have also lost 6 league games away from home in a row. They haven't lost 7 away league matches in a row since 1936. That is the scale of disaster United are staring at right now.
Somehow, Manchester United come into this game as firm favourites but I just cannot muster the courage to back them. It's clear that the issues lie deep within the United hierarchy and the fact ten Hag has been told to temper his expectations in the transfer market says everything about the ambition levels being fed down from the top. The quality that United boast they should be coming away from this game with a solid win but I can't find it in myself to back them. The price on a Brentford win looks too good to turn down. Brentford are more cohesive, work harder, more fluid, more organised, and more settled than United. The Dutchman may well prove to be a decent appointment but it's not going to happen overnight.
Brentford to Win @ 3.90 with SpreadEx
Anytime Scorer: Ivan Toney @ 3.30 with SportNation

Brentford vs Manchester United
The evening kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday is a 5:30pm BST start between Brentford and Manchester United from the Brentford Community Stadium. Both of these teams failed to pick up a win in their opening league game of the season. The home team will undoubtedly be delighted with their away comeback against Leicester but the away side will be holding an inquisition about how they lost at home to Brighton.
Brentford were a team many felt might have issues this season. The term "second season syndrome" has been bounced around a fair bit in pre-season. After the first 46 minutes of their opening league game last weekend you'd have been forgiven for thinking that expectation was holding true. However, a goal each from Ivan Toney and Josh Dasilva helped the London club hit back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Leicester. Head coach Thomas Frank will be smelling blood in this game. The addition of Danish international Mikkel Damsgaard has boosted the quality in the Brentford ranks. The Bees do still have a defensive headache with both Kristoffer Ajer and Ethan Pinnock ruled out. Brentford haven't lost any of their opening home league games for the last six seasons. The team did also keep a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home league games of last season.
Manchester United are a team in crisis right now. I believe the unprofessional phrase would be that it's a sh*t show! Head coach Erik ten Hag started his reign with a 2-1 loss at home to Brighton but it was the manner of the defeat that was the most worrying. The Red Devils looked defensively fragile. New signing Lisandro Martinez looked out of his depth. Captain Harry Maguire continued his woeful form and still looks like an appalling leader on the pitch. The central midfield combination of Fred and Scott McTominay failed to deliver a performance. Then there's the impotency up front. If United lose this game it'll be the first time since 1979 that they have lost four league games in a row. The team have also lost 6 league games away from home in a row. They haven't lost 7 away league matches in a row since 1936. That is the scale of disaster United are staring at right now.
Somehow, Manchester United come into this game as firm favourites but I just cannot muster the courage to back them. It's clear that the issues lie deep within the United hierarchy and the fact ten Hag has been told to temper his expectations in the transfer market says everything about the ambition levels being fed down from the top. The quality that United boast they should be coming away from this game with a solid win but I can't find it in myself to back them. The price on a Brentford win looks too good to turn down. Brentford are more cohesive, work harder, more fluid, more organised, and more settled than United. The Dutchman may well prove to be a decent appointment but it's not going to happen overnight.
Brentford to Win @ 3.90 with SpreadEx
Anytime Scorer: Ivan Toney @ 3.30 with SportNation

I swear to god, posting here is the kiss of death. Nice call, Stevie.

Brentford vs Manchester United
The evening kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday is a 5:30pm BST start between Brentford and Manchester United from the Brentford Community Stadium. Both of these teams failed to pick up a win in their opening league game of the season. The home team will undoubtedly be delighted with their away comeback against Leicester but the away side will be holding an inquisition about how they lost at home to Brighton.
Brentford were a team many felt might have issues this season. The term "second season syndrome" has been bounced around a fair bit in pre-season. After the first 46 minutes of their opening league game last weekend you'd have been forgiven for thinking that expectation was holding true. However, a goal each from Ivan Toney and Josh Dasilva helped the London club hit back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Leicester. Head coach Thomas Frank will be smelling blood in this game. The addition of Danish international Mikkel Damsgaard has boosted the quality in the Brentford ranks. The Bees do still have a defensive headache with both Kristoffer Ajer and Ethan Pinnock ruled out. Brentford haven't lost any of their opening home league games for the last six seasons. The team did also keep a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home league games of last season.
Manchester United are a team in crisis right now. I believe the unprofessional phrase would be that it's a sh*t show! Head coach Erik ten Hag started his reign with a 2-1 loss at home to Brighton but it was the manner of the defeat that was the most worrying. The Red Devils looked defensively fragile. New signing Lisandro Martinez looked out of his depth. Captain Harry Maguire continued his woeful form and still looks like an appalling leader on the pitch. The central midfield combination of Fred and Scott McTominay failed to deliver a performance. Then there's the impotency up front. If United lose this game it'll be the first time since 1979 that they have lost four league games in a row. The team have also lost 6 league games away from home in a row. They haven't lost 7 away league matches in a row since 1936. That is the scale of disaster United are staring at right now.
Somehow, Manchester United come into this game as firm favourites but I just cannot muster the courage to back them. It's clear that the issues lie deep within the United hierarchy and the fact ten Hag has been told to temper his expectations in the transfer market says everything about the ambition levels being fed down from the top. The quality that United boast they should be coming away from this game with a solid win but I can't find it in myself to back them. The price on a Brentford win looks too good to turn down. Brentford are more cohesive, work harder, more fluid, more organised, and more settled than United. The Dutchman may well prove to be a decent appointment but it's not going to happen overnight.
Brentford to Win @ 3.90 with SpreadEx
Anytime Scorer: Ivan Toney @ 3.30 with SportNation

Not a problem, @freddie01. Glad you enjoy them. Hopefully get some winners in this week! 

Wolves vs Fulham
Two teams that experienced contrasting opening game results last weekend will go toe-to-toe in the final 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday afternoon when Wolves host Fulham at Molineux. The home side will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss away last week as they face an away team that took a shock point at home against one of the pre-season title contenders in their first game back in the top flight after promotion last season.
Wolves come into this game with the pressure already cranked right up. The double whammy of losing 2-1 away to Leeds last weekend and the loan exit of former club captain Connor Coady has left the fans reeling. The signing of Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes will hopefully calm the tension but make no mistake this is a game the fans will be expecting their team to win. Bruno Lage is fast losing the backing of the supporters and it's not hard to see why. It's now 8 league games without a win for Wanderers in a run stretching back to last season. To make matters worse, Wolves are without a Premier League win in August in 11 games now. Disconcertingly, Wolves earned more points on their travels than at home last season. The team have also lost their opening home league game of a season for two years running.
Fulham pulled off one of the results of the weekend last week as the Premier League newcomers held on for a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at home. A brace from striker Aleksandar Mitrovic suggested that the Serbian front man might well have altered his game to adapt to play and perform at this highest level after a record-breaking campaign last year. The Cottagers could still yet feel disappointed this week because if they fail to win they will equal a club Premier League record of 12 league games without a win in a row. The last time Fulham were in the Premier League they picked up more points on the road than they did at home. The club have only managed to win their opening away league game in the Premier League in 2 of their last 15 attempts.
The historical statistics heavily favour Wolves over Fulham with the Black Country club winning 9 of the last 12 meetings with the last three matches being a win by a 1-0 score. In fact, Fulham haven't managed to pick up a win in any of their last 13 visits to Wolves in the league. To add further misery to the stats, Wolves have won 5 of the last 6 encounters in the Premier League played at Molineux. It's all pointing towards a Wolves win... except current form... but I think we could see Wolves give Fulham a dose of Premier League away day reality. An opening day home game against a massive club is a different world to a gritty away game at perennial mid-tablers.
Wolves to Win @ 2.38 with Betfred
BTTS @ 1.87 with Betfair

Brentford vs Manchester United
The evening kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday is a 5:30pm BST start between Brentford and Manchester United from the Brentford Community Stadium. Both of these teams failed to pick up a win in their opening league game of the season. The home team will undoubtedly be delighted with their away comeback against Leicester but the away side will be holding an inquisition about how they lost at home to Brighton.
Brentford were a team many felt might have issues this season. The term "second season syndrome" has been bounced around a fair bit in pre-season. After the first 46 minutes of their opening league game last weekend you'd have been forgiven for thinking that expectation was holding true. However, a goal each from Ivan Toney and Josh Dasilva helped the London club hit back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Leicester. Head coach Thomas Frank will be smelling blood in this game. The addition of Danish international Mikkel Damsgaard has boosted the quality in the Brentford ranks. The Bees do still have a defensive headache with both Kristoffer Ajer and Ethan Pinnock ruled out. Brentford haven't lost any of their opening home league games for the last six seasons. The team did also keep a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home league games of last season.
Manchester United are a team in crisis right now. I believe the unprofessional phrase would be that it's a sh*t show! Head coach Erik ten Hag started his reign with a 2-1 loss at home to Brighton but it was the manner of the defeat that was the most worrying. The Red Devils looked defensively fragile. New signing Lisandro Martinez looked out of his depth. Captain Harry Maguire continued his woeful form and still looks like an appalling leader on the pitch. The central midfield combination of Fred and Scott McTominay failed to deliver a performance. Then there's the impotency up front. If United lose this game it'll be the first time since 1979 that they have lost four league games in a row. The team have also lost 6 league games away from home in a row. They haven't lost 7 away league matches in a row since 1936. That is the scale of disaster United are staring at right now.
Somehow, Manchester United come into this game as firm favourites but I just cannot muster the courage to back them. It's clear that the issues lie deep within the United hierarchy and the fact ten Hag has been told to temper his expectations in the transfer market says everything about the ambition levels being fed down from the top. The quality that United boast they should be coming away from this game with a solid win but I can't find it in myself to back them. The price on a Brentford win looks too good to turn down. Brentford are more cohesive, work harder, more fluid, more organised, and more settled than United. The Dutchman may well prove to be a decent appointment but it's not going to happen overnight.
Brentford to Win @ 3.90 with SpreadEx
Anytime Scorer: Ivan Toney @ 3.30 with SportNation

Southampton vs Leeds
The penultimate preview for the 3pm BST kick-offs on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League is a fascinating encounter between two teams anticipated to endure tough seasons this year but who experienced contrasting emotions on the opening weekend of action. It's Southampton versus Leeds at St Mary's Stadium and the home team need a win after taking a battering last week as they go up against a visiting side looking to build on a pleasantly surprising start to their campaign.
Southampton fans and football pundits in general have stated that this could be the toughest season yet for Ralph Hasenhuttl at the Saints. If the 4-1 loss away to Tottenham is anything to go by then they might not be far wrong. It's worth noting that it was an impressive display from an improving Spurs side but the same old defensive issues appear to be haunting Southampton this season. It had briefly looked so positive for Southampton last week when James Ward-Prowse gave his team a 1-0 lead after 12 minutes but the fightback came leaving Southampton stunned. It's now 10 opening home league games without a win for Southampton now. Southampton have also failed to win either of their opening two league games in 7 of the previous 8 seasons. The club is also on the brink of equalling a club record 6 straight league defeats. It's all very grim reading for the south coast side.
Leeds were a team I thought might struggle under the big overhaul by head coach Jesse Marsch but the 2-1 win at home to Wolves on the opening weekend showed that this Whites team might have more to them. It was particularly commendable how they battled back from going 1-0 down after just 6 minutes to get the win thanks to a goal from Rodrigo and an own goal from Rayan Ait-Nouri. Leeds have only managed to win both of their first two league games of a season on one occasion in the last 12 years and that came back in the Championship in 2018/19. Striker Patrick Bamford could be a shout for anytime scorer having bagged a goal in each of his last three league appearances against Southampton. There is also a chance that Marsch could give a debut to winger Luis Sinisterra.
There's a reason that Southampton fans should actually be optimistic about this game despite the historical statistics linked to their opening home game results and that is that they have won 4 of their last 5 home encounters with Leeds. Leeds have also lost 6 of their last 8 league trips to Southampton. Is this the game where it all changes? I'm not sure. Once again, I'm not convinced I can call a winner here. I wouldn't be surprised if they played out a draw.
Draw @ 3.60 with Betfred
Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 1.75 with SBK

Manchester City vs Bournemouth
If one thing was certain from the opening weekend of games in the Premier League it's that Manchester City have a very dangerous squad spearheaded by the duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. The reigning champions take on newly promoted Bournemouth in their second league game of the campaign in a 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday afternoon from the Etihad Stadium. Is this ending in any other way than a home team demolition job on their visitors?
Manchester City looked every bit the reigning league champions in their opening game 2-0 victory away to West Ham. It's probably fair to say that with Haaland bagging both goals the Citizens didn't even step out of second gear for the majority of the game. A stark warning to the rest of the league. Pep Guardiola's side now move onto their next opponents and with it being against a newly promoted side and at home you'd think this would be a more welcoming proposition but we know Guardiola won't let his players get complacent. The team will still be without the duo of Kalvin Phillips and Aymeric Laporte but this is not a City team short in depth. City boast the impressive statistic of only losing 1 of their last 22 opening home league games of the season. The last four such games have produced an average of 5.8 goals per game. The club have scored at least two goals in each of their last 10 league matches. 
Bournemouth will have been pleased to pull off an encouraging 2-0 win against Aston Villa at home in their first league game back in the top flight but this is a challenge on a whole new level. The Cherries saw a goal each from Jefferson Lerma and Kieffer Moore do the business last weekend with the clean sheet also being a bonus. Scott Parker will want his team to give it their best shot of being just the fourth newly promoted team in the Premier League to win their first two league games of a season with Bolton in 2001/02, Hull in 2016/17, and Huddersfield in 2017/18 being the only previous teams to have managed such a feat. Parker also has the opportunity to become the first top flight manager to beat the reigning champions with two different clubs away from home. Unfortunately, he has lost all 4 of his previous meetings with City as a manager.
OK, so the most glaring statistic for this fixture is the fact that Manchester City have 10 wins from their 10 Premier League matches against Bournemouth which is the best 100% record in the history of the Premier League era. In fact, Bournemouth haven't won any of their 16 meetings with City. In those 16 encounters, Bournemouth have only ever led for a total of 8 minutes. That's a damning bit of form right there. My advice is to back City to the hilt and you might as well triple captain Haaland in your fantasy team this week because based on what we saw last weekend there aren't many teams that are going to stop him this season!
Manchester City -2 @ 1.65 with Betway
To Score 2 Goals Or More: Erling Haaland @ 2.75 with Live Score Bet

Brighton vs Newcastle
The second 3pm BST start on Saturday afternoon that I'm previewing in the Premier League is a clash between two sides from opposite ends of the country that impressed in their opening weekend matches. The home side could really make a statement of intent with a win here against a visiting team that are expected to rise further up the table due to their massive financial war chest.
Brighton could not have wished for a much better start to their league campaign as they humbled Manchester United by a 2-1 score in the Red Devils' own backyard. If we're being honest, 2-1 severely flattered United too. Graham Potter's side showed that despite losing Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella over the summer, his team remain a very dangerous opponent for any team in the top flight. Pascal Gross scored both of the goals for the Seagulls and he's now scored 4 goals in his last 4 games for Albion. Brighton are on an epic run in the league at the moment of just 1 loss from their last 10 league games and they have already won against Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United during that stint. Unfortunately, only four teams in the top flight had a worse home record than Brighton last season.
Newcastle are being expected to push on up from their 11th placed finish last season and Eddie Howe's men started their season off by meeting expectations with a business-like 2-0 win at home to newly promoted Nottingham Forest last weekend. A goal each from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson helped the Magpies to get off to the perfect start but can they win on the road against a very tricky opponent here? Just the 350 miles to travel for the game. Newcastle are one of the in-form teams this calendar year so far with only Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham earning more league points in 2022. They are hoping to win their first two league games of a Premier League season for the first time since 1997/98. However, they have only managed to win 1 of their last 10 first away league games of the season. 
There is no doubt that Howe will be looking forward to this game having recorded 5 wins over Brighton as a manager which is his joint best record against any team. That said, Brighton haven't lost any of their 5 home league games played against Brighton in the Premier League. Both teams have every reason to be confident of getting a win in this one but I don't think I can separate them. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see this end in a 1-1 or 2-2 draw.
Draw @ 3.40 with SpreadEx
BTTS @ 1.92 with SBK

Arsenal vs Leicester
We are treated to five 3pm BST kick-offs in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon and with temperatures set to soar once again it's going to be a hot one! Here, I'm taking a look at Arsenal versus Leicester at the Emirates Stadium. The home team will be looking to continue living up to the pre-season hype surrounding them against an away side that are on the brink of seeing their team torn apart at the seams by vultures.
Arsenal have been tipped by many to "do bits" this season (as the kids say!) and their opening day display against Crystal Palace showed exactly why. The 2-0 victory was never really in doubt and Mikel Arteta has been further boosted by the return to training of Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Gabriel Jesus looked lively in the opening game and even though he didn't score he has bagged 5 goals in his last 7 league appearances against Leicester so is a fair shout for anytime scorer again this weekend. Gabriel Martinelli is another consideration for that bet having scored in back-to-back Premier League games. Arsenal did also only manage to keep one clean sheet in their last 8 home league games of last season and that came against Leicester. The Gunners did possess the 3rd best home record in the top flight last season behind only Manchester City and Liverpool. 
Leicester continue to sleepwalk towards a season of under-achievement under Brendan Rodgers. I did hold hope that after a summer of rebuilding and strengthening that if they had to sell a couple of their big names early on in the window then they could survive. It's now mid-August and the transfer speculation surrounding the likes of James Maddison, Wesley Fofana, and Youri Tielemans is still there but none have left. The fact the club are replacing former number one Kasper Schmeichel with ex-Cardiff keeper Alex Smithies maybe suggests that the board are tightening the purse strings a bit. It's a concern with the Foxes not bringing anyone in this summer so far either. At the very least, it's poor squad management. Leicester have only managed one clean sheet in their last 26 away league games. In addition to losing Schmeichel, full back Ricardo Pereira is also unavailable due to injury. Striker Jamie Vardy could be their main hope of getting something here having scored 11 goals in his previous 14 league games versus Arsenal.
It's worrying for Leicester that Arsenal are looking so good coming into this game but the London club have also won the last three league meetings between the two teams. Leicester also possess a terrible away record against Arsenal having managed just 1 win in their last 25 away league games against the Gunners. I'm struggling to see Leicester getting anything in this match. Something isn't right with the Foxes and this could be a long season if they don't start waking up a bit.
Arsenal HT/FT @ 2.40 with SpreadEx
Anytime Scorer: Gabriel Martinelli @ 3.40 with SportNation

Stevie.Thanks for the effort you put in with the previews. Just wanted you to know it's very much appreciated.

Manchester City vs Bournemouth
If one thing was certain from the opening weekend of games in the Premier League it's that Manchester City have a very dangerous squad spearheaded by the duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. The reigning champions take on newly promoted Bournemouth in their second league game of the campaign in a 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday afternoon from the Etihad Stadium. Is this ending in any other way than a home team demolition job on their visitors?
Manchester City looked every bit the reigning league champions in their opening game 2-0 victory away to West Ham. It's probably fair to say that with Haaland bagging both goals the Citizens didn't even step out of second gear for the majority of the game. A stark warning to the rest of the league. Pep Guardiola's side now move onto their next opponents and with it being against a newly promoted side and at home you'd think this would be a more welcoming proposition but we know Guardiola won't let his players get complacent. The team will still be without the duo of Kalvin Phillips and Aymeric Laporte but this is not a City team short in depth. City boast the impressive statistic of only losing 1 of their last 22 opening home league games of the season. The last four such games have produced an average of 5.8 goals per game. The club have scored at least two goals in each of their last 10 league matches. 
Bournemouth will have been pleased to pull off an encouraging 2-0 win against Aston Villa at home in their first league game back in the top flight but this is a challenge on a whole new level. The Cherries saw a goal each from Jefferson Lerma and Kieffer Moore do the business last weekend with the clean sheet also being a bonus. Scott Parker will want his team to give it their best shot of being just the fourth newly promoted team in the Premier League to win their first two league games of a season with Bolton in 2001/02, Hull in 2016/17, and Huddersfield in 2017/18 being the only previous teams to have managed such a feat. Parker also has the opportunity to become the first top flight manager to beat the reigning champions with two different clubs away from home. Unfortunately, he has lost all 4 of his previous meetings with City as a manager.
OK, so the most glaring statistic for this fixture is the fact that Manchester City have 10 wins from their 10 Premier League matches against Bournemouth which is the best 100% record in the history of the Premier League era. In fact, Bournemouth haven't won any of their 16 meetings with City. In those 16 encounters, Bournemouth have only ever led for a total of 8 minutes. That's a damning bit of form right there. My advice is to back City to the hilt and you might as well triple captain Haaland in your fantasy team this week because based on what we saw last weekend there aren't many teams that are going to stop him this season!
Manchester City -2 @ 1.65 with Betway
To Score 2 Goals Or More: Erling Haaland @ 2.75 with Live Score Bet

Brighton vs Newcastle
The second 3pm BST start on Saturday afternoon that I'm previewing in the Premier League is a clash between two sides from opposite ends of the country that impressed in their opening weekend matches. The home side could really make a statement of intent with a win here against a visiting team that are expected to rise further up the table due to their massive financial war chest.
Brighton could not have wished for a much better start to their league campaign as they humbled Manchester United by a 2-1 score in the Red Devils' own backyard. If we're being honest, 2-1 severely flattered United too. Graham Potter's side showed that despite losing Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella over the summer, his team remain a very dangerous opponent for any team in the top flight. Pascal Gross scored both of the goals for the Seagulls and he's now scored 4 goals in his last 4 games for Albion. Brighton are on an epic run in the league at the moment of just 1 loss from their last 10 league games and they have already won against Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United during that stint. Unfortunately, only four teams in the top flight had a worse home record than Brighton last season.
Newcastle are being expected to push on up from their 11th placed finish last season and Eddie Howe's men started their season off by meeting expectations with a business-like 2-0 win at home to newly promoted Nottingham Forest last weekend. A goal each from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson helped the Magpies to get off to the perfect start but can they win on the road against a very tricky opponent here? Just the 350 miles to travel for the game. Newcastle are one of the in-form teams this calendar year so far with only Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham earning more league points in 2022. They are hoping to win their first two league games of a Premier League season for the first time since 1997/98. However, they have only managed to win 1 of their last 10 first away league games of the season. 
There is no doubt that Howe will be looking forward to this game having recorded 5 wins over Brighton as a manager which is his joint best record against any team. That said, Brighton haven't lost any of their 5 home league games played against Brighton in the Premier League. Both teams have every reason to be confident of getting a win in this one but I don't think I can separate them. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see this end in a 1-1 or 2-2 draw.
Draw @ 3.40 with SpreadEx
BTTS @ 1.92 with SBK

Arsenal vs Leicester
We are treated to five 3pm BST kick-offs in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon and with temperatures set to soar once again it's going to be a hot one! Here, I'm taking a look at Arsenal versus Leicester at the Emirates Stadium. The home team will be looking to continue living up to the pre-season hype surrounding them against an away side that are on the brink of seeing their team torn apart at the seams by vultures.
Arsenal have been tipped by many to "do bits" this season (as the kids say!) and their opening day display against Crystal Palace showed exactly why. The 2-0 victory was never really in doubt and Mikel Arteta has been further boosted by the return to training of Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Gabriel Jesus looked lively in the opening game and even though he didn't score he has bagged 5 goals in his last 7 league appearances against Leicester so is a fair shout for anytime scorer again this weekend. Gabriel Martinelli is another consideration for that bet having scored in back-to-back Premier League games. Arsenal did also only manage to keep one clean sheet in their last 8 home league games of last season and that came against Leicester. The Gunners did possess the 3rd best home record in the top flight last season behind only Manchester City and Liverpool. 
Leicester continue to sleepwalk towards a season of under-achievement under Brendan Rodgers. I did hold hope that after a summer of rebuilding and strengthening that if they had to sell a couple of their big names early on in the window then they could survive. It's now mid-August and the transfer speculation surrounding the likes of James Maddison, Wesley Fofana, and Youri Tielemans is still there but none have left. The fact the club are replacing former number one Kasper Schmeichel with ex-Cardiff keeper Alex Smithies maybe suggests that the board are tightening the purse strings a bit. It's a concern with the Foxes not bringing anyone in this summer so far either. At the very least, it's poor squad management. Leicester have only managed one clean sheet in their last 26 away league games. In addition to losing Schmeichel, full back Ricardo Pereira is also unavailable due to injury. Striker Jamie Vardy could be their main hope of getting something here having scored 11 goals in his previous 14 league games versus Arsenal.
It's worrying for Leicester that Arsenal are looking so good coming into this game but the London club have also won the last three league meetings between the two teams. Leicester also possess a terrible away record against Arsenal having managed just 1 win in their last 25 away league games against the Gunners. I'm struggling to see Leicester getting anything in this match. Something isn't right with the Foxes and this could be a long season if they don't start waking up a bit.
Arsenal HT/FT @ 2.40 with SpreadEx
Anytime Scorer: Gabriel Martinelli @ 3.40 with SportNation

Watford v Burnley - BTTS (Yes)
After 2 games both sides have identical records with 1 win 1 draw 2 goals scored and 1 conceded. Both sides struggle for goals which led in no small part to their relegations. However, both being under new managers and with lots of squad movement in the Summer that could change. 7 of the last 10 head to heads between the sides have seen both sides score. If I were to stick my neck out on the result I would fancy the 1-1 draw.

Check out the odds for this coming weekend's matches in the Championship. It's the last round of games where we won't have the ELO ratings so let's see what we can come up with together to try and smash the bookies. Tell us your bets for these upcoming games! 

The second round of Premier League games are here with their odds available to view above. It was a bizarre opening round of matches and it's now even harder to see past Manchester City retaining their league title. A lot of unanswered questions regarding the other teams though! Let us know your bets for this week's games below! 

Aston Villa vs Everton
The Premier League games kick-off this weekend with the 12:30pm BST start on Saturday afternoon between two teams that lost their opening weekend matches in the shape of Aston Villa and Everton from Villa Park. Both teams are managed by relatively young managers who played a key role in the 2000s and 2010s era of the top flight but are now looking to earn their own accolades from dugout. They could inflict early season pressure on each other here though.
Aston Villa suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss away to Bournemouth on the opening weekend of action and it's led to several memes flying round stating that head coach Steve Gerrard now boasts the same managerial record at Villa as Gary Neville during his doomed tenure at Valencia after 28 games in charge. The Lions did lose their opening game of last season to newly promoted Watford by a 3-2 score away but did go on to lose just 1 of their next 6 league games but that was under former gaffer Dean Smith. Some fans are already calling for Gerrard to go but they appear to be in the minority with the majority having faith in the decision-making of the owners who appear keen to back Gerrard for the time being. Villa ended last season without a win in their final 3 league home games. If Villa are going to win this then it's worth noting that they won by 2 goals or more in 11 of their 13 wins last season. Ollie Watkins could be involved which would be a huge boost for Gerrard.
Everton put up a brave effort against Chelsea at home in their opening league game last week but still fell to a 1-0 loss with no points taken. Head coach Frank Lampard is another man who divides opinion at the club he manages. The Toffees continue to make changes to their playing squad with the loan signing of Connor Coady bolstering the defensive line, midfielder Amadou Onana adding strength to midfield, and rumours that the club could be set to re-sign Idrissa Gueye back from PSG. I'm not sure if Lampard will start Salomon Rondon in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin but clearly the front-line needs a focal point. There have been suggestions that Dele Alli could play as a false nine but we'll see. Everton definitely still need more quality and a striker signed in this window. The club's away record was also appalling last season with 13 losses from their 19 away league games. It's a good job Lampard made the decision to sign James Tarkowski and Coady because both Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina could be ruled out for a while.
This is officially the most-played fixture in the top flight of English football and there is a lot of pressure on both managers already. The murmurings are clear to see from the fans on both forums online and a loss for either side would put their manager up against the naysayers. Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 6 meetings with Everton and I wouldn't be surprised to see that run improve here. Both teams clearly have their issues but I am more concerned for Everton this season than I am Villa.
Aston Villa to Win @ 1.87 with SpreadEx
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.80 with SBK

Here are the odds for the next round of League 1, League 2, and Scottish Premiership matches coming up this weekend. @allyhibs, are you out there old friend?! Keen to hear your views on Hibernian and beyond! What bets are the rest of you looking to back for these matches?

Welcome, @UnluckyLuke! Great to have your thoughts in here. It's very much more a game of roulette in these opening few weeks as teams find their feet and we gain a better idea of how each team is set for this season. If you had picked those four teams before the season had started I'd have been doubtful but the way their campaigns have started it's worth backing them if they're at home and slightly under Evens. Interested to see how these games fall for you.

First post here, but occasionally I have a look to see what other peoples views are. I quite like to punt on L1 and L2 so thought I would start sharing my picks. Earlier on in the season seems to have some better prices when picking the teams which seem to be in form against those which aren't. I also like to lean towards the home side early doors, but appreciate prices tend to be better away from home.
With that in mind I am leaning towards picking 1 or 2 of the following:
 Accy, Ipswich, Northampton or Harrogate
All 4 got knocked out the LC midweek, but it looks like they all had some rest and rotation their