It’s been a long wait, but the new domestic football season is finally here. The Community Shield and Football League kick things off for us this weekend, with the Premier League back on 13th August. With a trophy on the line and three divisions getting underway this week though, there’s plenty to keep us entertained over the next few days.
Things start on Friday night, as newly relegated Newcastle begin life in the Championship. They head to Fulham hoping to get their promotion push off to a strong start. QPR and Leeds clash on Sunday, which is followed by Leicester taking on Manchester United at Wembley in the traditional curtain raiser for the top flight sides. Here we’re looking at those games and more, picking out the best value bets for each clash.
Friday 5th August 2016
Fulham v Newcastle (19:45) – Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score (6/5 with Coral)
Rafa Benitez kicks off his first full season at Newcastle in the second tier. This isn’t too much of a culture shock for the Magpies, given how recently Fulham were in the top flight. The Toon Army are having to prepare for a massive year in the Championship, a league in which they’ll be the scalp everyone wants. If the team aren’t motivated, they could be in for a tough year. They come into this clash after a busy summer of transfers, with a squad who are more than good enough to win this division. Will they be able to hit the ground running though?
Fulham were two places above the relegation zone last term, so they’re coming off the back of an awful season. With rumours that their star players are leaving, they could be set for another year of struggle. They are an entertaining side to watch, but mostly because of how many goals they tend to concede. They let in 79 last season, only two sides let in more and both those were relegated. They were also one of the highest scoring sides, hitting 66. This Newcastle side are packed with goals but their defence is questionable. This looks like a game with goals written all over it, so we’re backing at least a goal for both and over 2.5 in total, which is priced at 6/5 with Coral.
Sunday 7th August 2016
QPR v Leeds (12:00) – Both teams to score (Evens with Betfair)
Two managers who are looking to make their mark this season meet at Loftus Road early on Sunday. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink didn’t make much difference at QPR last term, with his side finishing in mid-table. Rangers haven’t been that busy in the market, and they look lacking in quality. Hasselbaink is going to have to work some magic to get his side anywhere near the play-offs. How will they match up against the side who finished directly behind them last year?
Leeds have made a very smart move by appointing Gary Monk, but you have to be worried for him. This is a gutsy move for a young manager to take. There’s little patience for anyone in the Elland Road dugout. Monk will improve this team, but it’s tough to say if he’ll get time in the post. He’s made some smart signings, but it’ll take a while to bed them into Monk’s style. Only a point separated these two last year, we see them as two evenly matched sides. They’ll both fancy their chances of scoring here, and we’re backing BTTS at evens with Betfair.
Leicester v Manchester United (16:00) – Over 1.5 United goals (Evens with Coral)
The Community Shield is usually written off at the start of the season, but there’s a lot of intrigue to this game. Surprise champions Leicester are starting the defence of their title, can they land another trophy? Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho begins his Manchester United era. Will he be able to improve their fortunes and make them better to watch? Both sides have seen a few changes over the summer, but will they be stronger for it here? Already this game looks more interesting than recent Community Shield clashes.
There’s going to be a lot of pressure on Mourinho to make a quick impact. The Portuguese boss is coming off the worst season of his managerial career, while United have been poor for too many seasons now. They can lay down a marker for the new campaign here, especially with Leicester struggling during pre-season. PSG hammered them 4-0, so we think United’s new attack should be able to cause problems. We’re backing the Red Devils to hit over 1.5 goals, which is available at evens with Coral.
Sheffield Wednesday v Aston Villa (16:30) – Wednesday to win (6/5 with Sky Bet)
Aston Villa’s dreadful year in the top flight is finally over, but will things get better for them in the Championship? They come into this season after an awful string of results, and their summer business hasn’t been that impressive. They’ve been through a turbulent few months after a takeover and change of manager. Roberto Di Matteo is now in charge, but he’s not had much success since leaving Chelsea. While he’s worked in this division before, he has a real job on his hands to organise the mess that Villa have fallen into. It’s tough to see that much work being done before the opening game of the season.
Sheffield Wednesday came so close to replacing Villa in the top flight. They lost out to Hull City in the play-off final last year, but they pushed the Tigers close. Wednesday have the belief to push close again, Middlesbrough won promotion last season on the back of play-off heartbreak. Wednesday have made a couple of smart moves since losing to Hull, like adding Steven Fletcher. The Owls should be stronger this season, and they look better prepared for a promotion push than Villa. With just one home league defeat since September, we’re backing Wednesday to take the win here. They’re very well priced at 6/5 with Sky Bet.