Archived Premiership Football Betting Tips (22nd August 2006)

Spurs' new boys looked like rabbits caught in the headlights at the Reebok; neither of the three debutants (Ekotto, Zokora or Berbatov) did anything to inspire their side and it will be surprising if all 3 start against the Blades. Not that they deserve an excuse but Spurs have never found Bolton the easiest place to go; back at the Lane they should have a degree more confidence although United will scrap for everything. Warnock will have been pleased with the point earned against Liverpool but in all fairness thay would have won the game were it not for a dubious Liverpool penalty. What might worry him though was the lack of posession that United had; if Liverpool had put out a better side they may well have been lucky to get anything from the game. A close one to call but Spurs' first home game of the new season should yield a maximum 3 points.

Villa were 6 minutes away from victory over Arsenal at the Emirates and the account they gave of themselves was nothing less than expected under Martin O'Neill. Defensively they were excellent with Ridgewell and Mellberg giving everything for the team. O'Neill still has plenty to do but this is the sort of start he was looking for with players repaying their faith in him with a solid performance. Unfortunately for Reading they should find the Villa defence a tougher nut to crack than the woeful Boro back four, but this shouldn't take anything away from a wonderful Reading comeback. However, it's not all roses for Coppell's side as Dave Kitson is out with an injured knee after a poor Chris Riggott challenge. Reading are not frightened to attack teams and will pose problems for Villa, but the Villans should just nick it.

You would have thought that getting rid of Paul Dickov and Craig Bellamy would have improved Blackburn's disciplinary record but with 2 defenders sent off on the opening day of the season, it remains debatable. Neill deserved to go but Todd was unlucky as he got the ball first so he may yet be saved by video evidence. Surely Blackburn can't defend this badly again and they'll need to be organised at the back to keep out the lively Andy Johnson. Everton were slightly fortunate in their win over Watford but it's the first time they've taken maximum points on the opening day of the season in the last 5 years and will have hopefully put to bed any repeat of last season's poor early form. Usually, both these sides are fairly tight at the back and a hard-fought draw looks on the cards.

Fulham have started the season pretty much as expected and are bound to get the proverbial rocket from Coleman before they kick off against Bolton. Last season it was their home form that kept them in the Premiership with 13 wins from 19 games but their defending was so awful against United any improvement remains questionable. This season is going to be a struggle for the Cottagers and the visit of Bolton is likely to give them something to think about. Allardyce has money to spend but is playing a waiting game for the right players and judging by his players' performances against Spurs, he's doing the right thing. Bolton's style has not changed one little bit and injury to Kevin Davies would leave them struggling but they fight for everything and get away with it. At this stage of the season Bolton look OK whilst Fulham look like they're just starting pre-season; a Bolton win looks likely but be wary of Fulham's home form.