This is Tamworth --
WE are just a month away from the start of the new Premier League campaign and the big hitters are starting their pre-season programmes at the same time as making significant manoeuvres in the transfer market.
Subsequently, with squads far from finalised, it's something of a risk placing long-term wagers, although at this stage, there could also be some decent prices around as punters and bookies alike try to second-guess who will sign who.
Defending champions Manchester United, under new management of course, have shown their ambition with a couple of bold but unsuccessful bids and it seems like only a matter of time before they make some huge acquisitions.
They also have that knack of picking up results, albeit under Sir Alex Ferguson, and there's a strong chance that will continue under David Moyes so they are the value title bet at 9/4 with BetVictor.
The return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea has seen them become favourites to win the Premier League in places and Paddy Power post 23/10 against them capturing a first crown since 2010.
However, the 'Special One' effect may well have been overestimated and on the basis of last term they have plenty of ground to make up.
Completing the trio of teams considered genuine contenders are Manchester City, who have brought in Manuel Pellegrini to help them wrest the championship from their neighbours. Skybet make them 12/5 to do just that but there's a huge element of the unknown about them and they're hard to recommend at that price.
Arsenal meanwhile, are clearly looking to splash the cash but Ladbrokes' 11/1 shots have plenty of rebuilding to do and they're a better bet at 7/10 (Winner.com) to be the top side 'without the big three'.
At the other end, bookies are looking no further than the promoted trio in the relegation market; Crystal Palace (8/15, BetVictor), Hull (4/6, Paddy Power) and Cardiff (7/4, bet365) heading the bottom three betting.
Aston Villa however, look vulnerable especially in light of Christian Benteke's transfer request and they're huge at 7/1 via William Hill to go down.
Phil Taylor is in the unusual position of not starting a tournament as favourite with some bookies this weekend, BetVictor pricing 'the Power' at 11/4 to win the World Matchplay event in Blackpool and Stan James installing young Dutchman Michael van Gerwen as market leader at 5/2.
Some punters might find Taylor's odds hard to resist given that he's won the tournament in each of the last five renewals and has secured both the PDC World Championship and the UK Open in 2013, although his defeat to van Gerwen in the Premier League final could also influence the thinking of some.
Those seeking each-way value might consider James Wade (16/1, betway) who has reached the final at the Winter Gardens in five of the last seven years while 2010 runner-up Raymond Barneveld is 14/1 via bet365 to go on better on this occasion.
With the Ashes in full swing and the sun shining, football's Europa League competition isn't exactly at the forefront of many people's minds, however, for supporters of SPL duo Hibs and St Johnstone, the season starts here as their teams seek to make progress in Europe.
However, the pair's respective Scandinavian opponents have started their seasons and will be match fit and subsequently, a Malmo and Rosenborg double looks an absolute banker at 10/11 courtesy of Stan James.
Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com Reported by This is 9 hours ago.
WE are just a month away from the start of the new Premier League campaign and the big hitters are starting their pre-season programmes at the same time as making significant manoeuvres in the transfer market.
Subsequently, with squads far from finalised, it's something of a risk placing long-term wagers, although at this stage, there could also be some decent prices around as punters and bookies alike try to second-guess who will sign who.
Defending champions Manchester United, under new management of course, have shown their ambition with a couple of bold but unsuccessful bids and it seems like only a matter of time before they make some huge acquisitions.
They also have that knack of picking up results, albeit under Sir Alex Ferguson, and there's a strong chance that will continue under David Moyes so they are the value title bet at 9/4 with BetVictor.
The return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea has seen them become favourites to win the Premier League in places and Paddy Power post 23/10 against them capturing a first crown since 2010.
However, the 'Special One' effect may well have been overestimated and on the basis of last term they have plenty of ground to make up.
Completing the trio of teams considered genuine contenders are Manchester City, who have brought in Manuel Pellegrini to help them wrest the championship from their neighbours. Skybet make them 12/5 to do just that but there's a huge element of the unknown about them and they're hard to recommend at that price.
Arsenal meanwhile, are clearly looking to splash the cash but Ladbrokes' 11/1 shots have plenty of rebuilding to do and they're a better bet at 7/10 (Winner.com) to be the top side 'without the big three'.
At the other end, bookies are looking no further than the promoted trio in the relegation market; Crystal Palace (8/15, BetVictor), Hull (4/6, Paddy Power) and Cardiff (7/4, bet365) heading the bottom three betting.
Aston Villa however, look vulnerable especially in light of Christian Benteke's transfer request and they're huge at 7/1 via William Hill to go down.
Phil Taylor is in the unusual position of not starting a tournament as favourite with some bookies this weekend, BetVictor pricing 'the Power' at 11/4 to win the World Matchplay event in Blackpool and Stan James installing young Dutchman Michael van Gerwen as market leader at 5/2.
Some punters might find Taylor's odds hard to resist given that he's won the tournament in each of the last five renewals and has secured both the PDC World Championship and the UK Open in 2013, although his defeat to van Gerwen in the Premier League final could also influence the thinking of some.
Those seeking each-way value might consider James Wade (16/1, betway) who has reached the final at the Winter Gardens in five of the last seven years while 2010 runner-up Raymond Barneveld is 14/1 via bet365 to go on better on this occasion.
With the Ashes in full swing and the sun shining, football's Europa League competition isn't exactly at the forefront of many people's minds, however, for supporters of SPL duo Hibs and St Johnstone, the season starts here as their teams seek to make progress in Europe.
However, the pair's respective Scandinavian opponents have started their seasons and will be match fit and subsequently, a Malmo and Rosenborg double looks an absolute banker at 10/11 courtesy of Stan James.
Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com Reported by This is 9 hours ago.