Match Betting Preview - Cardiff City vs Newcastle United, Saturday 18th August 2018, FA Premire League, The Cardiff City Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30 GMT.

Cardiff City vs Newcastle United
Saturday 18th August 2018
FA Premier League, The Cardiff City Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 12:30

Cardiff City vs Newcastle United – Cardiff and Newcastle face off in Premier League action this Saturday afternoon.

Neither side got their ideal start to the season, both being handed opening day losses.

Neil Warnock’s Cardiff got a harsh realisation of the difference between the Championship and Premier League as they lost 2-0 to Bournemouth. Meanwhile two goals from Tottenham was enough to silence a St James Park crowd last weekend.

The hosts are favourites for relegation this season, priced at ½ by SkyBet. They are also 2/1 to get a home win this weekend. The Welsh outfit struggled with possession in their last outing – with fingers pointed at poor recruitment over the summer. New signing Harry Arter is almost certain to start this weekend and should have a positive effect on the slightly underwhelming midfield options. Bobby Reid will likely spearhead the Cardiff attack and is priced at 5/1 to score first. The agile forward man showed great energy in the curtain raiser.

Newcastle showed plenty of positives in their opening day defeat. They are priced at 6/4 to win – a great price given their improved squad depth. Rafa Benitez has installed a very preservative yet effective method of defending. They often ‘park the bus’ and allow all their players to get behind the ball. However, they should see plenty of possession in this match-up which will allow their danger players more freedom – Matt Ritchie, Ayoze Perez and Kenedy to name a few.  Striker Joselu got off the mark against Spurs with a lovely directed header in the first half. The Spaniard is priced at 5/2 to score anytime. Salomon Rondon could also feature if his large stature is needed against the physical Cardiff defence.

The referee for this match will be Craig Pawson. The Englishman awarded 35 booking points last week and averaged 37.9 booking points last season. Clearly not a referee who keeps his cards close to his chest.

The match will be televised on Sky Sports Premier League and kicks off at 12:30 GMT.

Prediction: 9/1 – 2-1 Newcastle win.

Cardiff will have chances to open their goal scoring account for the season however if Newcastle pick up from last week they should get their first points of the season.

Suggested Tips – Cardiff City vs Newcastle United – (BET365):

  • Correct Score: Newcastle Win 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Cardiff City vs Newcastle United – (SKYBET):

  • Both Players to Score – Salomon Rondon and Joselu to both score – 10/1.
  • Newcastle to win and BTTS – 9/2.
  • Correct Score Group Betting – Newcastle to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 21/10.

Odds and markets last updated on Friday 17th August 2018 @17:20 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.

Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekends other Premier League and Championship games.

Match Betting Preview - Preston North End vs Stoke City, Saturday 18th August 2018, The Championship, Deepdale. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT.

Preston North End vs Stoke City
Saturday 18th August 2018
The Championship, Deepdale

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 17:30

Preston North End vs Stoke City: Stoke head to Deepdale in search of their first win of the season as they take on Preston in Saturday’s tea-time game.

The Potters followed up an opening-day defeat to Leeds with a home draw against Brentford last time out. Despite taking the lead through Benik Afobe, his second in two games, they couldn’t hang on for three points. Having leaked four goals in their opening two fixtures, Gary Rowett will be keen to shore up his leaky defence. At Leeds, they were carved up too early, which shouldn’t be the case given their personnel. Having spent big money in the summer, Rowett is still figuring out his best side, which will take time. They will be desperate to get that first win, though, given their tag as pre-season title favourites.

Preston bounced back from their first defeat of the season with a comfortable 3-1 win over Morecambe in the first round of Carabao Cup. In the league, they have won one and lost one, although they were unlucky to leave Swansea without a point last weekend. Preston have already shown signs of their form last season; they are a tough nut to crack. Defensively they are resolute, which always increases your chances of winning football matches. They do have goals in the team, although that is probably the department they lack in, slightly. I expect them to do well again this season – they will be pushing for a top six finish once again, I’m sure.

Andrew Madley has been appointed as the referee for this match. After two games this season, the Englishman has an average booking points total of 27.5. He is also one of only two Championship officials to have shown a red card this season. Therefore, I would advise a maximum total of 40+booking points for this game.

Preston are a tough team to beat, especially at home. However, if Stoke want to gain promotion, then they have to be getting at least a point in games like this. Coincidentally, that’s exactly what I think will happen, with both teams likely to cancel each other out.

Preston North End vs Stoke City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football this Saturday with kick-off at 17:30 GMT.

Prediction: Preston North End 1-1 Stoke City

Suggested tips – Preston North End vs Stoke City – (SKYBET):

  • Correct score: draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Preston North End vs Stoke City – (SKYBET):

  • Stoke to win by one goal – 10/3.
  • Afobe to score in 90 mins – 7/4.
  • Robinson to score and win – 8/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Thursday 16th August 2018 @19:02 GMT. Markets maybe updated prior to kick off so keep checking back – we will update the time for when the tips were last updated when doing so.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekends other Premier League and Championship games.

Match Betting Preview - Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid, Wednesday 15th August 2018, UEFA Super Cup Final, Lillekula Stadium, Estonia. Live on BT Sports 2 – Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
Wednesday 15th August 2018
UEFA Super Cup Final, Lillekula Stadium, Estonia

Live on BT Sports 2 – Kick-Off: 20:00

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid – The city of Madrid showcases its footballing superiority as local rivals Atletico Madrid and Real face off in the UEFA Super Cup Final at the Lillekula Stadium in Estonia.

Obviously, both sides have the opportunity to compete for the season’s first trophy due to successes last season. A Gareth Bale inspired Real Madrid saw off Liverpool to claim a third Champions League title in succession. Exerting complete dominance over the contemporary game whilst doing so.

Atleti put their poor Champions League group stage to bed by comfortably winning the Europa League. Arsenal were bested in the semi-finals before a crushing 3-0 victory over Marseille in the final.

With Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, Real Madrid now enter a new era under former Spain boss Julen Lopetegui. Sending a message and beating your rivals in the first competitive game of the campaign would be the ideal start.

Synonymous with the club, Diego Simeone wants to take every possible chance to get one over on Atleti’s fierce rivals. With previous shortcomings in Europe in this very fixture, (two Champions League Final defeats in 2014 and 2016) there will always be a lust for revenge.

The UEFA Super Cup undoubtedly isn’t a competition of the same prestige. However, the Madrid Derby is always an incredibly feisty affair with two clubs constantly desperate to win everything possible.

Both clubs were involved in substantial transfer business this summer, for differing reasons. Atleti manged to hold on to prized star and World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann. Los Blancos signed Thibaut Courtois on deadline day, amongst slight controversy, but as mentioned above lost star Ronaldo.

In the 195th Madrid derby, two of the best teams on the planet will compete for a European trophy. What’s not to love? Football is back.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 2 with kick-off at 20:00 GMT.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid

Suggested Tips – Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid – (BET365):

  • Correct Score – 1-1 – 9/2.
  • Method of Victory – Real Madrid to win After Extra Time – 10/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 33/1 to 66/1 –  Real Madrid to win, BTTS, 12+ match corners and 70+ match booking points – 33/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 33/1 to 66/1 –  Over 3.5 goals, 7+ corners each team – 50/1.
  • A goal in each half and 4+ corners in each half – 5/2.
  • Correct Score Group Betting Real Madrid to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 9/4.
  • First Goalscorer – Isco – 9/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 33/1 to 66/1 – Griezmann to score, Draw 1-1 and 5+ corners each team – 50/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Tuesday 14th August 2018 @22:15 GMT. Markets maybe updated prior to kick off so keep checking back – we will update the time for when the tips were last updated when doing so.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekends other Premier League and Championship games.

Match Betting Preview - Arsenal vs Manchester City, Sunday 12th August 2018, FA Premier League, The Emirates Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT.

Arsenal vs Manchester City
Sunday 12th August 2018
FA Premier League, The Emirates Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 16:00

Arsenal vs Manchester City: New Gunners’ boss Unai Emery makes his Premier League debut against the league champions as Arsenal face Manchester City.

Emery will make his Arsenal bow at the Emirates against one the world’s finest managers, Pep Guardiola. It has been a summer of change for Arsenal, which has seen a number of new arrivals at the Emirates. Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Stephan Lichsteiner and Bern Leno have all joined the club in an attempt to bolster their defence. However, it is still unknown whether the former Bayer Leverkusen ‘keeper or Petr Cech will start in goal. They have also strengthened their midfield with the addition of tenacious ball-winner Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. Torreira showed for Uruguay during the World Cup that he has the potential to add the bite in midfield that Arsenal have sorely lacked.

A lot has been made over Emery’s attempts to field both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette together. Aubameyang has featured from the left in a number of pre-season matches, in order to accommodate the pair. If Emery can find a system to get the best out of the duo, Arsenal will be a real threat going forward.

Manchester City illustrated how far away they are from the rest as they cruised past Chelsea last Sunday. Sergio Aguero’s brace secured the Community Shield for Guardiola’s men. Despite missing a number of key players, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling to name a few, they comfortably dispatched of Maurizio Sarri’s team. The season hasn’t even begun yet, but it already looks a thankless task for anyone trying to take the title away from the Etihad Stadium. Riyad Mahrez looked right at home on his full debut, whilst Bernado Silva stood out after a scintillating pre-season.

Michael Oliver is the referee for this match. The Englishman is widely regarded as the division’s best referee and officiated the most games in the league last season (30). In those games, he accumulated an average booking points total of 36.5. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 40 total booking points for this match.

Whilst nobody knows exactly how Arsenal will react to a new manager, it will take time for Emery to implement his philosophy. He couldn’t have picked a tougher opening day challenge; City looked razor sharp last weekend. As a result, I think they will have too much for the Gunners, although it should be a thrilling opening-day contest.

Arsenal vs Manchester City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-3 Manchester City

Suggested tips – Arsenal vs Manchester City – (BET365):

  • Correct score: City to win 3-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Aguero to score first – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Arsenal vs Manchester City – (SKYBET):

  • Mahrez and Aubameyang to score – 11/2.
  • BTTS and City to win – 21/10.

Odds and markets last updated on Sunday 12th August 2018 @11:20 GMT. Markets will not be updated prior to kick off.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weeks Premier League and Championship games.

Match Betting Preview - Liverpool vs West Ham United, Sunday 12th August 2018, FA Premier League, Anfield. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 13:30 GMT.

Liverpool vs West Ham United
Sunday 12th August 2018
FA Premier League, Anfield

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 13:30

Liverpool vs West Ham United kick off the 2018/19 Premier League fixtures at Anfield today.

Both sides have been impressive during the summer so far. Jurgen Klopp’s side have continued their goal scoring antics in the International Champions Cup. Meanwhile, ‘The Hammers’ have been more impressive off the field, with some fantastic signings being made.

Liverpool are clear favourites for the curtain raiser, priced at 1/4 by SkyBet. The Reds are also boasting a fully fit attacking line-up with Daniel Sturridge back in the picture. Mohamed Salah is now recovered from his summer of woe with injury and Egypt’s disappointing World Cup campaign and is the bookmakers favourite to net first at 9/4.

New goalkeeper signing Alisson is likely to make his Premier League debut. Meanwhile new boys Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho will all be hoping to play the opener. The defensive reinforcements give Liverpool a sturdy spine to play with and are priced at EVENS to win to nil.

The new and improved West Ham are priced at a massive 10/1 to open their season with three points. They have also spent very heavily this summer in an attempt to wash away the negativity that has lingered around the club the past couple seasons. Striker Javier Hernandez was on target in his first and West Hams last pre-season match, after returning from this summers World Cup. The Mexican is 11/4 to score anytime.

Andriy Yarmolenko, Robert Snodgrass, Felipe Anderson, Jack Wilshere and Lukasz Fabianski could all make their West Ham league debuts this Sunday, with all eyes on the new recruits. These names have been added to an already strong squad to make the London outfit one of the clubs to look out for this season. They are priced very nicely considering their squad depth. However, this Liverpool side are one of the toughest teams in Europe to face.

This match should be a great spectacle and an exciting sign of things to come for the new season from both clubs.

Liverpool vs West Ham United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 13:30 GMT.

Prediction: Liverpool 3 -2 West Ham United

Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs West Ham United (BET365):

  • Correct Score – 3-2 Liverpool – (link no longer available).
    – This game could ignite if both managers implement their attacking styles of play. Expect goals and drama.
  • First Goalscorer – Mohamed Salah to score first – (link no longer available).
    – Who else? The Egyptian King is determined to not become a one season wonder.

Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs West Ham United (SKYBET):

  • BTTS in both halves – Yes – 18/1
    – Both teams will want to make a statement of intent. I could see loads of counter attacks and both teams peppering each other’s goal.
  • Correct Score Group Betting – Liverpool to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 11/4.

Odds and markets last updated on Sunday 12th August 2018 @11:00 GMT. Markets will not be updated prior to kick off.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weeks Premier League and Championship games.

Match Betting Preview - Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur, Saturday 11th August 2018, FA Premier League, St James' Park. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30 GMT.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday 11th August 2018
FA Premier League, St James’ Park

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to get off to the perfect start as his Tottenham side take on Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Spurs have had an underwhelming summer, which has seen no new arrivals. Crucially, they have kept their squad intact, whilst Harry Kane has signed a new six-year deal. Speculation is still rife over the future of Toby Alderweireld, who can leave the club for just £25M next summer. Whilst Davidson Sanchez has proven himself as a fantastic talent, Jan Vertonghen and Alderweireld remain their best partnership at the back. Pochettino will be hoping he can convince his Belgian defender to sign a new deal or he will be resigned to losing him for cheap.

Tottenham have a very young, talented squad, but their lack of summer spending is worrying. If Daniel Levy wants Tottenham to move onto the next level, he is going to have to start paying higher wages and bigger transfer fees. Otherwise, Pochettino and co will eventually become disillusioned by the chairman’s lack of ambition.

Newcastle are in the exact same boat. Owner Mike Ashley has invested little money into the club since their promotion back into the Premier League. Whilst he has allowed Rafa Benitez to reinvest any money from player sales, that will only go so far. Benitez can see the club’s potential, but if Ashley doesn’t sell up or back him soon, he will walk. Salomon Rondon and Yoshinori Muto have been brought in to try and improve their goal return this season, with Dwight Gayle and Chancel Mbemba departing. With a manager as good as Benitez, it’s hard to see Newcastle being in any real relegation danger, but without significant investment, they will always run the risk of a survival scrap. Goals again could be the main issue, however, the club will be hoping their new recruits can plug that gap.

Martin Atkinson is the referee for Saturday’s lunchtime match. The English officiated 28 league games last season in the top flight. He accumulated an average booking points total of 40.9, the highest in the division. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 50+ total booking points for this game.

Whilst Tottenham supporters will be disappointed not to see any new faces on Saturday, they still have a top-class team and manager. They should come away with an opening day win, as they did against Newcastle last year.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 12:30 GMT.

Prediction: Newcastle United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Suggested Tips – Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur – (SKYBET):

  • Correct score: Tottenham to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur – (SKYBET):

  • Kane to score first – 11/4.
  • Tottenham to win to nil – 11/2.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Draw 0-0 and no booking points – 150/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Ayoze & Eriksen 2+ shots on target each – 18/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Saturday 11th August 2018 @09:20 GMT. Markets will not be updated prior to kick off.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekends other Premier League and Championship games.

Match Betting Preview - Manchester United vs Leicester City, Friday 10th August 2018, FA Premier League, Old Trafford. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT.

Manchester United vs Leicester City
Friday 10th August 2018
FA Premier League, Old Trafford Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 20:00

Manchester United vs Leicester City – Manchester United kick off the 2018/19 Premier League season when they host Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday night.

After a season of watching their noisy neighbours dominate the league, Jose Mourinho will be desperate to restore United’s pride. In truth, their pre-season preparation has gone as smooth as possible. With the transfer window shortened and the World Cup taking away valuable negotiation time, it’s clear that Mourinho isn’t happy with his squad. They are still in the market for a centre-back, having chased various options through the summer. England hero Harry Maguire was the subject of two reported bids, one totalling up to £60 million. Toby Alderweireld and Jerome Boateng were also both been linked with a move to Manchester, but United were unable to secure any defensive reinforcements.

At the other end of the field, the future of Anthony Martial remains unresolved. The Frenchman has lost his way under Mourinho and it remains to be seen if he will rediscover the form that made him so popular in his debut campaign.

Leicester’s main aim this summer has been to replace Riyad Mahrez after the Algerian finally moved to Manchester City. Former Norwich City playmaker James Maddison has been drafted in to help fill the void. They have also rebuilt their defence, with some much-needed younger additions. Jonny Evans is likely to partner Maguire in the centre, whilst Ricardo Pereira is a major coup at right-back. Leicester have done some good business, for very good money.

My only concern is that once again it appears the goal-scoring burden will be left on Jamie Vardy’s shoulders. It remains to be seen who will provide the goals if the Englishman endures a lean spell in front of goal. That being said, Foxes fans will be hoping to see more from Kelechi Iheanacho this season. The Nigerian struggle last year after missing pre-season but should be fully fit and ready to show why the owners forked out £25M last summer.

Andre Marriner is the referee for this game. The Englishman officiated 28 matches at this level last season, accumulating an average booking points total of 30.4. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 40+ total booking points for this game.

Leicester proved tough opponents for Arsenal, when they opened the 2017/18 campaign, losing 4-3. With a number of World Cup stars just returning to Manchester United’s squad, it’s hard to predict how sharp they will be.

I still think that United will win, but it could be a lot closer than some may expect.

Manchester United vs Leicester City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sport Football with kick-off at 20:00 GMT.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City

Suggested Tips – Manchester United vs Leicester City – (BET365):

  • Correct score: United to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Manchester United vs Leicester City – (SKYBET):

  • Rashford to score and win – 9/4.
  • Sanchez to score first – 4/1.
  • Maddison to score outside the area – 20/1.
  • Popular RequestABets – Sanchez 2+ shots on target, Fred 2+ tackles and Rashford 2+ offsides – 20/1.

  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Rashford to score and Darmian & Morgan to be carded – 125/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Friday 10th August 2018 @19:40 GMT. Markets maybe updated prior to kick off so keep checking back – we will update the time for when the tips were last updated when doing so.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekends other Premier League and Championship games.

Match Betting Preview - Chelsea vs Manchester City, Sunday 5th August 2018, FA Community Shield, Wembley Stadium. Live on BT Sports 2 – Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT.

Chelsea vs Manchester City
Sunday 5th August 2018
FA Community Shield, Wembley Stadium

Live on BT Sport 2 – Kick-Off: 15:00

Chelsea vs Manchester City – Maurizio Sarri takes charge of his first game as Chelsea manager when his side face reigning champions Manchester City in the community shield.

After another turbulent summer, Sarri was finally appointed as the Blues boss, replacing Antonio Conte. Despite constant speculation about his future, Chelsea allowed the Italian to take the first week of pre-season training before replacing him. Since his arrival, Sarri has set about moulding Chelsea into his own team. The first step has been to abandon the 3-4-3 system that Conte used during his time in England, for his preferred 4-3-3 setup. With Jorginho captured from Napoli to play as a deep-lying playmaker, they are already beginning to take shape. Speculation over the futures of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois is far from over, however. With Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the Bernabeu this summer, Hazard has been lined up as their next ‘galactico’. Courtois has been linked with a move back to Spain for some time, and with just one year left on his deal, looks likely to depart Stamford Bridge.

After securing a record 100 points last season, it has been a relatively quiet summer for Pep Guardiola. Riyad Mahrez finally secured his move to the Etihad after talks broke down last January, but he remains their only addition. With Yaya Toure leaving, there was interest in Jorginho, but he opted for the darker Blue in London. With one of the most complete squads in Europe already, Guardiola’s biggest task is retaining the Premier League title; a feat nobody has managed since Manchester United in 2008. A first Champions League title is also high on the agenda as they look to replicate last season’s historic triumph.

A number of both clubs’ star players may miss this game due to the World Cup. For Chelsea, Hazard, Courtois, N’Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud are absent. City could be without Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker and Mahrez, who picked up an injury in their last game.

Jonathan Moss is the referee for this season’s curtain-raiser. The Englishman accumulated an average booking points total of 39.1 last season, across 29 top-flight games. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 30 + total booking points for this game, with both teams looking to avoid any injuries.

It’s always hard to predict the outcome of this game, as it is almost a friendly. I would probably hedge my bets towards City, who have had more preparation time for this game. Neither side will be at full strength though, so it really could go either way.

Chelsea vs Manchester City will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 2 with kick-off at 15:00 GMT.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea

Suggested tips – Chelsea vs Manchester City – (SkyBet):

  • Correct score: Manchester City to win 2-1 – 15/2.
  • Sane to score first – 11/2.
  • Aguero and Morata to both score – 11/2.
  • BTTS – 8/13.
  • Popular RequestABet Specials – Over 1.5 goals, 3+ Chelsea corners, 5+ Manchester City corners and 10+ booking points each team – 2/1. (NAP).
  • RequestABet Specials – 80/1 and above – Sane to score, Manchester City 2-1, Pedro 1+ Shots on Target, 5+ match corners and David Luiz to be carded – 66/1 (was 80/1).
  • RequestABet Specials – 80/1 and above –  Morata & Pedro to score, Chelsea 2-1 and Fernandinho to be carded – 150/1.
  • @FootyAccums Specials – BTTS, 1+ corners each team in each half, 30+ match booking pts (all 90 mins) and Manchester City to lift the trophy – 7/2. (NB).

Odds and markets last updated on Sunday 5th August 2018 @14:05 GMT. Markets maybe updated prior to kick off so keep checking back – we will update the time for when the tips were last updated when doing so.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekends other Championship games as well as our Charity Shield Preview.

Match Betting Preview - Sheffield United vs Swansea City, Saturday 4th August 2018, The Championship, Bramall Lane. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT.

Sheffield United vs Swansea City
Saturday 4th August 2018
The Championship, Bramall Lane

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 17:30

Sheffield United vs Swansea City – ‘The Swans’ begin life back in the Championship at Bramall Lane when they take on play-off hopefuls Sheffield United.

Graham Potter will be hoping for three points in his first match in charge of the Swans when they visit Sheffield. Potter took over following their relegation to the second tier, with Carlos Carvalhal departing the club. Since then, their main aim has been to assemble a squad capable of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Joel Asoro, Barry McKay and Bersant Celina have all moved to the Liberty Stadium, although a host of big names have left. Andre Ayew, Kyle Bartley, Ki Sung-Yeung and Lukasz Fabianski have all moved on, whilst Alfie Mawson is expected to join Fulham.

With an inexperienced manager at this level, Swansea have taken a gamble. They’re also believed to be in talks with Brentford over the signing of Ryan Woods, which would be a huge addition to their side. Dealing with relegation is never easy, and a game against a Chris Wilder side is certainly not the nicest of opening games.

After uncertainty surrounding his future, Wilder committed himself to the Blades, signing a one-year extension. Despite his new contract, there is still uncertainty at boardroom level which threatens to de-rail their summer dealings. The sale of David Brooks has bolstered their transfer budget. A club-record deal of four million was spent on defender John Egan, as a result. They have also acquired Premier League starlets on loan, in the form of Dean Henderson and Ben Woodburn. It’s no secret Wilder still craves another striker, capable of firing them in the top six. Their pursuit of Martin Waghorn is ongoing, although they risk being priced out by Ipswich and potentially Derby. United created the second-most chances in the division last year, behind champions Wolves, despite finishing 11th. This underlines their need for a forward who can turn these opportunities into goals.

Jeremy Simpson is the referee for this match. The Englishman officiated 32 games at this level last season, accumulating an average booking points total of 45.8. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 50+ total booking points for this match.

This is a tough opening game for both coaches. Swansea are an unknown quantity – nobody knows how they will adapt to life back in the Championship. We do know that United are strong at home, and as a result, I think this could end in a draw.

Sheffield United vs Swansea City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 17:30 GMT.

Prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 Swansea City

Suggested Tips – Sheffield United vs Swansea City (BET365):

  • Correct score: draw 1-1 – 9/2.

Suggested Tips – Sheffield United vs Swansea City (SkyBet):

  • Leon Clarke to score first – 4/1.
  • McGoldrick and McBurnie to both score – 8/1.
  • BTTS and United to win – 4/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Friday 3rd August 2018 @13:22 GMT. Markets maybe updated prior to kick off so keep checking back – we will update the time for when the tips were last updated when doing so.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekends other Championship games as well as our Charity Shield Preview.

Match Betting Preview - Sunderland vs Charlton, Saturday 4th August 2018, The Championship, Stadium of Light. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30 GMT.

Sunderland vs Charlton Athletic
Saturday 4th August 2018
The Championship, Stadium of Light

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30

Sunderland vs Charlton: Sunderland begin life in League One against one of the bookies’ favourites for promotion as they host Charlton at the Stadium of Light.

After a traumatic double relegation, Sunderland begin their time in the third tier at home. Jack Ross is the new man in charge following Chris Coleman’s departure. Ross is their 12th manager in ten years, but, with Ellis Short finally selling the club, this feels like a new dawn. With a raff of players leaving Wearside, it has been a busy summer up North. Big names have left the club, such as Jack Rodwell, Wabi Khazri and Paddy McNair. Those big wages have been replaced with players who know the division and most importantly, how to get out of it. Peterborough captain Jack Baldwin, Wycombe midfielder Luke O’Nien have injected some much-needing energy into the team. Former Sheffield Wednesday captain Glenn Loovens, Reece James and Tom Flanagan all bring vital experience in getting promoted from this division.

Charlton are much fancied to return to the Championship this season, under the guidance of Lee Bowyer. Darren Pratley and Lyle Taylor have both joined the Addicks, but striker Josh Magennis has left, joining Bolton. The main aim for Bowyer is to continue last season’s form, which saw them reach the play-offs. Whilst Roland Dutchatelet remains the unpopular owner of the club, there seems to be more stability at the Valley after a traumatic few years. Therefore, I would expect to see Charlton challenging at the right end of the table and maybe even pushing for automatic promotion. They couldn’t, on paper, have had a tougher opening-day assignment, though.

John Brooks is the referee for this match. The Englishman officiated 24 games in League One last season, accumulating an average booking points total of 27.3. This is one of league’s lowest and as a result, I’d advise a maximum of 30+ total booking points for this game.

Come the end of the season, I expect both these sides to be pushing for promotion. Sunderland are my tip for the title, whilst Charlton should challenge for second place. This is an early test of what Ross’ side are made of and whether they can stand the test of the third tier. I think they’ll edge this match, but it could easily end level.

Sunderland vs Charlton Athletic will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 12:30 GMT.

Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Charlton

Suggested Tips – Sunderland vs Charlton – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Sunderland to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Sunderland vs Charlton – (SKYBET):

  • Sunderland to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 7/4.
  • BTTS and draw – 7/2.
  • Maguire to score first – 11/2.

Odds and markets last updated on Friday 3rd August 2018 @12:22 GMT. Markets maybe updated prior to kick off so keep checking back – we will update the time for when the tips were last updated when doing so.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekends other Championship games as well as our Charity Shield Preview.