The first name drop of the season (won’t be the last) but I was discussing the opening Premier League weekend of the season with BetVictor brand ambassador Michael Owen earlier in the week.
He reminded of the last time Burnley were promoted to the Premier League.
Their opening home fixture was when they beat Owen’s Manchester United on a balmy summer night in east Lancashire.
Did he think lightning would strike twice on Monday when Chelsea go to Turf Moor? Did he ‘eck.
Owen believes Chelsea will win the title this season and is backing Diego Costa to be a big hit at the Bridge.
His bet was Costa to score at any time at 21/20 and mine is the Blues to win to nil at 23/20.
It is well documented that QPR have lost their last two opening-day fixtures 5-0 and 4-0 in the top flight against the might of Swansea and Bolton respectively.
One remarkable stat: Rio Ferdinand last committed a foul in the Premier League on New Year’s Day 2013 and has played 26 times in the division since.
I have a strange feeling he might not get quite the same leniency wearing the hoops of Rangers.
We have a market as to whether or not Rio commits a foul on Saturday and bet:
Yes: 4/6
No: 11/10
The R’s are 31/20 to get that elusive opening-day success, with the Tigers, last in London for the FA Cup Final, 85/40 and the draw 11/5.
I think Rangers may have to settle for a point, with Loic Remy 11/2 to grab the opening goal.
I like the 6/1 at BetVictor for the game to finish 1-1 and that must be the shout.
The Premier League starts this weekend and BetVictor have an opening-day offer for new customers (maximum £10) of 5/1 for Manchester United (home to Swansea), Arsenal (home to Palace) and Liverpool (home to Southampton) to all win their games.
The correct price should be 5/4 so you can see it is a cracking offer.
Have a great weekend.
Charlie
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This post was last modified on 16/08/2014