Bookies rubbing their hands as EPL kicks off

© Provided by Independent Media Arsenal has a new boss in Unai Emery, who has taken over from Arsene Wenger. Photo: Fabian Bimmer/Reuters DURBAN – Just when you think we can take a break from a chaotic sporting year with all that World Cup footy and Super Rugby, then boom it’s English Premiership League all of a sardine. The EPL is undeniably the best league in the world, with champagne players and master class football.

The transfer window closed izolo in England but only closes at month end for the rest of Europe. There has been no real interesting news in this window; most notable is Riyad Mahrez to City, which will be interesting to see how he gets on.

West Ham has made a bunch of buys and a brand spanking new staring 11, but that’s not even the highlight for the Hammers, as Manuel Pellegrini has stolen the headlines as the new manager of the club.

Talking of new managers, my beloved Arsenal also has a new top dog in Unai Emery, who has taken over after Arsene Wenger after 22 years. Gooner fans will be rubbing their hands together in anticipation of what may unfold at the Emirates this season. 

Now let’s get on with it and attempt to make a call on the action starting tonight. First up is a ball busting banger, with grumpy Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils are at home to Leicester City. We see the home team taking this one with goals on both ends at 5/2 for that double up bet.

Saturday serves up Bournemouth against new comers Cardiff, who may be inspired to a first up win to mark them being in the big leagues. Fulham take on Crystal Palace and may take a defeat at home to start slow. 

Huddersfield versus Chelsea will see the newbies Hudders get klapped I reckon, to give Roman Abramovich’s ‘Blues’ a good start to the season. Watford plays Brighton and the away team looks a treat here so maybe ere on the side of caution and take ‘Brighton + Draw’ bet.

Super Sunday is going to be sweet, with some absolute crackers on the cards first up. Liverpool 3/10 are at the dladla (home) to West Ham 10/1, which is an absolutely nuts price, and on principal alone, I will be rooting on the Hammers. 

Later on, Arsenal are at the Emirates and play Man City to wrap up the weekend, and what a treat to go out on. All the home players will be out to impress the new manager and so go for goals here and skip the win bet I say.

The 100th PGA Championship should be a treat after what we saw last week in the WGC. Last week’s winner, Justin Thomas is this week’s defending champ at Bellerive Country Club in Missouri, and is in the mood to make a good go at defending this weekend. Other players to look out for are some of the players pushing for this year’s Ryder Cup event, in France next month.

Then here at home, we have the first cup competition kicking off with the quarters. Mamelodi Sundowns play Golden Arrows in Pretoria will probably see Pitso’s boys come up trumps here. As a KZN man I am rooting for the game to go into extra time, at least for the visitors.

Chiefs are home to Free State, we hoping pretty boys see flames and the visitors give them a run for their money. Unfortunately what I hope for doesn’t always happen so go stalemate here bafethu (chaps).

Pirates take on Supersport and the Bucs are sure to win this one at home. In Pietermaritzburg it’s United versus Cape Town City and Benni’s boys will be guns blazing, so look at an upset here.

Enjoy the view, Sangoma out!

@shabsgunner

The Mercury

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