 after an exciting holiday in Leicester, not a phrase you hear often. It's not often that Erling Haaland looks like a dud, but he did 12 months ago, on his blunderful Man City debut. How we all laughed. A mere 52 goals later and here come Arsenal, who like Liverpool last year might be more match-tuned than City after a busier pre-season. Bet the 'Arsenal win or draw' today at 11/10 (Hills). Looking ahead to the new Premier League campaign... Death, taxes, Manchester City. And none of them at an each-way price. The 5/6 (Betway) that City make it four Premier League titles on the spin looks bob-on. Hardly a thrilling ride for the modest-stakes punter though. How do you celebrate not-quite doubling a tenner, say, after waiting on it for nine months? Three cheers and a glass of tap water? The expected-goals stats say City got more points than their due last season, and Liverpool fewer. But not fewer enough to fancy punting the Reds, even at an eye-catching 8/1. They were alarmingly soft in defence – but not terminally so, and arguably boasted the top-flight's outstanding goalkeeper. Alisson outdid this season's market leader Ederson, and is fair at 5/1 (Bet365) to get most clean sheets for the Golden Glove. Missing 'big chances' was a key negative stat for the Reds. Creating them was no problem. And Mo Salah is again ripe at 20/1 (Unibet) for 'most Prem assists'. The worldie to have here is Haaland. The balance of his stats gradually shifted over the season as opponents adapted to his threat, boosting his assists rate. He's a fun each-way nibble at 80/1 (Paddy, Skybet). Pick of the longshot Arsenal angles is Martin Odegaard to be their top scorer at 10/1 (Hills) – well out of whack on the data. The Golden Boot race looks a lot like 'same again', but this time we're betting without Ivan Toney, so to speak. An){kind=link}
Our betting expert with tips for Wembley, and ante-post punts including Arsenal and Liverpool PLUS a La Liga angle
The Community Shield returns to Wembley (4pm, ITV) after an exciting holiday in Leicester, not a phrase you hear often.
It’s not often that Erling Haaland looks like a dud, but he did 12 months ago, on his blunderful Man City debut. How we all laughed.
A mere 52 goals later and here come Arsenal, who like Liverpool last year might be more match-tuned than City after a busier pre-season.
Bet the âArsenal win or draw’ today at 11/10 (Hills).