Premier League Weekend 23rd/24th August

After an opening weekend littered with a few unconvincing performances and dodgy results, a few sides will be looking to bounce back in the second week of the Premier League.

Hull travel to Blackburn after an encouraging opening day win against Fulham, but we have some doubts as to how they will perform on the road this season. Their defence looks to be leaky at the best of times, although I still have lingering concerns over Blackburn's all-round game. Their star striker Roque Santa Cruz tends to be prolific against lower-half sides, and he is excellent value to score against Hull @ 3.0.

Dean Ashton took centre stage last week as he scored two goals against Wigan, and I think that the layers are continuing to underestimate his ability as they're pricing him up at 3.4 to find the back of the net away to Manchester City. As for the match itself, City find themselves in turmoil after uncertainty surrounding fugitive chairman Thaksin Shinawatra. On the field, issues are not much better after a home defeat to FC Midtjylland and an away loss to fellow European contenders Aston Villa. Under 2.5 goals in the match may have appeal to some punters, with the last seven consecutive fixtures between the two sides finishing as unders, but I'm keen to avoid this with the bookies pricing it up at heavy odds-on. West Ham have also failed to beat Man City in their last seven meetings, but I'm not confident in City's chances considering their last two results, so we'll have a tentative punt on the draw here.

I also like the look of Everton to beat West Bromwich Albion away from home. Everton are another club under a bit of pressure off the field, but the fact remains that they are a class above WBA, who put in a decent shift last week against Arsenal. However, with this being WBA's first home game of the season, the crowd is sure to be behind them and so we'll take cover on the draw.

Stoke got off to the worst possible start in the Premier League, losing 3-1 away to Bolton. Meanwhile, Aston Villa dispatched Man City with ease, and the raw pace of Gabriel Agbonlahor - who scored a hat-trick last week - and Ashley Young should have far too much for Stoke to handle. Stoke will have the crowd behind them, but Aston Villa are turning into a ruthless side and are dark horses for fifth place this season. After their opening week defeat, I have serious worries about Stoke competing with Derby for the league's lowest ever points tally, and I am happy to take them on.

Newcastle seem to once again be priced up as if they are top of the league with the likes of David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla and Alan Shearer in their ranks. The fact remains that they are a mediocre Premiership side at the best of times, and I hope that the draw against Manchester United doesn't fool anybody into thinking that they have turned the corner. On the other hand, Bolton were mightily impressive against Stoke last week, and have made some very astute signings which could see them rise up the table this season. It will have been highly encouraging to see record signing Johan Elmander get off the mark on debut, and he is way over-priced to repeat the feat once again. As for the match, I'm happy to take Bolton on the generous Asian Handicap.

There will be somewhat of an uncomfortable reunion at White Hart Lane as newly-inducted Geordies Steed Malbranque, Teemu Tainio and Pascal Chimbonda make an immediate return to Tottenham. Spurs' defence is still as leaky as ever, as highlighted by an opening day defeat at Middlesbrough. There were plenty of goals on show at WHL last season with Spurs' indifferent defending and attacking flair, and we expect this to continue against Sunderland. Tottenham should have enough to take care of Sunderland, but the returning trio will be looking to put in strong performances and Spurs are plenty short enough.

Arsenal have won their last nine matches in a row against Fulham, and they travel to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side reeling from their defeat to Hull. It is a massive concern that Fulham experienced déja vu on opening day, not least because they gave away the lead after scoring an early goal. This was an alarming trend during last season's struggle, and Fulham fans can only pray that the manner of the defeat to Hull was a coincidental blip. Arsenal will justifiably have punters piling in at 1.6, but I fancy that there is some value in the over 2.5 goals market. The last six matches between these two sides have all finished as over 2.5 goals, and I'm happy to take on the layers at odds-against.

Chelsea were incredibly impressive with their 4-0 demolition of Portsmouth last week, and we should back them to continue their good form against Wigan. The JJB Stadium is never an easy place to travel to, but Phil Scolari seems to have instilled a ruthless attitude which should see Chelsea clear the Asian Handicap once again. 

NJ's Bets:

Roque Santa Cruz to score anytime vs Hull - 2pts @ 3.0 (BlueSquare)

Dean Ashton to score anytime vs Man City - 2pts @ 3.4 (SkyBet)

Man City/West Ham draw - 1pt @ 3.4 (BoyleSports)

Everton to beat WBA (draw no bet) - 2.5pts @ 1.8 (Bet365)

Aston Villa to beat Stoke on the -0.75 AH - 3.5pts @ evens (StanJames)

Johan Elmander to score anytime vs Newcastle - 2pts @ 4.5 (PaddyPower)

Bolton +0.75 AH vs Newcastle - 2pts @ 1.79 (CanBet)

Spurs/Sunderland over 2.5 goals - 2.5pts @ 1.87 (Betfair)

Fulham/Arsenal over 2.5 goals - 2.5pts @ 2.14 (Betfair)

Chelsea to beat Wigan on the -1.25 AH - 2pts @ 2.02 (CanBet)