Betting this early in the season is not advised, but then again, can't stay away either...
Good luck this season to you all.
Swansea-Manchester United
Michu to score +250 1.25u
Swansea +0.5 -117 4u
This sh|t isn't rocket science. United is facing a very tough start to this year's EPL with what all has happened, and including a tough schedule to start the season meeting up with top tier teams, but away from home against a Swansea side in good form will be a real challenge as well I think. Michu loves to score against them. Wilfried will be starting up front giving Michu a more free mid-attacking role which he will just relish in.
Michu isn't the assisting type of guy, if he gets a chance, if he sees an opportunity, he will take it, and the price on him to score is slightly higher which for me coupled with the fact Wilfried is a new signing makes me go with Michu here.
It's a general rule, and a good one, to ignore pre season form and results, but I think it will be a real close call either way, and obvious danger for United is Michu and Wilfried whom both could score on - what we have seen lately - a rather shaky back line in United.
In short I believe United need time, but I'd love to be proven wrong.
Arsenal-Aston Villa
Benteke to score +275 1.25u
You can't ignore the fact Benteke scored 40% of AV's goals last season with a conversion rate of around 25%. And he's recorded 7 goals and scored in their last 4 pre-season games, scoring a hat-trick in one of them and a brace in another. Obviously not facing teams of the same quality as today, but come on... Arsenal is expected to run the show at home and show attacking football. Ballsy statement(s): Agbonlahor and Weimann will counter-attack on the wings and assist Benteke. Mertesacker will spit up a lung or two.
Giroud to score +105 1.25u / score on a header +600 0.5u
Not a big fan of backing a goal scorer below +200, and sure as h3ll not close to even money, but again I can't ignore his pre season form.
I think he will have a good season for Arsenal, improving on his performance last year - hopefully starting (or should I say continue) his good run today. His history and stats confirms that.