The Weekend Six Pack is back! And raring to go with Blackpool, Southampton and Leverkusen

Hull Vs Blackpool – Friday 1945 Sky Sports 1

Two sides that lit up the early months of the last two Premier league campaigns but both now licking their wounds.  Hull’s home record last year was poor and they only won three games of the 20 they played against top ten sides.  If you believe as I do that Blackpool will be of at least that calibre this season then you should be with them to at least avoid defeat here.  The best bet lies in the Asian Handicap market where Blackpool can get you a small return with a draw and one at a little under evens if they win.

Bet: Blackpool +0/0.5 at 1.90 (8 points)

AFC Wimbledon Vs Bristol Rovers – Saturday 1245 Sky Sports Two

The arrival of phoenix from the ashes AFC Wimbledon is a great story of fans refusing to let their heritage die.  Every football fan will hope for a succesful season but the cameras may be focused on emotion rather than goals for their first game.  Wimbledon conceded only four goals in their last ten games of last season while Bristol Rovers, despite relegation gave up only five in their last six away games.  They have a new boss as well so this may be steady as she goes for the opener.

Bet: Under 2.5 goals at 1.90 (15 points)

Southampton Vs Leeds – Saturday 1720 Sky Sports 2

Leeds have a shortage of fit forwards which will hamper their start to the season and Southampton can take advantage in front of a big crowd that has seen nine consecutive home victories. Leeds away form was not great last year with four defeats to sides in the bottom eight and only one away win at a side that finished above them on the last day of the season at Loftus Road.  I fancy Southampton for a real run at promotion this season, as outlined in my Championship preview and they can hit the ground running on Saturday.

Bet: Southampton to win at 2.30 (7 Points)

West Ham Vs Cardiff – Sunday 1300 BBC1

All change at both clubs but West Ham could be the ones to settle best.  They also have an edge in quality, holding on to most of their stars while Malky Mackay has seen the forced replacement of Bothroyd, Chopra and Bellamy.  Last seson 6 of Cardiff’s 12 defeats were by more than one goal while six of the Hammers seven victories were also by more than the minimum margin.  With odds of 1.85 against a home win not really exciting me, I’d prefer to get 2.10 in the Asian Handicap market where you get a small win with any win and those odds with a win by two or more.

Bet: West Ham -0.5/1 at 2.10 (7 points)

Man United Vs Man City – Sunday 1430 Sky Sports 1

One win each and one draw in the three games between these two last season.  Likely to be the rivalry that will define the season in the Premier League and looking at the end of last season as a guide, City are the side with momentum.  Their ending the trophy drought compared to United’s embarrasing tailspin performance against Barcelona.  This is a game to whet the appetite but lest we forget it is the Community Shield.  Three of the last four have ended all square at 90 minutes and if you need to have a bet, that’s where it should be

Bet: Man United and Man City to draw at 3.40 (5 Points)

Mainz Vs Bayer Leverkusen – Sunday 1430 ESPN

Having tipped Bayer Leverkusen to be the nearest challengers to Bayern Munich this season in my Bundesliga preview I am looking for a good start to the camapign away to a Mainz side who only won 7 of their 17 home games last year.  Leverkusen had the second best away record behind Dortmund.  They won this fixture 1-0 last season and will not take the game lightly having suffered a 4-3 Cup defeat last weekend despite being 3-0 up after 50 minutes.  Andre Schurrle was a big money transfer to Leverkusen from Sunday’s hosts and will look to shine.

Bet: Bayer Leverkusen to win at 2.00 (8 Points)

You can follow my ramblings on twitter @hartnettrob or on the hopefully profitable www.backofthenetbets.com blog.

Blackpool, Weekend Six Pack