TAKE Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal out of the equation and we are faced with one of the least appetising Premiership
weekends ever assembled?

Blackburn and Fulham. West Brom and Portsmouth. Charlton hosting Wigan.
Really gets you in the mood for the new season, doesn’t it?

Chelsea are evens to put one over their London rivals and send out a message to the rest that their below-par effort at Wigan was no more than an early blip. The Gunners are 7-2.

But the value lies with the draw (12-5).

As I’ve said before, it is rare to fancy a draw as just one goal can ruin everything. But on Sunday it’s the only sensible option.

Chances are Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger would both be happy with a point, rather than risk letting the other steal a march in points, confidence and morale.
And don’t forget that both league encounters between the two last season ended all-square.

Spurs (10-11) can confirm their early promise by beating Boro, while Bolton (11-10) should prove too good for an Everton side who have yet to hit second gear.
And Man City, who have bought well this summer, should not be missed at 9-4 at Birmingham.