They have strengthened with the signings of Roy Carroll and Paul Konchesky, but their squad is nowhere near as good as the one which got them relegated two years ago.

Blackburn may have been no great shakes last season, but they did improve once Mark Hughes took over at Ewood Park. If they play anywhere near their best, they should take the points tomorrow (15-8).
It seems strange that the fourth best side in the Premiership last season are as long as 7-2 to win their opening home match. Yet that is what faces Everton tomorrow who host Manchester United. The Toffees exceeded all expectations last term, but it is hard to see them repeating the trick again.

And even though United invariably struggle at Goodison Park, odds of 10-11 about an away win are probably worth taking.

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With Stuart Pearce settling into the hot seat at Manchester City they look a reasonable bet to fight for a European place this season.

And there seems no reason to suggest they won’t get their campaign off to a winning start against West Brom (5-6). Elsewhere, Spurs (8-5) and Charlton (19-10) look good value for away wins.