Premier League Best Bets - August 22

Arsenal will help to raise the curtain on a new Premier League season with the Gunners hoping to begin the defence of their title with a win. Their pre-season was a mixed bag with a win over Girona coming alongside defeats to Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund. While they did beat Como, this came on penalties. Their inconsistent preparations made their 3-0 humbling of Manchester City in the Community Shield even more impressive as they completely played their opponents off the park. Coventry will arrive looking to make the most out of any jitters from the champions, but the quality in this Arsenal side means this is more a question of how the Gunners will win, rather than if they will take three points. Having easily kept a clean sheet against City mere days ago, I am backing Arsenal to win this one to nil.

Hull make their return to the Premier League after finishing the Championship season in sixth. Despite securing 22 points less than champions Coventry, they were able to work their way through the playoffs and secure their place in the Premier League. Their clash against Manchester United will feel like a cup tie, with the home fans welcoming an often shaky opponent. Pre-season has not been kind to Hull, with their last three ending in two draws and a defeat. However, with Hull likely to start quickly as they try to press and rush United, I back the home side to get a goal, although I do not see this ending with Hull winning as they lose for the seventh time across their last 10 against their opponents.