Man City worth avoiding as first side on MOTD next season
Published:As Manchester City prepare to kick off their first defence of the Premier League title, Ladbrokes afford their Eastlands clash with Southampton 5/2 favouritism to be the first match shown on this season’s Match of the Day.
However, with opening televised fixtures of last year being spread across three days, the Citizens could be worth avoiding in this market.
It is worth noting that last year’s defending champions, Manchester United, kicked off their season away to West Brom last term, in a match shown live on Sky on Sunday.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are 3/1 to kick off Match of the Day this coming season, as they travel to Goodison Park to entertain Everton.
Whilst it may be unlikely that City will have to wait until Monday to kick off their campaign, as they did last season, a ‘Super Sunday’ featuring both Manchester clubs seems a plausible broadcast option for Sky.
Meanwhile, only one Premier League match was televised live on the opening Saturday of the season last term, as Newcastle welcomed Arsenal to St. James’s Park live on ESPN.
Newcastle are 4/1 to feature first on the BBC’s highlight show this season, as they prepare for a home meet with a Tottenham side under new management.
That match could also be appealing for live broadcasters, whilst Champions League winners Chelsea are 9/2 to open this season’s Match of the Day at home to Wigan.
Of those less popular in the market to open the show, it is a huge 18/1 that newly-promoted Reading start the BBC flagship production, as they host Stoke in their first game of the campaign.
Fulham vs Norwich is a 14/1 chance to begin the show, whilst West Ham are 12/1 to open MOTD in a home tie with Aston Villa, on their return to the Premier League.
Arsenal could prove dark horses to start the show meanwhile, as it is 6/1 that their side, likely awash with new signings, open Match of the Day against Sunderland at the Emirates.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
