Man City and Arsenal expected to hang on to bragging rights

Over the course of a Premier League season more sub plots than a Game of Thrones novel can develop, but, year-in-year-out we are always treated to those good old fashioned, deep-rooted rivalries.

Below we’ve run the rule over which clubs we see coming out smelling of roses in some of the top-flights biggest geographical feuds in the seasonal match betting:

Sunderland 14th v Newcastle 10th

Had it not been for a miraculous feat of escapology Sunderland could well have been slugging it out in the second tier this season. However, having survived in spectacular fashion, Gus Poyet’s Capital One Cup finalists can carry that momentum into the new season. Meanwhile, Newcastle may have been busy in the transfer window already, but Alan Pardew has the more work to do to gel his side together after a miserable second half of the season.

Verdict: Sunderland @ 13/8

Manchester City 1st v Manchester United 7th

Louis van Gaal may be hailed as the saviour already by the red half of Manchester but Rome wasn’t built in a day. Ander Herrera looks a good acquisition, the jury is still out on Luke Shaw and at least one world class centre-back is required in a shaky-looking defence. Meanwhile, the champions have the bonus of a fit again Stevan Jovetic and new signing Fernando also looks a fine player to add to their star-studded squad.

Verdict: Manchester City @ 2/5

Everton 5th v Liverpool 2nd

Everton’s price of 10/3 is bound to interest many punters and on the face of it that’s not surprising. After all Liverpool have lost their talisman and the Toffees have secured theirs on a long-term deal. However, last season’s runners-up have strengthened in key areas and in Daniel Sturridge they already own the second-highest scorer in the league last season so goals should still flow.

Verdict: Liverpool @ 1/5

Arsenal 4th v Tottenham 6th

Another new manager will be charged with improving Tottenham’s Champions League prospects but even on last season’s evidence at Southampton, Maurico Pochettino can still be viewed as a gamble. Meanwhile, the man in charge across north London may have been on his ninth life last season, but he duly delivered with a 17th season in the top-four and an FA Cup trophy. The capture of Alexis Sanchez is a pretty clear statement that the Gunners will be even better this season.

Verdict: Arsenal @ 1/5

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.