The Premier League is up and running again and the Sporting Index punters who opened an account to receive £100 in cash if Chelsea top the league at the end of August will have been delighted with Scolari’s first match in charge. The Blues were awesome and dispatched Pompey with sumptuous ease; especially when you consider the struggle Man United had at Wembley the previous week. United were poor against Newcastle and the bookmakers have reacted accordingly, making Chelsea the new title favourites. The spread traders are no different and Chelsea’s season points are now available to buy at 84, whilst the Red Devils’ spread is 81-82.5.

Looking ahead to the weekend action and Chelsea make the trip up to Lancashire to take on Wigan on Sunday. Buyers of Chelsea supremacy at 1.4 will be delighted to hear that in the past three seasons, the Latics have the worst record in the Premier League at home against the Big Four. They have picked up one solitary point from a possible 36, whilst buyers will also take heart from the Blues’ recent away form. They’ve won 12 and drawn two of their last 15 games on the road. Sellers, on the other hand, will be encouraged by Wigan’s last-minute equaliser at Stamford Bridge in April, which eventually put paid to Chelsea’s title hopes. Those spread punters who had bought the time of the first Latics goal would also have been celebrating and will be intrigued to learn that in the last two campaigns, Chelsea have won 76% (19 of 25) of their away games by a one-nil or two-nil scoreline.

The spread betting public will be latching onto Scolari’s men, especially after the 4-0 demolition of Pompey, and buyers of total goals will be pleased to hear that two of the last four league contests between these two at the JJB have seen exactly five goals scored. However, sellers also have a lot to shout about, as 16 of the past 20 games at the JJB have seen two goals or less. The West Londoners are much less prolific on the road and incredibly 82% of their last 28 away fixtures have seen two goals or fewer, including 16 of the last 18.

Harry Redknapp was very disappointed with his team’s performance against Chelsea on Sunday and they have another tough assignment at home against United on Monday night. Sporting Index, unsurprisingly have United as favourites (supremacy spread 0.4-0.6), but Pompey actually have a strong record against the Champions in recent times, winning two and drawing two of the last five contests. Sellers of United supremacy will be further boosted by Pompey’s Premier League record at home against the Red Devils. In five games they have won three and lost just once. However, United supporters, who fancy their side to get off to a flyer by selling the time of their first goal, will be encouraged that they have the second strongest record in the league for scoring first away (nine of their last 12). This in enhanced further by Pompey falling behind in games the second most regularly in the league (14 of their last 23).

Sellers of goals on the spreads will be pleased to hear that 13 of Pompey’s last 15 home games have had two goals or less. Buyers will be further alarmed that six of the south coast outfit’s last eight games at Fratton Park against the Big Four have seen fewer than three goals.

The live Sky game on Saturday evening sees Arsenal make the short trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham. Sporting Index have Arsenal supremacy at 1.0-1.2 and Gunners buyers will be pleased to hear that their side have won eight of the past nine contests between the two sides. They will also take massive encouragement from the Cottagers recent poor home form, having lost seven of their last 11, including all four against the top four sides last season. Arsene Wenger’s side have the second best recent away record as well, having won 60% of their last 10 games away from the Emirates. Spread punters are always interested in buying total goals in Arsenal games and eight of their last 10 games away from home have seen two or more goals. Buyers will take further encouragement from more than half of the league games at Craven Cottage last season ending with three goals or more.