The Four by Four column: A quartet of English football selections

Four By Four / Four By Four / 04 August 2011 / Leave a Comment

Will new Forest boss Steve McClaren get off to a winning start?

"Back The Draw in Man City v Man Utd @ [3.4]; Back Nottm Forest @ [1.75]; Back MK Dons @ [1.8]; Back Shrewsbury @ [1.96]; The multiple pays approximately [21.0]"

Every weekend, four of betting.betfair's football writers will contribute one selection each from the top four leagues in English football, giving you, the readers, an exciting Multiple option.

Community Shield - Manchester City v Manchester United

I'm sure that come May 2012, United will have had the more successful season of the two. But these are early days yet as far as 2011-12 goes and Manchester City actually had a very good pre-season tour of the States. The Carlos Tevez affair drags on but the fact he's definitely been ruled out of this match means Roberto Mancini at least knows early on he has to prepare for it without him. With the likes of Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko in the squad it's not like he doesn't have other options.

No such issues at United but that's just their way. They're understandable favourites because of their pedigree but City beat them in the FA Cup the last time they met at Wembley in a tight affair and the history books tell us that three of the last eight editions of this competition have finished as a stalemate after 90 minutes. It's worth taking a chance it's about to become four from nine.

Back The Draw @ [3.4]

Nottm Forest v Barnsley

It's no easy task picking a 'banker' on the first day of the season but the selection has to be Forest, not just because of their status and strength of playing squad, but also because of their fantastic home form in recent seasons (just two defeats last season, three the season before). Steve McClaren has proved at more than one club that he is a good manager and he's made some astute signings by bringing the vastly experienced George Boateng, and midfielder Jonathan Greening (both of whom he managed at Middlesbrough), to the club.

Barnsley were pretty poor on their travels last term, conceding three or more goals on at least seven occasions away from home, whilst their three victories came against the clubs that eventually finished 13th, 21st and 22nd. The Tykes will do well to remain in the Championship come May time and for that reason Forest should be too strong on Saturday afternoon.

Mike Norman's selection: Back Nottm Forest to beat Barnsley @ [1.75]

MK Dons v Hartlepool

The MK Dons might just be the side that everyone wants to beat this season, having failed in their play-off bid last term, they can't afford to make the same mistake again. Chairman Pete Winkleman is confident of another crack at promotion, and I tend to agree. Dons boss Karl Robinson is arguably one of the finest coaches outside the top flight, with an insistence on playing quick, smart, stylish football. Some of their play in the previous campaign was a joy to behold, with fast triangles and high-tempo movement, it proved too good for many.

Hartlepool looked a rugged outfit in the previous campaign, who were hard to beat away from Victoria Park. Manager Mick Wadsworth has secured the most exotic signing in Peruvian winger Nolberto Solano, but other arrivals are thin on the ground and the emphasis will be on youth development.

Such is the progressive profile of Robinson, the MK Dons pre-season has been absolutely meticulous. Despite defender Mathias Doumbe (ankle) missing the first five weeks of the season, the Dons have enough cover and are the best footballing side in the league.

Alan Dudman's selection: Back MK Dons to beat Hartlepool @ [1.8]

Shrewsbury v Plymouth

Graham Turner's home side, rightly nibbled at [14.5] for the title and now [13.0], can be added to last week's shortlist with confidence. They will be shorter after winning this opener. Striker Marvin Morgan might find his lanky feet again after trying and failing to cut it in League One, having fallen out spectacularly with Aldershot's fans last season. Watching him then, he was clearly very frustrated at the previous Shots' manager's cautious style and Shrewsbury's attacking ways should suit him. Along side him Jake Robinson remains a mystery but maybe James Collins or Terry Gornell will shine. He also had midfielders like Shane Cansdell-Sherriff to feed off.

Plymouth's Peter Reid doesn't really impress me as a manager. Their financial position remains precarious and several of last season's squad have departed. A home win seems on the cards as does another season of struggle for Argyle.

Ian Lamont's selection: Back Shrewsbury to beat Plymouth @ [1.96]

Recommended Multiple

Back The Draw in Man City v Man Utd @ [3.4]; Back Nottm Forest @ [1.75]; Back MK Dons @ [1.8]; Back Shrewsbury @ [1.96]; The multiple pays approximately [21.0]