Premier League / Richard Walker / 16 August 2008 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker fears Kevin Keegan's Newcastle will go back to the North East with little more than a negative goal difference as Carlos Tevez and his mates prepare to cash in.

Similarly, I think it's perfectly reasonable to suggest Newcastle United have little chance of holding back double-winners Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Worryingly, the Keegan playing pulling power seems to have dissipated over time. He's got only Jonas Gutierrez and youngster Danny Guthrie to show for his summer's work. Okay, it might be a result of Mike Ashley's tighter grip on the financial reins but it's a sign of the times that - to this point -St. James' Park has had quite a subdued transfer window.

Ironically, there've been no incomings at Old Trafford. But that's more borne out of Sir Alex Ferguson's iron-willed belief that what he has at his disposal is good enough. It was last year, sure, but I find it a little odd there's not been a single new recruit of note.

New signings or not, they'll brush aside the Magpies with now customary ease. Man United are [1.72] to back to be leading at half-time and that's a good start to the selections for this one. They're shorter - at about [1.3] - to win the game overall if you're absolutely convinced.

I was tipping Cristiano Ronaldo to score first or at any time last term, from early on in fact before his price shortened markedly towards the season's end, so his injury forces us to look elsewhere for a first goalscorer. You always get the feeling goals could come from anywhere with the Red Devils but Carlos Tevez, who'll come in around the [5.5] mark when the market develops, might just be the one to back with confidence.

For the Toon, Aussie hitman Mark Viduka - at about [4.75] - to score at any time might be worth chancing as Keegan's team search for a late consolation goal perhaps.

The wager of the weekend for me, however, is Over 2.5 goals in this game. If Newcastle's abhorrent defensive record continues from last term - and why shouldn't it, they've signed no one - then the [1.86] or thereabouts must be availed of.

Armchair football is back, folks. Put the barbeque away and enjoy the Premiership once again.

Tags: Carlos Tevez, Kevin Keegan, Premiership bets