Once again the Gunners start the season on the back foot with wailing fans clutching crumpled photos of former hero Robin van Persie as he heads off to pastures new in Manchester.

His signing could be another masterstroke by Sir Alex Ferguson – as long as the lethal marksman of last season turns up at Old Trafford.

Man Utd won’t want the injury-prone version of van Persie or the man who was part of the Dutch farce at this summer’s Euros.

As for Arsenal? It’s the same old story of selling their best players and it looks like a solid fourth place beckons once again.

The opening Premier League programme has a tricky look for punters but a safe bet could be going for goals and excitement when Newcastle host Spurs.

Both sides are packed with attacking talent and are prone to the odd lapse at the back so Paddy Power’s 11/5 on more than 3.5 goals in the match looks worth a wager.

The other standout bet is Reading to see-off Stoke at the Madejski where the Royals had an outstanding record last season.

Stoke could be in for a tough time this season and Reading can ensure they get off to the worst possible start.

I’ll be swopping my Olympic smile and foam finger for a football scowl and heading off to Upton Park to hopefully see West Ham get the better of Aston Villa.

The weather forecast is predicting a hot afternoon so it should be a real pleasure to sit with 35,000 overweight men sweating away in too-tight replica shirts.

Sun, anticipation and Stella always make for a “lively” atmosphere at the Boleyn on the first day of season.

Win, and Big Sam will be a genius looking to guide us into a top ten spot.

Lose, and that northern long-ball merchant is taking us down.

You can’t beat the return of football and all the considered after match analysis.

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Running Total for all 2012 bets to a £10 stake:   +£299.00