Pick #5: Barnsley vs BLACKPOOL

After a risk-free international break and a very unsuccessful NFL week 1 (more on that tomorrow) its back to classic english football, with a full saturday fixture list.

Van Persie rescued me last week with a last minute miracle; watching it we all know it shouldn't happen, but knowi ts going to anyway. I can't see anyone else scoring for United at the moment, if Rooney and Van Persie are spending long spells out with injuries, they don't look a patch on City. Both Manchesters hold fairly good value this weekend, 4/11 for United at home to Wigan (an easier game when both the title isn't on the line and Wigan haven't decided to again rescue their season in the last few weeks.) City are 7/10 away at Stoke, never an easy place to play but the type of game that ultimately wins the league. city also lost this fixture last year, with a wonderstrike from Peter Crouch.

Sunderland and Liverpool looks good for a draw at 5/2, value can also be found for Swansea, 2/1 away at the struggling Aston Villa. The draw also wouldn't be a bad bet at 12/5.

This week's banker pick is Blackpool who currently look the best side in the division, playing slick football and most certainly the favourites for top 6 at the end of the year. The third week in a row I've chosen an away side may pose a risk, but if they continue to perform to their current standards, they should run away against an inferior Barnsley side.

PICK #5: £9.12 on BLACKPOOL TO BEAT BARNSLEY within the 90 mins @ 20/21

NFL Week 1: St. Louis Rams @ DETROIT LIONS (-7)

It's finally here, the NFL is back and every week I'll be making just one banker pick that can hopefully multiply a single pound.

Most of the week 1 temptations are for the favourites, with the Texans still looking a strong bet even after a shift from -8 to -12.5. The Eagles have a point to prove this year, and value of evens can be found at -9, away against Cleveland.

Teams with a positive handicap look much harder to choose; Buffalo may sneak a win away at the Jets, who have many questions heading into this season. Carolina are also carrying promise of an away win at Tampa Bay.

New England's game against Tennessee is one I would leave, with my only recommendation that it may go over 47 points.

A long-odds pick is the 49ers to win against Green Bay; they're more than capable. That's around 2/1

My poundtoathousand pick for week 1 is the DETROIT LIONS -7 at Evens.

At home to a less talented Rams side, the Lions have a point to prove this season; they are good enough to challenge the elite.

The NFL Begins! Long-term Picks

 
After two thirds of the year without the sport, America's game is back, with week 1 of the season tonight. Here's a quick  run-down of my tips for the long-term.

To Make The Playoffs

DETROIT LIONS @ 6/5
After what would be seen by many as a successful season last year, Detroit are looking only to improve. This won't be an easy task, but from what was shown last year and the squad they have on paper, they are more than capable of slipping into the NFC's top 6.

CAROLINA PANTHERS @ 7/2
Boasting a young quarterback that screams both talent and potential, the Panthers finished last season with impressive flashes of offensive flare. Last season's display was a perfect example of a team with the best yet to come; the question is how soon that day will arrive. Making the playoffs is by no means an easy feat, but establishing consistency and making a good run in could see Carolina slip into a wild-card spot.

To Win The Divison

NFC EAST - Philadelphia Eagles @ 9/5
The division can truly go three ways, which justifies the fairly long odds for the Eagles. In context, last year was a failure of a season for Philadelphia, with their more than capable squad never quite pulling it together with any consistency. If they can maintain a good record within the division, I can see the Eagles topping the Giants and Cowboys come January.

AFC WEST - Denver Broncos 15/8
Ditching the unorthadox flare of young Tebow for a quarterback that churned consistency before his injury, the Broncos can mount a serious run providing Peyton Manning has recovered well. Denver's home advantage and solid defense can make the Broncos a team no-one looks forward to on the schedule.

To Win The Superbowl

Houston Texans @ 12/1

Last season, the Texans were riding a third string quarterback in the playoffs, beating the Bengals and only one score away from beating the Ravens. The beauty of the superbowl is that it's wide open, and a good run of form can work wonders to a team heading into the post season; last year there was questions of the Giants even making the playoffs. Houston has the pieces, if they're put together I can see them pipping the Patriots, Ravens and Steelers for that night in New Orleans.

San Francisco 49ers @ 15/1
The team I truly thought would win the NFC last year. I felt so right when they beat the Saints, then so wrong when the ball got dropped in overtime. Again the same questions rise with the 49ers; is their quarterback good enough? Their offense lost the game against the Giants last year, Smith played a safe game that a killer pass from a Rodgers or Brady would have won. Their defense was formidable last season, and I can only see improvement from the offense this year. Perhaps it was because of their heartbreaking elimination last year, but I truly can see the 49ers with a ring in New Orleans.

Week 1 Picks to follow.