THE PREMIER LEAGUE continues this Saturday's as new-boys Cardiff host Newcastle in the lunchtime TV game. Gaurav Chaddah (@Gchaddahjourno) picks out his best bets.
Cardiff v Newcastle | Saturday 18th August 2018, 12:30 | Sky Sports
Both sides lost on the opening day of the season and will be looking to get their first points on the board as they lock horns in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
It is set to be an intriguing match, with Newcastle, despite problems off the pitch, showing a lot of promise when 2-1 losers to Spurs. Meanwhile, it’ll be Cardiff’s first home game back in the big time.
Cardiff
It was a disappointing return to the Premier League for Neil Warnock’s men last week as the Bluebirds lost 2-0 away at Bournemouth.
Cardiff’s recruitment has been modest at best, with Bobby Reid the only new signing who started last week. Warnock will be hoping to call on the services of new-loanee, Harry Arter.
The challenge this season is likely to be a difficult one for Cardiff. They've seen the other two newly promoted sides spending near to £100 million whilst they've only spent £30 million themselves. Their squad still resembles the one that came up.
It is Cardiff’s first home game and they will be aware that if they are to stay in the division, it is pivotal that they try to make their home soil a tough visiting ground.
Newcastle
Despite losing, Newcastle fans would have been pleased from what they saw as they suffered an opening day defeat at the hands of Spurs.
Problems have mounted for the Magpies off the pitch, with the future of manager Rafa Benitez very much up in the air after repeatedly criticising the clubs transfer policy.
Benitez didn’t start any new faces last week, with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and midfielder Kenedy already at the club last season.
Newcastle won four times on the road last season and they will be hoping to kick-off their travels with a win in Wales.
The angle
The bookies make Newcastle favourites and after the opening week performances they are right to do so, with Cardiff’s squad little different to last season.
Cardiff’s home form last year was consistent although they did lose to both Wolves and Fulham. However, Newcastle have a squad, that whilst on paper isn’t brilliant, managed to finish 10th last season.
Newcastle’s away form last year was patchy, but they did have a knack of picking up points away at sides at the bottom of the table and they can do so again here, At 31/20 (Betfair), I want them on side.
Best Bets
Cardiff v Newcastle – Newcastle to win (31/20 Betfair)
