Spain 26-29 August

The strike that prevented the season starting last weekend has now been called off, so the season gets underway this weekend

New schedule this season means that should you wish, you'll be able to watch all bar one of the games live, as there are only two matches scheduled to clash - there are games on Saturday at 6,8 and 10, Sunday at 12, 4, two at 6, 8 and 10, and Monday at 9.

Couple of early bets that stand out for me for now, both in Monday's game:

Barcelona v Villarreal (DNB) @ 8 1pt
Both teams to score @ 1.8 4pts
(both with 888sport)

Villarreal have a decent record at the Camp Nou in recent years, with a win, 2 draws and a loss in their last 4 visits. They've scored 7 times in those four games (and conceded 8). They've got one of the best strike forces in the country in Rossi and Nilmar, and they'll be up against a makeshift Barcelona defence - Puyol and Pique are both out, it's expected Barcelona will be going with Abidal and Mascherano in the centre of defence.

Last year Barcelona dropped 4 points in their opening 3 home games, then nothing else until their last home of the season when they were already confirmed as champions. This is arguably as good a time as you could possibly want to play Barcelona, and with the weakened defence I fancy Villarreal to at the very least give Barça a scare.

Also got an eye on Granada to beat Betis and Malaga to win in Sevilla, but will leave those until nearer the time. And while I don't really like short-priced favourites this early in the season, Bilbao to beat Rayo Vallecano is tempting me too.

Not had a chance to really look at the Segunda properly yet, but at first glance Alcoyano, Huelva, Huesca and Murcia look like they may be overpriced.

With a schedule like that, Yorkie's fucked.....

I think Yorkie's fucked anyway Swoop, couch potato heaven schedule or not.

He'll be really fucked if Winrew posts where he sent those tickets to

Muchas gracias, señor.

Bit keen though, aren't you? I only said I had an eye on Granada and Malaga, I've not really had a chance to look into anything in much detail though, that's nothing more than a gut feeling at the moment.

Mind you, if Sevilla play anything like they did tonight you'll be safe laying them, they were fucking terrible from what I saw of them in the 2nd half.

Good luck for the season Rc, i'll be in to follow you on a few

Fabregas likely to play? 17/10 anytime scorer?

good luck for the season rc , agree with your logic and value but can't get myself to oppose barca , even though you know better than me

I reckon he'll come up with a system before the next set of fixtures

Cheers Punter and Traeth

Punter, not sure whether or not Fabregas will start, in any case Barcelona have still got tonight's European Super Cup to play before they play Villarreal so what happens tonight may affect the lineup they choose for Monday. Having said that, don't think I could ever back Fabregas as an anytime scorer at 17/10. Bar one season a couple of years back, he's never really been a particularly prolific scorer. Now he's in a Barcelona team with such prolific strikers (much more so than when he was at Arsenal) as Messi and Villa, I'd be amazed if he averaged a goal every 2.7 games which that price suggests he should. I reckon 5 or 6 goals for the season would be a decent enough return for him if he plays regularly.

I'd say Iniesta and Xavi are just as likely to score as Fabregas, and yet they're priced at 3.6 and 4.6 respectively.

Good luck if you back Fabregas, but there's no value at all in the price in my opinion.

I wouldn't normally bother backing him but it's his home league debut, i just get a feeling that his team mates will be trying to assist him with one. As you say though it's no special price is it. Binned.

Has Yorkie got Punters sign in?

I dont understand Swoop'

Just a joke that you thought that price on Fabregas was worth a bet. In a bad mood, ignore me, everyone else will

Phew! It's ok Swoop' i can handle being pulled up for picking a bad value bet

Are the Segunda matches on? Oddschecker has them all down as postponed

Yeah, they're definitely on Punter, one of them was played tonight.

I see Cesc scored for Barcelona

Yeah Cesc scoring, that did make me smile...for about 3 seconds.

What are your thoughts on Almeria's chances of going back up? I might follow them a bit?

Not really had a chance to look into anything much in Segunda this pre-season to be honest, Punter.

My gut feeling is that Almeria will probably be up there, Elche, Valladolid and Celta too. Deportivo I think were favourites, they may well get back up but I wouldn't be rushing to back them. Reckon Murcia could be decent dark horses too.

As I say though, that's all just my gut instinct, not really based on any detailed knowledge of the teams, signings, etc.