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The English Premier League season begins on Friday, as Manchester United begins their attempt to repeat as champions. When you're talking about the EPL you really only have to limit your talk to Man U., Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, as they have finished as the top four in various orders for what seems like forever.
Manchester United won last year's championship by six points over Chelsea, which ended Chelsea's two-year reign at the top. Man U. reloaded for another run at the title this year by signing midfielder Owen Hargreaves and opening the purse strings to snag the talented duo of Nani and Anderson. Manchester United's bread-and-butter combination on the scoresheet will still be Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, and with their roster full of stars it will be hard for anyone to keep them from repeating this year.
A big part of Chelsea's failure to claim their third straight league title last year was injury. Chelsea's backfield was left shortstaffed when John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho went down last year, and having keeper Petr Cech also added to the walking wounded did not help. Chelsea made a few big acquisitions in the offseason to make another run at the title including Florent Malouda and Claudio Pizarro, and Tal Ben should provide some stability to the defense should the injury bug bite again. These additions alongside leading scorer Didier Drogba make Chelsea a soccer team to be reckoned with again, and a legitimate title contender.
Another third-place finish last season caused Liverpool to throw around some cash in the offseason to try and get to the top. However, signing Fernando Torres to a record-setting deal and also grabbing Ryan Babel may not be enough to put Liverpool in the same category with Man U. and Chelsea. Captain Steven Gerrard and forward Peter Crouch should provide their usual punch, while Dirk Kuyt showed he could be a future force in his first year with Liverpool last season. Even with their changes though, most experts are predicting Liverpool to find more success on the Cup stage than in the soccer league once again this season.
And what about Arsenal? After another fourth-place finish last year it looks like another tough year is ahead. Their best player Thierry Henry departed for Barcelona and veteran Freddy Ljungberg is also gone, leaving Arsenal in quite a lurch. Unless they get some stout support from their youth and what's left of their scorers, this could finally be the year another team cracks the Top 4. If that were to happen watch for Tottenham Hotspur, which made a splash in the offseason by acquiring Darren Bent, to make a run.
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School will soon be in session, which means college football kicks off even sooner. Florida rode a superb offense and a dominating defense to the NCAA Football title last season, despite not being listed among the favorites early in the year. If the National Championship goes to one of the favorites this year, expect one of these schools to bring home the title.
USC
This year's Trojans' squad may sport the best defense they've ever had under head coach Pete Carroll. If you think about how good some of Carroll's National Championship defenses have been, that's a truly scary statement. The defense is just outstanding and knows how to play well together with 10 starters returning. Offensively the Trojans lost some big weapons to the draft in Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. However, John David Booty has the pedigree to be a solid scoring QB without the plethora of weapons that Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart had when they led USC to glory. The Trojans have an incredibly tough schedule this year that includes road games at Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon and California, and they should be definite No. 1 contenders if they can escape those games unscathed.
LSU
No more JaMarcus Russell? No problem. Don't expect the Tigers to simply roll over this season just because they lost their star quarterback to the NFL. Senior Matt Flynn is ready to step in and take the reins and he has some good receivers in Early Doucet and Brandon LaFell. The Tigers' defense was ferocious last season and with eight returning starters they should be feared again. The schedule-makers were very kind to the Tigers this season and the only tough road game ahead of them appears to be their trip to Alabama. That being said, LSU still has to tackle Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Florida and Arkansas at home. If LSU and USC were to meet up in the National Championship game, they might finally get to settle that national title they split back in 2003.
Florida
Don't count out the reigning national champs just yet. The Gators lost a lot of their championship squad including QB Chris Leak, RB DeShawn Wynn, WR Dallas Baker and a huge chunk of their smashmouth defense, but they also reloaded with plenty of talent too. The Gators' chances of repeating as title-holders likely will rely on two things. First and foremost is QB Tim Tebow. As a freshman Tebow flashed his strong arm and quick legs in limited duty last season. Now he'll have to prove he can carry the load all year. Secondly, the defense needs to be rebuilt from the ground up and has a lot to live up to from last year. Florida's trip to LSU on Oct. 6 will likely define their season.
Michigan
The Wolverines would likely be the No. 1 contender for the National Championship if they hadn't been blown out in last year's Rose Bowl. The Michigan offense should be killer this season with QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and WR Mario Manningham all returning. The defense has only seven retuning starters, but new blood could be just what Michigan needs to fill in the glaring holes that were exposed in the Rose Bowl. For Michigan to earn a berth in the championship game, they will have to beat Ohio State this year.
Louisville or West Virginia?
The Big East announced itself as a legitimate championship contender last year, but only one out of Louisville or West Virginia can actually make it to the big game. The Cardinals will ride the strong arm of senior QB Brian Brohm. One thing that may hurt the Cardinals is that they will have to adjust to new head coach Steve Kragthorpe after Bobby Petrino left for the NFL. The Mountaineers have one of the best backfield duos in all of college football in QB Pat White and RB Steve Slaton. The amazing duo combined for 2,963 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns last season and could be even better this year. Circle the Cardinals/Mountaineers game on November 8 on your calendar right now.
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Tiger Woods will get his last chance at a 2007 major victory this weekend when he and the rest of golf's best tee it up at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the PGA Championship. Woods is a huge +175 favorite in this event and he very well should be since he's the defending champ and he dominated the field at last week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. At last year's PGA Championship, held at Medinah, Woods shot an amazing 18-under par to top his closest opponent, Shaun Micheel, by five strokes. Last weekend in the Bridgestone, Woods was even better than that as he finished eight strokes ahead of the second-place finishers, Justin Rose and Rory Sabbatini. If Woods does fail to win at Southern Hills this weekend, it will be his first season devoid of a major win since he was shut out in 2004. The last time the PGA Championship was held at Southern Hills was way back in 1994, when Nick Price easily won by five strokes after shooting 11-under par. That was before Woods turned pro, but Tiger has graced the fairways of Southern Hills before. Southern Hills has also hosted the U.S. Open three times in the past, including 2001 when Retief Goosen defeated Mark Brooks in a playoff. Woods ended up tied for 29th place that year, three strokes back of the leaders. 
Just like last week in the Bridgestone, the field at the PGA may be short one major contender. World No. 2 Jim Furyk was forced to miss the Bridgestone due to back pain, and according to Furyk his back hasn't improved enough yet to confirm he will play this weekend. Since this is a major, Furyk will likely wait until the last minute before announcing whether or not he's in or out this weekend. If Furyk is forced to sit, Woods' biggest competition will likely be his usual foes Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh. Mickelson won the PGA in 2005 at Baltusrol, while Singh claimed his second career PGA title at Whistling Straights in 2004. Singh won his first PGA title at Sahalee in 1999. Mickelson has been playing awful lately, by his high standards. Last week in the Bridgestone, Mickelson tied for 46th place which was actually his best finish in more than a month after he had failed to make the cut in his last three PGA events. Singh looked lost at times at the Bridgestone last week when he finished tied for 56th, but he played much better a week earlier when he was second behind Furyk at the Canadian Open. Other former PGA Championship winners that bettors may want to keep an eye on this weekend include 2001 champ David Toms and 2003 winner Shaun Micheel, who seems to save his best stuff for the PGA Championship. Check out the PGA Golf Betting Odds at WagerWeb Sportsbook.
Whether you believe he also deserves a Roger Maris-esque asterisk or not, Barry Bonds is baseball's new home run king. For the first time since 1961, the same baseball player holds both the single season and all-time home run records. The great Babe Ruth was the last player to hold that distinction before Roger Maris broke one of his homer records. Bonds added his name to another page in baseballs' record book on Tuesday night after launching the 756th home run of his career into the deepest part of AT&T Park. The pitcher who gave up the record shot - and will be the new Al Downing in trivia questions as long as the record stands - was Washington starter Mike Bacsik. Bacsik's 84 mile-an-hour fastball was blasted 435 feet, much faster than it came to the plate. Luckily for Bonds he set the new home run mark at home, where fans have shown him support and applauded his accomplishments. That was much different that the reception of mild applause and scornful jeers he had thrown at him when he tied Hank Aaron in San Diego just days earlier. 
For bettors who took advantage of the numerous Barry Bonds home run betting props, they finally got paid or had their wagers canned. Anyone who made a few prop bets at WagerWeb.com when the odds first appeared could have got paid as follows. Simply betting on Bonds to just break the record ended up paying out -250. Betting on Bonds to mash the record-breaker on a Tuesday came with +500 odds, while depositing No. 756 against Washington received +350 odds. Finally, anyone with the psychic ability to predict that Bonds would pass Aaron between Aug. 1 and Aug. 15 cashed in at +275. Now that Bonds has finally eclipsed Aaron, the home run watch turns to Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees' slugger became the youngest player to ever hit 500 homers last week, and as long he remains productive and avoids an onslaught of injuries a la Ken Griffey Jr., A-Rod home run record props could be available in five or six years. Baseball betting odds at WagerWeb Sportsbook
The Tin Man is primed to defend his Arlington Million title and become the only horse to record back-to-back victories in its 25-year history. The 9-year-old gelding, who gets better with age, is one of the last siblings of '78 Triple Crown champ Affirmed, who passed away in '01. Even the great John Henry, enjoying retirement at 32, didn't accomplish that feat. But he also got better as he got older, winning the first of two Arlington Millions at 6. His nose victory over The Bart in '81 is immortalized in bronze -- both horses lifelike battling to the wire -- at the top of the Illinois track's paddock. In '83, John Henry thought he won despite coming up a neck short of Tolomeo. "He promptly took himself into the winner's circle," according to eyewitnesses. "It took quite a few people to drag him out, biting and kicking." A year later, John Henry made amends at 9, winning five graded stakes at five different race tracks. He made his last horse race a winning one, the Ballantine Scotch Classic at the Meadowlands. It was No. 39. When John Henry retired, he was the highest money-winning thoroughbred with earnings of $6.5 million. Nowadays, when horses seldom race beyond 4, the Tin Man is an exception like John Henry and Seabiscuit. John Henry, named after the American folk hero, was sold as a yearling for $1,100. As a youngster, he had the habit of tearing steel water and feed buckets off stall walls and stomping them flat. 
He was gelded both for his bad temper and lack of breeding. His sire, Ole Bob Bowers, once was sold for only $900. His dam, Once Double, was an undistinguished runner and producer. The Tin Man, first and second in two '07 outings at Hollywood Park, will face a very competitive field on Saturday. The likely favorite will be 4-year-old After Market, winner of back-to-back Grade 1 grass stakes in California: the Eddie Read at Del Mar and the Charlie Whittingham Memorial at Hollywood Park. The son of Storm Cat goes for his fourth straight victory and his eighth in a dozen outings. He has captured four stakes this year on synthetic surfaces at three different California tracks, but never raced at Arlington. Another topnotch foe, Cosmonaut, won for the second consecutive time the '07 Arlington Handicap, local prep for the track's showcase race. Last year, he finished fifth in the Million. Sunriver, who didn't have much luck on the dirt since winning last year's Peter Pan, captured two straight turf stakes at Belmont this year. Up to four foreign invaders may run. They include a French horse and three Irish breds, including Stage Gift, who scored in his last two stakes -- at Longchamp in France and the York in England. Just 25 days before the '85 Million, the original Arlington Park was demolished by fire. However, 35,651 fans filled temporary facilities to watch Teleprompter win the race. Marlin captured the Million at Woodbine in '97 because work was launched to completely rebuild Arlington. The race wasn't held in '98 or '99 as the track was shuttered - thus this is the silver anniversary edition. Check out Horse Racing Betting Odds at WagerWeb Racebook.
Great Race Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should do well next time out or improve considerably, won one race, finished second eight times and ran third five times since July 8. ARLINGTON PARK Classic Strike: Broke ninth from outside post, raced eighth more than 17 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, closed well from outside to fourth in stretch, made up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Aug. 2. CALDER Viva La Slew: Hopped at start, raced fourth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, angled out for drive, made up more than three lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at five furlongs on July 29. DELAWARE PARK Maribel's Princess: Raced sixth more than two lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, bobbled on heels of rival at top of the stretch and rallied gamely to finish second by 1 ¾ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on July 28. DEL MAR So Long Sonoma: Broke from outside post, raced eighth early, moved up to seventh more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, split horses entering stretch, rallied from fourth to make up nearly 5 ½ lengths and was nosed out at six furlongs on Aug. 1 ELLIS PARK Spell Me: Raced six lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from fourth to second in stretch making up three lengths and lost by a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Aug. 1. LOUISIANA DOWNS Eccentric Girl: Raced fourth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped to fifth in tight along rail in upper stretch, angled out for room, closed willingly to make up nearly 2 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length and a neck at about a mile on the turf Aug. 2. MONMOUTH Tap Tap Antoinetta: Broke next to last from outside post, trailed by more than 12 ½ lengths after a half-mile and rallied from fifth between rivals in stretch to gain second by a neck on Aug. 2; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 4/5. PHILADELPHIA PARK Tootsnmoneybags: Raced wide 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of mile, closed well from third to second making up nearly 4 ½ lengths and came up a nose short at five furlongs on July 30. SARATOGA Elisa's Energy: Raced nine lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, advanced four wide to reach contention on turn in fifth, dropped to sixth in upper stretch encountering heavy traffic, closed late to third making up more than three lengths beaten a length and a neck at a mile on the inner turf course; placed second after the runner-up was disqualified to fourth for interference in stretch. Dancing Tin Man: Checked at start, raced ninth more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied inside on turn, angled out in upper stretch in sixth, closed belatedly to make up more than 1 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a neck and 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 30; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 2/5. Check out Horse Racing Betting Odds at WagerWeb Racebook.
When the NFL preseason kicks off next week, bettors should really start paying attention to the numerous debuts around the league. For many teams their first preseason game will be everyone's first look at a new rookie, a new head coach or a new free-agent addition. Here's a quick rundown of the all Week 1 preseason games and who you should be keeping your eye on ...
Indianapolis at Dallas - New Dallas coach Wade Phillips will be manning the sidelines for the first time in this game, which means you'll want to focus on the Cowboys' defense to get a few hints on what Phillips has planned for this season. The Colts will debut rookie wide out Anthony Gonzalez, most likely in the third receiver spot.
Cincinnati at Detroit - Presuming he ends his holdout, the Calvin Johnson highlight reel should start rolling in this game. The faster Johnson and QB Jon Kitna get acquainted in game situations, the better for Detroit. The Bengals have a decision to make at the third WR spot, where they'll be without Chris Henry for at least eight games.
New England at Tampa Bay - The first look at the Patriots' new additions (Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Adalius Thomas) will likely be a short one since all three are veterans and should adapt to the system rather quickly. The Buccaneers have to figure out their QB situation, making the preseason very important to Chris Simms and Jeff Garcia.
Jacksonville at Miami - The Jaguars need Byron Leftwich to start strong and stay healthy for once to be truly successful. Miami gets a look at new QB Trent Green, rookie wideout Ted Ginn Jr. and of course their new head coach Cam Cameron, who may have trouble adapting his old San Diego offense to what he has to work with in Miami.
Arizona at Oakland - Both teams have a new coach this year, with the Cardinals turning to Ken Whisenhunt and the Raiders giving Lane Kiffin a try. All eyes will be on newly-signed Daunte Culpepper as rookie QB JaMarcus Russell continues to hold out.
Seattle at San Diego - Not a lot of changes for either team, but new Chargers' coach Norv Turner should have fun with all the toys at his disposal in San Diego.
Philadelphia at Baltimore - Will Donovan McNabb be ready for this game? The Eagles' season could rely on McNabb returning at 100% from a knee injury, and if he plays in this game it will be a big step in his recovery.
St. Louis at Minnesota - Adrian Peterson's road to the Vikings' starting running back job begins here. He could get a real boost up the depth chart if he performs well in this game and if Chester Taylor's arm injury is worse than suspected.
Atlanta at NY Jets - The Falcons will need to use the preseason to get backup QB Joey Harrington up to speed on the offense, since it looks like Michael Vick's days in Atlanta could be numbered. This will also be Bobby Petrino's first game as Falcons coach.
Kansas City at Cleveland - The battle for the starting QB job in Kansas City begins between Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle. This could also be the first time we see Brady Quinn take the field in a Browns' uniform, if he quits bickering over his contract and gets into camp.
Buffalo at New Orleans - Rookie running back Marshawn Lynch makes his first play for the starting job in Buffalo, while WR Robert Meachem will get another crack at showing why he should be starting in New Orleans.
Chicago at Houston - The Bears start what they hope is another Super Bowl run, while Houston begins their first season without QB David Carr now that Matt Schaub's in town.
Green Bay at Pittsburgh - The Packers need to find a starting running back to take some of the pressure off Brett Favre, while Pittsburgh will be on six days rest after playing in the Hall of Fame game this Sunday night.
Carolina at NY Giants - Can Dwayne Jarrett fill Keyshawn Johnson's old shoes as the No. 2 target in Carolina? An even bigger question is: Will Brandon Jacobs be an adequate replacement for Tiki Barber in New York?
Washington at Tennessee - The Redskins already lost tackle Chris Samuels last week so don't be surprised if Joe Gibbs restricts the participation of his regulars in this game. The Titans have to get their defense sorted out during the preseason and try to keep the Madden Curse from striking down Vince Young.
Denver at San Francisco - Jay Cutler starts his first full season as the starter in Denver and there could be a battle for the Broncos' second receiver spot throughout the preseason. The 49ers are rising, but Frank Gore could end up missing the entire preseason after suffering a hand injury.
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