Predicting how the 2015/16 Premier League season will unfold is a hazardous task but that won’t dissuade punters from trying to make a quick buck. Here’s five bets that could prove profitable this season.

I’m willing to bet that even those green army veterans of Paris for whom Thierry Henry will always come complete with horns and cloven feet, can’t help finding themselves seduced by the Frenchman’s multi-walk-on role in the latest Sky Sports commercial.

Irish Examiner staff and Premier League writers suit up all sage and savvy ahead of the new season. Let’s see how smart they are by Christmas...

Tributes poured in for Neville Neville, father of former Manchester United footballers Gary and Phil, who has died after suffering a heart attack.

A former Manchester United captain credited with saving FC Barcelona from extinction has been honoured in a mural painted as part of a campaign for a memorial at his unmarked grave.

Good afternoon. Here’s everything you need to know from around the world this lunchtime.

There was a point early last season when Thibaut Courtois felt a little put out. Although the goalkeeper had returned from Atletico Madrid with the assurance he would be Chelsea’s starting number-one, he suddenly found Jose Mourinho was saying different things in public, and dropping the Belgian for some unexpected matches.

Manchester United want one, Arsenal supporters crave one, while Chelsea have rolled the dice with one that once was. 

Angel di Maria is sure he will find contentment at Paris St Germain after a woeful and unsettling year at Manchester United.

Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross is to undergo back surgery and will be out for at least two months, the club have announced.

With hawks swirling over Everton’s young players as transfer deadline day edges nearer, manager Roberto Martinez has reiterated his determination to keep his squad together following Saturday’s hugely impressive victory over Southampton.

Aston Villa 0 Man United 1: Adnan Januzaj lasted less than an hour in his first start for six months, but it was long enough to deliver Manchester United their second win of the new season. 

From sharing Big Macs with David Beckham to preparing young footballers for the pitfalls of life as a pro, Pat McGibbon has taken an interesting career path

Roberto Soldado is on the verge of moving back to Spain after Tottenham last night reached an agreement to sell the striker to Villarreal.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has backed record signing Raheem Sterling to deliver against the likes of Chelsea.

Louis van Gaal claims David de Gea told one of his coaches he did not want to play for Manchester United in their first match of the season.

League of Ireland

Getting in behind the Premier League weekend.

Aaron Ramsey is as likely to take notice of the high-profile brickbats aimed Arsenal’s way from the acerbic tongue of Gary Neville as he is the Premier League table before the end of October.

Swansea 2 Manchester United 1: Manchester United lost for the first time in the Premier League this season to leave Louis van Gaal both frustrated and disappointed with his side’s trip to south Wales.