It’s time once again to bet on these English football games.

The 2008-09 English Premier League season opens up with Manchester United winning the Community Shield, beating Portsmouth in a penalty shoot-out.

It was customary in English football that the winners of the F.A. Cup and the winners of the Premiership meet in English football’s season opener. And as many people probably expected, the Premiership champions edged the F.A. Cup winners as Manchester United won what could be the first of the seven trophies they could win this year.

Of course, Man-U boss Sir Alex Ferguson should already be happy knowing that Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to stay with the team at least until the next transfer season opens up.

More importantly, Fergie should be happy to know that his team is STILL a class of its own. Man-U looked ready to defend the Premiership title they won last season, not to mention, looking primed to win the UEFA Champions League title again.

Portsmouth have been held up by some, including Man-United captain Gary Neville, as potential top-four material this term.

Yet for all the added bulk and height Peter Crouch brings to a forward line Defoe was only introduced to in January, it has come at the expense of key midfielder Sulley Muntari, who has left for Internazionale.

Undoubtedly, pivotal figures such as David James, Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin are a year older, which hardly points to greater success given the added weight of UEFA Cup fixtures after last season’s FA Cup triumph.

Can Manchester United defend their title and win the 2008-09 English Premiership? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Manchester United 2.40

Chelsea FC 2.75

Arsenal 5.50

Liverpool 7.00

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Manchester United Community Shield