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We passed the rule on 2020/21 Premier League title contenders and are surprised to see champion Liverpool as second seed.
After the shortest summer break in Premier League history, the world’s best national competition returns for what will be another exciting campaign.
Last year the Premier League provided some amazing moments, but one thing it clearly lacked was a competitive title race.
Liverpool went on to lift the trophy by an 18-point margin over second-placed Manchester City. For neutrals, this was certainly a disappointing look.
Despite this, the 2020/21 stakes would suggest that the new campaign is ready to deliver where the last one missed and will provide us with a run closer to the finish line.
Let’s take a look at the top contenders …
Manchester city
Betfair Odds: 8/11
After a season in which he only won the Carabao Cup for Pep Guardiola’s men, this time there is pressure to deliver the serious silverware.
Despite finishing six full victories behind Liverpool last season, sportsbooks have City listed as the favorite to reclaim the title and claim it for the third time in four seasons.
The club has made two significant signings so far, having incorporated Nathan Ake from Bournemouth and Ferran torres From Valencia. Neither of them are out of the top drawer, at least not yet, but they still seem like strong additions to an already powerful squad.
The price of City was reduced when they were linked to Lionel Messi, but now he remains with Barcelona, so you have to think that Guardiola will continue looking for players until the transfer window closes next month.
While City has grown stronger in some areas, we must not forget about the names left by the Etihad. City legend David Silva left the club after 10 years, while Leroy Sane moved to Bayern Munich. He barely played last season, but some would suggest that was one of the reasons they performed so poorly compared to the previous season.
At their current price, City offer no betting value and, as things stand, it’s hard to see how this team could overcome the 18-point gap with Liverpool.
Liverpool
Betfair odds: 15/8
Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently the second favorites to win what would be consecutive Premier League titles. Some will find it remarkable given its dominance in 2019/20.
The defending champions haven’t made too many changes to their squad by parting ways with Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana (Gini Wijnaldum is also expected to leave) and at the same time managed to bring in the left back. Kostas tsimikas from Olympiakos.
But, having won the title in such comfortable fashion last quarterIt’s no wonder the Reds have been fairly quiet in the transfer market.
Like last year, Liverpool faced a loss in the Community Shield via a penalty shoot-out; this time to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Klopp didn’t seem overly concerned about the loss and there’s no reason he should be. With a handful of exceptions, you have practically the same team at your disposal as the one that won the Premier League crown in record time.
When it comes to betting, the price of 8/15 offers value; certainly much more than City. While only one team (City) has managed to defend their league title in the last 10 years, Liverpool is still the best betting option in this market.
Chelsea
Betfair Odds: 9/1
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea has done significant business over the summer term. The Blues boss seems to have the confidence of Roman Abramovich, who has sanctioned a spending spree.
Timo Werner, Kai havertz and Hakim Ziyech are major attack acquisitions by the London team, while Ben chilwell and Thiago Silva they have become notable defensive additions. Rising stars Xavier Mbuyamba and Malang Sarr have also joined the ranks at Stamford Bridge, where the future looks bright.
Given the money they have squandered, there will inevitably be pressure to act and fight for the title.
Priced at 9/1, the Blues are the third favorites to claim their first league title since 2017.
In Lampard’s first season at the helm, Chelsea enjoyed a decent campaign last year, arguably above expectations, finishing in the top four and reaching the FA Cup final. However, Lampard’s men were still 33 points behind champion Liverpool.
While the 9/1 offer certainly looks attractive, there are still questions as to whether the transfers Chelsea have made can close that huge gap. The Blues should get a lot closer this time, but he’s asking a lot for it to be fully bridged.
United manchester
Betfair Odds: 11/1
Manchester United sealed a third place last season despite spending most of the season outside of the top four.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men lost fewer league games than local rivals City, but a tally of 12 draws was too great and saw them consistently lose points.
Donny van de Beek It’s the Red Devils’ big summer signing from Ajax and it looks like they’ve successfully retained the rejuvenated Paul Pogba.
United have been steadily improving under Solskjaer: Bruno Fernandes added a lot after his arrival in January, while Mason Greenwood emerged as a true star.
However, the Red Devils will likely have to settle for a top-four battle rather than a title challenge next season.
The 11/1 price is fully justified and it’s hard to see how this team can make up for their 33-point gap with Liverpool.
The dark horses
Arsenal They are at 33/1 to clinch their first Premier League title since their invincible 2003/04 season.
The Gunners have certainly improved on both defense and offense during Mikel Arteta’s short reign at the Emirates. However, his team still has a long way to go before they can fight for the title.
Returning to the top four would be a great achievement in itself this season, a task that would look mountainous if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left before the October 5 transfer deadline.
Staying in North London, Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham They are next on the list of potential challengers with the Spurs at 60/1 in title betting.
It is unlikely that the Portuguese manager was priced so high as to claim a league title. However, this is certainly a justified price, as the team achieved a mere sixth place last season.
The signing of Matt Doherty to fill in the right-back problem area is a step in the right direction, but it will take more than that to bring Spurs back to the second and third-place heights achieved with Mauricio Pochettino.
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