Can you believe we are already more than halfway through the off-season of the Premier League? In a little over three weeks from now, the Barclays Premier League will kick-off into swing once more, and football fans will be heading to their nearest bookies and settling down online and on their phones to place bets on the first weekend’s fixtures. However, another popular football bet at this time of the year, is a little wager on the title winners, pre-season style.
Yes it is way too early to tell who is going to come out on top of this year’s Premier League, however a lot of people like to stump up their bets now, because the odds could generally be favourable as opposed to midway through the season, when it already becomes apparent that team X is going to nick it, and team Y isn’t.
So, early birds; who’s in contention and who isn’t?
Well, its new managers all around this season. Last season, Sir Alex Ferguson retired from Manchester United, and now David Moyes is in charge. United haven’t signed anybody of significance yet, but rumours concerning all sorts of big names are circulating. United will definitely challenge, but have they got what it takes to win under a new manager. I’d say, it’s probably doubtful, especially if they don’t get some strength into the midfield and Wayne either off their books, or firing on all cylinders once more.
Their across town rivals Manchester City will want to challenge too, and after spending close to £100 million this summer already, you’d feel as though they should. City too have a new manager, and although Pellegrini has got what it takes, you can’t help but think that City still aren’t a well oiled enough side to pull off a European Cup. They might win the Premiership, but if they fail to win the Champions League, will Pellegrini’s head roll, just like his predecessors?
Chelsea are safe bet for the title. José Mourinho has returned to his former club and they haven’t been quiet in the transfer market either. José has made no secret of his intention to snap up United’s Wayne Rooney and if they get him, well, that’d be curtains for all other Premiership title contestants. Or would it?
Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool are unlikely outsiders. Okay, Tottenham and Liverpool aren’t really going to be challenging for the title, and this we know. However, if Bale stays then Spurs could finish in the top three, and if Liverpool’s recent quartet of players gels well, they could march into a podium finishing spot.
Arsenal are aiming to spend big this season, but like United, they don’t seem to be having much luck signing the paperwork. It’s a lot of flirting, but not cigar for the Gunners. That being said, Wenger is now the longest serving manager at a club in Premiership, and you just might say that with a few tweaks here or there, and with a bunch of new managers in the league, it finally, just might be the year the Gunners won something. We know it’s been over half a decade since they did!
So who will you bet? Will you be gunning for the underdogs in Tottenham and Liverpool? Will you play it safe with Chelsea or Manchester City, or will you go for the defending champions, keeping it going from where Fergie left of? Or is it finally that year where Wenger comes good? We don’t have long to wait and see, do get your bets in at your favourite bookies now!