Premiership 2010/11 outlook betting

The new Premiership season looms ever closer and it looks like it’s going to be an exciting one. There were glimpses last season of what this season might have to offer as Spurs took fourth place and Manchester City were also serious contenders to break into the top four.

With Liverpool most likely back on track this year, and Manchester City’s endless budget, there are at least six possible clubs that could finish in the top four. Add to this the fact that Everton won’t have the same problems they started last season with, and the ever presence of Aston Villa in the top 8, this could be one of closest ever seasons in the Premier League.

The gap is certainly closing between the teams. Gone are the days when the top two teams could outspend, and so out-compete all the other teams. More teams are going into matches and taking points from the big teams than ever before and the points are being spread further down the table. This is quite clear when we look at the points Chelsea have accumulated during their three Premiership titles. In 2005 they won the Premiership with 95 points, in 2006 with 91, and last year in 2010 they won it with just 86 points. That’s three less wins over just a few years. At the end of the 2010/11 Premiership season we might well have the top eight teams separated by just a few points.

Looking at some Premier League betting options, Chelsea are still favourites to win the Premiership title again at 2.8. Manchester Utd, available at 3.8 seem better value though and have what it takes to regain the title this year. After their impressive display against Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday, United showed they aren’t short of attacking options. Last year they suffered a lot from limited players in forward positions. However this year the addition of Hernandez to the squad certainly provides some answers to this problem. They are also stronger in defence with the acquisition of Chris Smalling from Fulham. This is likely to provide a lot more cover where they were lacking a lot last season.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal will be strengthened in mind and in squad by the fact that their star players Torres and Fabregas won’t be going anywhere after all. Liverpool will be confident of a top four position this season after Roy Hodgson’s rebuilding of the club. They can’t really do much worse than last year after all.

With their huge spending power Manchester City have a chance for the top spot come the end of the season. However it often takes time for a team to gel, and with so many top quality players in their squad not everyone is going to be happy sitting on the bench. City are priced at 6.4 to win the Premiership which looks a bit short considering they have never done it before. We will have to wait and see!