The Premier League season kicks off this Saturday and it promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns yet. Of course, everybody likes a flutter on who will be champions and here at Tactical Gamble we're providing you with our predictions and where you can get the best prices in the betting market. Good luck and enjoy!
Best title odds: 7/4 (William Hill, Paddy Power, Bwin)
The 19 times champions showed on Sunday they are keen to put their Champions League disappointment behind them and reaffirm their supremacy in England. Ashley Young seems to have settled in well at Old Trafford and the emergence of Welbeck and Cleverley will add youthful enthusiasm to United’s experienced title winning squad. Replacing Van Der Sar remains an issue and De Gea’s Community Shield performance did little to allay those fears, but so far they seem ahead of the rest. If Wesley Sneijder arrives, Sir Alex Ferguson could well be on his way to lifting United’s 20th title.
Man City - 2ndBest title odds: 9/2 (Coral)
City probably has the strongest squad in the Premier League and following their FA Cup victory in May, Roberto Mancini’s side have a new belief that they can finally launch a credible title challenge this season. The signing of Sergio Aguero gives Man City a new attacking dimension and if they can rid themselves of their inconsistency (or City-itis as Joe Royle dubbed it), then they could prove to be more than just United’s noisy neighbours.
Chelsea - 3rd
Best title odds: 3/1 (Bet Fred, Totesport, Victor Chandler, Coral)
New season, new manager, same Chelsea. Villas-Boas faces a big challenge in getting the most out of Fernando Torres, with the Spanish striker struggling with fitness, form or both, but the Blues have an experienced squad eager to put last season’s disappointments behind them and will once again be a formidable title challenger. Chelsea’s defence is one of the strongest in the league and providing their key midfielders Lampard and Essien can stay free from injury, there’s a good chance Abramovich may not be wielding his axe come May.
Liverpool - 4th
During this summer’s Copa America, Luis Suarez proved he can singlehandedly lead his team to glory and if he continues his form from last season then he could inspire Liverpool back into Champions League contention. They also have a quality wide player in Stewart Downing who will provide plenty of assists for Andy Carroll this season and the signings of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson mean Liverpool’s squad has plenty of depth and quality. There are still plenty of doubts surrounding the defence (Agger’s fitness, Johnson’s positioning, Carragher’s age) but with the fans united and no European football to distract them, Kenny Dalglish’s side could have a very successful season.Arsenal - 5th
Best title odds: 11/1 (Totesport, Bet Fred, Victor Chandler, Coral)
The fortune of Arsene Wenger’s side has followed an all too familiar path in recent seasons – a bright start, followed by great expectations before a disappointing final few months. The imminent departure of Cesc Fabregas would indicate things could only get worse for Arsenal, but perhaps his exit will rid the club of the uncertainty surrounding the club and allow committed talents like Wilshere and Ramsey to flourish. Arsenal’s title chances shouldn’t be written off, especially if they can bring in a commanding centre back and keep Van Persie fit, but this season looks to be one of the toughest yet for Wenger’s side.
