As the 2023/24 Premier League season heads into its business end, both fans and pundits alike are none the wiser as to where the trophy will head this May. In three of the last four campaigns, we have been treated to epic title fights that have gone down to the wire. Back in 2019, Manchester City managed to hold off Liverpool to become champions by just one point, a winning margin they would repeat again three years later. Last term, the Blues managed to overturn Arsenal’s eight-point lead at the division’s summit to claim their third straight crown and fifth title in six years.
This season, the usual suspects have returned to the very top of the division and look set to battle it out for the title. But what do the bookies think about things? The website www.oddschecker.com compares the best bookmaker odds, as well as providing details of free bet offers from major bookmakers like PaddyPower. Here are the two teams that they consider the favourite for the crown this season.
Manchester City
It should come as no surprise to hear that the reigning champions Manchester City are the odds-on favourites for the crown once again this term. They have lifted the Premier League title in each of the last three campaigns and last season they became the undisputed top dogs. Not only did they wrap up the English top flight, but they also won the FA Cup as well as lifting the UEFA Champions League for the first time in history. This season, they are aiming to win all three titles again.
But while last season Manchester City looked imperious in their pursuit of the treble, this year they have been anything but. They are currently second in the standings, five points behind the league leaders but with a game in hand on the team above. They have already dropped points to the likes of Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as losing on the road at Arsenal and to lowly Wolverhampton Wanderers. In recent weeks though, they have begun to look ominous once again.
In their recent trip to Newcastle United, City found themselves 2-1 down at halftime. However, they introduced Kevin De Bruyne back to the first team setup after a long injury layoff, and their talismanic captain proceeded to score the equaliser before a delicious assist allowed Rico Lewis to net an injury-time winner. Don’t be surprised to see them win the title for a fourth straight year for the first time in Premier League history.
Manchester City Odds at time of writing: 1/2
Liverpool
After a disappointing campaign last year that saw them finish way down in fifth place, Liverpool are once again the league leaders and are aiming to lift the title for the second time in four years. They have finally gotten to grips with the break up of their fearsome frontline of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, and with their new additions finally beginning to gel, they may very well have a chance at glory.
Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have been the men chosen to replace the former front three and they have done a stellar job this term. They have netted 27 goals between them, while Salah has provided a mighty 18 and Diogo Jota has added 12 goals. With the Egyptian’s recent injury at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool’s four top scorers will all need to band together if yet another trophy is set to come to Merseyside.
But perhaps the most inspiring news coming out of Anfield is the imminent departure of Jurgen Klopp. The maverick German boss recently announced that he will be leaving the club at the end of the current campaign after the greatest stint in Liverpool’s recent memory. Both he and his squad will be doing everything they can to ensure that he signs off as a two-time Premier League winner.
Liverpool Odds at time of writing: 13/5
Arsenal
Speaking about the title these days, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are leading a charge that’s been on everyone’s lips around the country. The feeling of belief and unity club wide has been the core of this young team not only leading title charges but also showing some of the most matured performances in clutch games we have seen for a while. Last year was an experience many felt would finally end the league title draught at N5, but that ended in an experience which lit a fire among the players, staff and the supporters. And like City, Arsenal will be aiming to not only go all the way in the league but also UEFA Champions League.
With Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli – the gunners boast a wide range of young players who are absolutely elite, quite an unique blend which ensures they stay at the top of it for a long time to come. And addition of Kai Havertz & David Raya means they have become one of the most unpredictable teams in England as well as Europe.
Arsenal’s win against Manchester City in the Community Shield, and Liverpool at the weekend proves they have what it takes to get all the way this time around.
Arsenal Odds at time of writing: 6/1
