Manchester City begin the new season as favourites with the bookmakers ahead of rivals Manchester United. Mancini’s men will be looking to retain the trophy that they so dramatically won last campaign. With a considerable amount of finance in the clubs pocket, City have the ability to pick and choose from the wealth of talent available. However, the clubs challengers have already engaged in spending sprees and the Champions will need to move quickly in order to claim the players that they desire.

Manchester United and Chelsea rank second and third favourites to win the title in the betting market. Sir Alex and his young team just missed out on the trophy last season, having it snatched away in the last seconds by their City neighbours. The club will be as hungry as ever to reclaim the silverware that has become accustomed to standing in the Old Trafford Trophy cabinet. Chelsea meanwhile are in a period of transition. Having lost star striker Didier Drogba, Di Matteo has acted quickly, acquiring Marko Marin for Werder Bremen and Belgian starlet Eden Hazard from Lille. The club will be looking to improve on last season’s disappointing showing in the league by making a challenge for the trophy that they have obtained three times.

Arsenal have been given the fourth shortest odds with the new season now just weeks away. The Gunners have never failed to make a challenge for the league’s top spot at early moments in the season but sudden lack of form usually sends the club slipping down a couple of places. Holding on to Van Persie may see the North London clubs odds shorten even further, lose the Dutchman however, and there may be trouble ahead for Wenger’s men.

Tottenham and Liverpool both come into the season with matching odds for title glory. With both clubs in a similar transitional period; new managers bringing new philosophies and a sense of the mystery for the future could mean that these clubs will not be quite ready to launch a serious title challenge this campaign.

Newcastle sit just above Everton in the odds market, both clubs considered to have had excellent seasons last year. The Magpies were the surprise package of the season, fighting for a Champions League place all the way until the competitions unforgettable climax. Pardew and his form team could repeat their 5^th placed finish should they acquire some new talent. While David Moyes will once again be hoping for a similar campaign. The Toffees have been supremely consistent over the last few years, finishing above expectations on a shoestring budget and the Goodison faithful should be content with another season of relative success.

Fulham are priced next with last season’s impressive showing seemingly leaving an impact on the bookmakers. Under Martin Jol, the club could achieve another top ten finish; a decet achievement considering the size of the club. The remaining 11 teams are all placed as firm outsiders; an indication of the divide between the Premier League’s top and bottom half. From the also rans, QPR have spent lavishly thus far and could make progress toward the top half of the table. Stoke remain an unpredictable team to judge. Whilst their squad does not ooze quality, their stalwart defending and bloodied work rate may generate a top ten finish. Whilst Aston Villa could be worth an outside shot should they improve on their disastrous campaign last term. Paul Lambert is an astute manager and with the clubs stature and fan base, the top ten should be acquirable.

Below are the current odds for next seasons Premier League Champions - courtesy of Bet At Home

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