The stage is set for another thrilling Premier League title race. With champions, challengers, and a few shadow contenders all bolstered by summer reinforcements, the scrap for honours feels wide open—especially for punters seeking value across the market. Here are my thoughts on how the season could potentially unfold.
Click here for English Premier League Outright Betting
PREMIER LEAGUE – WINNER
LIVERPOOL – DEFENDING CHAMPIONS
Liverpool enter the new season as clear favourites to retain their crown after an outstanding 2024/25 campaign. Under Arne Slot, the Reds blended tactical discipline with attacking flair, anchored by Mohamed Salah’s remarkable goal-scoring and creativity. With smart summer signings like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike strengthening their ranks, Liverpool look more than capable of back-to-back titles. Their consistency and squad depth set them apart, making a repeat triumph could potentially be on the cards.
Outright Odds: 18/10
ARSENAL – 2ND LAST SEASON
Arsenal once again finishing as runners-up, are expected to stay in the hunt but still fall short of clinching the title. Mikel Arteta’s side have made a significant signing in striker Viktor Gyökeres, who arrives to sharpen their attacking edge and address last season’s goal-scoring shortcomings. While Arsenal boast a well-drilled defence and exciting attacking talents, they still appear to have a slight gap to Liverpool’s level. With Gyökeres leading the line, the Gunners will push hard but ultimately are likely to settle for second place once again.
Outright Odds: 5/2
MANCHESTER CITY – 3RD LAST SEASON
Manchester City, by contrast, look vulnerable. After a subpar 2024/25 season and the departure of key figures like Kevin De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola’s side appear to be in a transition phase. Despite their deep squad and talent like Erling Haaland, the lack of sharpness and cohesion seen last season may linger. It feels likely they could potentially slip even further, as Chelsea and others capitalize on their uncertainties.
Outright Odds: 7/2
CHELSEA – 4TH LAST SEASON
Chelsea are shaping up as genuine contenders to overtake Manchester City this season. Riding high on the confidence gained from winning the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League, Enzo Maresca’s young squad has shown rapid development. With promising signings like Liam Delap, João Pedro, Estevão Willian (the Brazilian prodigy),injecting fresh energy, Chelsea look set to climb the table. Their momentum and squad balance suggest they will finish in the top three, ahead of a City side that appear ot have lost their way a bit.
Outright Odds: 8/1
MANCHESTER UNITED – 15TH LAST SEASON
Manchester United face a crucial season of transition following a disastrous 15th-place finish last term. The club has made some impressive signings like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, clearly signaling an intent to rebuild and compete for silverware in the future. However, whether this new-look squad will gel quickly enough to make an immediate impact remains uncertain. Patience will likely be key, and while progress is hoped for, the Red Devils are still a work in progress and worth keeping an eye on as the season unfolds.
Outright Odds: 25/1
NEWCASTLE UNITED – 5TH LAST SEASON
Newcastle United remain a club to watch, but uncertainty around Alexander Isak’s future casts a shadow over their title ambitions. The Magpies showed strong form last season, and Isak was pivotal to their attacking threat. However, with off-pitch distractions and a unsettled squad ahead of the new campaign, it’s difficult to back them among the top four favourites just yet. That said, should he stay with the Black and White, 50/1 represents decent value! Without Isak’s services, their chances take a significant hit, making their season more unpredictable than some rivals’.
Outright Odds: 50/1
Verdict
I’m not entirely sold on Liverpool or Arsenal’s current odds, especially with the early season looking so fiercely competitive. Chelsea, however, stands out as genuine value. Their convincing 4-1 win over Real Betis in last season’s UEFA Conference League final, combined with a commanding 3-0 victory over Champions League winners PSG in the Club World Cup final, puts them in a strong position. At 8/1, Chelsea offer excellent value to mount a serious title challenge in what’s shaping up to be a tightly contested race.
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we’ll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
Alternative Market: Title Winner If Chelsea Fall Short
Straight Forecast
While Chelsea look like genuine value at 8/1 to lift the Premier League, there’s always the possibility they fall just short in what promises to be a fiercely competitive season. Should that happen, two standout alternative scenarios emerge:
Liverpool/Arsenal to finish first and second at 5/1
With Liverpool aiming to defend their crown and Arsenal expected to push hard once again, a forecast of Liverpool winning and Arsenal finishing runners-up is currently priced at 5/1. This reflects the likely scenario of these two clubs maintaining their top-two dominance from last season.
Liverpool/Chelsea to finish first and second at 14/1
If Chelsea fall just short of the title but still secure a strong second-place finish behind Liverpool, this forecast is priced at 14/1. It takes into account Chelsea’s momentum and Liverpool’s consistency.
Click here for all the weekend’s English Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
