All eyes return to the upcoming Premier League season following a wonderful World Cup in Brazil which was packed with exciting, end-to-end football from start to finish. The new season has a lot to live up to after 2013/2014 which produced excitement, drama and tension throughout as the title race and battle to avoid relegation went down to the wire. Manchester City will be the team that everyone will want to knock off their perch and be crowned champions, while three new teams from the Championship will try to make their mark and avoid going straight back down.
A flurry of activity in the transfer market has created a fresh injection of excitement and anticipation that the 2014/2015 season could be one of the best. The impending Financial Fair Play Rules has not stopped Premier League teams from splashing the cash on top quality players that illustrate the considerable strength of football in England. From Chelsea to Burnley, every club is working hard behind the scenes to improve their squads to have the best chance of success at either end of the table. It has created a fluctuating betting market as every day of transfer activity changes the odds in favour of teams who are more equipped to win the league, or are doing enough to avoid the potential threat of relegation.
Title Contenders
Although Manchester City were installed as early favourites to successfully defend their Premier League crown, two multi-million pound deals have pushed Chelsea ahead across the betting market. The arrival of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa has further increased the quality at Jose Mourinho’s disposal, with Atletico Madrid left-back Felipe also set to join the club to replace Ashley Cole who begins a new adventure at Roma. Chelsea are currently 2.80 favourites to win the title ahead of City (3.00) who have added Willy Caballero, Bruno Zuculini and Fernando to their star-studded squad.
Signing Alexis Sanchez has shortened Arsenal’s odds of winning the title to 8.00, although there is a growing belief that Manchester United will return to prominence following a hugely disappointing 2013/2014 season. The arrival of Louis Van Gaal, along with highly-talented duo Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, has reignited a spark back into the club, with numerous big-name players linked with a move to Old Trafford. More arrivals may improve Manchester United’s current odds of 6.25, with fans hoping that Van Gaal can replicate excellent work with Holland at the World Cup in the Premier League.
Relegation Fodder
While most of the focus will be on who comes out on top in the Premier League title race, there will be others who hope to avoid the dreaded trap door. The three promoted teams are always likely to be thrown in as the main contenders, but Leicester and QPR appear equipped to handle the rigours of top flight football. Burnley, on the other hand, may struggle to compete at a higher level despite the wonderful work ethic and style of play integrated by Sean Dyche. The Clarets are 1.50 favourites to go straight back down, with Leicester and QPR (both 6.00) backed to have enough quality to survive. Aston Villa (15.00) may not be so lucky, with growing concerns that they will face a third consecutive relegation battle emphasised by uninspiring signings. Phillip Senderos and Kieran Richardson bring Premier League experience, but not the quality that Villa are lacking to remain in the top flight. They could be joined in the Championship by West Brom (10.00), with Alan Irvine facing a tough task in his first full-time managerial job to steer the Baggies away from potentially muddy waters.
