The 2015/2016 season has developed into one of the most unpredictable and dramatic in Premier League history, with the title race poised to go down to the wire. An increase in quality across the board has created a league in which anyone can beat anyone – a point proven by the fact that Leicester, who narrowly avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, currently leading the way at the top, while defending champions Chelsea are closer to the relegation zone than the top four. It would take a brave punter to back any one of the four teams who are firmly in the title race with Betway or other betting sites to win the Premier League, but with every point becoming crucial at both ends of the table as the business stage of the season begins, it seems inevitable that many more twists and turns lay ahead.
The next few weeks may determine the destination of the Premier League title, but there can be no question that Leicester should hold their heads up high regardless of what happens between now and May. There were a few eyes raised when Claudio Ranieri arrived at the King Power Stadium in the summer due to his disastrous short-term reign as manager of Greece, but the ‘Tinkerman’ has put the Foxes within touching distance of a fairytale ending that many neutrals are hoping for. It would rank alongside Blackburn Rovers in 1995 as the shock winners of the Premier League, but while critics have been waiting for Leicester to slip up, a number of fantastic results and performances are enough to prove that they are top of the table on merit.
Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have been pivotal in everything good about Leicester this season, with their energy, creativity and eye for goal being the spark for Ranieri’s team to play attractive, free-flowing football. A mention should also be given to a number of unsung heroes, such as Danny Drinkwater and Ngolo Kante, who enable Leicester to be strong at the back, in addition to having a combination of bite and creativity in midfield that has proved pivotal in a number of games. These qualities will have to come to the fore if Leicester are to bounce back from their latest setback, with the agonising 2-1 defeat at Arsenal cutting their lead at the top. Upcoming games against West Brom and Newcastle will provide opportunities for the Foxes to pick up three points, but as they have to face Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea during the run-in, Leicester will need to hold their nerve if they are to be crowned champions.
The two North London clubs could provide the greatest threat to Leicester’s title hopes, with Tottenham and Arsenal firmly in the title race. The former may not get a better chance to taste glory in the Premier League, with Mauricio Pocchetino moulding Spurs into a team that appear genuine title contenders. Previous seasons have seen Tottenham fall short of expectations, particularly when Gareth Bale was the star attraction at White Hart Lane, but with Harry Kane, Moussa Dembele and Dele Alli all in superb form, they appear set to mount a serious challenge during the run-in.
Five straight victories make Tottenham the in-form team at present, with Betway providing good value on them to win their first league title since 1961. They fall into the category of “betting sites with https certification?”, but more importantly will keep tabs on the latest changes in the table as each round of fixtures passes by. The crucial move could be made by Arsenal who, despite being third in the table, are currently considered favourites to win the title, with their recent victory against Leicester serving a potential turning point in the title race. Arsene Wenger will hope his team continue their recent good form, but a big question mark remains over whether they have the mentality to handle the pressure and produce the goods when the spotlight is firmly on them. The upcoming North London derby at Tottenham and a trip to Everton are just two of the remaining challenges that lay ahead for Arsenal who, although have the quality to win the title, must avoid complacency if they are to end their twelve-year wait for Premier League glory.
Manchester City were installed as strong favourites alongside Chelsea across numerous betting sites before a ball had been kicked in anger, but while Manuel Pellegrini’s side are faring much better than the reigning champions, they currently find themselves playing catch-up. Back-to-back defeats against Leicester and Tottenham allowed two title rivals to steal a march on them, and while influential captain Vincent Kompany has made a timely return from injury, their defensive vulnerability could prove to be Manchester City’s downfall. Upcoming fixtures against Liverpool and city rivals Manchester United have become games that the Citizens cannot afford to lose, and with the Premier League title on the line, they will have to be at their very best between now and the end of the season if they are to reach the summit.
