Who’s the smart money on in the title race?
It’s the most exciting title race in years, but who would the smart money be on to win the Premier League come May?
Manchester City remain third in the table after their pulsating 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield, but most bookmakers still have Pep Guardiola’s side as title favourites.
It’s little wonder City remain many punters’ firm choice to finish top. But before anyone clued up enough to be using a Matchbook Bonus Code to have a flutter overlooks Liverpool and Arsenal, wait a moment!
Don’t write off the Reds
Liverpool showed again against City that they remain a force to be reckoned with and are always capable of performing in big games. They’ve already won the Carabao Cup and are in contention for three other trophies as they look to give boss Jurgen Klopp the ultimate farewell ahead of his departure from the club at the end of the season.
After an unimpressive first half, they showed their class in the second and piled on the pressure after Alexis Mac Allister equalised from the penalty spot. City were left hanging on and can feel somewhat fortunate to leave Merseyside with a point.
Can Arsenal stay on top?
Arsenal are currently top, yet are rated third favourites for the title by most bookmakers. Are Mikel Arteta’s side underrated? Possibly. They have doubters to prove wrong, having not managed to last the pace last season. But this time around they do look stronger.
The Gunners showed their resolve in their 2-1 win over Brentford, with Kai Havertz scoring a late winner. Arteta will be encouraged by that and their fans will be believing that the title could be on its way to north London.
And what about the Champions League places?
The race for the top four is also exciting and looks like it might go to the wire. A win for fourth-placed Aston Villa against Tottenham would have cemented their position in the Champions League spots, but Spurs’ thumping 4-0 win at Villa Park took them to within two points of the West Midlands side.
So while Arsenal chase the title, their north London rivals are in with a great chance of joining them in Europe’s top competition next season. Spurs look excellent when at their best under Ange Postecoglou and with key players coming back from injury, don’t bet against them pipping Villa and edging out Manchester United for that fourth spot.
United are technically still in the running but, eight points away from Villa and so inconsistent, it’s hard to imagine them being in the Champions League next season. The odds on offer generally reflect that – it looks like another frustrating season for the Red Devils.