The new season is around the corner, with our eyes peeled on the best ante-post markets ahead of the big kick-off over the next couple of weeks. From the Champions League to Premier League survival, where is the best value found up and down the football pyramid?
Top London Club – Tottenham @ 11/10 (Marathon Bet)
Despite still being two or three transfers short of where Mauricio Pochettino would like his Spurs side to be, the side enjoying the fruits of a new state-of-the-art stadium are likely to press on again this season under the wing of their exciting Argentine manager. A fully fit Harry Kane will guarantee them goals, Son and Lucas Moura will guarantee them the energy in attack, and securing Eriksen for another season will guarantee the guile in midfield which has been fundamental to the side’s recent success.
The addition of Tanguy Ndombele is a positive step, with 60 million euros being splashed out on the French midfielder. Losing Trippier and, probably Rose, will leave a void in the wing back areas that need filling. In comparison to Arsenal and Chelsea – their closest London rivals – Tottenham look the best equipped to have a strong season, improving on their faltering finish of fourth last time out.
Champions League Winner – Juventus @ 8/1 (Marathon Bet)
Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that the Old Lady will win the European Cup within the next two seasons. Who are we to disagree with CR7? Juventus are continue to build an impressive squad of free signings, despite a heavy wage bill. The big question this season will be whether Sarri has the credentials to lead this squad to European glory.
They would trade their last three Serie A titles for a Champions League crown, however, Sarri’s trophy cabinet as a manager is very bare. The Italian won the Europa League with Chelsea last season to break his duck – perhaps he will carry on this form in Turin. It’s a very unpredictable tournament when it boils down to the last eight. If Juve can avoid some big names until then, it could be their year.
Premier League To Be Relegated – Brighton & Hove Albion @ 9/5 (Marathon Bet)
Brighton have been clinging on for a few seasons now. The Seagulls continue to struggle in front of goal, and with limited additions in the transfer market a lot of pressure will once again be on Glenn Murray to deliver. Graham Potter proved his worth as a coach in the Championship, but will be swimming against the tide from the off at the start of next season. With Aston Villa expected to do well, it opens up an obvious spot for an “established” Premier League side to face the drop.
Premier League To Be Relegated – Norwich City @ 10/11 (Marathon Bet)
It’s looking likely that Norwich and Sheffield United will be engaged in a battle not to become cut adrift at the start of the season. Norwich played some exciting football last season, but they still leaked 57 goals. Their scoring prowess can’t be overlooked, but the quality of the defences in the top flight might come as a shock to the Canaries. I expect the yellow and green to be floating around 17th all season, with a tricky run-in potentially proving their undoing.
Premier League Top 4 – Chelsea @ 21/20 (Marathon Bet)
It’s an interesting looking season for Chelsea lying ahead. Following their transfer ban, the Blues have been limited in their spending this summer, with Pulisic arriving after spending a year on loan and Kovacic being officially signed having been with Chelsea temporarily last season from Real Madrid. Lampard will breed the youth this season, with Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham expected to feature regularly.
Whether the Blues have what it takes to squeeze into the top 4 is the question, but with Arsenal and Man United also looking to rebuild, Chelsea’s core and feel-good-factor could prove enough. Their spine of Kepa, Luiz, Kante and Barkley are expected to shine in Lampard’s new 4-2-3-1 formation.
