Last year’s champions – and the most successful team in Premiership history – are again favourites (2.830) to take home the Premiership title.
Manchester United finished nine points clear of rivals Chelsea and Manchester City last year – and scored more goals than any other team. Their prolific scoring was partly down to a resurgent Wayne Rooney, who will be looking to start the 2011/12 season the way his 2010/11 season finished.
The Red Devils will also be bolstered up front by the ever maturing Javier Hernandez, who led Mexico to the Gold Cup title, scoring the most goals (seven) in the competition. Last year’s tally of over 20 league goals looks certain to increase.
Ashley Young has also been brought in to increase United’s attacking presence, although all eyes are on Samir Nasri and whether the exciting attacking midfielder will move to either Manchester club, Chelsea, or stay in north London.
A question mark stands over new goalkeeper David de Gea, who has big gloves to fill in taking over from veteran Edwin van der Sar. The 20-year-old has excelled for Athletico Madrid – and while goalkeepers usually adjust better to the Premier League than outfield players – it’s still a big step for the youngster.
Premier League Betting – Chelsea Odds Suggest Runner-Up Place
Chelsea (
3.520) have seen a host of changes in the close season, and are preparing for an onslaught on the Premier League.
A new manager and assistant – André Villa-Boas and Chelsea legend Roberto Di Matteo, have taken over at the club – but no other signings have yet been made to their aging squad.
Fernando Torres can only get better for the Blues this season – hopefully reflecting some of that £50mil price-tag. Aside from the on-form David Luiz, the Chelsea core looks much the same as it has for the past six seasons.
Luka Modric, Micah Richards and Samir Nasri are all potential transfer targets for the west London side.
Premier League Betting – Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool in The Title Running
Unsurprisingly, Manchester City (5.000), Arsenal (9.000) and Liverpool (11.250) are rated third, fourth and fifth favourites to end the season at the top of the table.
City are certainly much stronger defensively this season, heading into August with Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic bolstering the backline.
Striker Carlos Tevez may be sold, as he has publicly declared a desire to return home to his family in Argentina. The striker has scored 53 goals in 86 appearances for City – a tough record to follow. The purchase of Samir Nasri might help fill the attacking hole, although the attacking midfielder could never replace the poaching talent of the Argentinean forward.
This season will be make-or-break for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after failing to win any silverware since 2005.
First-choice left-back Gael Clichy departed earlier this summer, while club captain Cesc Fabregas looks Barcelona-bound and Europe’s elite are chasing Samir Nasri.
With this said, the north London side have brought in Lille striker Gervinho, and will look to add a number of players to the squad before the start of the new season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have signed two “priority” targets, Blackpool captain Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson from Sunderland. Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni also looks set for Anfield, while the Mersey-siders also aim to sign Stewart Downing.
