Finally time to back 10/3 Liverpool after Real sign Ronaldo?
We were all set for another summer transfer saga involving the unholy trinity that are Manchester United, Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Thursday’s announcement that the player will be gracing the Bernabeu Stadium next season in more than just the Champions League has left a yawning chasm in the Red Devils’ squad. While they might have £80 million burning a hole in their back pockets, some have argued that the Portuguese forward is irreplaceable, although the bookmakers have kept the champions as favourites (7/4 Coral) to win a fourth successive title.
It’s clear that Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City supporters saw this transfer as good news, especially as Ronaldo has played such a major role in the recent success of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team. Can one of the above quartet now capitalise on their rivals’ loss, or will the current squad along with the addition of a Franck Ribery or a Karim Benzema ensure that the champions stay head and shoulders ahead of the chasing pack?
Despite finishing just four points off the pace and with a superior goal difference to United, Liverpool are still available at 10/3 with bet365 to win their first league crown for twenty years. It will have been especially galling for the Merseyside club that their arch-rivals equalled their record of 18 titles in May, although at least they are finally starting to prove that they can maintain championship-winning form. There are two key factors which will determine whether or not Pool will go close next season: 1) The precarious finances of the club, with Kop Holdings heavily in debt and 2) The fitness of captain Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
Some might think that Chelsea (13/5 Expekt) are better placed to capitalise on the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid. After all, they may have usurped both of their north-west rivals last season if Guus Hiddink had been installed as interim coach in August, with Phil Scolari simply not being up to the task of managing the many egos in the Stamford Bridge camp. Carlo Ancelotti’s experience at Milan should ensure he has no such problems, although owner Roman Abramovich will be keener than ever to finally land the Champions League. Will this mean the Blues take their eye off the ball as far as domestic matters are concerned?
Arsenal (9/1 Skybet) are fourth favourites in the betting, although it’s another player moving to Madrid which is threatening to jettison their title credentials. Emmanuel Adebayor once again appears to be near the top of Milan’s wish-list after the Italian club lost Kaka, while it’s worth noting that eighteen points separated them from United last season. Once again, Arsene Wenger will have to put his faith in a group of talented but inexperienced youngsters, with question marks remaining over the strength of the Gunners defence.
Indeed, the North London team are more likely to be scrapping for fourth spot than the title next season, especially if Manchester City continue to recruit quality players at a fast rate of knots. Gareth Barry has signed for the Eastlands club and more will undoubtedly follow as Mark Hughes looks to assemble a squad capable of challenging for the title. However, after an indifferent campaign last term, it’s surely inconceivable that the Citizens can overhaul all of the current Big Four. Ladbrokes offer 33/1 if you think they’re worth a gamble.