Despite finishing twenty-one points behind 2006/7 champions Man United, bookmakers are reporting a brisk business on Liverpool to win the Premiership next season. Many firms have trimmed the odds on Rafa Benitez’s men wresting the title from United and Chelsea, with 11/2 (bet365) just about the best price available on the Anfield club since they signed Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid.

With bookies each-way terms only extending as far as second place, Liverpool will have to finish above United or Chelsea to land the place money. Although they’re capable of beating both teams in one-off cup matches, it remains to be seen whether they have the consistency to match the ‘Big Two’ stride-for-stride between August and May.

 The Red Devils are 11/8 (Sporting Odds) to retain their Premiership crown and they look well-equipped after the signings of Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson. Nevertheless, a lot will depend on whether Cristiano Ronaldo can repeat his sensational form for the Old Trafford club. 

2005/6 champions Chelsea are much less-fancied than last season with bet direct going 13/8 (bet365) about the Blues winning a third title under Jose Mourinho. The only other contenders appear to be Arsenal (12/1 Blue Square), who may need a season to recover from the loss of Thierry Henry.