Home of football statistics and historyWith the start of the 2026/27 English football season just under six weeks away, fans are beginning to contemplate what the new campaign has in store for their club.
Without further ado, read on as we take an early look at each of the four top divisions in England, starting with the Premier League.
Manchester United fancied to topple Arsenal
The ante-post market for the Premier League paints an intriguing picture for people who are inclined towards wagering on professional football.
If you fancy a bet online on your favourite sports, one of the most enticing sports betting markets is the Premier League, where Arsenal as the 6/4 favourites to win the English top flight title for the second consecutive season.
However, only Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have successfully defended the title since the Premier League was launched in 1992.
The Gunners were fortunate that several of their main rivals underperformed last season and are unlikely to be afforded the same luxury this time around.
Man United improved massively under Michael Carrick after he replaced Ruben Amorim as manager and they are a good bet at odds of 13/2 to topple Arsenal.
Mowbray can improve Blackburn’s fortunes
Blackburn Rovers’ fall from grace under owners Venky’s has been distressing to watch for fans of one of the English Football League’s founder members.
They narrowly avoided relegation to League One last season, with points deductions for other clubs the only thing keeping them in the second tier.
However, the decision to appoint Tony Mowbray for his second spell as manager could be the catalyst for a change in their fortunes.
Mowbray was a popular figure during his first stint in charge and knows what it takes to build a successful squad in the Championship.
With the play-offs expanding from third to eighth place next term, Rovers could be worth chancing to secure a spot in the post-season shoot-out.
Luton are the value bet in League One
After failing to secure an immediate return to the Championship last season, Luton Town are rated as 8/1 shots to win the League One title this time around.
They improved significantly after Jack Wilshere was appointed manager last October, ending the season with an impressive 11-match unbeaten run.
They ultimately missed out on the play-offs by one point, but look a good bet to mount a strong promotion challenge this season.
Wilshere secured his first managerial trophy by guiding Luton by leading the club to a 3-1 victory over Stockport County in the Vertu Trophy final at Wembley Stadium in April.
He recently rejected an approach from Leicester City to remain with Luton and that decision could prove to be a shrewd one at the end of the campaign.
Walsall can make it third time lucky
New Walsall manager Lee Grant has been tasked with reviving a club that has had two promotion challenges implode after leading League Two in each of the last two seasons.
The 43-year-old previously served as a forwards’ coach during Ipswich Town’s back-to-back promotions and most recently managed Huddersfield Town.
Grant has already made some shrewd summer signings including centre-back James Connolly, who signed a two-year deal following his departure from Crewe Alexandra.
Connolly joins midfielders Sven Sprangler and Lewis Simper along with forward Andy Dallas at the Midlands club for next season.
Odds of 11/2 to win promotion are a tempting proposition given that Walsall are expected to make further signings before the transfer window closes.
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