The 2019/20 Premier League season gets underway on August 9 with Manchester City strongly fancied to win their third successive title.
City deservedly retained the trophy last term, battling back from a 10-point deficit to overhaul Liverpool on the run-in.
The Reds will be undoubtedly be eager to gain their revenge, but City’s biggest challenge could come from elsewhere. Read on as we preview the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Classy City look too good
City were relentless during the second half of last season and they are worthy 1/2 favourites with 888 betting to make it three-in-a-row this time around.
Rodri’s addition from Atletico Madrid boosts their midfield options, while Kevin De Bruyne’s return to fitness is a huge bonus.
Liverpool blew a golden opportunity last season and their failure to sign anyone of note this summer could be a big a mistake.
Tanguy Ndombele looks a quality addition for Tottenham Hotspur and they should once again be challenging for a place in the top four.
However, City’s biggest challenge this season could come from Manchester United, particularly if they can sign a couple of extra players before the transfer window closes.
London duo face tough battle to make top four
City and Liverpool look nailed on to claim two of the top four places, while Spurs have enough about them to also be in the mix.
United are fancied to bag the other spot, leaving Chelsea and Arsenal facing the prospect of missing out on Champions League qualification.
Chelsea’s transfer embargo makes things difficult for them, while Frank Lampard’s inexperience as a manager could also be a factor.
The Gunners are still vulnerable defensively and it is debatable whether signing Celtic’s Kieran Tierney would resolve those issues.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton look ideally placed to cash in if one of the Big Six drops off the pace, although seventh spot is likely to be the best either club will manage.
Burnley expected to struggle
A lack of investment in their playing squad could finally catch up with Burnley this season and they look too good to ignore at odds of 2/1 to be relegated.
The Clarets flirted with relegation last term and the signing of Jay Rodriguez from West Bromwich Albion smacks of a club who lack ambition.
Newly-promoted Sheffield United and Norwich City could also struggle, with neither of their squads possessing the quality needed to survive in the Premier League.
Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United may also struggle, but should be capable of keeping their heads above the line.
Aston Villa have bought well on their return to the top flight and are fancied to comfortably avoid being involved in the battle for the drop.