2010/11 Premier League betting – Chelsea now 5/4 to retain title

While Wigan and West Brom are likely to be featuring at the wrong end of the Premier League table at the end of the season, one cannot fail to have been impressed by Chelsea’s performances against both of these teams, with the Blues running out 6-0 winners on both occasions.

It has seen the bookmakers running for cover as far as Premier League outright betting is concerned, with Paddy Power offering a best price 5/4 that Carlo Ancelotti’s team retain their title. Stoke City visit Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look to continue being the only team with a 100% record in the Premier League this season.

Manchester United had their chances to beat Fulham on Sunday, most notably when Nani’s penalty was saved with the score 2-1 to the Red Devils. However, Sir Alex Ferguson’s team had to be content with a draw and that has seen them on the drift when it comes to the outright betting. Bet365 go 5/2 that United are victorious this season, who will have Rio Ferdinand back in defence over the next few weeks.

Arsenal couldn’t have asked for an easier victory on Saturday and their 6-0 win over Blackpool has seen the Gunners’ odds cut to 11/2 (Ladbrokes) on the outright market. Arsene Wenger’s team face a tricky trip to Blackburn on Saturday and victory at Ewood Park will convince many that the north London team can challenge for the title this season. Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie should both be back in the team for that game.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s odds were cut to 28/1 (Ladbrokes) to win the title after a 2-1 victory at Stoke. Despite not having Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko available, Spurs were able to get the better of the Potters at the Britannia Stadium, with Gareth Bale scoring both goals for Harry Redknapp’s team. There is a nagging doubt that the Champions League could provide a distraction for Spurs this term, especially as they have so many injury problems already, although William Gallas will provide extra cover in defence.

Manchester City go into battle with Liverpool on Monday and the Citizens have been drifting ever since they looked second best to Tottenham at White Hart Lane last weekend. It appears that Roberto Mancini will need at least twelve months to mould this team into one that can win the Premier League title, with James Milner and Mario Balotelli having just arrived at Eastlands. Paddy Power go 9/1 that City achieve immediate success by winning this encounter.

As for Liverpool, a win on Monday night would go a long way to establishing the Reds as potential title contenders, with bet365 currently offering 14/1 that they can finish ahead of the rest. The signing of Christian Poulsen looks like a decent bit of business, while Javier Mascherano looks as though he’ll be staying at Anfield. Can they challenge for the league as they did two seasons ago?