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Following the World Cup in Russia, all eyes will turn back to domestic football as Premier League sides look to strengthen their squads, play various friendly matches and gather momentum before a tightly contested, hectic league schedule kicks off.
Ahead of the domestic season, who are looking like the main Premier League title challengers and is in with a realistic shout of mounting a championship push in 2018/19?
Manchester City
The champions will look to retain their title for the second time in a row after they made it look easy last campaign, winning the league by a comfortable 19pts ahead of second placed, bitter rivals Manchester United. Currently priced at 4/7 (Bet365) to do just that and lift the trophy again in 2018/19, Pep Guardiola’s City are clearly the team to beat. With the quality they possess in their ranks, coupled with a few new additions this summer, Manchester City could really kick on again next season and cement themselves as England’s number one side.
Manchester United
Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils were, frankly, miles off rivals Manchester City last season. As mentioned above, 19pts was the gap between them. It’s a huge summer ahead for United as the Portuguese looks to remove any deadwood in the squad and strengthen his side. There were positive signs for Manchester United despite the large gap between them and City, with Romelu Lukaku having a fruitful first season in red and the impressive Ashley Young cementing his place at left-back after making the transition to his new position. If Paul Pogba can step up and Alexis Sanchez can further settle in at the club, odds of 6/1 (Ladbrokes) represent excellent value for a Manchester United title win. The defence is certainly a concern though, although early reports suggest Mourinho is keen to add in that area in the transfer window.
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s side were one of the most entertaining sides in the league last season. The scintillating form of Mohamed Salah was the main factor in their success, scoring 32 goals, but other players also shone. Firmino, Mane and the emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold were the high points, alongside their admirable showing in the Champions League. Currently second favourites to win the Premier League at 5/1 (Coral), a number of free bets UK are available if you fancy backing Klopp’s Liverpool.
Chelsea
Chelsea had a fairly underwhelming campaign last season. The team failed to retain the title and with reports of unrest emerging at the club, especially from manager Antonio Conte, they were always well off the pace when it came to challenging Manchester City. Winning the FA Cup was a clear high point in a season of lows, though. A rebuild is needed this summer at the club as they look to supplement the quality they already have from the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Cesc Fabregas. Chelsea tend to splash the cash and usually buy well, so odds on them assembling the perfect squad and winning the Premier League at 12/1 (SkyBet) is a fantastic price.
Tottenham
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After a solid campaign last season, Tottenham will be looking to improve on their third placed finish and challenge the two big Manchester clubs further. As with last season, Harry Kane is vital to their chances of success. The English striker will no doubt come close to or better his 30 league goals of last season. Throw in a few new additions and keep hold of the likes of Cristian Eriksen, who’s linked with a move away from the club, and Spurs could be a dangerous outfit once again next season. Priced at 16/1 (Betway), backing Pochettino’s side for the title represents fantastic value.
Tags: Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Premier League, Tottenham
