Man City’s title odds drift as bookies react to opening weekend

 

Premier League champions Manchester City are now 11/10 to retain the title following their defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

 

Before the season, Pep Guardiola’s side were as short as 4/7 with some firms, but impressive victories for Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool on Saturday saw that price climb to 5/6 with multiple betting sites before City had even kicked a ball.

 

And with Spurs causing the upset at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and City now playing catch-up at this very early stage, the consensus price is 11/10 but there are even some bookmakers going with 6/5.

 

It would perhaps be naive to read too much into City’s performance in North London, especially considering that Kevin de Bruyne only played for a quarter of an hour and the likes of Phil Foden, John Stones, Kyle Walker, and various others did not take part.

 

Add to that the possibility that Harry Kane ends up at the Etihad Stadium by the time the transfer window shuts, and it is still going to be a big ask for one of the chasing pack to give City a run for their money.

 

Most of the best betting sites in the UK have got Chelsea as second favourites, just ahead of 2019-20 champions Liverpool, with Manchester United a touch behind the pair on the betting board.

 

It was United who drew first blood out of the four title contenders, and in some style. Things could hardly have gone better for the Red Devils who not only swept rivals Leeds United aside 5-1 thanks to four Paul Pogba assists and a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick, but they unveiled new signing Raphael Varane before the game.

 

The mood among supporters at Old Trafford appears to be more positive than it has been at any point since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, and with good reason. They are priced between 5/1 and 6/1 to win the league depending on the betting site, and with Jadon Sancho ready to come into their attack, United fans may be tempted by that number.

 

Chelsea also had no trouble getting off to a winning start as they beat Crystal Palace 3-0 and they, like United, have a new signing to add into the mix in the shape of Romelu Lukaku who has slotted in as joint second-favourite to win the Golden Boot at 5/1.

 

The Blues’ title odds are shorter than that at 7/2 as they bid to repeat what Liverpool recently managed and follow up a Champions League triumph with a domestic title.

 

Last season was one to forget for Liverpool and they have hardly been active in the transfer market, but with the exception of Andy Robertson, they are closing in on a fully fit squad which is not a luxury they had throughout last term as some unlikely names had to come to the fore.

 

Attacking trio Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, and top goalscorer favourite Mohamed Salah (4/1) all found the net in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Norwich City and if they, along with Sadio Mane, can help the Reds find the attacking potency that has yielded major trophies under Jurgen Klopp, then they could go close again this season. They are priced at 4/1 to regain the title.