Where does the value currently lie when it comes to betting on football outrights in all four of England’s top divisions?
Here, we run through the latest football outright betting in the Premier League, Championship, Leagues 1 & 2.
Premier League Winner odds >>
The speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s future at Barcelona has electrified the Premier League winner market, with last season’s runners-up Man City (3/4) to reclaim their title should Pep Guardiola renew relations with the Argentinean ace in Manchester.
Only Man City in 2018 and 2019 have successfully gone on to retain a title in the Premier League over the last decade, which could explain why Liverpool (43/20) start out as second favourites.
Big spending Chelsea (12/1) look worthy third favourites after a breakneck transfer window that has seem them add quality all over the pitch.With Thiago Silva, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell on board, the pressure will be on Frank Lampard to close the gap on the top two.
Man Utd (14/1) showed flashes of their old fear factor last season but have so far been left frustrated in the transfer market. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to have more work to do to transform them into a genuine title contender, but the potential arrival of Donny van de Beek could open the floodgates in terms of transfer activity.
Championship Winner Odds >>>
With the impressive Leeds and West Brom leaving the stage along with yo-yo side Fulham, the EFL Championship looks as unpredictable as ever heading into the 2020/21 season.
Brentford (13/2) fell at the final hurdle last season, but don’t back against them making another round of shrewd recruitment before the window closes to put that disappointment behind them this season. Thomas Frank’s side will be looking to the likes of Brighton and Leeds to bank that play-off disappointment and use it as a motivational tool to complete the job.
While they flopped back in the top flight, you can never rule out Norwich City (6/1) ruling the roost at this level. The archetypal Premier League/Championship yo-yo team might just fare best out of last year’s relegated trio, having more recent experience of operating at this level and more time to get the pain of relegation out of the system.
Bournemouth (23/2) look to be in a state of flux after the shock departure of Eddie Howe. His assistant Jason Tindall has massive shoes to fill, but he may have wriggle room to refresh his squad now following big-money moves for Nathan Ake and Aaron Ramsdale. If the Cherries can resist a full fire sale, they could go close provided Tindall has what it takes to be a No. 1.
Of the relegated sides, Watford (7/1) were probably the club least expecting to be in this position at the start of the 2020/21 season. Vladimir Ivić is another leftfield appointment, but that hardly held back the Hornets during their last spell in this division, and they have more than enough quality in their ranks to stake a claim.
Elsewhere, Stoke City (12/1) look to be value with Michael O’Neil stabilising the Potters after two torrid seasons, while Derby County (18/1) ended last season strongly and will be buoyed by the news that the EFL won’t be punishing them following a lengthy inquiry into alleged rule-breaking.
League One Winner Odds >>>
Here’s where the outright betting starts to get really interesting as we move into a league where most clubs haven’t undertaken any meaningful action since mid-March.
After so much upheaval, a controversial salary cap, and plenty of player turnover, League One really does look up for grabs, so much will rest on how smart clubs have been both on and off the field during the extended break.
Sunderland (7/1) will start yet another League 1 season as favourites, but could they be one of the few clubs to relish playing in front of no crowds? Phil Parkinson’s side will be freed from the nervous energy that can affect performance levels at the Stadium of Light, and the former Bolton boss has managed to slim down his bloated squad.
Portsmouth (19/2) fans will also be expecting another tilt at promotion, and while the vastly experienced Kenny Jackett has his critics at Fratton Park, they have been a model of consistency since returning to this division, never finishing lower than eighth.
League One often throws up many a surprise promotion candidate – just look at Wycombe last season – and this year’s wildcards for an outside title tilt could be Blackpool (20/1). The Seasiders have shown plenty of ambition in this season’s transfer window, snapping up the free-scoring Jerry Yates from Rotherham after his successful loan spell at Swindon.
League Two Winner Odds >>>
After a turbulent couple of years, could this season finally see the rebirth of beleaguered Bolton Wanderers (11/2)?
It’s been over 30 years since the Trotters last played at this level, but the signs look positive for a strong campaign after the appointment of Ian Evatt.
The 38-year-old already has one title on his CV after winning last season’s National League with Barrow and a busy overhaul of his squad suggests Bolton are ready to take full advantage of their fresh start.
Salford City (13/2) ultimately had to settle for a mid-table finish on their debut season in the Football League, but more will be expected of Graham Alexander’s expensively-assembled squad in this campaign, while Exeter City (12/1) will be hoping a 4-0 humiliation in last season’s play-off final doesn’t result in the almightiest of hangovers.
Cheltenham Town (15/1) were many neutrals’ tip to win last season’s play-offs, and Michael Duff still looks to be a manager to watch in 2020/21 despite his side falling short. The Robins should be strong performers in a league that looks wide open.
Odds correct at time of writing and may be subject to change.
A £1 accumulator on these four sides to win their respective leagues…
Man City – 3/4
Norwich City – 6/1
Blackpool – 20/1
Salford City – 13/2
… would return £1,929.38*
*Odds as of 02/09/2020
Who are your tips to top the table?
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