Premier League / Nik Wardle / 20 June 2009 / Leave a comment

Before the big summer spending takes place, Nik Wardle looks at some good early betting options to consider in the Premier League.

With the English league fixtures out this week it seems like a brand new season is almost upon us. However, with one or two notable exceptions, the major summer spending hasn't begun yet, so if you have an inkling of how a club will perform next season
now is a good time to get your bets in whilst there are many attractive odds about.

Man Utd, even without Ronaldo, are currently the favourites for the Premier League at [2.98]. If you think it's someone else's turn, then it may be worth having a wager on both Chelsea and Liverpool at [5.20] and [6.60] respectively. Even though Man City will spend
big this summer, I can't see them challenging for the title, nor Arsenal - so I think a little bit of Chelsea/Liverpool "ditching" is a tempting option.

Unsurprisingly, the three promoted clubs are strong favourites for relegation. Burnley are at [1.69], Birmingham [2.06] and Wolves [2.32]. The slight danger of betting on them this early is that one of them may do a Hull and start with a flourish. Speaking of Hull, backing them to go down at [2.02] could reap dividends come next May.

As well as the big four, there's some strong candidates to finish in the top six. Man City were patchy last season but Gareth Barry should make them more solid. That said, their odds of [1.78] in the Top 6 Finish market are not particularly attractive. I think Aston Villa will struggle to match last season's achievements, so I'd give them a miss at [2.74]. Spurs are at reasonable odds at [2.64] but I think consistent Everton are the best current bet in this market at [2.8].