Dale Tempest runs the rule over the remaining Premier League season from a betting perspective to find any value bets hidden away.
The wait is nearly over. A 92-game blitz awaits us where we’ll belatedly find out who makes next year’s Champions League (if it’s ever played) and who gets relegated.
Let’s not pretend the title is up for grabs, it’s simply a case of organising Liverpool’s 30-year wait celebrations whilst keeping social distancing. Good luck with that one.
The teams are now back in full pre-season training mode, with friendlies soon to be played and the final preparations put in place.
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To be honest there’s nothing hidden in the betting markets. The prices are based on what everyone has seen and what we’d obviously expect from each team over the remaining nine games. 10 if your Man City, Sheffield United, Arsenal or Aston Villa.
The only team that particularly catches my eye for the required strong finish Is Manchester United. The 7/4 for them to finish in the top 4 has now been added to the Tempest Premier League portfolio.
I’ve opposed United for most of the season but if you want to talk about great signings that can transform a team, then step forward Bruno Fernandes. He’s been nothing short of sensational since he signed on deadline day from Sporting Lisbon.
I didn’t know much about him before he arrived but to have Roy Keane and Gary Neville singing your praises from Day 1 you must be doing something pretty good. His attitude is spot on. He leads with energy, excitement and quality, and he’s been the catalyst to a much-improved United side.
Let’s remind ourselves. Six wins from seven including a win at Stamford Bridge and the defeat of Man City. If Paul Pogba thinks he’s getting back in the side as a number 10 then he’s got another thing coming.
Pogba is generally a negative in the dressing room but I’m expecting even he’ll get on board now the team is winning. With a fully fit Marcus Rashford and a decent run-in of only Leicester, Spurs and Sheffield United still to play from the top half of the table, then 7/4 has to be a play.
Dale's top tips
- Back Man Utd to make the top four at 7/4
- Oppose Chelsea to finish top four
- Watch out for Everton to finish strong
I’m also keen to oppose Chelsea, who are two points clear of the Red Devil’s and 8/13 for the fourth Champions League place. Lampard's young side still have Liverpool and Manchester City to play plus the progressive Wolves and Sheffield United so I’m happy to take them on.
The stop-start season is difficult for everyone but perhaps even more so for a youthful squad looking for its first professional top level success.
Relegation battle
The relegation battle looks to be three from four in my book with West Ham and Bournemouth fighting to avoid finishing in the final drop spot. Norwich and Villa look doomed.
The prices of 5/6 Bournemouth and 7/4 West Ham look about right. Both teams have tough run-ins and I don’t see too many negatives with Brighton, Watford or Newcastle so I don’t see any collapses and won’t be getting involved.
Premier League relegation odds
- 1/10 Norwich
- 2/5 Aston Villa
- 5/6 Bournemouth
- 7/4 West Ham
- 9/4 Watford
On a general note for the return, I’m expecting big things from Everton for the remaining games. A pre-season with Ancellotti and a fully fit Andre Gomes, Calvert- Lewin and Richarlison running riot. Plenty of positives at Goodison.
Also, keep your eyes and ears open over the next few week for any clues about what’s happening at different clubs. I thought Charlton had a good chance of staying up and now I see Lyle Taylor is refusing to play due to injury fears before his contract runs out at the end of the month.
A nightmare for Lee Bowyer. There could be plenty of similar situations so keep yourself updated.
I know the football team @sportinglifeFC will be reporting on anything that can affect the markets so stay tuned particularly over the next few weeks.
Good luck and stay safe.
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