The most balanced league begins again. Nobody can really question who Le Championnat favourites are, which started a week ago, while the Premier League returns, where Chelsea are tipped to wrestle the title away from Manchester City after their summer spending spree. There are a number of teams capable of securing Premier League glory, while the battle between Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho, master and apprentice, is likely to take centre stage in England's top tier this term.
Below are the best odds for the Premier League and Ligue 1 winners, Champions League contenders and relegation candidates and the two stand-out games this weekend, though the odds may change between now and the close of the transfer window.
PREMIER LEAGUE WINNER - Last season was José Mourinho’s first where he failed to win a trophy, taking into account only seasons that saw him in charge for the duration of the campaign. This alone may be why the bookmakers have instilled Chelsea as favourites to win the Premier League (@2.87). However, the real value may lie with Manchester City. Manuel Pellegrini’s solid squad is confident and has been strengthened this summer and it’s little shock that they are second favourites (@3.25) to win the league and is potentially the best bet to make. Unless of course you want to bet on Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham as winners at @67.00.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CONTENDERS - If Chelsea and City are dead certs to finish in the top-4, then two of Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham will have to settle for a season without Champions League football. Once again the real value is with Tottenham (@4.50), whose odds are fairly high considering the gap between 4th and below at the end of each season is usually fairly small.
RELEGATION CANDIDATES - Unsurprisingly, Burnley are the bookies’ favourite to drop straight back into the Championship (@1.57). Crystal Palace's odds are not too high (@2.75) but they could fall further after Tony Pulis’ shock resignation. However, the best value may be with West Bromwich Albion (@3.25). They only staved off relegation by the skin of their teeth, finishing 17th last season, and could be in or around the bottom three come May.
STOKE CITY vs ASTON VILLA: AWAY WIN @4.50 - The risk of the weekend in the Premier League. Stoke bought Bojan this summer to help spearhead a new-look Potters attack, though it remains to be seen how he will settle in England. Meanwhile, the Villans will be captained by defensive lynchpin Ron Vlaar, who enjoyed an impressive 2014 World Cup. Aston Villa’s counter-attacking game could pay off here.
LIGUE 1 WINNER - The odds on PSG to defend their title are simply ridiculous (@1.14), but who in their right mind would bet against them? On the other hand, the odds on Monaco (@8.50), the second favourites, are so high that if you are looking for a risky investment, then it may be worth backing Les Rouges et Blancs.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CONTENDERS - If PSG and Monaco are to finish 1st and 2nd, respectively, then the fight for the 3rd and final available Champions League place is between Marseille, Lyon, Lille and Saint-Etienne. Marcelo Bielsa’s Marseille are favourites to finish 3rd (@2.29), although there is value to be found by betting on Lille (@3.30).
RELEGATION CANDIDATES - The favourites to drop into Ligue 2 are Lens, Evian, Guingamp and Caen. Despite their impressive start to life in Ligue 1, Caen (@2.75) could be relegated into France's second tier at the end of the campaign, though Evian (@2.37) may be there or thereabouts despite their 14th placed finish last season.
LORIENT vs NICE: DRAW @3.40 - Two of the surprise packages from the first round, with Lorient securing a shock win at Monaco. That victory may lead to complacency, which could see them underestimate Nice, whose attack is spearheaded by Dario Cvitanich, who bagged a brace last time out.
Who will you be betting on this weekend? Let us know your top tips in the comments below
