It’s the silly season for English Premier League football clubs as some have to cope playing five games within fourteen days. It will be the competition leaders that feel it the most having played in European competition this week. The lesser lights have had at least a few more days off, and this could be telling when reviewing each games betting odds.

Of the top group, Chelsea appear to be handling every game with ease. Sunday will be a real test as they travel to a rejuvenated Liverpool. Bookmakers have the Reds at 3/1 despite being home. They have made Chelsea 11/10 favourites for what should be an entertaining game. The draw at 12/5 looks to be the safest bet and that’s our tip.

Manchester City are surprising 11/10 favourites against giant killing West Bromwich. The Baggies have surprised everyone since their return to the Premier League and at 3/1, look to be great value – even more so since they are playing at home against a City side that has looked our of sorts. We’ll tip the home side, especially at 3/1.

Arsenal will be licking their wounds following a surprise loss to Shaktar Donask midweek. The Gunners will go into this game slightly understrength while Newcastle come into the game riding a wave of confidence. They will be buoyed by Arsenal’s loss at home to West Brom a couple of weeks ago. It will be an interesting game. Arsenal at home are 2/7 favourites with Newcastle out 12/1. The Gunners will probably win but at 2/7, they can do it without our cash – we’ll pass on this game.

Of the four top teams, Manchester United seem to have the toughest week. They start with an easy game at home against cellar dwellers Wolverhampton but then face an interesting away derby game against City on Wednesday then backup again next weekend with another away game to Villa. Tomorrows game is first up however and United are rightly short priced favourites to win. Wolves are 16/1 to United’s 1/4 and home, United should romp in.

It’s a tough week for the competition leaders, however, it is these games that really separate the pretenders and the contenders – the question then is, will someone leap out of the pack and become a contender?