Sir Alex Ferguson recently declared the race for the English Premier League title a five horse race. Judging on the form so far, you would think it was only a one horse race. Bookies certainly don’t share his views with Chelsea’s betting odds already well into the red at 7/10.

He is right about one thing – Chelsea have had a reasonably easy run to date while the others have had to fight tougher fights. However, Chelsea have done what good teams do and that is put the weaker opposition away. Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City have failed to do that at various stages so far this season. The fifth horse in the race is probably the sleeping giant. Spurs have done little wrong including taking it up to some of the better sides.

Bookmakers have United as second pick now at 5/1 with Arsenal 6/1, City 19/2 and Spurs 100/1 – hardly a five horse race. There are a couple of important games this weekend and given the heavy workload of the top teams at present, it will be interesting to see how they fair.

Chelsea visit Blackburn Rovers and while Chelsea has the class, the Rovers have a good home record and a never say die attitude. Chelsea are short 1/2 favourites to win with Blackburn out to 15/2. Chelsea should win, but it could be an interesting game.

Manchester United are at home to Spurs and, while Spurs are playing well, should take the three points. Arsenal are also at home to bottom of the table West Ham and that should be another easy three points. On the flip side, City have to travel to Wolverhampton and that may be a a big ask. They are still reeling from last weekends shock loss at home to Arsenal. Wolves are good value at home to take the three points away from their more fancied rivals.

Chelsea are short priced favourites in outright betting, and they deserve to be so based on form to date. Spurs are not really a threat this season and City, while having a list that most teams can only dream off, seem to be slipping into the hold habits and attitudes -namely being a team of individual starts rather than being a star team. Chelsea look the goods and while it may be early days, deserve their favouritism.