Premiership betting odds may not suggest it but with five Premier League matches left to end the season for most clubs, the race for top and bottom positions is the closest it has been for several seasons. Portsmouth know their fate and it’s not what they would have hoped for at the beginning of the season. They are the first team to be confirmed for relegation. Meanwhile, Newcastle and West Bromwich have now secured their promotions back to the Premier League next season.
At the top of the Premier League, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are all vying for the coveted number one spot. All three are one win away from securing their position in next season’s Champions League. Chelsea lead the way in betting with odds of 8/13, well clear of Manchester United at 13/5 and Arsenal at 8/1.
The Premier League table tells a different story with Chelsea leading the way on 74 points from United on 72 and Arsenal on 71. All three have been eliminated from the Champions League so that is one distraction out of the way. For Chelsea, their win over Villa yesterday in the FA Cup semi-final allows them to concentrate on the Premier League as well.
The next two weeks could well define the season with United having to play two difficult matches – today away to Blackburn and next weekend away to Manchester City. Chelsea host Bolton midweek, which could see them skip away from the pack (depending on today’s games) and follow that game with a real test away to Spurs.
Arsenal travel to Spurs midweek in what could define the season for Spurs. They will be backing up from today’s FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth. If Arsenal can win away from home they will really put pressure on the top two. If Spurs win, they will move closer to cementing a top five finish and a place in Europe next season.
It’s all there for the taking with all three of the top teams in a position to take the title. Betting odds suggest Chelsea are clear cut favourites. I suggest you keep an eye on Arsenal as they edge ever closer to the top – and 8/1, they must surely be worth a small wager?