Premier League football 2010-2011 season betting preview

Last season saw Carlo Ancelotti`s Chelsea cruise to the Premier League title in style as they broke the record for goals scored in a campaign, hitting at least seven on no fewer than four occasions in the Italian`s first year in English football. The Blues are favourites to retain their title, despite losing the Community Shield 3-1 to Manchester United, with bookmakers going no longer than 7/4 (bet £40 to win £70 profit), that price available with Victor Chandler and Blue Square.

Chelsea have not been two active in the summer transfer window so far, with most of the movement involving players leaving the club. Deco, Michael Ballack, Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho have all left Stamford Bridge, with only Yossi Benayoun and Ramires set to join. However, with Michael Essien back in the squad there is no doubt that the West Londoners are stronger than they were last season and are the ones to beat.

Manchester United, who are no strangers to Premier League titles, with eleven in the eighteen seasons since the league was formed and three in the last four. They have only strengthened slightly, adding Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling over the summer but keeping hold of all their key men. With Michael Owen back from injury and Owen Hargreaves due to return at some point, many will be tempted by the 12/5 on offer with Paddy Power and Sky Bet.

The long, drawn-out transfer saga involving Cesc Fabregas and his parent club Barcelona has finally come to an end, with the Spaniard committing himself to the club for at least one more year. With this, Arsenal`s hopes of ending a five-year trophy drought have improved and the Gunners are third-favourites at 7/1 with Coral. They have added to their striking options by signing Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux and if they can find a goal-keeper then they could well be in the mix come the end of the season.

Manchester City`s chances of winning their first ever title are separated from Arsenal`s only by Betfair and after the untold millions spent over the past couple of seasons there is a huge weight of expectation on manager Roberto Mancini. However, it may take time for his squad to gel and by then they may have dropped too many points to challenge at the very top. Looking through the hastily-assembled squad, it is difficult to pick out players that would make Chelsea or United`s first eleven and a more realistic ambition this year could be the Champions League. They are 7/1 with several bookmakers and Betfair.

Two other sides who look likely to be competing for a top-four place are Liverpool and Tottenham. Spurs finished ahead of the Merseysiders last season to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history. They look at least as strong as last season but Liverpool, who are 16/1 with Betfred, have managed to keep Gerrard and Torres and sign Joe Cole. They might also get more out of Alberto Aquilani and Maxi Rodriguez now that they have more experience in English football. Spurs are, however, probably better value at odds of 37/1 on Betfair.

The Premier League season kicks off on Saturday the 14th August with a scintillating clash between Manchester City and Tottenham.

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