Three unbeaten teams after nine games - We look at the pros and cons of each.
For only the third time in English top-flight history, we have three unbeaten teams after nine league games. Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City all have title credentials, but who should you be putting your hard-earned dollar on, and who have punters been backing since the start of the season? Let us tell you…
The Favourites - Man City (8/13) P9 W7 D2 L0
Pros
Well, they are the favourites – Odds-on before a ball was kicked, they have remained below evens for the whole season, with 8/13 the shortest best price we have seen all season.
The firepower – With six more goals than the next closest team, the Citizens are a frightening prospect. They also possess Sergio Aguero, the joint-favourite for the Golden Boot (11/4).
The percentages – 8/13 works out as a 62% chance that City retain their title – You’ve got a worse percentage chance that the Conservatives get the most seats in the next election (52%) or runaway leaders Lincoln clinching League Two! (48%)
Cons
They (occasionally) get shocked – We saw Wigan at 16/1 beat City last season, but you’d need a few of these to happen along the way this season, as well as one of the other two to continue their form to see the title come loose from their grip!
Liverpool – Pep’s record against the Reds while in charge at City reada: LDWLLLD – If Liverpool can keep up with City and best them in their next meeting, they could just pull it off.
The Contenders – Liverpool (5/2) P9 W7 D2 L0
Pros
Fixture list – Man City and Chelsea haven’t played each other yet, and crucially Liverpool did not lose against either of their supposed title rivals, putting them in a great position for the upcoming festive period.
They are the punters pick! – Since the start of the season, the Reds have received more bets than any other team to win the league, with a quarter of all bets since the start of August. But…
Cons
They aren’t flavour of the month – In October, Arsenal, City, Chelsea, and even Man United have had more bets placed on them to win the league than Liverpool!
History – We’ve been here before. Liverpool were favourites to win the league after beating Manchester City in 2014, and we know how that all played out. Second favourites in the Champions League Final last season, second favourites in the league this season, they’re still not quite top dog.
The Outsiders – Chelsea (14/1) P9 W6 D3 L0
Pros
Eden Hazard – The Blues possess the overwhelming favourite for the PFA Player of the Year (11/8). The Belgian has been instrumental to Chelsea’s early success and has over 60% of bets placed on the market since betting opened.
Chelsea’s new manager effect – We saw Jose Mourinho win the league in his first season in charge of Chelsea. Carlo Ancelotti did the same. Antonio Conte did the same. Can Sarri make it four winning rookies?
Cons
Percentages (again) – An implied 7% chance suggests that Chelsea are still very much on the periphery, with a female to be the next James Bond (12/1) more likely an event occurring according the bookies.
Lack of firepower – Eden Hazard is 6/1 to be top scorer in the league this season, but he’s the only Blue in the top 16 selections. Man City have two players (Aguero at 5/2 and Raheem Sterling at 50/1) while Liverpool have three (Mo Salah at 11/2, Sadio Mane at 33/1 and Roberto Firmino at 66/1).
Nine game in... Three unbeaten teams.
— Oddschecker (@Oddschecker) October 21, 2018
Let's make it simple: Who will win the 2018-19 Premier League? #MCFC #CFC #LFC
