Premier League 2021/22: Predicting Movements in The Big 6’s Betting Odds
The transfer market has been pretty slow this summer. There are two reasons for that: First, players are focused on Euro 2020 (and the Copa America). Secondly, a lot of clubs (we are looking at you, Real Madrid) are clearly broke. Yes, Barcelona have made some smart signings on free transfers, but there certainly hasn’t been much movement at all this summer.
That might change in the coming weeks, and we wonder how some big transfers will – if at all – change the dynamics of the upcoming season. Below we are going to look at the Premier League odds of the Big 6 clubs as they stand today, and then predict if they will move before the start of the season. All odds sourced from 888 sport and correct as of 30/06/21:
Manchester City
Current Price: 4/6 888Sport
City, as you might expect, are the clear favourites to retain the Premier League title they won last season. As with every other member of the Big 6 (except Liverpool, who signed Ibrahima Konate), City have yet to open the chequebook for a significant transfer – that will change. Of course, there is a lot of talk about signing Harry Kane, although speculation has died down a bit as Spurs’ Daniel Levy looks to hold firm.
Will the odds change? Probably not. Even with a blue-chip signing like Kane, the price for City is quite short before a season begins. They are firm favourites, and it will stay that way.
Liverpool
Current Price: 5/1 888Sport
That’s a big price for Liverpool, considering what the Reds have achieved over the last couple of seasons. Getting Virgil Van Dijk and Jordan Henderson back will be like having two new signings, and Liverpool are expected to be busy in the transfer market – with players going both ways.
Will the odds change? Yes. Or at least, they should. Forget the aberration of last season (and, don’t forget how strongly Liverpool finished). Once a couple of signings arrive at Anfield, the money will pour in to back the Reds – the bookies will cut those odds.
Chelsea
Current Price: 5/1 888Sport
The Champions League winners are level in the betting markets with Liverpool, and understandably so. They need a top-class striker (doesn’t everyone?) and a centre back if they want to translate Thomas Tuchel’s magic touch across the season.
Will the odds change? It’s difficult to say. Chelsea need a striker more than most, and it’s not clear whether they can outmuscle the likes of City in the market. Anything less than a Kane, Mbappé or Haaland arrival will see the odds stay static.
Manchester United
Current Price: 8/1 888Sport
Jadon Sancho looks like the most likely summer signing, and that does solve a problem on the right-wing. But United need a quality centre-back and centre-midfielder. Edinson Cavani covers up the striker issues for another year. But we can’t see anything seismic shifting United’s odds – they are 4th favourites and that feels about right.
Will the odds change? No. Simple as that. And fans will be disappointed with the transfer activity.
Tottenham Hotspur
Current Price: 40/1 888Sport
Boy, there is a steep jump in the odds from 4th to 5th favourites. But are you really surprised? Spurs are managerless (at the time of writing, although Nuno Espirito Santo is incoming) and rudderless and, maybe, will be Kane-less by the time the new season starts.
Will the odds change? They might go up as Spurs are potentially leapfrogged by Arenal. Even if they keep Kane, or reinvest the money from his sale, it’s hard to see the bookmakers or punters lumping on Spurs.
Arsenal
Current Price: 50/1 888Sport
Some might make an argument that Arsenal should be ahead of Spurs in the odds. And we have the suspicion that they might come off a bit better in the transfer window compare to their North London rivals.
Will the odds change? Yes. The bookies will take a snip or two off that price, provided Arsenal make a couple of shrewd moves over the coming months. They don’t need to break the bank.