Best Bets From Blue Square

Manchester United are 6/5 favourites to claim a third consecutive Premier League title next season; with uncertainty over Ronaldo's future, that may look like a skinny price, but let's look at the alternatives.

Chelsea (2/1), at the time of writing, are without a manager and on the verge of a mass exodus of their senior players. Arsenal (9/2) failed last year with arguably a better squad, and unless they strengthen with some star names, they will be set for third or fourth again. Liverpool (7/1) have yet to make a real challenge for the Premier League, and possibly rely too much on Gerrard and Torres.

Outside the big four, only Tottenham (50/1) are quoted at double figures, but the best they can hope for is a fourth-place finish if any of the big four falter.

The three teams entering the Premier League from the Championship occupy the top three places in the relegation betting. Playoff winners Hull City are 30/100 to make a swift return to the Championship, along with Stoke City (2/5) and West Brom (10/11). Last year's strugglers Fulham (9/4), Bolton (5/2), and Wigan (5/2) are the next three teams on the list; but at a bigger price, Blackburn (10/1) could be real contenders if they fail to replace Mark Hughes with a decent boss.

The top goalscorer market is a minefield based on which players will still be around come August, and furthermore, which players will arrive. Fernando Torres occupies the top spot in the betting as Ronaldo decides his future. Torres' fellow countryman David Villa could be making the switch from La Liga to the Premier League, and will be well worth watching out for.

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