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Manchester City Favourites to Defend Premier League Title

Manchester City go into the 2024/25 Premier League campaign as the favourites to lift the title for the fifth straight year. Pep Guardiola’s side finished two points clear of Arsenal last season, which was enough to see them crowned the champions once again.

Guardiola is heading into the final year of his contract at the club, so this could be his last season in charge of the Cityzens. If that does prove to be the case, the Spaniard will be looking to bow out on a high.

Champions Begin with Tough Test at Stamford Bridge

Manchester City begin the defence of their title away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They are 17/20 in the odds on football matches to make a winning start to their new campaign. Guardiola will be coming up against his former assistant Enzo Maresca, who is the new Chelsea manager, after agreeing to join the Blues from Leicester City.

The betting calculator shows that a £10 bet on Manchester City in the Premier League betting this season generates a return of £23. The bookmakers also have them as their favourites to win the Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, such is the confidence behind the English champions.

Guardiola’s first home game of the season comes against Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town. They then travel back down to London to take on West Ham, who are now coached by Julen Lopetegui.

Arsenal Bidding to Go One Place Better

Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have finished second in the last two Premier League campaigns. Supporters of the North London club will be hoping they can go one place better this year and win their first title in 21 years.

Arsenal’s tally of 89 points last season was their highest since 2004. They led the standings for large parts of the season, and although they won their last six consecutive Premier League fixtures at the end of the campaign, it was not enough to finish above Manchester City.

With the experience Arteta now has in his squad, there is real optimism around Arsenal’s title bid this season. They are expected to be the strongest challengers to the champions once again.

New Era Begins at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s reign at Liverpool came to an end earlier this summer. The German spent nine years at Anfield where he won the Premier League title, Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. He has been replaced by Dutchman Arne Slot, who will be vying to follow on from his predecessor’s success at the Merseyside club.

Liverpool finished third last season with 82 points. It was enough for them to qualify back into the Champions League. They also won some silverware as they prevailed in the EFL Cup, beating Chelsea in the final at Wembley.

Slot landed the Eredivisie with Feyenoord in 2023, so he knows all about league championship success. He inherits a strong squad at Liverpool, with many of the club’s leading stars expected to stay for the new era.

The opening round of fixtures in the 2024/25 Premier League take place on the weekend of the 17th-18th of August.