Liverpool’s title-winning campaign of 2019-20 was incredible, as the Reds stormed the Premier League and won by 18 points.
This was an amazing feat, especially considering there was a 33-point gap between first and third. However, when it became apparent that nobody could catch Jürgen Klopp’s outfit, the title race was rather dull for anyone that wasn’t a Liverpool fan.
This year, it looks as though the neutral could be in for a much greater spectacle. At the halfway point there are still around nine teams that could be in with a shot of winning.
Which Teams Are Genuine Title Challengers?
At the halfway stage of the season, there are a few teams that could be considered genuine title contenders. It is tantalisingly close at the summit of the English top-flight, and bookies are finding it hard to adjust their odds accordingly each week. The odds at Bet365 at the time of writing have Manchester City at 4/7 to win the title, with Liverpool their closest challenger. It could be considered a solid prediction, as this Bet365 review explains how the site is known for being reliable and transparent.
Pep Guardiola’s side is favoured to win the title again is thanks to their markedly improved defence. After 17 games played, the City backline had only conceded 13 goals. To put that into perspective, Liverpool had conceded 21 in the same timeframe.
However, simply saying that it is a dogfight between City and Liverpool would be unfair to the other teams in contention. Manchester United, in particular, has enjoyed a resurgence in recent weeks and have managed to reach the top of the table after New Year’s Day for the first time since they won the title in 2013. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are all still in the running as well.
Which Dark Horse Has The Best Chance?
Pundits tend to only mention the richest “big” clubs when discussing the title race, and this has allowed Leicester City to remain somewhat overlooked. Brendan Rodgers is enjoying a second successful full season at the club, and is relishing challenging the big clubs again. After 18 games played, the Foxes were only 2 points behind leaders United. If they can maintain this form and keep Jamie Vardy away from the treatment room for an extended period, they are definitely in with a chance.
Everton could also be considered a dark horse in this season’s title race. They have turned a corner under Carlo Ancelotti, and have been enjoying one of their best campaigns in years, although Roy Keane has recently written Everton off as contenders for the title. The key to the Toffees’ title challenge could be in keeping key players like James Rodriquez and Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit.
There is certainly a lot for bettors to mull over when it comes to staking on this season’s Premier League winner. With half of the season gone already, there’s barely anything separating the top ten sides. No team can afford to slip up at this stage, and the run-in will make exciting viewing for the neutrals.