Manchester City Open as Even-Money Favorites to Win 2020/21 Premier League Title

• Despite Liverpool’s dominance in 2019-20, Manchester City are the even-money favorites to regain the title in 2020-21
• Summer spending will prove key for all title-contending teams – Chelsea have been the most active so far
• The odds on the 2020-21 Premier League title and betting discussion are available below

Liverpool cruised to their first league title in three decades, but it’s Manchester City who are the favorites to lift the trophy at the end of 2020-21.

The two teams have been far clear of the rest in the last couple of Premier League seasons. The betting reflects that supremacy, with Liverpool at +180 and the third-favorites Manchester United out at +700. Chelsea, who have already confirmed the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, are priced at +1200.

The latest 2021 EPL odds are in the table below.

Premier League Winner Odds 2020-21

Odds taken Jul. 28

Summer Changes

The summer transfer window is a significant one. David Silva has left Manchester City. Chelsea have already signed two top-quality attacking players. Manchester United continue to be linked with Jadon Sancho. Liverpool chose not to spend on Timo Werner and, of the top four teams, they are the seemingly the least likely to make multiple major acquisitions.

City’s position as favorites is a judgment on the quality of their squad. Even in this disappointing campaign, they were well clear of Liverpool when it comes to expected points. If Aymeric Laporte was healthy throughout the season, the top of the table could have looked very different.

Man City’s defensive signings under Guardiola:

£50m – Stones
£2m – Zinchenko
£60m – Laporte
£52m – Mendy
£48m – Walker
£27m – Danilo
£59m – Cancelo
£11m – Porro
£11m – Angelino
£35m – Ake (rumoured)

£300m on defenders alone… pic.twitter.com/QT8YYvHZNp

— Football Mumble (@football_mumble) July 20, 2020

If the squads remained as they are now, City might still be favorites for the title, but the respective recruitment plans of the Premier League’s top two further consolidates Pep Guardiola’s side as top of the pile ahead of 2020-21.

Transfer spending is no guarantee of success. With City, Chelsea and United all set to make major signings, though, Liverpool’s apparent reluctance to spend is a factor to consider.

City to Bounce Back

Leroy Sane and David Silva are going to be playing elsewhere. Fernandinho is not the player he once was, and questions remain over Sergio Aguero’s future.

Thank you, David Silva. Thank you.

💪 10 seasons
🙌 309 appearances
👌 59 goals
🤝 101 assists

One #FPL 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱. pic.twitter.com/D77JBYjobp

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) July 26, 2020

There is no doubt that City will spend to deal with those issues. Ferran Torres looks to be on his way to the blue half of Manchester and there’s an inevitability that a center-back will be signed with John Stones out of favor and Nicolas Otamendi not up to standard. Nathan Ake has been linked with a move recently.

The lifting of the Champions League ban could help City. Guardiola might have considered moving on had it been upheld. It could also serve as a distraction. European glory is City’s main aim and if they miss out on the Champions League this summer, it will be their primary focus next season.

#ManCity are close to agreeing a deal to sign Nathan Aké from Bournemouth for a fee in the region of £35m.

[via @guardian_sport] pic.twitter.com/pG2NsGkQiP

— City Report (@cityreport_) July 20, 2020

City are good enough, and have sufficient depth, to compete for the league title and push for the Champions League. Their probable investment in the summer window will further their lead as the strongest squad in the league.

Although deserving favorites, City’s +105 price is on the short side given the progress that United and Chelsea have made.

Surging Chelsea

The defensive woes are a massive concern. Chelsea’s record at the back was one of their worst in the Premier League era, but they are moving to address that.

Kepa Arrizabalaga had a terrible season. Chelsea’s expected goals against wasn’t too bad – a combination of poor goalkeeping and good opponent finishing made them look a worse defensive team than they truly were.

With links to goalkeepers and left-backs already, and with Roman Abramovich more than willing to spend big, Chelsea should have a new look backline by the time next season gets underway.

Post-shot xG:

Liverpool 2.3 – Chelsea 2.6

Score:

Liverpool 5 – Chelsea 3

Post-shot xG takes into account the finish as well as factors such as defensive positioning. In simple terms, Kepa made Liverpool's shots look tougher than they actually were.

— ExpectedChelsea (@ExpectedChelsea) July 23, 2020

Personnel isn’t everything, and Frank Lampard has a way to go as a defensive manager, but it is a step in the right direction.

One thing is for sure; Chelsea’s attack will be dangerous. Lampard has options, and could yet be adding Kai Havertz to an already exciting group.

The Blues were marginally behind Liverpool by Understat’s expected points this season. It’s a surprise to see them at such longer odds than Manchester United – they look good value.

Pick: Chelsea (+1200)