After a more than unpredictable season in the 2015/16 campaign, somewhat normal services appear to have resumed in the Premier League. The busy festive period is usually good indication of how a team is going to perform for the rest of the season.
At this time last season, Leicester topped the Premier League, famously going on to win it outright – and Chelsea hopes for similar fortunes.
Chelsea have been in great form this season under Antonio Conte and were the betting tip of the year at betting tips plus. They took a bit of time to get on track, but after switching to three at the back they have been the most consistent team in the Premier League.
The side have won their last eleven games in the Premier League, securing their place at the top of the table for Christmas. Their next two games are home fixtures against Bournemouth and Stoke – matches with which they will be confident of getting maximum points heading into the second half of the season.
Manchester City and Liverpool are both hot on the heels of the league leaders.
Manchester City had a big result at the weekend, beating Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad. After going a goal down early on in the game the Citizens managed to turn things around in the second half through goals from Sane and Sterling. They are still seven points adrift from the league leaders but believe they can close the gap if they get into winning form. Liverpool, Manchester City’s opponents on the 30th of this month, are currently nine points off the top spot.
However, they have a game in hand against their Merseyside rivals on Monday night.
Liverpool had looked a bit shaky for a couple of fixtures, getting beat by Bournemouth and held to a draw at Anfield by West Ham. They got back to their winning ways last weekend, beating Middlesbrough 3-0 away from home.
Arsenal and Tottenham are in a bit of a scrap for fourth place in the Premier League, alongside Manchester United.
All three teams have dropped form enough to where they’re not really in the title race right now. There is just four points between the three teams, but they will all need an upswing in form and luck if they are going to catch Chelsea.
The main focus will be on making the top four come season’s end, but none of these teams should be completely written off from the title challenge just yet.
Premier League Outright Odds
Chelsea – 4/5
Manchester City – 4/1
Liverpool – 6/1
Arsenal – 7/1
Tottenham – 28/1
Manchester United – 28/1
(Prices from Bet on Brazil, subject to vary)