Revitalised Arsenal set to show London rivals how it is done
Published:Whether seeking to be ‘Pride of’ Manchester, Somerset, or South Wales, all fans want their club to out-shoot their local rivals.
Six sides represent London in the top tier of English football this season, and while the battle for bragging rights is, in all reality, between three, if not two clubs, we take a look at the capital’s teams ahead of the campaign.
Chelsea – 2/5
Jose Mourinho’s men head the betting in this market and it’s easy to see why. The Blues have outperformed their city rivals in nine of the last 10 seasons and look in a stronger position than ever to do so again.
After some astute bits of business over the summer a challenge for the title is surely on the cards.
But at such a skinny price, interest in them in this market should be limited, with the emergence of the next team in the betting looking ominous.
Arsenal – 9/4
Like the buses that frequent the north London streets, Arsenal’s wait for trophies has ended with two showing up in quick succession. An FA Cup success followed up by victory in the Community Shield will give the Gunners just the boost they need ahead of this campaign.
The potential arrival of either Sami Khedeira or William Carvalho will stop the gap that has not truly been filled since Patrick Vieira’s departure, completing the final piece of the jigsaw in the Emirates starting XI.
The Gunners may have resorted to being Premier League dark horses, but it’s easy to see why.
Tottenham – 10/1
Unlike their neighbours, Spurs seem to have gone backwards in the last year or two.
After going through a stage of trying to sign every midfielder on the planet, the White Hart Lane outfit need to go through a period of transition if they are to challenge the top table again.
The arrival of Mauricio Pocchettino at the helm can only be a positive. After turning Southampton into the darlings of the media with their neat play last season, it will be interesting to see what the Argentine can do at the Lane.
West Ham – 1000/1
With the pressure already on Sam Allardyce before a competitive ball is kicked, the Hammers are the first of three no-hopers in this particular market.
A win over Sampdoria in their final pre-season friendly signalled Big Sam’s intent to try and bring about more attractive football to the Boleyn, and a surprise could be in store for those expecting more long-ball action in the coming months.
If they can cope without Andy Carroll leading the line, there are worse bets for a top 10 finish at 2/1 than the East Londoners.
Crystal Palace – 2000/1
After a remarkable season that saw them finish 11th when strongly fancied to go down, this campaign will be much tougher for the Eagles.
Tony Pulis is a man that knows how to win at all costs, and is a solid manager to have in charge of a club fighting relegation.
The arrivals of Fraizer Campbell and Brede Hangeland are steady signings, but second season syndrome could hit Selhurst Park, with a return to the Championship priced up at 5/2.
QPR – 2000/1
With ‘Arry at the helm, who knows what is possible at Loftus Road? What we can be certain of is plenty of action in the transfer market, and we have already seen just that.
The raid of Cardiff for Steven Caulker and Jordan Mutch look very good acquisitions, and with the ‘wise’ old head of Rio Ferdinand in there, a stay of Premier League execution could be in store for the Rs. Back them to stay up at 4/9 with Ladbrokes.
All Odds and Markets correct as of the date of publishing
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.
