With four Premier League titles in the last five years, Man City set the standard in England’s top flight and they are the team that everyone has to beat.

Pep Guardiola has done a tremendous job since taking over at the Etihad Stadium, building one of the most dominant squads in the history of English football.

Rightful favourites for the title in Premier League betting odds, City will take some stopping as they look to become only the second club to win three successive top flight titles.

While rivals Manchester United have accomplished that feat on two occasions, this City side are arguably the greatest team in Premier League history in terms of standard.

City Juggernaut Rolls On

It will be business as usual once again for City as the defending Premier League champions bid to make it five titles in the space of six years.

It doesn’t matter who comes in and who goes – this Manchester City juggernaut is terrifying and supporters should just six back and admire the quality on show at the Etihad Stadium.

Putting in the work 💪#ManCity pic.twitter.com/24yd7qndCc

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 18, 2022

Kevin de Bruyne is the best player in the Premier League and the supporting cast aren’t bad either, with everyone doing their bit to ensure City remain at the top of world football.

While the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho are no longer at the club, City are unlikely to be adversely impacted – they have strength in depth all over the pitch.

Top Notch Recruitment

What a signing Erling Haaland could be. If there’s one area that City needed to improve, it was upfront and the former Borussia Dortmund man can thrive in the Premier League.

Just imagine how many goals Haaland will score in that City attack. The thought of it is quite frightening and it is enough to put the fear of God in rival supporters.

In addition, City replaced Fernandinho with England international Kalvin Phillips. The former Leeds man looks like a typical improver and Pep will surely get the best out of him.

And once Oleksandr Zinchenko completes his £30 million move to Arsenal, the door will be open for City to sign Marc Cucurella – who might even be an upgrade on the Ukrainian.

How Can Manchester City Improve?

With 99 goals scored, 26 goals conceded and 93 points accrued from a possible 114 in 2021/22, it is hard to pinpoint a specific area of improvement for Manchester City.

Furthermore, City had an excellent record against the ‘big six’ – picking up more points in games against their rivals than anyone else (20 from a possible 30).

Those looking at placing an online football bet on City to win multiple trophies would do well to remember their struggles in the Champions League though.

That maiden victory in Europe’s elite club competition continues to elude the Citizens, and that is one area where Pep in particular will be desperate to pull through.

Man City Prediction For 2022/23:

Personally, I can’t see Liverpool getting as close to City this season. Sadio Mane’s departure hinders the Reds far more than Sterling’s departure hinders City.

In addition, Guardiola and his team have recruited tremendously well – improving key areas of the pitch and Cucurella will be another welcome addition if that goes through.

I’m backing City to win the title by at least five points this season. It won’t make for any final day drama but City won’t care.

Man City Premier League prediction: Champions

FIRST PUBLISHED: 19th July 2022

Quite possibly the most unpredictable team in the Premier League heading into the new campaign, Manchester United simply cannot afford to get off to a slow start.

A gruelling preseason schedule should ensure that the Red Devils are fully fit and ready for the first game of Erik Ten Hag’s regime against Brighton on 7th August.

You won’t see United featuring in outright Premier League predictions after a disappointing 2021/22 season but there is an air of optimism surrounding the Old Trafford side.

The early signs have been promising under Ten Hag, with the Dutchman implementing the same style that bore fruit during his successful tenure at Ajax.

Without further ado, it’s time to look at United and their chances of success in 2022/23. Will the Red Devils climb back into the top four at the first time of asking?

Ten Hag To Work Wonders?

Simply put, Man Utd were a mess in 2021/22. Unrest off the pitch and a lack of identity on it, the Red Devils were fortunate to eventually finish sixth.

While that means another season in the Europa League, it does give Ten Hag an opportunity to lay the foundations for future success at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag’s message to his players is clear 🥵 pic.twitter.com/3BvPk58nat

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 18, 2022

Nobody is expecting United to go and challenge for silverware this season and that can work to the Dutchman’s advantage – especially if they get a couple of late deals over the line.

Ten Hag ticks plenty of boxes and he can bring the style, swagger and substance back to Old Trafford. It will take time but this is a project United should buy into…

Transfer Window Vital

At the time of writing, United have signed three players: Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez will feature at the Theatre of Dreams this campaign.

While the Frenkie de Jong transfer has hit a stumbling block, the Red Devils can be relatively satisfied with their business so far this summer.

Ten Hag has targeted key areas of the pitch where United required mass improvement and another arrival in central midfield would go down well with supporters.

How United end this transfer window will impact their football betting odds this season. In its current state, the Red Devils midfield is nowhere near good enough to compete.

How Can Man Utd Improve?

Ponderous in possession and lacking creativity, United were incredibly boring to watch last season. With Ten Hag at the helm, that shouldn’t be an issue.

Players need to buy into the Dutchman’s management style. With a number of outgoings at the end of last season, United fans will hope that the dressing room is now under control.

Manchester United need to step forward into the modern era. The club has major structural problems but Ten Hag can lead United back to the Champions League on the pitch.

Favourites with 888sport for Europe’s secondary club competition, it would be some feat if the Red Devils could justify Europa League predictions come May.

Man United Prediction For 2022/23:

While Ten Hag will need time to work his magic, United have the quality to finish in the top four this season – and that would constitute a successful season for the club.

The Red Devils are much changed heading into 2022/23 but mass change needed to happen for United to evolve and grow as they look to get back to the top of English football.

Perhaps I’m looking at this through rose-tinted glasses but I fancy United to finish fourth and bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford.

Man United Premier League prediction: Fourth place

There was so much to enjoy about Kevin Keegan and his time at Newcastle United. From public feuds with Sir Alex Ferguson to earning the ‘Entertainers’ nickname, it truly was an era to savour.

For five glorious years, Newcastle were arguably the most exciting team on the planet. The Magpies were 100% attacking and we loved them for it.

Having led the club to the First Division title in 1992/93, Keegan was an instant hit in the top flight as Newcastle finished third in their debut Premier League campaign.

Cult legends such as Steve Howey, Rob Lee and Peter Beardsley were prominent figures at St James Park during the era – while Pavel Srníček was a pillar between the posts.

Never fighting it out in Premier League relegation betting odds, the Toon Army finished in the top six in each of their first four seasons in England’s elite division.

Keegan was named Premier League Manager of the Month five times during his time at the club, which is testament not only to his managerial prowess but his exciting group of players.

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Keegan – he had to make some big calls. Fans were in uproar after he decided to sell Andy Cole and buy Alan Shearer, but that didn’t turn out too bad in the end…

Keegan made the unusual decision to speak directly to Magpies fans outside the ground, providing his reasoning for Cole’s departure. It was a bold move but one that earned him plenty of respect.

Kevin Keegan talking to fans outside SJP about the sale of Andy Cole. Crazy to think how open the club used to be. pic.twitter.com/T60CblHO1D

— NUFC Online (@NUFC_Online) February 16, 2016

We simply cannot talk about Keegan’s time at Newcastle without mentioning that rant. Was it simply a case or Ferguson getting to him or was this some bizarre attempt at reverse psychology by King Kev?

Either way, Newcastle were the ones who suffered as Manchester United lifted the Premier League title yet again. And with that, Keegan’s rant went down in folklore as a meltdown.

The Magpies had been clear online football bet favourites that season but squandered a 12-point lead at the top of the table to hand the trophy to the Red Devils.

To this day, Keegan is still haunted by those famous words. Supporters share snippets of the interview on Twitter while friends imitate the Newcastle boss down the pub.

Ferguson was the master of mind games, with perhaps only a peak Jose Mourinho able to hold his own against the scheming Scot. And in this particular battle of wits, Keegan certainly lost…

From Faustino Aprilla to David Ginola, this was a Newcastle side that was blessed with talent, charisma and charm – and they had a fearless leader in King Kev.

Newcastle missed out on the Premier League title, yes, but they’ll always be remembered as the Premier League’s ‘Entertainers’ and that nickname is here to stay.

Under the new regime, the sky is the limit for Newcastle United when it comes to trophies but the legacy of Keegan’s side will never be forgotten.

Memories will be made at St James’ Park for years to come but it is important to remember that Keegan’s Newcastle were once regarded as the most exciting team in the land.

Go back and watch Newcastle in the mid-1990s if you get the chance. Their games were both fast and furious, and even now – you always feel like there’s going to be another goal either way.

FIRST PUBLISHED: 18th July 2022

Football is an emotional game and emotions can sometimes get the better of players – even the best ones. And that is exactly what happened to Didier Drogba on 6th May 2009.

Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League in controversial circumstances after a dismal refereeing performance from Norwegian official Tom Ovrebo.

It was a shocking display and one that had a clear impact on online football betting markets, with Barcelona benefiting from several poor decisions.

The referee himself has since admitted that he had a bad day at the office but that was no consolation for Chelsea as the Blues exited the competition at the semi-final stage.

However, Drogba and a few of his teammates – namely Michael Ballack and Jose Bosingwa – lost their cool and lashed out, with the Ivory Coast man noticeably overcome with rage.

“It’s a disgrace, it’s a f***ing disgrace” was just one phrase used by Drogba, directly towards the television camera. Not a smart move to say the least…

Drogba was handed a six-game ban, with two of those suspended for two years, while the club were slapped with a £85,000 fine. A harsh punishment given the injustice of it all.

Eventually, the ban was reduced to three matches but Chelsea were still required to pay the fine. In addition, Jose Bosingwa was handed a three match ban of his own.

Almost a decade on, Ovrebo has admitted his mistakes on that day and Chelsea have lifted the Champions League – ironically with Drogba scoring the decisive goal.

Things could’ve been oh so different for the Blues though, with poor officiating costing the west London side a chance to appear in back-to-back Champions League finals.

Expensive few words , but still a disgrace though 😅 https://t.co/OPfFrlxlhR

— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) May 6, 2021

No matter where you sit on the Thierry Henry vs Didier Drogba debate, you had to feel for the Chelsea man in this particular situation.

Emotions were high at the business end of the season and the refereeing just wasn’t up to scratch. It felt like every decision went against the Blues on that night.

There is absolutely no condoning the abuse aimed at Obrebo but you can understand the anger and frustration from a Chelsea perspective.

Having fought for an entire season after losing in the previous final, to be denied a second opportunity to compete for European football’s top prize will have hurt.

13 years later, Chelsea have been crowned European champions and are now one of the biggest clubs in world football.

The Roman Abramovich era may be over but the club’s journey throughout his tenure will live on – and Drogba’s outburst in May 2009 was just one of the low points.

Still undoubtedly one of the top strikers to feature in Premier League predictions, Drogba still stands by the belief that the referee wasn’t up to scratch.

Will we see an outburst like this again? Hopefully not. Footballers are role models and, while we can understand where the anger and frustration came from, that is not the example we want to be setting for the next generation of aspiring players.

Cast your minds back to 10th December 2006. That day will live long in the memory because we saw one of the greatest strikes in Premier League history.

But it wasn’t Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba or Wayne Rooney who wins that honour – instead that title belongs to Ghana midfielder Michael Essien.

Two of the leading contenders in Premier League winner odds at the time, both clubs found themselves way behind runaway leaders Manchester United going into the clash.

And while the two teams had to settle for a share of the spoils, it was Essien’s goal that was the real talking point in the aftermath of the contest.

With the Blues trailing 1-0 with just over five minutes remaining, Chelsea were beginning to pile on the pressure – though Jens Lehmann had stood tall throughout.

Cue Essien and a moment of brilliance. The ball was played into Frank Lampard in midfield and there was nothing on going forward, so he simply laid the ball off for Essien.

Running onto the ball from the right back position, there was a sense of anticipation as the Ghanian opened up his body and struck the ball some 35 yards from goal.

As soon as the ball left his boot, you knew it was in. Stamford Bridge held their breath as the ball swung through the air before nestling in the far corner.

Chelsea fans erupted and there was a huge sense of relief, with jubilant celebrations among the Blues contingent on the pitch. It felt like a big moment in the context of the season…

It's Thursday, so we're throwing it back to this dreamy strike from @MichaelEssien against Arsenal! ☄️💥 

Describe this goal in one word: ________________#ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/ku3yqELhmT

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 26, 2020

The goal got even better as you saw the replays, with the behind shot proving best of all. The swerve on Essien’s effort was unbelievable – it truly was a one in a million strike.

It was an effort that defied the laws of physics. Anyone involved in betting on football online will have seen Essien’s goal at one time or another; it is an iconic Premier League strike.

While Chelsea were unable to find a late winner, that goal gave the Blues the impetus to go and push Manchester United for the remainder of the season.

They ultimately fell short in their pursuit of retaining the title but Chelsea finished 15 points clear of Liverpool in third place. Arsenal had to settle for fourth once again.

Martin Tyler and Andy Gray were the men in the commentary box that day and both were clearly taken aback by the nature of the effort.

The Ghana midfielder had scored just two goals in 31 appearances during his debut season in the Premier League but bagged a spot in the history books with that Arsenal strike.

It was a goal that you could never have called – not even the most ardent Premier League predictions follower would’ve backed Essien to score from that sort of range.

However, football is a funny old game and the stars were aligned perfectly for him on that day. Thank goodness they were as they gave us one of the great Premier League moments.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 18th July 2022

A strong end to the 2021-22 campaign saw Crystal Palace finish 12th in Patrick Vieira’s first season in charge. The Eagles were one of the better teams to watch last term, and that trend is expected to continue in 2022-23.

Palace don’t have a favourite in Premier League top scorer odds, but the final third is loaded with scintillating talents, led by the talismanic Wilfried Zaha.

Consistency was an issue at times. For all the disappointing weekends, Palace produced marquee moments in 2021-22, including wins over Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal.

They repeatedly proved they aren’t a team to be overlooked when it comes to live betting.

Main Arrivals

Cheick Doucoure arrived from Lens for just under £20 million. The 22-year-old midfielder brings a bit of everything to a Palace midfield which needed an injection of youth after seeing Conor Gallagher return to Chelsea.

Doucoure was well above average in his tackles and interceptions last term, but his real standout contribution was as a ball progressor, ranking in the 93rd percentile at his position in progressive carries and progressive passes per 90.

Proud to be an Eagle 🦅🔴🔵🤝@CPFC pic.twitter.com/0SPs6ldEJP

— Cheick Doucouré (@C_DoucoureOff) July 11, 2022

What was an elderly Palace squad just 12 months ago has experienced something of an overhaul, and Doucoure is just the latest step in that revolution.

Sam Johnstone has arrived on a free transfer, as has teenage winger Malcolm Ebiowei from Derby. The Eagles could yet make another deal with Chelsea for defender Levi Colwill, while there’s rumoured interest in Morgan Gibbs-White.

Ball-Carrying Attack

Zaha remains one of the best dribblers in Europe.

He’s symbolic of the freedom in Palace’s attack, which is evident in the play of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze – Palace were fourth in dribbles per game last season and drew the second-most fouls of any team.

Doucoure will drive through the middle third of the pitch, bringing another player who is unafraid to run at the opposition. If they did pull off a deal for Gibbs-White, that would be another willing ball carrier.

The Palace attack is a unique challenge for opponents, and can quickly put defenders on the back foot.

How Can Palace Improve?

The remainder of the transfer market is obviously an opportunity for Palace to improve the squad at Vieira’s disposal.

Much of their progression from last season to this, though, is about player development from their younger talents like Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell and Olise. A fully fit Eze changes the ceiling of this team, too.

Advanced metrics loved Palace last season, placing them sixth in expected goal difference with only the top four teams ahead of them.

This has to be a factor to consider when weighing up Palace’s Premier League predictions in 2022-23.

Much of that impressive xG return was down to their defence. On paper, this attack should be one of the best outside the top six, particularly if Doucoure can settle in quickly.

Crystal Palace Prediction for 2022/23:

Palace are trending in the right direction under Vieira. Several Eagles players are going to be among the best preseason tips, and there’s a solid foundation from last season.

Inconsistency is probably a continued issue such is the age of the squad and variability in their attacking performances. Expect some thrilling fixtures against the top teams, but there will be surprise losses mixed in, too.

We can’t quite envisage a push for a European place, but the Eagles should be a top half team.

Crystal Palace Premier League prediction: Top half finish

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*