Who Will Win The Premier League Title In 2024/25?

Between now and the opening weekend of the 2024/25 Premier League season we can expect a flood of transfers, as clubs get busy post-Euros in order to improve their squads.

There may even be a managerial switch-up too though it’s rare for changes to be made in the dug-out at this juncture.

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Already there have been five new appointments and that’s enough to be getting on with.

On the pitch though, leading contenders for the title and also-rans alike will look very different this August to the teams that achieved their targets, or fell short of them, in May.

New strikers will be scoring their goals. Midfielders who will ultimately prove to be pivotal haven’t even been signed yet.

Premier League Winner Odds

  • Manchester City - 11/10
  • Arsenal - 15/8
  • Liverpool - 7/1
  • Chelsea - 20/1
  • Manchester United - 25/1
  • Newcastle United - 25/1
  • Tottenham Hotspur - 33/1
  • Bar - 50/1

*Odds accurate as of 10th July 2024*

You may think therefore that it’s difficult to make informed predictions about the season to come at this early stage, but that’s not the case, not when we step back and take in the big picture.

Because by doing this we see the journeys each club are on, the trajectories they are traveling, and this leads us to some fascinating – and surprising – conclusions. Not least that the most successful side in the modern era may be about to hit a speed-bump. 

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Blues won’t win the Premier League this season. There, it’s been said. It’s been committed to print.

Last term, inspired by Phil Foden at his peak and bolstered by the goals of Erling Haaland, City pulled off the extraordinary and unprecedented feat of winning a fourth consecutive title and it was the challenge of doing this that propelled them forward, fuelling their motivation. 

So strong was the desire to do something that had never been achieved before City remained unbeaten from early December on, and this was enough to see off a maximal Arsenal creation for the second year running.

Yet for all of their brilliance and array of superstars, and as intimidatingly superior as Guardiola’s blueprint is, it should not be under-estimated how taxing it is to repeatedly go to the well and return with an over-flowing pail of water.

Furthermore, it only takes the slightest drop-off in hunger to tell at this level.

Can they go again? It will be immensely hard from a squad that is expected to show signs of wear and tear this season, after holding off sustained bids by Liverpool and Arsenal in recent years. 

Naturally, the most successful side in the modern era are once again favourites in the Premier League betting and for sure they will be in the mix for the duration.

But with only one or two new additions anticipated, and with the bulk of the squad sated and spent, this may well by a period when they unwillingly take their foot off the throttle. 

Arsenal

Staying with the psychological angle, it could be argued that the Gunners will similarly struggle to consistently hit the peaks again.

After all, last season amounted to a perfect storm, with a superbly put together side playing at full capacity and driven by a ravenous desire to prove their doubters wrong.

A plethora of last-minute winners and equalisers suggested fate was with them and when Kai Havertz is banging in the goals on a regular basis it’s abundantly clear that the side he’s playing for is doing something very right. 

Yet despite losing only once in their opening 15 games, and only once in 2024, Arsenal still failed to topple a ruthless Manchester City and could you blame them if they collectively shrugged their shoulders this summer and wondered ‘what more can we do?’

That kind of thinking however will not be tolerated by Mikel Arteta and moreover it may become apparent soon into the campaign that a 90-plus points tally is not necessary this time out. 

As for the make-up of the Spaniard’s squad, it should be extremely encouraging for Gooners everywhere that its few weaknesses are being prioritised. 

A new left-sided defender is being targeted, with Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori firmly in the frame, while a winger to help take the burden off Martinelli and Saka is being actively sought.

PSV’s Johan Bakayoko heads the queue here with Nico Williams potentially pricing himself out following his successful Euros. Adding to their striker pool is key too and a surprise shout in this regard could be Spain’s Mikel Merino.

Liverpool

The departure of Jurgen Klopp and arrival of Arne Slot from Feyenoord colours every detail of Liverpool’s pre-season build-up. 

Does a new era beckon for the Reds? Would fans even welcome such a notion given that last term felt more like a temporary blip rather than a project nearing its time.

Certainly there is nothing significantly broken and in need of urgent repair.

Thankfully, the Liverpool board have chosen Slot judiciously, his style of play mirroring that of his predecessor and with a proven track record of bringing through talented youth.

There is a lot of that to be found at Anfield right now with Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, and Harvey Elliott all on the cusp of establishing themselves as first team fixtures. 

Furthermore, the Dutchman has introduced himself well, charming the Merseyside public and showing his ruthless side in releasing Joel Matip and Thiago, two great players but cursed by injury woes.

Now we await who he brings in to freshen up a side that scored freely last season and looked all-the-better for having a midfield overhaul, but ultimately drew too many games.

Liverpool are third favourites in the betting and rightly so. They possess world class talent and a will to win that is a match for anyone, but presently unknowns surround them. 

Chelsea and Tottenham 

Spurs set off like an express train last season but eventually injuries and Ange Postecoglou’s refusal to compromise proved their undoing. 

Can we expect anything different over the next twelve months? With a more favourable wind behind them we can absolutely anticipate lots of goals and entertainment while keeping their best players fit for the long-haul will see their league position improve.

Their high-wire defending though will always see them fall on occasion, ruling them out of any title chase.

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As for Chelsea, new managers have won the title before in their opening bow, as the Blues themselves know from experience. It should be noted too that a side mired in crisis and chaos across the first half of last season, only lost once from mid-February.

The circus that’s been Chelsea in the Todd Boehly era was beginning to look like a serious enterprise.

Even so, there still feels like a considerable amount for work for new gaffer Enzo Maresca to complete in a short period of time in order for the Londoners to compete at the very top. They will remain a work in progress for the time being at least. 

Conclusion

After dominating the English footballing landscape for several years on the trot it might finally be time that Manchester City cede an inch or two. Don’t rule out Arsenal taking full advantage.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*

July 10, 2024
Premier League

By Stephen Tudor

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    Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.

    A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.

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    Most Successful British Tennis Players Of All-Time

    • Andy Murray and Virginia Wade are the most successful British tennis players in the Open Era

    • Brits have only won a handful of Grand Slam titles in recent decades

    • Greg Rusedski was the last British man to reach a Grand Slam final before Murray

    While tennis’ popularity hasn’t waned in the UK, it’s rare to see any British tennis betting favourites.

    There has been some success over the last decade or so, but where other nations have a constant supply of elite talent, there are fewer top-tier players from Britain.

    The days of Tim Henman generated much British betting excitement. For all the bluster, though, Henman was not a perennial Grand Slam contender, nor was he really among the sport’s best.

    Virginia Wade and Sue Barker brought success in the women’s game. Since then, however, triumphs have been uncommon. Only a handful of British female players have made it into the top 30 in the world rankings.

    Most Successful British Tennis Players

    The Open Era hasn’t been kind to British tennis players. The days of Fred Perry, Dorothea Chambers, and William Renshaw are confined to tennis history.

    Many of the most successful British tennis players racked up Wimbledon titles decades ago, starring in the interwar years or earlier.

    While Grand Slam titles are seldom won by Brits, there’s no downplaying the support any British player receives when they play in a home tournament.

    British tennis fans are committed, passionate, and fiercely supportive, particularly after a day in the sun at Wimbledon.

    Most Titles In Open Era

    Virginia Wade and Andy Murray are the most successful British tennis players in the Open Era by singles titles.

    Murray’s tally of 46 singles titles is good for 14th on the all-time list, just behind Boris Becker and ahead of greats including Arthur Ashe and Stefan Edberg.

    Wade’s tally of 55 is particularly impressive. It’s good for ninth ever, tied with Lindsay Davenport. Wade won more singles titles than Venus Williams and Monica Seles in a career which earned induction to the tennis Hall of Fame.

    Unsurprisingly, it’s a bit less exciting beyond the top two. Tim Henman had just 11 ATP singles titles to his name, while Greg Rusedski accumulated 15 throughout his career. Sue Barker matched Rusedski’s total.

    Murray and Wade are far and away the most successful in the Open Era. Just as no one has come close to matching Wade’s numbers since her retirement, British men’s tennis faces a similar challenge when Murray calls it a day.

    He succeeded and surpassed Rusedski, becoming comprehensively the most successful British men’s player since Fred Perry.

    Most Doubles Titles

    Jamie Murray has 25 doubles titles, making him the most successful British doubles player in the Open Era.

    Virginia Wade had a successful doubles partnership with Margaret Court, winning multiple Grand Slams, but it’s Murray who produced the most sustained success as a doubles player.

    Murray won the 2016 Australian and US Opens in the men’s doubles. He’s got five mixed doubles Grand Slam triumphs to his name too, winning Wimbledon in 2007 and 2017 and doing a threepeat at the US Open between 2017 and 2019.

    He also captured the 2015 Davis Cup as Great Britain defeated Belgium. Jamie Murray partnered with his brother to get the better of Steve Darcis and David Goffin in the final, after the pair saw off Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth in the semifinals.

    Best Winning Percentage

    Andy Murray net worth and injuries might have been popular topics in recent years as his career has been hit by setback upon setback, but his records remain impressive.

    Only three active players, per the ATP website, have a better winning percentage than Murray.

    He’s 10th all-time in the category, and unsurprisingly the best among British players by a distance. Men’s tennis’ big three are the arguably the three greatest players in the sport’s history.

    Murray, for a few years at least, was a serious challenger to all three of them.

    Just 17 men in the Open Era have won more matches than Murray. Given the surgeries, and long lay-offs, that’s a remarkable statistic. He’s won more matches than Bjorn Borg, Andy Roddick and Rod Laver.

    Virginia Wade won 839 singles matches. This is good for fifth all-time, having recently been overtaken by Serena Williams.

    Wade won 71.8% of her singles matches. This ranks joint-twentieth, ahead of Amelie Mauresmo. No other British woman places in the top 100 in singles wins in the Open Era.

    Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski place 55th and 73rd all-time in singles wins. Mark Cox, who had a career spanning the Amateur and Open Eras, was 88th in Open Era wins with over 400.

    None came close to Murray’s winning percentage of 77%, however, with Henman owning the best mark of the trio at 64.4%.

    Grand Slam Winners

    Joining Virginia Wade and Andy Murray as Grand Slam winners, Sue Barker won the French Open in 1976.

    They are the only three British tennis players to win a Grand Slam since the 1960s, with Greg Rusedski and John Lloyd being the only other two players to reach a final.

    Murray ended a long drought for the Brits. He became the first Brit on the Wimbledon men’s winners list for the best part of a century when he won at the All England Club in 2013.

    The year before he had been the first male British finalist since Fred Perry beat Gottfried von Cramm in 1936.

    Wade won her three Grand Slams across three different venues. It was the US in 1968, followed by Melbourne glory four years later and celebrations at Wimbledon in 1977.

    Barker’s 1976 win in France was the only Grand Slam final she appeared in. Only three other times in her career did she make it to the last four.

    Once again, it’s Murray who is atop the pile. The Glasgow-born right-hander tied Wade’s Grand Slam tally, but was also runner-up at Grand Slams on six occasions. There were a couple of Olympic golds thrown in for good measure.

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    If you can't get enough of tennis, check out the odds over at 888sport.com

    *Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*

    July 9, 2024
    Tennis
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    Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

    He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

    Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

    Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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    Euro 2024 Goal Of The Tournament Contenders

    Euro 2024 has been resplendent with bangers, long-range rockets that have lit up games and had us out of our seats. In the group stages alone 13 goals were scored from outside the box.

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    With the contests mostly being engrossing and of a high standard we are therefore being spoilt this summer, and more drama is to come with the semi-finals honing into view.

    For now though sit back and enjoy, as we revisit the ten best goals of the tournament to date. 

    10) Donyell Malen v Romania 

    Romania were pushing up and leaving gaps by the time Malen got his head down and motored across half the pitch to settle matters in this last 16 clash.

    That’s not to take anything away though from the clinical nature of the counter.

    Three minutes into added-on time, Holland defended a floated ball into their box, protecting their 2-1 lead. Virgil Van Dijk headed clear and the ball was nudged further forward by Xavi Simons. 

    That set the Borussia Dortmund winger free who hared down the left before cutting inside and finishing with aplomb. 

    9) Ruben Vargas v Italy 

    The flying wide-man found himself in and out of FC Augsburg’s side last season and was dropped for Switzerland’s preceding game against the Germans.

    With a point to prove therefore he duly put in a Man of the Match performance in the Nati’s last 16 besting of Italy. 

    First he assisted cleverly for Remo Freuler to break the deadlock. The other side of the break the 25-year-old curled a lovely effort into the far corner. 

    8) Nicolo Barella v Albania 

    Shell-shocked after conceding just 23 seconds in against Albania, Gli Azzurri recovered well, with Alessandro Bastoni heading an equaliser soon after before Barella fired home what ultimately proved to be the winner in the 16th minute.

    The Inter midfielder’s strike may not be as spectacular as some of the others on the list but it was no less impressive, requiring improvisation and quick-thinking.

    As a decent, intricate Italian move broke down the ball was semi-cleared to the 27-year-old who swung his foot at it instinctively. 

    7) Dani Olmo v Germany

    Spain’s 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal deserves half the credit for this one, the winger standing up his full-back before slide-ruling a pass across the edge of the box.

    It was an atypical delivery, an intelligent pass over a straightforward cross.

    But then you see the replay. You see Olmo racing into the space and pointing to where he wants the ball to be. 

    Perfectly teed up, his finish was as cool as they come. 

    6) Morten Hjulmand v England 

    A big talking point concerning England in their group games was how much space they were affording opponents on the edge of their box.

    This came to pass against Denmark in their second outing when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg fired a warning shot across the bows just a minute in, then Christian Eriksen did likewise soon after. 

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    Lessons clearly were not being learned because after half an hour, an abysmal pass by Harry Kane found Victor Kristiansen who squared it for Hjulmand.

    With England’s defence slow to respond he unleashed an Exocet missile that flew through a forest of legs and went in off the post.

    Someone on social media blamed Jordan Pickford for the concession. It’s scary that such people can vote. 

    5) Nico Williams v Georgia 

    Williams has been a revelation in Germany, as too has Yamal on the other flank, but it wasn’t until Spain’s comprehensive victory over Georgia that we saw end product, the Athletic Bilbao winger producing a goal and an assist.

    His goal was La Roja’s third of the night, a devastating counter-attack that began in their own penalty area.

    Fabian Ruiz calmly dealt with danger and lofted a long ball to Williams’ feet and though there was much to do he made short work of it, ghosting past a defender and blasting the ball high into the net all in a heartbeat. 

    4) Xherdan Shaqiri v Scotland 

    Now at Chicago Fire and 125 international caps deep, it feels like the squat, energetic scheming of Shaqiri has been around forever. It surprises to learn that the Swiss legend is still ‘only’ 32. 

    Still, this could well be his last major tournament, and very likely his Euro swansong, so it was fitting that a player who has conjured up so many big moments for Switzerland was responsible for their best goal of the summer.

    A loose pass by Anthony Ralston was pounced on by the former Liverpool man who curled a beauty past Angus Gunn in nets. 

    3) Nicolae Stanciu v Ukraine

    Romania’s opening 3-0 victory over Ukraine was arguably the shock result of the tournament, the Tricolorii very much unfancied in the football odds to progress from Group E.

    And it all began with a thunder-thwack, Stanciu benefiting from sloppy defending to receive the ball 25 yards out with the keeper not ‘set’. 

    Running onto a ball already laced with pace, the midfielder redirected it with an extra touch of venom smack into the top corner. As the cliché goes, you don’t stop them. 

    2) Jude Bellingham v Slovakia 

    Given how underwhelming they have been throughout the tournament it surprises that England are still well backed in the sports betting to lift the trophy in Berlin. Patriotism and optimism is a heady brew.

    Or perhaps people are sensing that something feels fated in Germany, with Gareth Southgate’s strugglers somehow finding a way through each and every time. 

    In the quarters a penalty shoot-out was negotiated. In the last 16, facing an ignominious exit at the hands of Slovakia, and with mere seconds remaining, a player who had been anonymous to that point pulled off an unbelievable bicycle kick to equalise. 

    It was a special goal by a special talent who has elsewhere not been especially special at all. 

    1) Arda Guler v Georgia 

    With the Euros just four days old, Turkey and Georgia played out the game of the competition, each on the front foot throughout. 

    At the half-hour mark Georgia’s Mikautadze cancelled out Mert Muldur’s superb volley, a goal only omitted here so that no game is featured twice.

    And then, entering stage right, Turkey’s greatest young talent for at least a generation took possession 30 yards out, was given far too much time, and took full advantage of it, wrapping his boot around a shot that fizzed low and hard beyond the reach of the despairing keeper. 

    It was a goal that announced Guler’s genius to the world. It was a coronation.

    *Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*

    July 8, 2024
    Euro 2024

    By Stephen Tudor

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    Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.

    A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.

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    Erling Haaland Net Worth, Salary & Estimated Wealth

    • Erling Haaland has quickly become one of the best strikers in the world

    • Starring for Dortmund and Norway, Haaland is breaking goalscoring records at a prolific rate

    • At the center of transfer rumours, Haaland’s net worth is going to grow rapidly

    Erling Haaland’s ascension has been dramatic. Not so long ago, Haaland was on the periphery of football betting with RB Salzburg. Still in the early years of his career, he’s already one of the best players in the world.

    Ballon d’Or betting odds put Haaland among the top talents in world football. This isn’t a player making his name or battling for recognition.

    Haaland has arrived on the world stage – he makes Borussia Dortmund a Champions League contender, and he leads a thrilling generation of gifted Norwegians.

    How Much Is Erling Haaland Worth?

    Having only spent a couple of years at the pinnacle of the game, his net worth is not quite at the heights of his more experienced peers.

    With his statistics soaring, and many of Europe’s wealthiest clubs pursuing his signature, though, it’s a matter of time until Haaland is receiving one of the biggest salaries in sport.

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    Not many players strike fear into defences quite like Erling Haaland. Every step in his career will be followed closely, and he’s got the ability to change the fortune of any club. Here’s everything you need to know about the Dortmund star.

    Erling Haaland Net Worth

    Estimations of Erling Haaland’s net worth vary, but most come in around the $12 million mark.

    Salary Sport claims Haaland receives £141,000 from Dortmund in salary per week. This will, of course, be supplemented by various bonuses and sponsorship deals.

    While he’s hardly going to be searching down the back of the sofa for a few pennies, this is a relatively low salary for a player of his calibre.

    Per Spotrac, 15 Premier League players are on at least £200,000 per week. Another 15 are on between £144,000 and £200,000.

    Haaland’s current contract is considerably below market value – he’s destined for a massive pay rise if he leaves Borussia Dortmund.

    Known across the world, Haaland is very marketable. He has been associated with Nike throughout his professional career, but there’s been some speculation he could switch to Puma.

    Whoever provides his boots, it’s sure to boost that net worth even further.

    Erling Haaland Goals:

    How many goals has Erling Haaland scored? Find out here!

    Erling Haaland to Manchester City:

    Manchester City are one of the richest clubs in the world. They are on the lookout for a striker. Erling Haaland’s father played for the club just after the turn of the century. Links between Haaland and City are inevitable.

    Pep Guardiola’s team are searching for a long-term successor to the ageing Sergio Aguero, and with Gabriel Jesus yet to make the position his own, City will have their eyes fixed on Haaland.

    Haaland transfer rumours will be relentless in the coming months. Manchester City will be at the centre of it.

    Erling Haaland Dad:

    Erling Haaland’s dad is Alf-Inge Håland. Alf-Inge recorded 34 caps for Norway between 1994 and 2001, and featured in English football for Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.

    The elder Haaland is best known for his long-running rivalry with Roy Keane. The pair often matched up, and tempers frequently flared.

    Keane injuring his ACL was the first incident between the two, as Alf-Inge Håland stood over the Manchester United midfielder criticising him, having not realised the seriousness of the injury.

    Several years later, Keane made a vicious tackle on Alf-Inge Håland when the two clashed in a Manchester derby. Keane kicked Alf-Inge Håland high on the right knee. The Irish midfielder was immediately sent off and suffered a three-match ban and £5,000 fine.

    A year later, Keane released an autobiography, stating this was a pre-meditated retaliation for the incident several seasons earlier.

    When the FA began an inquiry, Keane claimed this was poor wording from his ghost writer, but he received further punishment.

    Alf-Inge Håland was already struggling with knee issues. The following summer, he underwent surgery on the knee and retired after the next season having made just a handful of substitute appearances.

    He once said, "I really dislike (Manchester) United and I can't stand their players.” This has become an often-mentioned quote when discussing Erling Haaland’s next team.

    Erling Haaland FIFA 21:

    A popular Champions League star, Erling Haaland is a star of FIFA 21, too.

    His base card in FIFA 21 is rated at 84. That’s not exactly spectacular, but the Norwegian has an array of upgraded cards. There are a pair of 90-rated cards and various other editions between there and the base gold.

    Haaland’s combination of pace, control, finishing, strength and size makes him the complete striker in real life. He’s every bit as domineering in FIFA 21.

    Erling Haaland Statistics:

    A quick glance at Erling Haaland’s stats shows he will be at the forefront of Champions League predictions for the next decade or more.

    Whichever stats site you prefer, Haaland’s numbers will leap off the page. He’s already breaking Champions League goal scoring records for his age, and it seems to be a rare occasion when he plays 90 minutes without finding the net.

    His 3.2 shots per game this season ranks 16th among all players in Europe’s top five leagues. His Dortmund teammate Jadon Sancho is seventh in key passes per match, many of which will have been setting up Haaland.

    Of players to have played 900 or more minutes, just Lewandowski, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Luis Muriel are scoring more goals per 90 minutes.

    Haaland is a generational talent. Whether preferring stats or eye test, there’s no question he’s a phenomenal talent, set to dominate the European game for years to come.

    July 3, 2024
    888Business
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    Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

    He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

    Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

    Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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