Alas, we are here! The start of the Premier League season is finally upon us. No better way to kick it off than a Friday opening weekend game between two teams who are expected to challenge for European qualification. Both Crystal Palace and Arsenal would love to finish top three this season. While that reality is closer for Arsenal than Palace, both will fight for the reality. Regardless of last year's finishing position, every team will try to catch Manchester City. We will be breaking down the league giants in this week's columns.
Here is a breakdown of Manchester City's preseason betting odds on PointsBet Sportsbook:
Manchester City to Win Premier League -150
Manchester City had a fantastic offseason. They bagged the most sought-after transfer prospect in Erling Haaland. They certainly paid the premium for his services, but he should be one of the great EPL players for years to come. They lost a few players who I'd consider outcasts in the eyes of Pep Guardiola. Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko all have found new teams and will rightfully have starting jobs elsewhere. In addition to the acquisition of Haaland, City were able to land Leeds United defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
While the goal for most clubs over the offseason is to get better, that's something I can confidently say Manchester City did. While it's easy to say their improvements come at the hands of landing Haaland, I'm going in a different direction. They got better by allowing Sterling to leave and giving Jack Grealish more run on the wing this season. Guardiola said it himself; it often takes players one or two years to acclimate to his system. It should be a big year for Grealish.
This is a two-person race between City and Liverpool. They are the cream of the crop. While both will be heavily involved in European play, they have the depth to withstand any obstacles.
I wouldn't bet any team to win the entire league at -150. I think they get it done, but not a chance I'm drinking juice on a league winner. You'd be better off betting on Liverpool or Tottenham and praying City slip up a bit.
Manchester City to Finish Top 4 -10000 | Odds to be Relegated +50000
Pass. I wouldn't even recommend these as parlay legs.
Erling Haaland to Win Golden Boot +275
This is a bet that you should include in a parlay. The new striker for City makes the most sense. He's a big and athletic striker who knows how to finish. The best part of his game is his pace and stamina. I'm not playing him by himself, though. Not at +275. I'll add him to a ticket where Alabama wins the National Championship. The odds are semi-decent, and I'd be able to live with myself if Guardiola decides to be very cautious with Haaland around UCL play.