2020/2021 was a Premier League season unlike any we have ever seen in recent memory. With no fans in the stadiums and with players having to miss games due to positive covid tests, this season was strange. However, in terms of results, there were no huge surprises. After a consistently strong season it was Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side who were crowned the Premier League champions. Coming in just below as well were the usual suspects that consisted of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea. So, whilst the Euros are ongoing, football fans are putting in their predictions for who they think will finish top 4 in the 2021/2022 season. The below article will discuss their findings in more detail.
Who Are Current Favorites?
With the season set to start up again in August, sides with players currently playing internationally will be hoping for a gentle start to the season. Unfortunately, that will not be the case for previous Champions League qualifiers Manchester City whose first game of the season is set to take place against fellow contenders Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United are set to start their season with a home fixture against old rivals and newly qualified Leeds United, who had an impressive season last year. Liverpool will be playing their first game of the season against the newly promoted Norwich City, while Chelsea will welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge.
Those who just missed out on a place in the top 4 last season, such as Leicester City, Arsenal, and Everton, will be playing Wolves, Bretford, and Southampton.
Out of all of them, the favorites to retain the top 4 spots this season are exactly the same as those who claimed the spots last year, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Also in the running at the moment are Tottenham, Leicester, Arsenal, and Everton. Conspicuous by their absence, West Ham aren’t considered top four challengers despite their shocking fifth-place finish last season.
More information regarding the odds of different teams and their chances of placing in the top 4 for the 2021/2022 season can be found on sites such as Odds Shark, who are constantly updating their England Premier League Odds, as well as providing score updates and schedules.
Teams Chances of Finishing in the Top 4
The above teams are favorites to finish in the top 4. To put their chances into perspective, here are the percentages of those teams qualifying for the Champions League:
• Manchester City – 94%
• Chelsea – 80%
• Liverpool – 80%
• Manchester United – 78%
• Tottenham – 20%
• Arsenal – 18%
• Leicester – 18%
• Everton – 9%
Clearly, the previous placers are the current favorites, though if previous premier leagues have taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen.
In Summary
As fans await the start of a new season, the favorites to place in the top 4 is a very familiar sight. The Champions League qualifiers of last year remain favorites to do exactly the same once again. Just underneath are previous successful sides, including Tottenham, Arsenal, Leicester, and Everton. Regardless of the odds, with 2021/2022 looking like a season where fans can re-enter stadiums and actually cheer on and support their teams, it’s eagerly awaited by everyone.