Betting on the Premier League Top Four Race
In the English Premier League, the teams that finish inside the top four places will automatically qualify for the Champions League in the following season. It is, therefore, a big deal and a serious consolation prize for those that miss out on the EPL title.
In the betting markets, the top four option doesn’t always attract the most interest, but it can deliver some good value. Here, then, is a rundown of teams in the mix for the Top Four in 2022/23.
Runners and Riders
As the https://www.premierleague.com/ paused for the fourth round of the FA Cup, Arsenal enjoyed a five point lead at the top of the table. Defending champions Manchester City were in second place, before a gap opened up to the chasing pack.
While Arsenal and Manchester City seem almost certain to finish inside the top four, the battle for the remaining two Champions League slots is very open. There are only three points between Newcastle United, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, while Brighton and Fulham are further back.
Liverpool, who sit in ninth, will feel that they cannot be ruled out, but it will take a huge effort to gatecrash the top four from their current position.
The Bookmakers’ Verdict
The markets tend to reflect the current positions of each of those teams. Arsenal and Manchester City are aiming for the title, rather than a mere Champions League place, and they are both listed as short odds on picks in the top four betting.
According to odds supplied by https://www.sbo.net/, Manchester United are the third favorites, shortly followed by Newcastle United. A gap then opens up to Spurs, who currently sit in fifth place in the EPL table.
Many clubs still have half of the season still to play and there is plenty of scope for market adjustments. As soon as any changes come in, they will be reflected on the SBO website, and readers can take their time to study the updated figures.
There will be supporting information too and this will come via news, opinion and useful betting guides. Anyone wishing to test out their knowledge can do this as all sportsbooks on the recommended panel will be ready to accept new customers.
Those who complete a secure online registration process will usually receive a generous promotion to kick things off. A range of funding methods handle all the financial transactions, while customer services are on hand if necessary.
Moving forward, there may be ongoing promotions, while each betting operator is likely to have a mobile app, live markets and a wide choice of additional sports. It’s the site to follow the Top Four race from a betting point of view, but who will get over the line?
Crucial Fixtures
If we assume that Arsenal and Manchester City are certainties for a top four finish, we need to focus on the remaining teams. According to the points table as it stands at the start of February, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Spurs are the three teams who appear to be fighting for the remaining two Champions League slots.
Three into two doesn’t go, so how do we make a call on these sides? It’s a good idea to look at matches where the teams in question have to play the clubs around them.
At the very beginning of April, Newcastle United will host Manchester United in a game that could decide the fate of either side. Before the month is out, https://www.nufc.co.uk/ will also be at home to a Spurs team that is looking to break into the top four places.
Spurs have a tough run that also includes a home game against Manchester United on April 25th. Those three matches are most likely to decide the fate of the clubs on the fringes of the top four race.
Final Thoughts
The general feeling is that the table will remain the same at the end of the season. Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United are the teams most likely to be playing in the Champions League next season.
We cannot rule out the possibility of Spurs joining them. The team went on a late run last season to snatch the final UCL qualifying slot, but inconsistency suggests they will miss out.
