Premier League Betting: Manchester City and Liverpool lead handicap market

It has only been seven weeks since the last Premier League season ended and the 2020-21 campaign is almost beginning.

Liverpool will be out to defend their title after spending the last 30 years without one, whilst Manchester City are gunning for a third crown in four seasons.

Those two sides are once again favourites with bet365 to win the Premier League but there is another option for punters in the form of the handicap market.

This market offers bettors the chance to select which team they think will top the Premier League in May after a positive handicap is added to each team.

For instance, Man City started last season with a scratch handicap whilst Liverpool began with +4, taking their points total from 99 to 103 in the handicap table.

However, they were only joint-second by that particular metric thanks to Sheffield United starting with a +52 handicap which took their actual points tally from 54 to 106, whilst Burnley went from 52 to 103.

Each-way is paid out on top-four places at 1/4 odds, and that top four was rounded out by Leicester City who went from 62 points to 96 thanks to their +34 handicap.

This season also sees Man City start with a zero handicap and Liverpool again at +4, with both sides available to back at 15/1 (16.0) with bet365.

After an impressive transfer window which has seen them sign Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, Chelsea are +14 but at 12/1 (13.0), with Manchester United +16 at the same odds.

There could be value in the form of Wolves with a +31 handicap at 15/1 (16.0) after Nuno Espirito Santo’s side ended with 59 points last season, whilst Leicester are +32 after pushing for the Champions League last term.

At the other end of the market, newly-promoted West Brom are 15/1 (16.0) with a +53 handicap and Championship play-off winners Fulham have +52 at 18/1 (19.0) with bet365.

Crystal Palace may prove to be a popular choice at +49 whilst Burnley are +47 for those who believe they can replicate their form of last season when they amassed 54 points.

The bookmakers do not hold out much hope for Sheffield United to repeat their exceptional season as they are +46 in the handicap market, but there is a weight of expectation on Leeds United.

The Championship winners ended a 16-year Premier League exile and are 12/1 (13.0) to win the handicap table with a +40 start.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.