Premier League top four odds: Liverpool’s form opens door for two rivals

Arne Slot is under increasing pressure. The Reds have already lost more games than last season. Other clubs will sense an opportunity.

All odds are courtesy of US Sportsbooks, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.

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Liverpool

Nobody expected Liverpool to be as bad as they have been this season. Only three clubs in the history of the Premier League have had fewer points at this stage of a season after winning the title. Leicester (2016/17 — 12 points) finished 12th, Chelsea (2015/16 — 11 points) ended 10th, while Blackburn Rovers (95/96 — 14 points) landed up 7th.

In 2022/23, during a poor start under Jurgen Klopp, the Reds picked up 16 points from 12 games. That’s two fewer than they have now, and they still managed to rally. However, they still only finished fifth. Last season, Manchester City were heavily criticised for their form, but they still had five more points than Liverpool at this stage. That says a lot about how far the Reds have slipped.

More worryingly for Liverpool, there’s little room for complaint. They’re seventh on expected points and have been behind at half-time in seven of their last eight matches. Also, only four teams have conceded more than Liverpool. Their attacking output has dried up — they’ve only scored seven in their last seven.

All things considered, a top-four finish seems like a huge challenge for the Reds. Arsenal, City and Chelsea seem locked in for three of those places. This leaves just one spot open. Liverpool desperately need to improve to stay in the race.

Things have become so bad that there’s already talk of a managerial change. They might struggle to turn things around.

Manchester United

For a while, it seemed like United had turned a corner. Ruben Amorim’s men won three in a row and went unbeaten in five. They’re now winless in three, however, and succumbed to a shock home defeat to Everton on Monday. They’ve also dropped to 10th, level on points with Liverpool. However, they can’t match their rivals’ quality.

It seems likely United will finish higher than last season. However, a top-four finish is still out of reach.

Aston Villa

It’s taken them a bit of time, but Villa seem to have found their feet now. Defeat to Liverpool earlier this month was their only loss in nine league matches. They’ve won six of their last seven. For now, they occupy fourth place and will be determined to stay there.

Unai Emery has proven himself an excellent manager. He has done brilliant things in the Midlands. The Villans have a genuine chance of securing a top-four finish.

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe’s side have been great in the Champions League and not so great in the Premier League. That said, a recent win over Manchester City has certainly given them a huge boost and could prove to be a springboard. However, they have to address their inconsistencies if they’re going to climb up from 14th place.

The Magpies are expected to finish a lot higher than they are now. Yet, their squad may not be strong enough to compete on all fronts and secure a top-four finish.

Crystal Palace

The Eagles have been one of the standout stories of the Premier League this season. They’ve consistently put in impressive performances.

The weekend’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers lifted them to fifth. They also have the second-best defensive record in the division. As they press on in Europe, however, fatigue could catch up with them.

A top-four finish isn’t out of the question. However, doubts remain over how long they can sustain this level of form.