The Premier League title race has evolved into a three-horse contest, though the contenders have shifted dramatically after a weekend of surprises.
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Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday reinforced their remarkable start to the season, while Pep Guardiola’s side continues to stumble, extending their winless streak to seven matches.
City now trail Liverpool by 11 points, a gap only three teams in Premier League history have managed to overcome to claim the title. Yet, while some pundits caution against writing off a side that has dominated English football for six of the past seven years, Manchester City’s struggles are glaring.
Erling Haaland’s once-prolific goal-scoring form has waned. The midfield, weakened by Rodri’s absence, is underperforming, with veterans Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva showing signs of decline, Kevin De Bruyne still searching for his best form, and Jack Grealish struggling out wide. Phil Foden, too, is far from his peak. Compounding the issue is a shaky defense, as Josko Gvardiol fails to replicate his prior consistency.
City may find respite in their next fixture, hosting Nottingham Forest. Despite Forest’s surprisingly strong season, recent defensive lapses have hurt them, as shown by three-goal defeats to both Newcastle and Arsenal. City are tipped to win narrowly, with a predicted 2-1 scoreline. However, betting markets like Forest +2 goals on the handicap (offered at 4/5 with BoyleSports) might be a safer choice for those wagering on a tighter contest.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are in imperious form and are backed to continue their streak with an away win at Newcastle, priced at 4/5 with Coral and Ladbrokes. Arsenal, sitting in second, will aim to maintain their pursuit of Liverpool by hosting Manchester United at the Emirates. Despite United’s emphatic 4-0 win over a lackluster Everton side, Ruben Amorim’s men are unlikely to trouble the Gunners. Arsenal, bolstered by recent five-goal hauls against Sporting Lisbon and West Ham, are solid bets at 6/5 with Ladbrokes and Coral to win by more than a single goal.
Chelsea has emerged as the third contender in the title chase, though they remain the least convincing of the trio. Nevertheless, the Blues are expected to beat bottom-club Southampton by more than two goals, a result priced at 12/5 with Paddy Power and Betfair.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa will look to break their eight-match winless streak, exacerbated by a grueling Champions League schedule. Following a lackluster 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, Villa could find relief against Brentford, a side that has taken just one point from 18 on the road this season. A Villa victory at 4/5 with William Hill, bet365, and Betfair seems a logical bet.
As for Everton and Wolves, both clubs appear destined for a tough winter. Their midweek clash at Goodison Park offers little promise of entertainment, with under 2.5 goals a sensible prediction at 22/25 with BetMGM.
The title race is heating up, but while Liverpool and Arsenal show no signs of slowing, Manchester City’s struggles suggest their reign may finally be under threat.
