The fight for the Premier League top four has never been more competitive than it is this season, but who are the favourites to get Champions League football?
Historically, the top four has been a fight between the big six. But Aston Villa has broken through, and even Brighton & Hove Albion was in with a shout a couple of seasons ago.
Last season, the top 4 was comprised of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
This year, though, at least eight teams will fancy their chances of finishing in the top four.
Entering the Champions League is a big deal for any team. If you spend successive seasons outside of it, you may struggle to attract top talent, as well as generate less revenue.
If one of the ‘lessers’ clubs manages to force their way in, it can really help them kick on for future seasons.
Manchester City had a fantastic season in 2022/23, with Pep Guardiola leading the club to the coveted ‘Treble’ done only once before by rivals Manchester United in 1999.
The Blues bagged the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. And they want to do it again this season.
Premier League Top Four Predictions 2024-25
Who will take one of the coveted top four spots this season? All of the odds (supplied by Betfred) are below.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Man City | 1/10 |
| Arsenal | 1/9 |
| Liverpool | 2/5 |
| Man Utd | 7/4 |
| Chelsea | 2/1 |
| Newcastle | 2/1 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2/1 |
| Aston Villa | 11/4 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 12/1 |
| West Ham | 20/1 |
| Crystal Palace | 28/1 |
| Bournemouth | 33/1 |
| Fulham | 50/1 |
| Wolves | 50/1 |
| Brentford | 50/1 |
| Everton | 80/1 |
| Ipswich | 100/1 |
| Nottm Forest | 100/1 |
| Southampton | 100/1 |
| Leicester | 200/1 |
Manchester City – 1/10
Manchester City may have won four Premier League titles in a row, and they are undoubtedly aiming for a fifth. However, a legal case looms overhead, one that could see the club relegated to the Championship.
The likelihood of that actually happening is slim to none, given that this case has dragged on for years. City is facing 115 charges from the Premier League for alleged financial rule breaches dating back to 2009.
These charges are set to be heard by an independent disciplinary commission, but no date has yet been scheduled with City vehemently contesting the charges.
Given that the case is unlikely to be settled this season, it’s fair to assume that the club will absolutely finish in the top four.
This is reflected in the betting markets with City 1/10 ON – which means that for every £10 you bet, you will get £1 back if you are successful.
Arsenal – 1/9
Arsenal FC has a distinguished history in the Premier League, marked by periods of great success.
They won their first Premier League title in the 1997/98 season, five years after the EPL was founded.
They became the second team to secure a double by winning both the Premier League and FA Cup titles in the same season.
Their second Premier League title came in the 2001/02 season with a seven-point lead over second-placed Liverpool.
The 2003/04 season was historic for Arsenal. They became known as “The Invincibles” by going unbeaten throughout the entire Premier League season, a feat unprecedented in the modern era of English football.
It was also their third and last Premier League title to date. So, can they finally break their hoodoo and finish as one of the Premier League’s top four clubs this season—or even go on to win it?
Two second-place finishes in the League show that they are more than capable of a top-four finish or even a title win.
With this kind of momentum, the odds are looking good for Arsenal.
Liverpool – 2/5
Despite some notable departures ahead of the current season, namely manager Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool FC is still hoping for a place in the Premier League top four.
Arne Slot has now taken over and will be hoping to continue the club’s good form. The Dutch football manager and former professional player has gained recognition for his impressive work in the Eredivisie, particularly with AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord.
He emphasises structured build-up play and is known for his ability to develop young players, giving them opportunities to thrive in the first team.
So, will he rebuild, or will he maintain the status quo to secure Champions League football? Time will tell.
Manchester United – 7/4
The first team in the betting markets not to be odds on is Manchester United. Ten Hag had a miserable season in 2023/24, with the club languishing in 8th place.
With his job on the line the manager had it all to do in the FA Cup final against archrivals Manchester City. But it was a tactically phenomenal game with United taking the win and securing Ten Hag’s job in the process.
The club is undergoing significant changes at the moment with Sir Jim Ratcliffe overhauling the day-to-day operations in a bid to make United a superior force to be reckoned with once again.
With new signings over the Summer months, a renewed sense of vigour at the club and the future looking bright, United may be down, but they are certainly not out.
Chelsea – 2/1
Following a period of turmoil at the club, Chelsea seems to have finally settled into a rhythm and shown improvement under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, who was appointed in the summer of 2023.
However, they still failed to break into the top four last season despite demonstrating flashes of quality.
Chelsea has a talented squad, albeit one that has undergone significant turnover. The club’s heavy spending in recent transfer windows has brought in a mix of established stars and promising young players.
However, integrating so many new faces has been a challenge. If the squad gels under Pochettino, they have the quality to compete for a top 4 spot.
Newcastle United – 2/1
From fourth place in the 2022/23 season to seventh last season, Newcastle United has a lot of work to do to climb back up the table.
The defensive solidity provided by players like Botman, Trippier, and Nick Pope, combined with the attacking threat of Isak, Callum Wilson, and Miguel Almirón, makes them a well-rounded side.
The club has also shown ambition in the transfer market, targeting players who can immediately contribute while also building for the future.
Newcastle United is well-positioned to challenge for a top 4 finish in the 2024/25 season. Their recent performances, combined with the stability under Eddie Howe and smart squad building, make them strong contenders.
Tottenham – 2/1
Tottenham Hotspur’s journey in the Premier League has been ups and downs, and while they have been competitive, they haven’t won it yet.
Last season, they finished 5th in the League under the management of Ange Postecoglou with the team adopting a more attacking style of play.
With a focus on high pressing and quick transitions, and despite losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, Spurs found other sources of goals, with players like Son Heung-min and James Maddison stepping up.
However, defensive inconsistencies remained, ultimately costing them a top-four finish. Can they overcome that this season?
The Race To The Top
As the Premier League season progresses, the battle for a top-four finish remains one of the most exciting storylines.
With several teams showing strong form and others struggling to find consistency, the odds and predictions for who will secure a Champions League spot are bound to change.
Keeping an eye on injuries, fixture congestion, and the form of key players will be crucial in predicting who will make the cut.
As always in football, surprises are inevitable, but for now, the usual suspects seem poised to fight it out until the final whistle.
