Traders at all major bookmakers priced Manchester City as favourites to win two in a row despite the stats strongly suggesting it would be wise to steer clear of defending champions in English football's top-flight. Odds-makers also put their faith in last season's Champions League finalists Liverpool, making the Reds main rivals.
That stance has proved to be shrewd so far, and the population of planet football have watched both battle for supremacy at the top during an unbeaten start. With 10 games in the book, Man City and Liverpool are locked on 26 points, sharing stats of eight wins and two draws.
As well as the usual suspects at the head of the pack, we've also enjoyed a few surprises heading towards Halloween. Punters reading the odds and understanding the nuances of football betting will have one side at the forefront of their thinking – Chelsea.
Maurizio Sarri proved to be a revelation at Stamford Bridge and has the Blues third in the pile, also unbeaten after 10 and within touching distance of pole position. Despite being completely written off before a ball had been kicked, traders have been forced to slash their price.
With the season moving onto double figures in games played, it's encouraging to see that just nine points separate leaders Man City and bitter rivals Man Utd down in eighth. There's all to play for as we head towards a hectic winter schedule - but who will win the Premier League, and what must the leading contenders do to shake off the chasing pack?
Manchester City
There's no doubt Man City have the talent and strength in numbers to win the title again at a canter, but they are busy fighting on all fronts and that could take its toll on Pep Guardiola's side. Incredibly, bookies have the Citizens as favourites to win every competition they have entered, including the Premier League and Champions League, currently no better than bet365's 4/9 for a successful defence.
They need star man Kevin De Bruyne back up to full fitness following a knee injury and steering clear of the medical room for the best part of 2019. The knock was a worry for fans, and it will be interesting to see how he returns, but at 27 years old the Belgian is young enough to pick up where he left off.
It's needed too as, for as good as his employers have been, City's season is only getting rougher with games against Man Utd, Chelsea and Everton all scheduled before the New Year.
Liverpool
Liverpool blazed a trail of glory towards the Champions League final last season, losing to Real Madrid in the decider, and they have hit the ground running this term, exploding out of the traps to bank 26 of the first 30 points available. The summer additions have wasted little time gelling into the squad, confidence is flowing through the ranks, and they're scoring goals and winning matches.
What's more, experts believe Liverpool's run is set to continue, as just one of the nine teams they will face between now and January are currently rated higher than sixth, the spare being Arsenal. In that late 2018 run the Reds set up at home against the likes of Fulham, currently down in 18th, and Newcastle in 19th. There are also trips to Burnley and Wolves to come.
Chelsea
An interesting fact for fans, and one that seriously boosts Chelsea's hopes of wresting back the title from Man City's clutches, is that they don't have the demanding conditions of Champions League involvement to contend with. That can only help their chances of returning to the top step, allowing everyone at Stamford Bridge to concentrate fully on a title charge.
Critics will remind us that this isn't the first time the London club have impressed early, and recent history is littered with Chelsea's inconsistent runs at the title, but let's not forget they have won five of the last 13 and half of the last four. Backers will know it's worth keeping them close and many will choose to do so again.
Away from Man City, and the Premier League outright betting market is tight with Liverpool 11/4 and Chelsea 12/1. Those quotes are sure to shorten between now and spring.
