Football
Premier League Outrights: Aston Villa now third-favourites
Seventeen games into the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, the outright market is tightening around Arsenal and Manchester City at the head of the betting, with the chasing pack now needing a big swing in results to get back into the title picture. Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Everton and City’s comfortable home victory over West Ham have helped cement that two-way feel at the top of the market.
Arsenal – 4/6
Arsenal remain odds-on favourites at 4/6 after edging past Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park, a result that again underlined their ability to grind out wins away from home. That victory followed another solid run of form and kept Mikel Arteta’s side in control at the front of the outright book. The Gunners’ price now reflects both their points return and the sense that this version of Arsenal is more resilient than in recent title challenges, particularly in tight games decided by small margins.
Manchester City – 11/8
Manchester City are 11/8 second favourites and continue to track Arsenal closely after a 3-0 win over West Ham. Pep Guardiola’s side have not been flawless across the first 17 games, but the way they handled their latest test at the Etihad again showed how dangerous they can be when they find rhythm. City’s combination of squad depth, title-race experience and their habit of stringing together long winning runs in the second half of a season keeps them very much in the hunt despite sitting behind Arsenal in the market.
Aston Villa – 22/1
Aston Villa are next in at 22/1 following a 2-1 home win over Manchester United, a result that strengthens their credentials as the leading outsiders. Unai Emery’s side continue to impress with their attacking intensity and strong home record, and their current price reflects a side that is respected but still viewed as just short of the two established frontrunners. To shorten further, Villa will likely need to turn that form into an extended unbeaten run while also taking points directly off Arsenal or City.
Liverpool – 28/1
Liverpool sit at 28/1 after a 2-1 away win at Tottenham, a game that highlighted both their attacking threat and lingering questions at the back. Arne Slot’s team have shown flashes of top-level form this season, but inconsistency and dropped points against beatable opposition have left them with a gap to close. The market now treats Liverpool as an outside shot rather than a true co-favourite, meaning they will probably need a near-perfect stretch of results plus slip-ups from both Arsenal and City to move back into genuine contention.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle – 50/1 and bigger
Chelsea are 50/1 following a 2-2 draw away at Newcastle, a match that summed up their campaign so far. Tottenham, beaten 2-1 at home by Liverpool, and Newcastle, held at St James’ Park, both sit out at 500/1 in the latest prices, showing how sharply their title hopes have faded. Each still has the quality to influence the race through individual results, but the odds make clear they are now seen more as potential spoilers than realistic champions.
