Bestiechi 1 year ago

How will the Premier League newbies fare in 2023/24?

The dust has barely had a chance to settle at Emirates Stadium, Old Trafford and Anfield, and we have the whole circus act that is the transfer window to get through before another ball is kicked in earnest in England. But already there is plenty of chatter about the season to come.

That’s not just because of the popularity of the English Premier League – although that is certainly a factor. Across the globe, it is one of the most watched and talked about sports leagues in the world.

Getting in early for outright EPL bets

However, there is another reason for the early discussion and conjecture. Those who like to place outright bets, which relate to the entire season as opposed to specific matches, usually find that the earlier they lay down their money the better the odds they will get. That’s why the best betting sites in the UK are already posting odds on who are the favorites, dark horses and outsiders for next year.

You don’t have to be the world’s best sports analyst to surmise that Manchester City are runaway odds-on favorites to clinch a fourth straight title in 2024, a feat, incidentally, that has never been achieved in English football’s top flight. That could make an interesting narrative, but it is something to consider another day. What often makes the better story, at least from the sports betting perspective, is how things pan out at the other end of the table. In particular, how will 2023’s new Premier League arrivals take to their surroundings, and will they manage to cement their place in the top flight?

Luton’s fairy tale could continue

We all love a Cinderella story, but if anyone had approached a Luton Town fan in 2014 and said they would be in the Premier League in nine years, they would have recommended a psychiatric evaluation. Yet in that short period they have ascended from the fifth tier National League to the pinnacle of the game. Even now, upgrades are being hastily implemented at Kenilworth Road. The team’s home ground since 1905, it is being treated to a £10 million makeover to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Unsurprisingly, Luton are already favorites for relegation in 2024, and they are the only team with odds against them to stay up. We think that’s not a bad bet. Just remember what everyone was saying about the Blades five years ago, when they didn’t just stay up, they finished in the top half. There are a lot of similarities between that team and Luton’s collection of scrappers who have come up through the ranks together. They have the belief and are ready to write the next chapter of their success story.

Sheffield United return – but for how long?

Speaking of the Blades, the way they battled back at the second attempt along with their fabulous FA Cup run suggests they will feel they are back where they truly belong in 2023. However, the bookmakers have them marked down to yo-yo back to the Championship at 4-5 on.

Those odds seem harsh, and plenty among the Sheffield faithful will be tempted by the 16-1 odds some bookmakers are offering on the Blades to repeat the heroics of 2018 with a top half finish. Much will depend on whether they can retain the services of star player Iliman Ndiaye – and rumors from close to the team suggest there is a better chance of that happening than pundits were recently predicting. If those rumors prove correct and some of United’s promising young guns continue to progress, this could be a team to be reckoned with.

Bounce back Burnley are getting used to this

Burnley were first promoted to the EPL in 2009, and were one of the smallest clubs to play at the highest level. Since then, they have been relegated twice, each time bouncing straight back up. Of all the teams promoted this year, the Clarets are the bookies’ favorites to stay up when May 2024 comes around.

Part of that is due to their recent history. It’s only five years ago that they finished seventh and qualified for the Europa League. But also, there is the way they demolished all before them to seal the Championship title with seven weeks to spare. Burnley mean business.

Traditionally, the promoted teams are the favorites to fall back through the trap door. However, all three of this year’s newbies will start the season full of promise. Which are you backing for success?