2009-10 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE BETTING TIPS

With the impending departure of Cristiano Ronaldo dominating the headlines across the globe, Manchester United have seen their odds lengthen in next year's quest to capture the 2009/10 English Premier League title. Ladbrokes had listed Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils at a slim 5/4 before Ronaldo's departure was announced and they currently sit at 11/8, still a fair margin ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool, who sit at 9/4 and 11/4 respectively. Arsenal are considered more or less out of the running as they carry a price of 8/1 to win the EPL. Manchester City are considered by the bookies to be in with a shout and are listed at 33/1. It remains to be seen whether United's odds will shorten again with the arrival of at least one or two superstar players. Names like Frank Ribery and Karim Benzema are being touted, but you're also seeing players like Ashley Young and Arjen Robben being linked with Manchester United. Burnley, Birmingham and Wolves are all expected to be relegated and carry an odds-on price. Hull are listed at evens while Stoke appear to be distancing themselves from the relegation mire already and are available at 7/2 to take the drop. I fancy United to win it again next year, but I'm pretty confident that it will be a three-horse race from gate to wire this year and we will certainly see a new look to the Red Devils, especially with the Carlos Tevez situation still to sort itself out. What bearing will this have on Berbatov? Personally, I think that Rooney will lead the line next year with Berbatov tucking in behind him for support and adopting a deeper-lying role. It will certainly be interesting to see how the new signings fit into Fergie's plans and what benefits a fit Owen Hargreaves will be able to provide.