Premiership betting without the Top 3.

BOLTON TO FINISH FOURTH?With the Premiership taking a break for the International football, now is a decent time to sit back and take a look at some of the long-term markets. Chelsea are of course still the overwhelming favourites to retain their title, and despite losing at Old Trafford in their previous game, it is difficult to see how Arsenal or Manchester United can catch the champions by next May. An interesting market is who will finish second (assuming Chelsea win the title). The bookies make Man U narrow favourites over the Gunners to finish a likely second in the table. Of more interest at this stage of the season is the market on offer who which club finishes top without the "Big three". Despite languishing in mid-table and still to fully produce their European form on the domestic scene, Liverpool are the clear favourites to grab the final Champions League spot. Spurs are second favourites with VCBet offering a best price 11/4. Bolton are next in the list at a very tempting 10/1. Unlike the other teams vying for fourth spot, the Trotters have proved in the past few seasons they are a quality Premiership outfit that on their day can beat the best. Interestingly Wigan who have made a spectacular start to the season that has yielded 25 points from 11 games are as big as 22/1 to continue their good form right through to the end of the season. Other firms aren't quite so generous offering just 12/1. At the other end of the table, Sunderland are the only promoted side justifying their pre-season favouritism to make an immediate return to the Championship. The other two clubs considered most in danger at this stage are West Brom (1/2) and Portsmouth (10/11). Other clubs who may see their odds shorten before Christmas include Birmginham (9/4) and Aston Villa (8/1). It will be fascinating to see if the midlands duo are still fighting it out next April when they meet in what could be an explosive game.