Premier League title betting: City's failure to sign a striker may be terminal

The 2021-22 Premier League campaign was the most eagerly anticipated season in years and although we are only five fixtures in, it looks like living up to expectations.

The title challengers have already emerged from the chasing pack and there would appear to be four genuine contenders with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City all 11-2 or shorter in the betting.

With a titanic title tussle taking place between Chelsea and reigning champions City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime, our team of experts have their say on who they think should be favourites to secure Premier League silverware.

Aaron Ashley

Chelsea have already ticked off away trips to Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham so must be delighted to have 13 points on the board after five matches.

When you consider the Blues had the measure of Manchester City last season, winning all three meetings under Thomas Tuchel, then they are perhaps unfortunate not to already be considered favourites in their own right.

Tuchel’s team are well-organised, excel defensively - the only goal they have conceded came from a Mohamed Salah penalty when they were down to ten men - and unlike the Citizens they have someone in Romelu Lukaku who can carry the goalscoring burden when performances are under-par.

Dan Childs

Chelsea have had Manchester City's number in their last three meetings and I think they will be too strong for them over 38 games.

There was a ruthless nature about the Blues' performance at Tottenham on Sunday and they have hit the front despite having faced a couple of big London derbies and a trip to Anfield.

Their squad strength is frightening and the addition of Romelu Lukaku has addressed the only major weakness from last season.

City failed in their own pursuit of a new centre-forward and could pay a heavy price by relinquishing the Premier League crown.

Steve Davies

I thought Chelsea had two big transfer tricks to pull in the summer to bridge the gap – a new centre-back and a new striker. They got one but not the other yet in reality that may well be enough.

What I didn't factor in was Pep sitting on his hands (okay, he courted Kane, but where were the other targets?) and if you stand still in the Premier League you go backwards – if that makes sense!

Tuchel proved he had the measure of Guardiola without Romelu Lukaku so it makes sense to think he will again with the Belgian.

Liam Flin

Riding on the wave of last season's Champions League success, Chelsea have started the new campaign with a point to prove and should now be seen as favourites to become Premier League champions.

The Blues have four wins and a draw to their name and have scored 12 times and conceded only once - an identical record to Liverpool.

But, unlike the Reds, Chelsea also have the depth in their squad to suggest they can go the distance and fight on all fronts.

They got what they needed in the transfer window this summer with Saul Niguez adding to a wealth of central midfield options and Romelu Lukaku already looking like arguably the best out-and-out striker in the division - albeit it Manchester United fans may disagree.

Henry Hardwicke

Chelsea have certainly started the stronger, but I think Man City will come good and I'd have them as favourites. They had many key players away at the Euros and they haven't exactly rushed back the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.

I expect Pep Guardiola's side to hit their straps midway through the season and we saw them win 21 games on the bounce when in full flow last term.

My worry for Chelsea is where the goals are going to come from if Romelu Lukaku has a lean period or gets injured. City have scoring threats all over the pitch and they may even strengthen in January after missing out on Harry Kane this summer.

Mark Langdon

I think City should be favourites. They have not started as well as Chelsea or Liverpool but key men have been injured following a draining Euros which is at least an excuse for a couple of sloppy early results.

City were 1.61 to win at Spurs, while Chelsea were only a shade under evens and the sophisticated match markets highlight what is considered to be the difference between the champions and the rest.

In terms of the biggest matches City may not have things all of their own way, but over 38 I still think they are the most likely winners.

James Milton

I'm surprised Manchester City have drifted so far for the Premier League given that they made a far less convincing start last season and still hacked up in the title race.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United clearly pose a far greater threat this term but City are hardly in crisis: they scored 16 goals in three home games before the stalemate with Southampton, and won away at Leicester.

Key men Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden are yet to start in the league so I would still make City slight favourites although Pep Guardiola's fractious mood is a concern.

This is the longest Pep has spent at one club and if he is running on empty while Chelsea are still enjoying the Thomas Tuchel bounce then it could be a serious problem for the champions.

Chris Rivers

Thomas Tuchel outwitted Pep Guardiola three times at the end of last season and the way Chelsea have started this campaign, the German may have the last laugh once again.

The Blues don’t seem to have an obvious weakness in their squad - especially after adding Romelu Lukaku to their ranks - with their defence particularly impressive.

Chelsea have recorded more clean sheets (15) than they have conceded goals (14) in the Premier League under Tuchel, who has demonstrated his brilliant tactical nous on a regular basis.

Guardiola also has his City side well-organised but where the Spaniard's men come up short is in attack - their failure to land a striker has already come back to haunt them and could ultimately cost them the title.

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