Premier League 2019-20: which teams are closest to challenging the big six?

Betting without the big six is a fascinating market which promises to be ultra-competitive as bookmakers struggle to separate Wolves, Everton and Leicester.

All three have their flaws, which is why none are fancied to crack the top six, but Leicester may end up as the best of the rest.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers can hit the ground running

Brendan Rodgers caused great upset at Celtic when he walked out on them midway through last season, although it gave him a head start to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Foxes' squad in preparation to hit the ground running this campaign.

• Premier League title contenders

Leading loanee Youri Tielemans has been snapped up permanently and James Maddison is unlikely to go backwards following a fine Premier League debut campaign. If anything we can expect more from him.

There is strong speculation linking Harry Maguire with a move to Manchester United and any departure would be a blow.

However, Leicester's recruitment has generally been excellent - think Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante, Wilfred Ndidi, Tielemans, Maddison, Ricardo Pereira and Maguire in the first place - so they can be trusted to find a replacement if required.

Wolves set for another good season

Wolves could be the biggest threat after a deserved seventh-place finish last term.

That saw them earn a spot in Europe for the first time in nearly 40 years to great excitement around Molineux. Those extra fixtures will stretch a small, if talented, squad.

• Premier League handicap

Wolves possess Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez while Leicester can rely on Jamie Vardy for goals but it's a different story for Everton.

The Toffees have never truly replaced Romelu Lukaku, who left in 2017, and a lack of firepower may once again blunt Everton's European ambitions.

Recommended on July 29
Leicester without the big six
1pt 4-1 bet365

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport