Man Utd have to be best bet to win Premier League in 2014/15

Alongside the goal-scoring exploits of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, another factor that clearly enhanced Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge was the absence of European football at Anfield.

Liverpool only played 43 games in all competitions this season, while Manchester United took part in 55 and Chelsea’s squad was tested even more with 57 fixtures.

Especially towards the season’s conclusion, Brendan Rodgers’ team was almost certainly aided by only having to play once a week on average when embarking on their 11-game winning streak, instead of attempting to cram in league and cup obligations.

With their smallish squad in comparison to the majority of clubs that were in the top-four hunt and Champions League football to prepare for next season, it is hard to get too excited about Liverpool’s odds of 5/1 to be crowned Premier League champions in 2014/15.

Instead, it is Man Utd that look to hold all of the early value in this market at 6/1.

It will be the Red Devils that have no European football to look forward to next season after finishing seventh this campaign, ensuring they can put all of their eggs into their Premier League basket.

Furthermore, whoever is eventually appointed as David Moyes’ permanent successor should have the benefit of a heavy warchest to make some inroads on the transfer market.

Speculation has it that over £100m is available to spend this summer, with World Cup-bound Luke Shaw already seemingly on his way.

If a new central defender can be secured, alongside at least one winger and a dominant central midfielder, then the Red Devils will have a line-up to challenge for trophies again.

Manchester City are the favourites to take the title for the third time in four seasons in 2014/15 at 7/4, with Chelsea next best at 9/4.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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