Most Interesting Premier League Markets Over The Festive Period
The festive period is the busiest part of the season for clubs in the Premier League, and that very much looks to be the case once again this season.
There will be huge games around the Premier League between Boxing Day and the 2nd January, with vital points up for grabs at both ends of the table. Still, which bets could be the best value selections for gamblers around the festive period?
Next Manager To Leave Their Post
It seems a little strange that no manager has left their post so far this season, with boards of all respective 20 Premier League clubs remaining loyal to their managers.
However, some managers could be under massive strain during the festive period, as there will be a need to pick up wins to ensure that they don’t lose their job.
The long-term security of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer always means that the Manchester United boss is among the favourites in the betting to leave next, but there will be additional pressure on Mikel Arteta, Slaven Bilic and Chris Wilder.
The latter two bosses already face an uphill challenge to stay in the division this season, while Arteta has overseen the worst Arsenal start to a Premier League season.
The money in the market will be split amongst those four managers, and the market could change a lot between now and the New Year, depending on the results that the teams are able to pick up.
Premier League Winners
Judging by the first half of the season, this already looks set to be one of the most open Premier League title races in recent seasons.
Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a leading contender in the league this season. Jose Mourinho took the helms and is showing that he is still one of the best managers ever.
If you ask a basketball fan who is the best NBA coach of all time the answer will be Phil Jackson or Popovich. If you ask a football fan in England who is the best manager of all time the answer will be either Sir Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho.
Will the Special One take Tottenham to a historical Premier League title? Meanwhile, Liverpool is tied in points with Spurs and will be looking for wins over the festive period to build up their lead. There is also the matter of Chelsea, who come up against Arsenal and Manchester City during the festive period.
City themselves have work to do to get into the title picture, but three wins from three during the period will see them re-enter the title race.
It looks unlikely that Manchester United will be among the contenders for the title despite being within striking distance, while sides such as Southampton, Leicester City and West Ham United are also expected to fall away.
Many Premier League winners have claimed that the title is won during the festive period, and that means there will be keen eyes on all the sides involved during the end of December.
Relegation Markets
The battle to stay in the Premier League will also heat up over the festive period, with all of the teams at the foot of the table having huge games.
There are two huge games for Sheffield United and Burnley, as they come up against each other on the 29th, before the Blades face Crystal Palace on the 2nd January and Burnley host Fulham.
West Bromwich Albion have a daunting run of fixtures as they take on Liverpool, Leeds United and Arsenal. Fulham will also be looking to improve on their recent form, as they have a huge fixture to kick off 2021 against Burnley, while also facing Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton.
By the end of the festive period, we will know more about the teams that could be relegated this season, but many already believe that it is a fight between Fulham and Burnley to join West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United in the Championship next season.
However, the relentless run of fixtures could throw a potential curveball into the mix.
