Five bets that could prove profitable this Premier League season

Predicting how the 2015/16 Premier League season will unfold is a hazardous task but that won’t dissuade punters from trying to make a quick buck. Here’s five bets that could prove profitable this season.

Straight forecast – Chelsea 1st, Arsenal 2nd, 6/1 Boylesports

While a tighter title race than last season can be expected, it’s hard to escape the sense that Chelsea are ultimately likely to be celebrating again come next May. But from a punting perspective, —unless you’re willing to bet big, it’s hard to justify a bet at skimpy odds of 6/4 or 13/8. A straight forecast might be the best road to take and of the three credible contenders to Chelsea’s crown, Arsenal look best equipped to chase them home. The Gunners have a more settled look than either of the Manchester clubs and their strength in depth should see them push their London rivals all the way.

Alexis Sanchez to be top goalscorer, 20/1 general

Last season’s winner Sergio Aguero is a worthy favourite in this market but odds of 3/1 are not overly generous when you take into account his tendency to suffer niggly injury problems. The same reservation applies to Diego Costa, who at 6/1 is the only other player in the market at single figure odds. Interestingly, in seven of the last eight seasons, the leading marksman has been a player available at double figure odds and this tradition can be maintained by Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean scored 16 Premier League goals in a stellar first season at the Emirates and should be even better this season. 20/1 represents outstanding value.

Brendan Rodgers to be the first manager to be sacked, 5/1 general

It is a mild surprise that the Liverpool boss wasn’t shown the door after a torrid finale to last season but, having avoided the axe and spent big again over the summer, he needs to start the season well. The omens are less than encouraging with their first seven away games at Stoke, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Cesc Fabregas to have the most assists, 11/4 Paddy Power

The price may not stand out as spectacularly generous now but come the end of the season it should look a steal. Fabregas is the king of the assists with his tally of 18 last season seven better than his nearest rival Santi Cazorla and one better than his previous record, set in the 2007/08 season. New West Ham signing Dimitri Payet was similarly prolific with Marseille last season and looks a big price at 20/1 but, injury permitting, Fabregas is bombproof.

Aston Villa to be relegated, 3/1 Paddy Power

Aston Villa have been circling the drain for several seasons now and having lost Christian Benteke, Fabian Delph and Ron Vlaar, 2015/16 may well be the season they finally run out of luck.