The Premier League 2022–23 season began on August 6, 2022, and while it’s still incredibly early in the season, a few favorites for the Premier League top 4 odds are already emerging. While there are a few teams that always lead the pack, there are also a handful of underdogs who, although long-shots, could make a real run for it.
So, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the Premier League’s most competitive teams and why the top 4 odds matter.
Why the Premier League Top 4 Odds Matter
For those who are new to English soccer, you may be wondering why being part of the Premier League top four is such a big deal — especially since fourth place in any sport is rarely celebrated. This makes the Premier League a bit of an anomaly.
The main reason the top 4 odds matter? The Premier League uses a tiered approach. In total, 20 teams compete in the Premier League each season, but that roster of teams changes from season to season. The teams that finish in the bottom three of the league are moved down to the Championship League, while the top three teams in the Championship League are bumped up into the Premier League.
The top four finishers in the Premier League enter the UEFA Champions League — technically a tournament in which the best teams in Europe face off in the hopes of claiming the title.
Premier League Top 4 Odds: The Favorites
Among the Premier League favorites for the 2022–23 season are, by and large, the league’s traditional (and expected) top contenders.
1. Manchester City
Manchester City defended their title in 2021–22, ultimately being crowned the Premier League champions at the end of that season. Technically, it’s the club’s fourth title in the past five seasons, a pattern that shows just how strong Manchester City is overall.
While the team maintained a lot of its power, Man City isn’t resting on its laurels. Instead, the club scooped up the likes of Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips, moves that will surely strengthen the team’s roster. So, as long as Manchester City keeps performing as it has for the past several years, its Premier League top 4 odds — and chances of nabbing the title — remain incredibly high.
2. Liverpool
Liverpool is another top contender, boasting both a solid roster and, generally speaking, a long-standing history of strong performances. Barring the unexpected, like injuries, the team should see similar success this season.
There’s plenty of talent still in place from the 2021–22 season; Liverpool wisely renewed Jurgen Klopp’s contract, a decision that might just lead to a title bid. Plus, Liverpool recently had an incredible performance, trouncing Bournemouth 9-0 and recording the Premier League’s biggest win ever.
Considering that Liverpool started the season with a loss and two draws, fans hope the Bournemouth win is a bit more indicative of what’s to come for the team’s Premier League top 4 odds.
3. Tottenham
When it comes to preparing a strong roster for the 2022–23 season, you can’t overlook some recent moves by Tottenham. The team secured stars like Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Djed Spence, along with Clement Lenglet, who’s on loan from Barcelona. Ultimately, the talent on Tottenham’s side this year is pretty incredible, increasing the club’s odds of a top-four finish.
4. Arsenal
The Premier League top 4 odds look good for Arsenal, another early favorite. Why’s that? Well, when it comes to solid starts in the 2022–23 Premier League season, Arsenal is leading the way.
As of early September, the team secured five wins and just one loss, putting them in first position overall. While it’s still early — and, yes, teams like Man City and Tottenham are nipping at Arsenal’s heels — this early record shows the team’s strong potential.
Premier League Top 4 Odds: The Underdogs
Calling these teams “underdogs” might be a bit unfair. After all, out of the 20 teams that compose the Premier League, they’re expected to be at the top of the pack. Still, whether or not they’ll crack the top 4 is up for debate as of yet. But the potential is there for these four teams, and that means you should keep an eye out for their success as the season progresses.
1. Chelsea
Chelsea is an underdog for several reasons. First, the team didn’t have the strongest closing performance during the 2021–22 season, creating a degree of uncertainty. Plus, many people believe the team is still in a period of flux.
Since transitions are rarely easy, that could create enough challenges to keep Chelsea out of the top four this season. However, bringing in talent like Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly could be just what Chelsea needs to lead the pack this season.
2. Manchester United
Manchester United has had its fair share of struggles. The number of permanent manager changes is a clear sign that the club is still trying to get its footing. However, the team’s initial performance during the first weeks of the 2022–23 season make Manchester United a squad to watch. Don’t count them out of the running just yet.
3. Newcastle United
A team brimming with talent, Newcastle boasts names like Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Nick Pope. Plus, the team closed out 2021–22 strong, showing that their lineup has the potential to make waves now. While Newcastle is still considered an underdog, it’s hard to deny that the potential for greatness is on the rise.
4. Brighton
With the team’s highest-ever finish closing out the 2021–22 season, Brighton is definitely a squad to watch. At the onset of the 2022–23 season, the club carried that momentum from last season into this one, snagging four wins, one draw and one loss. As of early September, that record landed them in fourth-place position. If Brighton can keep this energy up, they might be the most successful underdog on our list.
