Bookies have slashed the odds on Aston Villa for a surprise Premier League title tilt following their perfect start to the season.
May 1981, exactly 39 years ago, was the last time Aston Villa lifted the English league title.
A lot has gone in that time, with the club suffering relegation twice and finishing no higher than fourth on one occasion in 1995/96. They have won the EFL Cup twice, albeit between 1993 and 1996, and reached the FA Cup final five years ago.
In the last few weeks, however, the bookies cut Villa’s odds for the Premier League title from 1000/1 to 66/1 according to Oddschecker. The sudden turnaround came after the club’s 1-0 win at Leicester City on Sunday.
Top 10 Odds-On Favorites for the Premier League
| Pos | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Man City | 10/11 |
| 2. | Liverpool | 9/4 |
| 3. | Tottenham | 12/1 |
| 4. | Everton | 22/1 |
| 5. | Chelsea | 25/1 |
| 6. | Man United | 28/1 |
| 7. | Arsenal | 33/1 |
| 8. | Aston Villa | 66/1 |
| 9. | Leicester City | 100/1 |
| 10. | Leeds United | 125/1 |
It not only secured a valuable three points, but it meant Villa are now the only English side to boast a 100% record. That’s right, they’ve won all four of their games and kept three clean sheets. The only time the Villans conceded was in that 7-2 thrashing of Liverpool.
From being on the brink of relegation last season to sitting in the top-four spots this term, Dean Smith has pulled off a remarkable turnaround. His side’s form post-lockdown, in particular, has been impressive. In fact, they’re undefeated and scored in all of their last eight league games now (W6 D2).
So perhaps it’s not so far-fetched to dream of another Leicester City-style title win?
Some bookmakers, such as Betfair and Paddy Power, have even cut odds of a Villans title victory down to 33/1. While Oddschecker stated that 60% of all title race bets have been in their favor in the last 24 hours.
The Birmingham-based club would like nothing better than to win their first trophy since the Brian Little era. It’s been 24 years since they last lifted the EFL Cup, and it would be widely welcomed. After all, who doesn’t love a good old underdog story?
Manager Smith and captain Jack Grealish are both Birmingham boys and lifelong fans of the club. So make no mistake about it, the duo would love to pull it off.
Van Dijk setback makes Man City odds-on favorites
The other talking point is how Virgil van Dijk’s knee injury has changed the scope of the title battle. Bookmakers feel Liverpool will suffer without their star center-back and, therefore, have shortened Manchester City’s odds.
Tottenham, like Villa, have also moved up in the table to third favorites behind Liverpool and City. Jose Mourinho’s side surrendered a three-goal to settle for a 3-3 draw at home to West Ham. That didn’t stop bookmakers slashing their title race odds from 50/1 down to 14/1.
Spurs are also tied with Liverpool and Everton as the most-popular bet for punters in the title battle with 13.86% of bets. That may well change soon considering Van Dijk’s injury.
| Pos | Team | Amount of Bets |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Liverpool | 13.86% |
| 2. | Tottenham | 13.86% |
| 3. | Everton | 13.86% |
| 4. | Arsenal | 9.90% |
| 5. | Man City | 8.91% |
| 6. | Others | 39.60% |
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