Several Premier League clubs will head into the upcoming 2025/26 season harbouring genuine ambitions of forcing their way into contention for European qualification.
They include south coast clubs Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth, both of whom finished in the top half of the standings last time around.
Brighton claimed eighth place with 61 points to narrowly miss out on a place in Europe, while Bournemouth were five points adrift of the Seagulls in ninth position.
Sports betting experts Spreadex have conducted a deep data dive into the upcoming campaign and have forecast that both clubs will enjoy productive seasons.
Brighton are heading into their second season under manager Fabian Hurzeler and will have their sights firmly set on climbing into the top seven.
The club has been one of the shrewdest operators in the transfer market in recent years, assembling a squad which boasts an excellent mix of youth and experience.
They have already been active during the summer transfer window, selling a couple players for big money and reinvesting the proceeds into the squad.
Spreadex’s annual Premier League Points Spread Predictions forecast that Brighton will collect 53 – 55 points this term, which would not be enough to qualify for Europe.
However, Brighton are the type of team with the ability to outperform their points forecast and it would no surprise if they hit a significantly higher mark.
Bournemouth also defied expectations last season to finish inside the top 10 and they will be eager to continue progressing during the upcoming campaign.
Manager Andoni Iraola’s side earned plenty of plaudits for their style of play, but they may find it challenging to produce the same level of performances.
They have lost Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez this summer and must reinvest the income into strengthening their squad this summer.
However, if they continue their trend of making shrewd signings, the Cherries could outperform Spreadex’s prediction of a 49 – 51 points tally.
Elsewhere, the data-based study has predicted a tight battle between Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title.
The Reds have been tipped to retain their crown with a tally of between 77.5 – 79.5 points, while their title rivals are forecast to garner between 77 – 79 points.
Given how fine those margins are, it would be no surprise to see any of the three main title contenders emerge victorious this season.
Based on their recent transfer business, Man City appeal as the value bet to claim top spot ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool.
City were active during the winter transfer window and have continued in the same vein this summer. Their squad looks much deeper than their title rivals.
The Gunners are fancied to finish second having acquired midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. He will give them greater control in the middle of the park.
Liverpool may struggle to emulate what they achieved last season as their squad is undergoing a significant overhaul this summer.
Big money signing Florian Wirtz will be under pressure to deliver the goods and there is no guarantee he will live up to expectations in the Premier League.
The loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid could impact their title chances, while several other first-team players may leave the club this summer.
Defending a title in any sport is rarely easy and Liverpool make limited appeal as a betting proposition in this year’s race to win the Premier League.
Spread betting carries a high level of risk and can result in losses larger than your initial stake/deposit.
