Published: Thu 15th January 2009
Source: Paddy Power SportsbookLiverpool Likeliest Rivals For United In Title Race Says Bookies
 With Manchester United looking ominous in the league after their 3-0 win over Chelsea many pundits are asking the question who is likely to be the champion's most likely challenger this season. Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea may be faltering on recent form but bookie Paddy Power has taken up the challenge to bet on United's most likely rivals.
Draw specialists Liverpool just have the edge over Chelsea's current form of three wins in eleven games and are Evens in Paddy Power's Premier League betting without Manchester United. Chelsea follow closely at 6/5 with Arsenal 8/1 and Aston Villa 14/1.
In a straight fight between Chelsea and Liverpool as to who will finish higher, the Reds just have the edge over the Blues at 8/11 and Evens respectively. Could Big Phil Scolari survive a third placed finish at Chelsea?
Meanwhile in the battle for fourth spot Arsenal are 8/13 to finish higher than current incumbents Aston Villa, who are 6/5. And as the mantle of "crisis club" moves from Arsenal to Chelsea some Arsenal fans are even starting to believe they can catch their London rivals, although Paddy Power make The Gunners 5/2 to finish higher than Chelsea.
Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: "With patchy form to say the least it seems to be a position none of United's rivals appear to be relishing. Even players from Chelsea and Liverpool are queuing up to say Fergie's team are the favourites but if they don't get their acts together soon it will be too late."
The question for punters is which team is most up for the challenge. Paddy Power's Premier League Challenger Betting
Premier League without Man Utd
- Evs Liverpool
- 6/5 Chelsea
- 8/1 Arsenal
- 14/1 Aston Villa
Chelsea v Liverpool - who will finish highest
- 8/11 Liverpool
- Evs Chelsea
Arsenal v Aston Villa - who will finish highest
- 8/13 Arsenal
- 6/5 Aston Villa
Arsenal v Chelsea - who will finish highest
Regular Premier League
- 4/5 Man Utd
- 11/4 Liverpool
- 3/1 Chelsea
- 25/1 Arsenal
- 40/1 Aston Villa
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