ODDSTRACKER: The race for the Champions League spots is hotting up in the Premier league, so we decided to analyse the odds of three of this season’s contenders in this week’s Oddstracker.
Have Liverpool’s recent struggles left the door open?
If you’d said a couple of months ago that Liverpool would be in a battle for the top-four, the majority of people would have probably laughed at you.
However, after a dismal spell that has seen them win just two of their last 11 matches in all competitions, including three consecutive defeats in the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp’s side have had to reset their expectations this season.
With Manchester City now 13 points clear with a game in hand, the title looks a distant memory and attentions have now turned to securing Champions League football.
It won’t be easy, though, with Leicester and a resurgent Chelsea under new manager Thomas Tuchel in significantly better form.
The Reds began the season at just 1.05 to reach the top-four and although things have begun to slip at the back end of 2020, they were still just 1.07 on January 4.
Leicester were 8.0 at the start of the campaign, while Chelsea, with a number of exciting additions to Frank Lampard’s squad, were 1.44.
The difference in their campaigns was shown in the odds during mid-January as Leicester, on the back of some impressive results, and Chelsea, on the back of some unimpressive results, were now 2.5 and 2.3 to be dining at Europe’s top table next season.
The two then faced off and after Leicester ran out convincing winners, the Foxes were now just 1.83, while Chelsea were out to 3.25. Liverpool, meanwhile, were shocked at home to Burnley, and were now 1.25 for qualification.
Tuchel was appointed soon after that defeat and results have picked up over the past month, with Chelsea currently 1.73.
Leicester continue to impress and after beating Liverpool over the weekend, they are 1.5, while the Reds, despite their recent struggles, are still 1.44.
You’d have to think Liverpool will turn it around, but if that turnaround doesn’t come quick, will Leicester and Chelsea be too far ahead?
Time will tell.
