Citing supercomputer data from European statistical firm Opta, the UK’s 90min reported on Friday (June 5) that Manchester City is the favorite to win the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) title despite a loss to Bournemouth.
Pep Guardiola’s side lost 1-2 at home to Bournemouth on March 3. After conceding a goal in the ninth minute through Antoine Semenyo, City added a second in the 19th minute through Aubameyang. City had to settle for a late goal from Yoshiko Gvardiol in the 37th minute.
It was City’s first loss of the season. The loss dropped City to second place in the league (23 points), behind Liverpool (25 points), and also ended City’s unbeaten run in the league at 32 games. It was the first setback in 11 months since a 0-1 loss at Aston Villa on December 7 last year.
Behind Liverpool and City is Nottingham Forest (19 points), who have five wins, four draws, and one loss, while Chelsea, Arsenal, and Aston Villa, who have the same number of points but a different goal difference, are fourth through sixth. Tottenham moved into seventh place (16 points) with a 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
However, Opta’s supercomputer still gives City a 61.1% chance of winning the title.
Leaders Liverpool remain in second place with a 34.2% chance of winning the title. Arsenal is third with 4.5% and Chelsea is fourth with 0.1%.
The supercomputer was impressed with Nottingham Forest’s run, but predicted that they would eventually drop down the standings as the season progressed. 카지노사이트 Chelsea would lose out to Arsenal but would qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.
Tottenham would win a tight fifth-place battle with Aston Villa and join the ranks of Europa League contenders for the second consecutive season. Manchester United (United), which will see the departure of manager Eric ten Haag and the arrival of Jubeng Amorim, were predicted to finish 10th.
England legends also predicted City to win the title.
Gary Lineker (64), Alan Shearer (54), and Micah Richards (36) are among those who see City as the favorites to win the Premier League, rather than current leaders Liverpool.
Former Newcastle United legend Shearer told the podcast The Rest Is Football: “I’d still say City are the favorites, but it’s a close call.”
“I agree,” said former Tottenham player Lineker, who tipped Arsenal to win the title last season, adding: ”City have already won four in a row. At some point, it might become a burden for them, but so far, it has been the engine that has driven them to the front.”
“I would still pick City because of what has happened in the past,” said Richards, who also played for City, adding, ”I think they are still the favorites when you look at their past performances.”