From Chelsea to Manchester City: Ranking the top 5 title contenders for EPL 2021-22

The world's most famous club football league, the 2021-22 English Premier League, is underway. Manchester City is the defending champion, as it would look to defend the title for the second time successfully.

However, it would be a monumental task, considering the level of competition in the tournament that keeps increasing with every passing season. As fans begin to cheer their favourite sides in the hope of winning the title, the calculation of the odds of winning the title is already underway, as we present the five top contenders for the same.

Manchester City
We start the list with the defending champion itself. As per betting odds, it has a 4/6 chance of defending it successfully this term. Although City finished 12 points clear of second-placed Manchester United last season, it is unlikely to be so convincing this season. However, known for its high level of consistency, along with a formidable squad guided by the great mind of head coach Pep Guardiola, it would not be a surprise if City manages to retain the crown. Nevertheless, it is not so famous for defending the crown successfully.

Chelsea
The Blues has been on a roll ever since Thomas Tuchel took charge of the club last season. While it managed to finish in the top four successfully, its campaign of triumphantly winning the UEFA Champions League has got the world talking. Also, with Tuchel having great success with Paris Saint-Germain, helping it win the Ligue 1 consistently, fans and critics continue to back him to win his first EPL title with Chelsea as early as this season.

Manchester United
The Red Devils came up with an unexpectedly splendid performance last season to stay in contention for a second spot finish throughout the season, which it successfully achieved, thanks to Ole Gunnar Solskjær's moral guidance. Based on the same, will it be justified to ask for a title win this season? Well....it would not be an outright favourite to do so. However, judging by the last season's performance, following by some classy signings this season, this could be United's best chance at success. Notwithstanding, consistency would be a challenging task to maintain.

Liverpool
The Reds failed to defend the crown last season following some pitiful performance in the mid-season. However, a lot was also to be blamed on its injuries that somewhat derailed its season. Nonetheless, it showed enough resilience to bounce back and finish third. Therefore, with a new season ahead, along with an onerous squad, can it win its record-equalling 20th title this season? Although it is not the outright favourite to do so, it is undoubtedly a top contender, as ruling out the geniuses of Jürgen Klopp would be unimportant.

Leicester City
This year, the Foxes have drawn attention following twin title wins (FA Cup and FA Community Shield). Thus, the obvious question pops up that if Leicester could win its second-ever EPL title and that too under Brendan Rogers. Well....we can't entirely rule the side out, having finished fifth last season. While it does look quite a contender for a top-four finish, it is undoubtedly one of the dark horses to win the title this term, provided it keeps up with the newly-found momentum.

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