The 2022/23 English Premier League (EPL) is up and running. The richest domestic league on the planet is starting its campaign early in a bid to make progress with its fixture schedule ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar this winter. Already the anticipation for the football season is building, particularly with a winter World Cup sandwiched in between the major domestic leagues. It’s why the leading online sportsbooks are currently falling over themselves to attract new people to their platforms, with many free wagers available to those starting out in sports betting for the first time.

One of the main reasons why the EPL betting odds are attracting such attention is the competitive nature of the 2022/23 season. There are a handful of clubs that will fancy their chances pushing for the EPL title. Below, you’ll get a snapshot of the most likely contenders to be champions of England in arguably the most unique season in EPL history, given that it bookends the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.

Liverpool: Keen to bounce back after narrowly missing out in 2021/22

Liverpool narrowly missed out on the 2021/22 Premier League title by a single point. They were quite literally neck and neck with Manchester City throughout most of last season, but Jurgen Klopp’s men were unable to get their noses in front. The Reds have been arguably the most consistent EPL team since Klopp took charge at Anfield and the German has continually evolved the Liverpool squad.

Recent signings like Darwin Núñez have cushioned the blow of losing Sadio Mané to Bayern Munich this summer. Mo Salah and Diogo Jota have both signed new long-term contracts and that sense of stability should stand Liverpool in good stead for 2022/23.

Manchester City: Guardiola’s men primed for back-to-back EPL titles

The reigning Premier League champions will be keen to retain their status as “top dogs” in the EPL. Pep Guardiola’s City won the 2021/22 EPL title by the skin of their teeth, with Liverpool breathing down their necks all the way. Guardiola will be only too aware that Liverpool and others are improving all the time, which is why he’s set about to rebuild his own City squad this summer.

Erling Haaland is the stand-out capture for a bargain £54m from Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile Leeds United’s dynamic midfielder Kalvin Phillips also joins in a deal worth over £43m. Raheem Sterling has moved on to pastures new at Chelsea, but a new long-term contract for playmaker Phil Foden will maintain the creativity at the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur: Backed by Antonio Conte’s winning mentality

There’s no doubt that Tottenham have employed a born winner in manager Antonio Conte. The fiery Italian does not take kindly to losing, so Spurs fans are hopeful that his passion and dynamism will help Tottenham to improve their consistency and mount a credible title challenge.

The Spurs squad certainly has plenty of firepower. Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min have an almost telepathic partnership in the final third, which could prove vital. The signing of Ivan Perišić could prove a savvy acquisition, adding experience and assists to the left flank. On the opposite side, Djed Spence is another young prospect for the right wing back berth. Brazilian forward Richarlison and midfield powerhouse Yves Bissouma have also transformed this squad.

Arsenal: An outsider in the title race but buoyed by new firepower

It’s been a long time since Arsenal had a reliable striker. The likes of Aubameyang and Lacazette blew hot and cold, despite having undoubted ability. There is a sense that the capture of Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City could be a game-changer for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Jesus will likely provide the focal point for the Arsenal attack, ably supported by the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. Thomas Partey should also provide a dependable shield for the Arsenal backline, providing the Ghanaian can stay fit for much of the campaign.

A notable mention should also be made for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side, who will also be battling on two fronts in the EPL and the UEFA Champions League. The Blues have seen a takeover of the club completed this summer, turbo-charging Tuchel’s budget for this summer’s transfer window. The likes of Marc Cucurella, Frenkie De Jong and even Cristiano Ronaldo are said to be on Tuchel’s wish-list before the window shuts at the end of August.