The new Premier League campaign kicks off next weekend and it is now time to look at some of the best value betting options ahead of the coming season.

The Premier League Title

Last week we took a look at how the teams were shaping up in the pre-season games, and while the results of these games are not always important, they can certain give us an idea of which teams are looking the best prepared.

In that article, we noted how Arsenal were looking in good shape during pre-season, and yesterday they got a chance to prove their credentials in a competitive game for the first time against Chelsea in the Community Shield. The 1-0 victory for Arsene Wenger’s team in this season’s curtain-raiser was significant for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it laid down a marker for the season ahead and showed that Arsenal have perhaps their most competitive team in years. Secondly and perhaps more significantly, it was Wenger’s first win over Jose Mourinho in 14 attempts. Although the Chelsea boss may play down the defeat, there can be no doubt that it will give the Gunners an important psychological boost.

Another reason to think that Arsenal will improve on last season is the fact that they finally have a world class keeper between the sticks. Gunners all over the world must have breathed a sigh of relief when they secured the services of Petr Cech last month. The willingness to sell a player of such quality to a direct rival could be a decision that comes back to haunt Chelsea at the end of the season.

Chelsea are still favourites for the title but Arsenal are the best value bet and can currently be backed at 4/1 with Betfair.

To Stay Up

At the other end of the table, there may also be some value to be had in the ‘To Stay Up’ market. Watford are the only team that are odds-on to be relegated and are currently priced at 8/11 to go straight back down to the Championship.

However, there are a couple of good reasons to suggest that Watford may be able to stay up this season. Firstly, they are joint-owned by father and son team Giampaolo and Gino Pozzo. Giampaolo also owns Udinese in Italy and Granada in Spain and operates one of the most renowned and profitable scouting networks in the world. As a result, Watford will have access to loan deals from within the clubs extensive pool of players, as well as decent funds available for new talent. At the time of writing, a total of 10 new players had already arrived at Vicarage Road.

When Pozzo took over Granada in 2009, they were in financial trouble but by 2011 they had been promoted to La Liga for the first time in 35 years. By utilising players already at Udinese and b y scouting new talent, the club managed to stay up and have remained there for four consecutive seasons.

Secondly, Watford also have a Coach with extensive experience in Europe football. Quique Sanchez Flores has previous led Valencia to a top three finish in Spain, won the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup with Atletico Madrid and won the Taça da Liga with Benfica. He also has trophies from his time spent coaching in the United Arab Emirates. It is quite rare for a promoted club to have a coach of such pedigree at the helm.

If you fancy them to stay up, you can get a decent price of 6/5 with Betfair.