Latics 16-1 to go up

Sports Betting:

THE dust has barely settled on another football season but the bookies have already given odds on next year.

Athletic finished their League One season with a flourish, and optimism is high at Boundary Park despite limited resources. There may be some mileage in Athletic’s quote of 16-1 for promotion.

A 40-1 bet on the Latics winning the title would seem optimistic though; that is probably best left to 6-1 favourites Sheffield United, who also finished the season well.

Rochdale, surprisingly, are considered stronger contenders than Athletic. Keith Hill’s side are 28-1 to top the division and 10-1 for promotion.

On the Premier League front, Manchester City are a generous-looking 15-8 to retain their title, with Chelsea 12-5.

Manchester United look too short at 6-1 but Liverpool, at the same price, will be wiser next time should they get involved at the end of the season.

Arsenal are next best in the betting at 12-1 and it’s 66-1 bar those.