2024/25 Premier League betting outlook and previews

How transfers, managers and form shape betting value

The new season brings fresh markets and shifting value as clubs invest, change staff and adjust tactics ahead of 38 fixtures. This guide expands on our three outrights and explains what to look for when assessing longer-term bets for the campaign.

The BestOfBets three outrights and season preview

After a summer of European Championship and Olympic Games, ready to fill the void neatly, the new 2024/25 Premier League season begins on Friday.

As the curtain raises at Old Trafford with Manchester United entertaining Fulham, another off-season flush with investment promises much, with Pep Guardiola entering his final season in charge of all-conquering, reigning champions Manchester City.

But what might the term have in the store for the next nine months?

Here at BestofBets we’ve plucked three more outright punts to consider.

West Ham to finish Top 6 – 5/1 (Betfred)

My what busy bees West Ham have been this summer.

As England wended their way to another major tournament final, behind the scenes, the Irons have flashed the cash.

With West Ham moving into a new era under Julen Lopetegui following the departure of David Moyes, the London Stadium outfit have made some impressive additions.

As Lopetegui returned to former employers Wolves to bring in £40m Max Kilman, German striker Niclas Fullkrug was brought in to a mixed fan reaction.

However, despite his age, few could refute the 31-year-old’s growing reputation, in a position where West Ham have lacked an out-and-out striker for some seasons.

Fullkrug’s goal tally could drive West Ham up the table.

If we consider also Lopetegui now boasting a midfield of Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez, with the exciting addition of Crysencio Summerville on the wing, West Ham are starting to look a little bit tasty.

Before his untimely departure from Wolves due to transfer disagreements, Lopetegui had taken his previous club on in strides.

Now with West Ham, his new employers have allowed a flexing of the financial muscles further.

The Spanish steward brought a defensive nous to Wolves and West Ham will be looking to tap into that facet also.

Of course, with any sizeable shake-up, whether all the pieces gel into one big neat picture is yet to be seen, but if they do, West Ham look a very tidy side indeed.

Lopetegui has never truly be able to shake the fallout from his dismissal as Spain boss, but in the capital, he may have found his haven.

Ipswich to finish Top Half – 14/1 (Unibet)

Saturday afternoon in Suffolk will be a surreal feeling for Ipswich Town as they welcome Liverpool for their first Premier League game in 22 years.

The question however, can the Tractor Boys stay afloat?

After back-to-back promotions from League One and the Championship, Kieran McKenna’s next task of transition is his toughest yet.

In terms of additions, Ipswich are yet to make wholesale changes to their line-up, but Liam Delap from Hull and full-back Ben Johnson will add a little more of a dynamic.

A team who scored the most goals anywhere in Europe during the last three seasons, that will be a important fact this term, but just as key will be keeping them out.

In pre-season, the signs were that Ipswich may have switched to a back three to perhaps build a steadier spine, and indeed, with successive 1-0 wins over Hoffenheim and Nice, that might be the case.

Faced with something of a free hit to begin with the Reds and the reigning league champs in Man City, it is after that the realistic task begins, but we feel there is more than a decent hope of survival, if not better.

The last time Ipswich won promotion under George Burley, the new boys finished fifth and came within a whisker of a Champions League berth.

Those aspiration are surely wide of the mark again, but with McKenna in charge, Ipswich will be confident of proving the doubters wrong.

Many are predicting a drop straight back down, but Ipswich have built for their return for many years, and may surprise more than a few once again.

Eddie Howe first manager to be sacked/leave post – 8/1 (BetVictor)

Like the player market, the managerial merry-go-round has been spinning with equal vim this summer, but who might be the first to leave their post this season?

Perhaps, Eddie Howe fits that bill.

As the 46-year-old begins his third term in charge of Newcastle, rumours continue to link Howe with the vacant England job following Gareth Southgate ending his time with the Three Lions.

Whilst the lure of managing the National team may be too strong to bat away, the Magpies begin a new era without former minority owner Amanda Staveley, as Saudi ownership take almost full control.

That could push the envelope on Tyneside.

Having dropped out the Champions League places last campaign, the question now is can Newcastle bounce themselves back up the table?

Should Newcastle labour in the opening weeks, the argument can be made the club hierarchy will be looking for any excuse to bring in a big name appointment.

Which, in this case, could suit both Howe and his employers, should England come calling.

 
The 2024/25 Premier League season begins on Friday as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford.

Why West Ham’s recruitment could yield value this season

West Ham’s summer signings address clear weaknesses in attack and defence, which is precisely what sharp ante-post markets reward. If Fullkrug, Alvarez and Kilman integrate quickly, the 5/1 on a top-six finish looks like a justified value play rather than sentimental betting.

When assessing odds, check minutes and early-season rotations as these often indicate whether a manager trusts new signings and intends to build around them. Clubs that show consistent selection patterns through the opening fixtures usually stabilise faster in longer-term markets.

Assessing West Ham’s midfield and forward options

West Ham now have physicality and creativity in midfield plus a natural centre-forward who can finish chances created by Summerville and other wide players. Those ingredients improve their probability of converting draws into wins, which matters heavily for top-six points totals.

Ipswich survival case: tactics and squad balance analysed

Ipswich’s promotion structure and Kieran McKenna’s tactical discipline reduce the typical volatility of newly promoted teams. A compact defence, clever set-piece use and Delap’s presence may mean Ipswich outperform bookmakers’ conservative forecasts.

Pre-season shifts to a back three suggest Ipswich are prioritising defensive solidity without sacrificing counter-attacking threat. When a promoted side shows a clear identity early on, the market often underestimates their staying power.

Key indicators for Ipswich’s top-flight survival chances

Track away performances, defensive errors per game and points from matches against mid-table opposition to judge true survival odds. If Ipswich accumulate points in winnable fixtures, their relegation risk drops quicker than price movements imply.

Eddie Howe and early-season managerial pressure explained

Managers linked with national roles often face a double-edged sword: outside interest can destabilise a dressing room while simultaneously reducing the club’s appetite for a long-term appointment. That makes Howe a credible early-exit candidate in betting markets that factor both performance and off-field narratives.

Monitor boardroom statements and media speculation as much as results; subtle shifts in club messaging often precede managerial changes. Markets respond quickly to these signals, so informed bettors treat newsflow as part of their model rather than noise.

Managerial pressure points and exit triggers to watch

Look for poor home form, falling behind relegation rivals and deteriorating dressing-room reports as common early-warning signs. A sequence of narrow defeats compounded by transfer-window disappointment typically accelerates managerial departures.

Outright betting strategy for the new Premier League season

Value in outrights often comes from assessing stability rather than headline transfers alone, and diversifying stakes across markets reduces variance. Consider smaller, well-researched stakes on pockets of value such as top-six, top-half and manager exit markets instead of concentrating on a single long-shot.

Use bookmaker comparisons to find the best odds and check whether markets include cash-out or enhanced terms that change expected returns. Remember to factor in fixture congestion, European commitments and injury risk when sizing bets.

How to approach longer-term outright markets sensibly

Allocate a fixed percentage of your discretionary betting budget to longer-term markets and treat them as season-long investments with limited liquidity. Avoid staking practices that rely on a single outcome to bankroll short-term play, and never chase losses.

Responsible betting guidance and age restrictions reminder

All content on this site is for readers aged 18 and over and is intended for information only. Betting should never be viewed as a way to make money or solve financial problems, and users are encouraged to stake only what they can afford to lose.

If you choose to bet, please do so responsibly and consider tools such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic. You can find further support through organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.

How to use bookmaker offers and comparisons responsibly

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Frequently asked questions about Premier League betting

Is West Ham a realistic top-six prospect this season?

Yes, their summer recruitment addresses specific needs in attack and defence, which improves their probability of securing a top-six finish if new players integrate quickly. Always treat such bets as speculative and stake only what you can afford to lose.

Can Ipswich avoid relegation in their return to the Premier League?

They have tactical structure and recruitment aimed at survival, so a top-half finish is plausible but not guaranteed. Monitor early-season defensive records and points in winnable matches as indicators of true form.

Why is Eddie Howe considered a likely early managerial departure candidate?

External links to national roles and ownership changes can increase scrutiny and reduce tolerance for poor results, making managerial markets sensitive to non-performance factors. Follow official club communications alongside results when assessing risk.

How should I approach outright markets at the start of the season?

Spread stakes across different markets, back well-researched value selections and use bookmaker comparisons to find the best odds. Avoid large, concentrated wagers and maintain bankroll discipline.

Are bookmaker free bets and promotions always good value?

Offers can be useful but carry terms such as wagering requirements and expiry dates that affect value. Always read the terms and treat promotions as supplementary rather than central to your betting plan.

What responsible gambling tools should I consider using?

Use deposit limits, stake limits, time-outs and self-exclusion options provided by bookmakers to control play. If you are concerned about gambling behaviour, seek help from services such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.

Is betting on managerial markets ethical or advisable?

Managerial markets are legal and offered by bookmakers, but they can feel speculative and are influenced by off-field factors. Bet cautiously and avoid using such markets to chase losses or settle scores.

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Our recommended bookmaker free bets are listed at https://bestofbets.com/free-bets for easy comparison, and casino welcome offers from our affiliates are available at https://bestofbets.com/casino-bonus. All links are informational and presented without pressure.