Euro 2024 is in the history books, summer has finally arrived and the start of the 2024/25 domestic season is just around the corner. Pre-season preparations are well underway for all the top sides around Europe at the time of writing, even if some may have players competing at the Paris Olympics. Believe it or not, the Champions League has actually been going since the 9th of July, with the earliest qualifying rounds taking place through the summer before the new season proper has even begun.
Now seems like a very good time to consider how Europe’s big leagues might play out in the months ahead. Whether you are just a keen fan who takes an interest in football around the continent, or alternatively are interested in a big multi-league acca that might, maybe, possibly, deliver a big payout, here are the teams most likely to deliver the goods in Europe’s traditional “big five” leagues. Because the sun’s out and we’re feeling kind, we’ve thrown in Portugal and Netherlands too, to make it a super seven.
Please Note: The below odds are accurate only at the time of writing and are subject to change.
Premier League
It will surprise nobody with even the slightest interest in English football to learn that Manchester City are the firm favourites to land the Premier League crown in 2024/25. Pep Guardiola’s unstoppable silverware juggernaut will be seeking a fifth consecutive title, their four top-flight English crowns in a row already having set a record.
The bookies price them at odds of 6/4 but there isn’t all that much in it, with Arsenal priced at 13/8 in places. The best odds on the Gunners though are 2/1, but their price has dropped after some good transfer business and news of more to come. In addition, Pep has stated that City may not bring in any new players and so there is a chance that we could see a really interesting title race in 2024/25.
The other teams appear to be in transition, with Jurgen Klopp having left Liverpool and the rest having plenty to do. The Reds are third favourites at 15/2 with the chasing pack, led by Chelsea, 20/1 or more.
La Liga
In Spain, La Liga gets started on the 15th of August but Barca do not play until the 17th and Real Madrid until the 18th. Once again there are no surprises in terms of the betting, with Real red-hot favourites. Los Blancos are the defending Liga and Champions League champions and – a scary thought for all the rest – they are set to be a lot better this term.
That is, of course, because they have finally landed their man and got a deal over the line to bring Kylian Mbappe to Madrid. With Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout, marshalling a team that has stars in every department, but to name just the brightest, Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, can anyone stop Real?
The bookmakers think not – they are just 4/9 to win the league yet again! Barca are a distant 4/1, with Atletico Madrid in double digits at 11/1. Anyone prepared to take on Jude and co will be well rewarded if they are right but it looks like an awfully big if.
Serie A
In Italy, we also have a strong favourite and again, it is no surprise. Last term Inter Milan ran away with Serie A, amassing a huge 94 points from their 38 games. That left them 19 points clear of city rivals AC Milan, Inter losing just twice all term. They conceded a mere 22 goals, ending with a goal difference that was 37 better than their nearest rival.
Inter are big odds-on favourites to win the Scudetto again this term and can be backed at just 8/11, being much shorter with some firms. Juve are next at 4/1, with Milan 7/1 but it is hard to see past the defending champions and their brilliant manager Simone Inzaghi.
Bundesliga
After England’s defeat in the Euros final, it seems the Harry Kane curse is as strong as ever but surely, surely, 2024/25 will be the season where the former Spurs striker lands some individual silverware. Won’t it? Last year he managed to score a hatful of goals for Bayern Munich but somehow be part of their first trophyless campaign for many years.
Xabi Alonso’s brilliant Bayer Leverkusen swept all before them in the Bundesliga, going the whole domestic season unbeaten. They won 90 points from just 34 games, winning 28 of those, and also won the German Cup. Despite that, it is Bayern who are not just favourites for the title, but huge favourites, at just 8/15, with Alonso’s men 11/4 and the rest well into double-digit prices. At the time of writing Leverkusen have held on to all of their top stars and whilst that could change, at the prices they may be the value pick in Germany.
Ligue 1
PSG have won the French title in 10 seasons out of the last 12, including the last three. As noted, they have lost Mbappe, a departure that any side in the world would feel keenly, but they remain the huge favourites to land another French title. The Parisians can be backed at just 3/10, with second favourites Marseilles a massive 14/1, showing the gulf in class – at least as far as bookies and punters are concerned.
Monaco were just nine points off the pace in May and at 14/1 they may tempt some. PSG are worthy favourites, of course, but will they have many backers at such skinny odds?
Primeira Liga
In Portugal, it is set to be an exciting title race, with the country’s big three proving hard to split in the market. Benfica are just about favourites at 8/5, with Sporting Lisbon and Porto both slightly longer at 2/1. Neutrals will be hoping for a thrilling battle that sees all three in the mix for as long as possible.
Eredivisie
In Dutch football, we have a similar picture, as once again it is the nation’s three biggest and historically most successful clubs that are all tightly packed at the top of the market. PSV are edging it at 6/5, so are warm favourites, but Feyenoord are 5/2 and Amsterdam giants Ajax just 7/2. Once again we could be in for an exciting three-way battle and it will interesting to see how Feyenoord get on without the man who guided them to so much success, Arne Slot having departed to Liverpool.