It's not even Christmas and the official halfway mark of the English Premier League season but already Manchester United are odds-on favourites to claim a staggering 13th title from the past 21 seasons under their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
United's dramatic 3-2 win at reigning champions and bitter rivals Manchester City last weekend has proved the defining moment in title betting on the EPL this season.
That result has ensured that United are now clear-cut favourites to regain the title they lost on the last kick of the season to City last season.
The two have shared or rotated title favouritism throughout the first half of the season but with that win last week, United have opened up a six-point lead at the top of the table in what is essentially a two-horse race with third-placed Chelsea already a further four points behind City.
And given United traditionally are a stronger team in the second half of the season than the first - when they also have the gruelling group stage of the Champions League to contend with - and the Red Devils are now at their shortest odds all season to claim the title.
United are the $1.61 title favourites at Betfair with City out to $3.35 after that costly loss while Chelsea at $17 are the only other team priced under $100.
And while City have the advantage of no European competition after the winter break - as opposed to United which qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League - it is going to take a herculean effort for City to make up the six-point gap as they still have to face United at Old Trafford later in the season.
Roberto Mancini's team should have no trouble bouncing back from their loss to United on Saturday when they travel to out-of-form Newcastle - with City the $1.69 favourites at Betfair while Newcastle are at $5.90 with the draw priced at $4.10.
However, they are unlikely to pick up any ground this week with the Red Devils the shortest-priced favourites among the six Saturday matches at $1.21 to win at home against relegation-threatened Sunderland at $18 while even the draw is paying $8 at Betfair.
But while City and United are short odds to win again, there is value in the other four games on Saturday.
Liverpool are short at $1.39 at Betfair at home to an improving Villa side, which are great value at $10 after having won through to the League Cup semi-finals in mid-week, while the draw is also good value at $5.20.
Norwich, disappointing in losing at home against Villa in the League Cup in mid-week, should bounce back at home at $2.30 against struggling Wigan at $3.50 while fourth-placed Everton are the $2.48 favourites away to Stoke at $3.25.
However, with Stoke unbeaten in their past six matches, the draw might be the way to go in that game paying $3.35 at Betfair.
And in the final game bottom-placed QPR - still searching for their first win after 16 matches this season (the worst start ever by a side in the EPL) - are poor value as the $2.60 favourites at home against London rivals Fulham at $2.98 with the draw again looking the way to go in this game at $3.50.
*Note prices subject to change
Bet of the day: Back United, City and Norwich to win and snap up the $1.61 on offer on United to win the title at Betfair while it lasts.
Value bet of the day: Back the draw in the Stoke-Everton and QPR-Fulham matches.
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