With barely anything between Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea in the Premier League winners market, the race for fourth spot is likely to gather just as much focus as in recent seasons.

Unsurprisingly Arsenal, who have spent the last eight years fluctuating between third and fourth place, are favourites to finish higher than the rest of the division bar last season’s top three at a best price of 1.73 (8/11) with Paddy Power.

There has been plenty of talk about the Gunners breaking their usually conservative habits and spending big this summer, though their only signing thus far is that of highly rated France under-20 international Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer.

The club are reportedly planning a fresh bid for Luis Suarez, while Gonzalo Higuain and Wayne Rooney remain very much on their radar.

However, with nothing yet set in stone, Arsenal fans would be forgiven for fearing another season chasing the pack – something which is reflected in their title winning odds of 12.0 (11/1).

Next in line come Tottenham Hotspur, who missed out to their fierce local rivals last time around by virtue of a single point.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas has also taken his time in the transfer market, with Brazilian international Paulinho the only new arrival at White Hart Lane.

Spurs are priced at 4.0 (3/1) with Bet 365, slightly ahead of Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool, who are widely available at 4.33 (10/3).

Unlike both North London clubs, the Reds have been extremely busy buying and selling, with no less the four players moving to Anfield since the end of last season.

Spanish attackers Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas, Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure and Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet have all moved to Merseyside, hoping to push the club back into the top four for the first time since 2009.

Everton, who begin a new era under Roberto Martinez are a 34.0 (33/1) shot with most bookmakers, while the only other side who are priced at under 101.0 (100/1) are Alan Pardew’s Newcastle United.