Everton look best value for a top 5 finish

Even at this early stage of the season the top three of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United look nailed on to finish in some order within the top three. Liverpool is a conundrum wrapped in an enigma stuck in a box labelled 'riddle'. But given the gentlemans' excuse me going on between the pretenders to that seemingly up-for-grabs dance I would assume that Liverpool will at some point stroll up to the lady in question and tell her to get her coat.

But regardless of what Liverpool do, the market that excludes the big four contains some decent odds for the two teams that contested the position last season - and Everton has finished top of the rest for the last two seasons.

Tottenham and Man City have spent heavily, but at short odds do not seem to offer much value considering the mid table finishes of the last two seasons.

Aston Villa had a great start to last season but faded badly as the Uefa Cup took its toll - Martin O'Neill has strengthened significantly in the summer and with no European distractions Villa look excellent value at third favourites.

But Everton who have finished fifth for the last two seasons look better value. They often start slowly and with an entire team of players due to return to fitness in the next few weeks could well be the form team of the new year. If no one goes and grabs the 70 points needed for fourth, then Everton could well start to push hard for the 65 points that will be near enough. At 18/1 Everton look excellent value to finish best of the rest again - whatever Liverpool do.

Premier League odds without big four
8/11 Man City
5/2 Tottenham
9/2 Aston Villa
18/1 Everton
40/1 Sunderland
50/1 West Ham
66/1 Stoke
66/1 Fulham
100/1 Blackburn
200/1 Wigan
500/1 Bolton
500/1 Birmingham
500/1 Burnley

(All odds from Bet365 which is offering £200 in free bets for new account openers).