The upcoming Premier League season is set to commence, and once again, Manchester City finds itself at the forefront of expectations. Under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, the team has consistently been regarded as favorites to claim the title. Despite occasional setbacks, such as their initial season under Guardiola and Liverpool's triumph in the 2019-20 season, City has dominated the league in six out of eight seasons under the Spanish coach's leadership.

The bookmakers have consistently backed Manchester City as their top pick for the Premier League title. This trend dates back to the 2016-17 season, even though it was marked by experimental lineups and ended with a significant gap between City and Chelsea. The bookmakers' confidence in City has largely been justified, given their consistent success throughout the Guardiola era.

Intriguingly, despite City's impressive record and their status as reigning champions, their preseason odds have not always reflected their dominance. Over the past eight seasons, betting on Manchester City to secure the Premier League title would have yielded substantial returns. This discrepancy between their performance and preseason odds highlights the value of respecting the betting markets as a reliable source of information and knowledge.

The current odds provided by ESPN BET give Manchester City a 47.6% chance (+110) of clinching the Premier League title this season. However, when accounting for the vig (the fee charged by bookmakers for placing bets), this percentage drops even lower. As the new season approaches, it appears that while Manchester City remains the individual favorites, the overall field is collectively favored over them.

The financial regulations imposed on Manchester City could potentially pose challenges for their campaign this season. These regulations may impact their transfer dealings and overall squad strength, creating uncertainties around their ability to maintain their dominance.

However, it's worth noting that Arsenal could emerge as strong contenders for the Premier League title this season. Their performance and potential have led some experts to consider them as real favorites. Arsenal's rise could add an exciting dimension to the upcoming season, potentially setting up a thrilling title race.

As the countdown to the 2024-25 Premier League season continues, Manchester City remains at the top of the favorites list. However, with financial regulations potentially impacting their campaign and the field collectively favored over them, there are no guarantees for another dominant performance from the defending champions. The upcoming season promises to be an intriguing battle for supremacy, with Arsenal emerging as potential dark horses for the title.