Ahead of the new Premiership season large wagers have been placed on Rafa Benitez’ Liverpool to win their first domestic League in 19 seasons.

The purchase of Republic of Ireland Captain Robbie Keane and the impending capture of Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry has caused many to see the Reds are title contenders in 2008/9.

Average high street odds offer Liverpool at an attractive price of 8/1 to land the title despite the fact the side finished fourth last season.

Not surprisingly Manchester United are favourites to retain their Premiership crown at odds of 11/8. They’re followed in the odds table by Chelsea at 7/4 and Arsenal at 5/1.

The loss of influential midfield duo Alexandre Hleb and Matthieu Flamini has seen the Gunners price drift in recent weeks though a late summer signing may change these odds.

At the other end of the table Hull City are the bookies favourites to make the drop at 3/10. Others unfancied include Stoke City at 2/5 , West Bromwich Albion at 11/10 and Fulham at 5/2.

In a sign of the cut throat nature of Premiership football bookmakers are also offering odds on the first Premiership manager to be sacked in the new season.

West Ham United’s Alan Curbishley is the surprise favourite at 9/2 followed by Kevin Keegan at 8/1 and Bolton’s Gary Megson at 6/1.

Liverpool chief Rafael Benitez is 14/1 to get the boot before any other manager as many believe the in-fighting present at Anfield could trigger his ejection from the club.

It’s now possible to get odds on dozens of Premiership scenarios including who the first hat rick hero will be. Euro 2008 hero Fernando Torres tops the odds at 7/1.

And finally on the discipline front Blackburn Rovers are tipped to pick up the most red cards at 7/1 followed by Manchester City at 9/1 and Middlesbrough at 10/1.

The bookies believe Manchester United and Liverpool will be the season’s cleanest sides offering odds of 50/1 on either side picking up the most red cards of the news season.

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