What Are Chelsea’s Odds for Next Season With Xabi Alonso As Manager?
Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as the new Chelsea manager. While this seems like a major coup for the club, does it make them Premier League contenders for the 2026/27 season?
Let’s look at Chelsea’s prospects with their new manager.
Chelsea Odds for Next Season With Xabi Alonso
Chelsea are currently being given odds of around 11/1 at most bookmakers to win the Premier League next season. These odds will undoubtedly change as the transfer window progresses, especially as Chelsea are one of the Premier League’s biggest-spending teams. However, punters looking for an early bet might be interested in long odds at this point.
In fact, it’s all change at the top end of the Premier League next season. Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea will all have new coaches, and while Manchester United appear likely to appoint Darren Fletcher full-time, they already look like a much-changed team going into next season. Only Arsenal, the 2025/26 champions, will present a familiar prospect, and are currently favourites to repeat their success as a result.
One thing Xabi Alonso has over the other new managers, though, is that (supposing that Man City appoint Maresca as expected), he’s the only new manager who has won one of Europe’s major football leagues during his time at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. He did this in style during Leverkusen’s “Invincibles” season in 2023/24, also bringing home the national DFB-Pokal trophy. Although his time at Real Madrid ultimately ended in disappointment, he also has experience managing one of the world’s biggest clubs.
This will be invaluable experience in taking on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side next season. But will it be enough?
Who Are the Premier League Favourites for the Premier League?
Arsenal are the heavy favourites to win the Premier League next year, with odds currently sitting at around 6/4. Manchester City are next, with odds around 7/2. This will likely change based on who City appoint as manager and whether City support their new man with the type of well-directed spending spree they’re renowned for.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, will look to strengthen after a superb season in which they brought home the Europa League trophy and finished 4th in the Premier League. While Villa are still establishing themselves as a top team, they have the advantage of a long-term manager and strategy and have a huge amount of forward momentum.
Manchester United and Liverpool are also in the running. Nobody knows how Liverpool will shape up under Andoni Iraola, but if United stick with Darren Fletcher, they will be dark horses for the title next year. Their impressive form, combined with the formidable support of a rejuvenated Old Trafford crowd, is an ominous sign for Chelsea and the other title contenders.
Conclusion: Are Chelsea a Genuine Premier League Contender?
Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea should be considered a genuine threat for the Premier League title. A good transfer window could easily put them among the top teams, and if Cole Palmer returns to form next season, they will be an extremely dangerous team.
