Betfair Data Reveals Which Clubs Bettors Are Backing Across UK Leagues
With over two months remaining before the 2025–26 football season officially begins, the Betfair Sportsbook has opened its markets for England’s top four divisions and the Scottish Premiership — and early trends are revealing some surprising favourites.
Premier League Title Race: Liverpool & Arsenal Neck and Neck in Early Bets
Defending champions Liverpool are currently the most backed team to retain their Premier League crown, with 20.2% of bets placed on them at odds of 15/8. But Arsenal are right on their heels with 20.1%, suggesting a tight title race is expected by fans and punters alike.
Perhaps more unexpectedly, Manchester United — who finished a dismal 15th last season — have received the third-highest share of bets to win the league, garnering 14.9% of the total.
Chelsea and Manchester City also sit close behind with 13.7% and 12.9% respectively. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur, currently without a manager, have attracted just 1.7% of the wager pool.
Mixed Expectations for Manchester United, Sunderland Heavily Tipped for Drop
Interestingly, Manchester United are also one of the most-backed sides to face relegation, receiving 11.2% of the bet share in that market — the second-highest total behind newly-promoted Sunderland, who dominate with a massive 44.9%.
The Black Cats are listed at 3/10 for an immediate return to the Championship, while United, despite their large fanbase and title backing, are priced at 16/1 to go down — reflecting the uncertainty surrounding their future.
Ipswich Lead Championship Promotion Bets
Having endured an immediate relegation back to the Championship after a double-promotion fairy tale, Ipswich Town are still commanding strong support to bounce back. At 9/2, the Tractor Boys are the current favourites and have drawn 20.2% of the action in the Championship Winner market.
They’re closely followed by Southampton (18.8%) and Sheffield United (15.6%), while Birmingham City, who were once leading the betting activity, have slipped to fourth with 14.5%.
Luton and MK Dons Tipped in Lower Leagues
In League One, Luton Town—who have just suffered back-to-back relegations—are drawing the bulk of interest, with 28% of bets favouring them to win the division.
MK Dons lead the pack in League Two, proving the most-backed team so far, suggesting punters believe they’re primed for promotion.
Celtic Dominate Scottish Premiership Betting
Across all domestic markets, the team attracting the most one-sided betting support is Celtic. A staggering 91% of all Scottish Premiership bets have been placed on Brendan Rodgers’ side, even though they remain at 4/11 to retain their crown.
Their bitter rivals Rangers, priced at 2/1, have only drawn 8% of the bets, while Aberdeen are the only other side to receive any notable action, holding 1% of the market.
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