With pre-season well underway and the transfer market continuing to build towards an exciting crescendo it’s time to begin looking at the best bets for the Premier League season.

Sir Alex Ferguson made clear his intentions at the end of the season by insisting there is a “responsibility and expectation” about moving 13/8 Premier League title favourites Manchester United forward – and it would appear the game’s longest-serving manager has been true to his word.

Manchester United claimed their 19th top-flight title on the same day as neighbours Manchester City broke their trophy drought by claiming the FA Cup. City are also in the Champions League next season so where might the Manchester balance of power lie in 12 months time? (United 13/8 to win 2011-2012 Premier League title).

There are now just two games left for those clubs battling for survival to beat the drop from the Premier League. There is still much to play for so we will have a look at the the possible relegation scenarios ahead of the scrap to avoid the drop.

Manchester United take on Schalke in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday with a two-goal advantage. Progression to the final looks a mere formality but could there be a late twist in the tie?

With both away sides securing 2-0 first-leg victories in the Champions League semi-finals this week it looks likely that Manchester United will face Barcelona in the final on May 28. Real Madrid and Schalke might have other ideas but the prospect of a United vs Barca clash is something to whet the appetite – so will the ‘dream’ final happen? (Barcelona 8/15 to win Champions League).

Manchester United can banish their Wembley heartache and return to winning ways in the Premier League when they travel to take on Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Manchester United fans are getting the feeling of deja vu as Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble-chasing squad (6/1 to win Premier League, FA Cup & Champions League) prepare to face rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.

Some people study the form, others stick a pin in the paper and a few punters consider the prospect of a link or story to the winner of the Grand National. Party Politics won the big race in the year of General Election in 1992, Numbersixvalverde won in 2006 and Tony McCoy finally ended his drought on Don’t Push It last year.

With the international break now meaning there are no more Premier League fixtures until early April, now seems like a good time to take a look at the title race with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea still in with a shout of glory come May.