They think it’s all over, at least Paddy Power the bookies do

19 February 09 by Bill

Bookmakers Paddy Power have decided to pay out on all bets for Manchester United winning the domestic treble; that’s the Premier League, FA Cup and the League Cup.

Paddy Power are well known for calling title races over long before the season is finished and even went as far as to pay out on Chelsea winning the Premier League after just seven games in the 2006/07 season. Even so, to pay out on the treble before the Carling Cup final can only be described as crazy.

Manchester United take on Tottenham in the Carling Cup final next Sunday looking for their second trophy of the season (their first real trophy). Whilst United are on for a sizeable haul this year, Spurs are anything but. Currently sitting 16th in the Premier League and having been dumped out of the FA Cup by United last month, the Carling Cup holds Spurs’ only opportunity for domestic success this season. The Carling Cup also provides a route into Europe so with Ferguson opting to stick with youth, the trophy is most definitely not in the bag.

The Premier League should come next according to Paddy Power and you can’t disagree. United are flying at a time when their rivals aren’t. I still can’t take Liverpool seriously as title contenders. Admittedly I’ve not watched too many of their games this season but I don’t recall reading much regarding their scintillating form or championship pedigree. Liverpool have done alright but they’re lucky to be where they are. Ferguson predicts a two horse race but I doubt that threat will come from Liverpool. We’re five points ahead of them today and that gap will only grow over time.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton are all still in the FA Cup and any of them could take the trophy. Chelsea and Arsenal will be desperate for silverware this season so I expect them to both field strong squads in their remaining games in the competition. Plus, neither of them will want to United take a clean sweep. Talk about rubbing salt in the wounds! United can book their place in the semi-final with victory over either Swansea or Fulham and will definitely be confident they can go all the way.

We’ll have to wait and see whether Paddy Power ends up losing out on this call; it wouldn’t be the first time. They paid out on Arsenal winning the league 2002/03 but were left with egg on their face when United pipped them to the title. Paddy Power are confident that wont happen again as their head of communications pointed out:

“We know and punters know the race for trophies is all but over for another year so why wait for the formalities? If none of the opposition are able to even score a goal against United what chance have they got of actually beating them to silverware?”