Tuesday 3 September 2013 16:17, UK
Sky Bet's rugby union expert looks at the betting markets ahead of this year's Aviva Premiership.
Sky Bet's Jordan Fiddes explains all the odds in the outright markets for the upcoming season. While there was a lot of activity on transfer deadline day in the Barclays Premier League this week, the 12 clubs of the Aviva Premiership have been busy all summer. With a total of over 100 players joining the ranks of the competing clubs in the off-season, the 2013/14 Premiership should have a fresh new look and witness a few shocks along the way. Leicester maintain the favourite's tag after last year's Premiership Final triumph and are just 15/8 to make it a second triumph on the bounce as well as odds on to reach a 10th successive Grand Final. The Tigers have recruited well in the off-season - most notably Jerome Schuster who fills the void left by Martin Castrogiovanni - but they have also added depth to a squad that are hampered come International time. Their closest rivals in the pre-season betting are last year's table-toppers Saracens who are 9/4 for Grand Final glory and the same price to finish top of the pile again this year. The Sarries have been quiet in the transfer market this year but have added power in Billy Vunipola and James Johnston to an area they struggled in last year. This should lay a platform for their impressive backline too. If Owen Farrell can transfer his Lions form back into the club competition, he could see his 8/1 price slashed for the 'Regular Season Top Points Scorer.' It should also mean more action for winger Chris Ashton who has 39 tries in 64 games for his club and is also an attractive 8/1 to take the 'top try scorer' accolade.