As of this season, 49 different clubs have competed in the English Premier League since its inception back in 1992 - so who will be the history making 50th club? What Are The Odds looks at the current odds on-offer from bookmaker Paddy Power.
Interestingly it’s currently the team occupying 14th in the Championship table who are favourites to reach the 50 Premier League milestone, and that’s Brentford. Paddy Power are offering 8/13 (1.62) odds on the Bees being the next new club in the top flight, which in some ways is surprising considering two other contenders with higher odds are currently occupying much higher positions in the Championship table.
Preston North End have been having a solid start to their campaign and sit just a place above Brentford in 13th with current odds of 7/2 (4.50) on them might just represent some real value. Bristol City however are flying this season, currently sitting in the playoffs in 5th, thus representing an even more a lucrative option with odds of 5/1 (6.00). The West Country side are surely a Premier League club in-waiting - there is quality, a catchment area and a growing infrastructure that would surely see the Robins look right at home as a potential 50th addition to the English top flight.
Other Championship clubs Millwall and Burton Albion both valued at 19/1 (20.0) will surely look-on skeptically at their odds compared to the 18/1 (19.0) odds being offered on the Scottish Premier League pair of Celtic and Rangers.
The Old Firm rivals, not even in the English league structure - with no clear future prospect of either entering the system, are above a host of current English Championship and League One/Two clubs, which might surprise some, but Paddy Power are assuming that none of those current FPL clubs have much chance being the 50th Premier League club.
One team worth considering, as a wildcard outsider pick, are League One Peterborough currently priced at 50/1 (51.0). The club have starred in the third tier of English football, but have struggled when promoted to the Championship. However, if they gain promotion this season, there’s no telling how well they could adapt to the rigours of the Championship the next time around.
Probability of the 50th Premier League club
| Next Club | 50th Premier League Club Odds | Probability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brentford | 8/13 | 61.90% | |
| Preston | 7/2 | 22.22% | |
| Bristol City | 5/1 | 16.67% | |
| Celtic | 18/1 | 5.26% | |
| Rangers | 18/1 | 5.26% | |
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