Manchester City have enjoyed a dream start to the Barclays Premier League season and bookmakers have already seen enough, cutting them to a top-priced 10-11 to win the title.
City were available at 3-1 at the start of this month, but those odds have shrunk after slick victories over West Bromwich Albion (3-0), Chelsea (3-0) and Everton (2-0). Their next three matches - Watford (home), Crystal Palace (away) and West Ham United (home) - offer them the chance to consolidate early gains.
Chelsea, the champions, are out to 7-2 after an indifferent start, while Arsenal, chalked up at 5-1, already have a stain on their CV, having lost at home to West Ham United on the opening day of the campaign.
Manchester United are available at 10-1 after performances more about perspiration, than inspiration, while Liverpool are 25-1. The rest are 350-1 and bigger.
City are going to take some stopping if they can keep up their early momentum but that is reflected by them being odds-on across the board.
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Those taken by their exploits during the early weeks of the campaign should, perhaps, consider backing David Silva, at 7-1 with William Hill, to be crowned the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year.
No City player has won the accolade since its inception 42 years ago and neither, surprisingly, has a Spaniard.
Silva, much admired since joining City five years ago, could put both categories straight.
The midfield maestro has had to settle for a supporting role behind Eden Hazard, Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale and Robin Van Persie in recent years, but he has been outstanding in City’s first three matches this term and his consistency in previous seasons will also count for something.
If City stay in the title picture, which seems certain, then there must be a big chance that his fellow professionals will acknowledge the 29-year-old, who seems at the peak of his powers.
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Hazard (6-1) and Alexis Sanchez (10-1) are respected but the biggest stumbling block may be Sergio Aguero, a team-mate of Silva at City, who is worth a small saver.
Aguero, 6-1 with Ladbrokes and Sky Bet, is the best striker in the league and many will vote for him in the spring if he keeps his team top with a flood of goals. He does tend to pick up an injury or two, though, which could tilt the scales in Silva’s favour.
Verdict: 2pts on David Silva being PFA Player of the Year at 7-1 with William Hill. Half a point on Aguero at 6-1.