FERNANDO TORRES' failure to score on his Chelsea debut saved bookies a fortune.
Liverpool's surprise 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge saw their odds cut to 4-1 with Ladbrokes for a top-four finish (from 8-1) but they are 250-1 for the title.
Chelsea are out to 8-1 with Manchester United solid 8-13 favourites despite their weekend defeat at Wolves.
Torres was one of the best-backed players during the weekend either to score first or any time but he had few chances to shine against his former team and was subbed midway through the second half.
The only punters left celebrating at that point were those who backed the £50million man to start and be substituted at 2-1.
“Punters are also keen on Liverpool for a Champions League spot now as the Dalglish revival looks set to continue with archrivals Manchester United the main beneficiaries.”
At the other end of the table West Ham are now 4-7 second-favourites for the drop following their 1-0 home defeat to Birmingham who are 3-1. Wigan are 1-2 with Wolves 4-6 but keep an eye on freefalling Blackpool who are 6-4.
Ladbrokes spokesman Alex Donohue said: “A Torres goal would have cost us nearly as much as his transfer fee.”
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
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