Another Premier League season is on the horizon and though there is a bit of a divide between
the best and worst teams, within those factions there’s a lot of room to maneuver. Let’s dive in.
the best and worst teams, within those factions there’s a lot of room to maneuver. Let’s dive in.
Note: Predicted XI may include some players that are currently injured. I am going for the
strongest possible 11.
strongest possible 11.
20th Sheffield United
Last Season: 2nd in the EFL Championship
Manager: Chris Wilder
Predicted XI: Dean Henderson; Phil Jagielka, John Egan, Jack O’Connell;
George Baldock, Oliver Norwood, John Fleck, Enda Stevens; Kieron Freeman;
Billy Sharp, Callum Robinson
George Baldock, Oliver Norwood, John Fleck, Enda Stevens; Kieron Freeman;
Billy Sharp, Callum Robinson
Ground: Bramall Lane
The Blades are making their first Premier League appearance in 12 years, but they should not
get comfortable. There’s some Premier League experience (though mainly through former Everton
defender Phil Jagielka), but much of this side is unproven in general or at the Premier League level.
We’ve seen some surprises happen like Huddersfield Town surviving the 2017-18 season,
but it would take something like that to keep Sheffield United from going down.
get comfortable. There’s some Premier League experience (though mainly through former Everton
defender Phil Jagielka), but much of this side is unproven in general or at the Premier League level.
We’ve seen some surprises happen like Huddersfield Town surviving the 2017-18 season,
but it would take something like that to keep Sheffield United from going down.
19th Brighton and Hove Albion
Last Season: 17th
Manager: Graham Potter
Predicted XI: Mathew Ryan; Martin Montoya, Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster,
Bernardo; Davy Propper, Pascal Groß; Leandro Trossard, Glenn Murray, Neal Maupay
Bernardo; Davy Propper, Pascal Groß; Leandro Trossard, Glenn Murray, Neal Maupay
Ground: Amex Stadium
Last season Brighton survived relegation by the skin of their teeth, and they’ve been in abysmal form.
Whenever a team backs into survival it usually doesn’t bode well for the next season.
Nor does sacking your manager, Chris Houghton, who got the best out of players no one expected
to do this well at the PL level. From Glenn Murray an unlikely reliable source of goals to the defensive
chemistry between Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk, in some regards Brighton have punched above
their own weight and are set for a “Rope-a-Dope”.
Whenever a team backs into survival it usually doesn’t bode well for the next season.
Nor does sacking your manager, Chris Houghton, who got the best out of players no one expected
to do this well at the PL level. From Glenn Murray an unlikely reliable source of goals to the defensive
chemistry between Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk, in some regards Brighton have punched above
their own weight and are set for a “Rope-a-Dope”.
18th Crystal Palace
Last Season: 12th
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Predicted XI: Vicente Guaita; Joel Ward, James Tomkins, Mamadou Sakho,
Patrick van Aanholt; Luka Milivojevic, Victor Camarasa; Andros Townsend,
Max Meyer, Wilfred Zaha; Jordan Ayew
Patrick van Aanholt; Luka Milivojevic, Victor Camarasa; Andros Townsend,
Max Meyer, Wilfred Zaha; Jordan Ayew
Ground: Selhurst Park
The first two relegated teams Sheffield United and Brighton are very much consensus picks as most
football fans agree they are on paper the weakest teams. The third relegation candidate could
honestly be anyone I put 13th-18th, but I am going with Crystal Palace. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and
Michy Batshuayi have left the club, Wilfried Zaha may as well and even if he stays there’s just so
much uncertainty and bad vibes surrounding Selhurst Park. Not to mention their atrocious striker
options in Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke.
football fans agree they are on paper the weakest teams. The third relegation candidate could
honestly be anyone I put 13th-18th, but I am going with Crystal Palace. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and
Michy Batshuayi have left the club, Wilfried Zaha may as well and even if he stays there’s just so
much uncertainty and bad vibes surrounding Selhurst Park. Not to mention their atrocious striker
options in Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke.
17th Burnley
Last Season: 15th
Manager: Sean Dyche
Predicted XI: Nick Pope; Matthew Lowton, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Charlie Taylor;
Johann Gudmundsson, Ashley Westood, Jack Cork, Dwight McNeil;
Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes
Johann Gudmundsson, Ashley Westood, Jack Cork, Dwight McNeil;
Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes
Ground: Turf Moor
Burnley’s odds of getting relegated are very close to Palace’s and some others that I have picked to
avoid relegation, but whereas Palace’s hopes all lie on one player, Burnley have a few solid options
they can (hopefully) rely on. Nick Pope is a solid goalkeeper and he will have his work cut out for him
again this season, and James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil would not look out of place in teams
higher up the table and surprisingly stayed put as of the time of writing. It’s not going to be pretty
but I see Burnley sticking around for another season.
avoid relegation, but whereas Palace’s hopes all lie on one player, Burnley have a few solid options
they can (hopefully) rely on. Nick Pope is a solid goalkeeper and he will have his work cut out for him
again this season, and James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil would not look out of place in teams
higher up the table and surprisingly stayed put as of the time of writing. It’s not going to be pretty
but I see Burnley sticking around for another season.
16th Southampton
Last Season: 16th
Manager: Ralph Hassenhuttl
Predicted XI: Angus Gunn; Yan Valery, Jannik Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek, Ryan Bertrand;
Nathan Redmond, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, James Ward-Prowse, Sofiane Boufal;
Che Adams, Danny Ings
Nathan Redmond, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, James Ward-Prowse, Sofiane Boufal;
Che Adams, Danny Ings
Ground: St. Mary’s Stadium
Southampton have gotten by earlier in their Premier League spell by adequately replacing the players
they’ve developed and sold (mostly to Liverpool). While the likes of Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk
enjoy Champions League success, the current Southampton academy’s assembly line has slowed
down a bit and players they’ve relied on in past seasons have dipped in form, which is why Cedric
is no longer a starter. However, there is enough talent in this group that they should be able to stay up,
but it wouldn’t surprise me if this was their year to go down.
they’ve developed and sold (mostly to Liverpool). While the likes of Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk
enjoy Champions League success, the current Southampton academy’s assembly line has slowed
down a bit and players they’ve relied on in past seasons have dipped in form, which is why Cedric
is no longer a starter. However, there is enough talent in this group that they should be able to stay up,
but it wouldn’t surprise me if this was their year to go down.
15th Aston Villa
Last Season: 5th in the EFL Championship, Promoted via playoffs
Manager:
Predicted XI: Tom Heaton; Frederic Guilbert, Tyrone Mings, Bjorn Engels, Matt Targett;
Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Jack Grealish; Jota, Wesley, Anwar El Ghazi
Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Jack Grealish; Jota, Wesley, Anwar El Ghazi
Ground: Villa Park
Aston Villa only finishing 5th in the Championship last season is a testament to how difficult it is to earn
promotion to the Premier League, as the top clubs in that division that fight for promotion are all
decent. They’ve added more new players to their squad than any other Premier League team.
On one hand, they’re mostly quality players that will improve their team. On the other hand, this does
give shades of Fulham last season who had a similarly busy window and most of their signings
flopped. Also Aston Villa’s last Premier League outing was awful. If these new players gel quickly
and play as well as they can, they should survive.
promotion to the Premier League, as the top clubs in that division that fight for promotion are all
decent. They’ve added more new players to their squad than any other Premier League team.
On one hand, they’re mostly quality players that will improve their team. On the other hand, this does
give shades of Fulham last season who had a similarly busy window and most of their signings
flopped. Also Aston Villa’s last Premier League outing was awful. If these new players gel quickly
and play as well as they can, they should survive.
14th Newcastle United
Last Season: 13th
Manager: Steve Bruce
Predicted XI: Martin Dubravka; DeAndre Yedlin, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles,
Florian Lejuene, Matt Ritchie; Sean Longstaff, Isaac Hayden;
Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton, Miguel Almiron
Florian Lejuene, Matt Ritchie; Sean Longstaff, Isaac Hayden;
Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton, Miguel Almiron
Ground: St. James’ Park
The ownership of Newcastle has made some questionable decisions, most notably letting Rafa
Benitez go and replacing him with Steve Bruce. However, Newcastle’s notoriously stingy owners
surprised everyone by spending big on two talented players in Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton.
They along with former Atlanta United player Miguel Almiron form a good enough front three to paper
over some other issues and finish above some of the stragglers, though not without a relegation
scare or two.
Benitez go and replacing him with Steve Bruce. However, Newcastle’s notoriously stingy owners
surprised everyone by spending big on two talented players in Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton.
They along with former Atlanta United player Miguel Almiron form a good enough front three to paper
over some other issues and finish above some of the stragglers, though not without a relegation
scare or two.
13th Norwich City
Last Season: Winners of the EFL Championship
Manager: Daniel Farke
Predicted XI: Ralf Fahrmann; Max Aarons, Grant Hanley, Christoph Zimmermann, Jamal Lewis;
Ibrahim Amadou, Tom Trybull; Patrick Roberts, Marco Stiepermann, Emi Buendia; Teemo Pukki
Ibrahim Amadou, Tom Trybull; Patrick Roberts, Marco Stiepermann, Emi Buendia; Teemo Pukki
Ground: Carrow Road
This German inspired Norwich team equipped with a quality Bundesliga keeper in Ralf Fahrmann
and two young exciting fullbacks in Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis have a Wolverhampton-esque
swagger about them going into this season. They won the EFL Championship playing some
beautiful football, which is rare to say about a lower division team. Questions will be asked about this
group’s ability to replicate than in the Premier League, but if there’s any newly promoted team that I
think is safe, it’s Norwich City.
and two young exciting fullbacks in Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis have a Wolverhampton-esque
swagger about them going into this season. They won the EFL Championship playing some
beautiful football, which is rare to say about a lower division team. Questions will be asked about this
group’s ability to replicate than in the Premier League, but if there’s any newly promoted team that I
think is safe, it’s Norwich City.
12th Bournemouth
Last Season: 14th
Manager: Eddie Howe
Predicted XI: Mark Travers; Adam Smith, Steve Cook, Nathan Ake, Diego Rico;
David Brooks, Jefferson Lerma, Philip Billing, Ryan Fraser; Callum Wilson, Joshua King
David Brooks, Jefferson Lerma, Philip Billing, Ryan Fraser; Callum Wilson, Joshua King
Ground: Vitality Stadium
This will be Bournemouth’s 5th season in the Premier League since being promoted for the first time,
and with each season this team feels more and more comfortable. They don’t try to make a boat load
of signings and discard players that have helped improve the team already, rather mixing in some
exciting new players like Philip Billing and last season’s big signing David Brooks (though he’ll start
the season injured) with a strong core that works well together. Mark Travers might still have some
competition with Artur Boruc and Asmir Begovic as a starting goalkeeper, but that’s hardly a bad
problem to have.
and with each season this team feels more and more comfortable. They don’t try to make a boat load
of signings and discard players that have helped improve the team already, rather mixing in some
exciting new players like Philip Billing and last season’s big signing David Brooks (though he’ll start
the season injured) with a strong core that works well together. Mark Travers might still have some
competition with Artur Boruc and Asmir Begovic as a starting goalkeeper, but that’s hardly a bad
problem to have.
11th Watford
Last Season: 11th
Manager: Javi Gracia
Predicted XI: Ben Foster; Kiko Femenia, Craig Cathcart, Craig Dawson, Jose Holebas;
Ismaila Sarr, Will Hughes, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Roberto Pereyra;
Gerard Deulofeu, Troy Deeney
Ismaila Sarr, Will Hughes, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Roberto Pereyra;
Gerard Deulofeu, Troy Deeney
Ground: Vicarage Road
Like Bournemouth, Watford aren’t a side that should strike fear into most of the sides I predict will
finish in the top half of the table. But they are well managed and balanced enough to be perfectly
average. It’s not the most exciting season, but this is a solid team with a blend of skills and
backgrounds that will put up a good fight, particularly at home. Featuring some star players
formerly in the background at bigger clubs like Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra as well as a
rock solid midfielder in Abdoulaye Doucoure, as long as they play well, so will Watford.
finish in the top half of the table. But they are well managed and balanced enough to be perfectly
average. It’s not the most exciting season, but this is a solid team with a blend of skills and
backgrounds that will put up a good fight, particularly at home. Featuring some star players
formerly in the background at bigger clubs like Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra as well as a
rock solid midfielder in Abdoulaye Doucoure, as long as they play well, so will Watford.
10th West Ham United
Last Season: 10th
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Predicted XI: Łukasz Fabiański; Ryan Fredericks, Fabian Balbuena, Issa Diop, Arthur Masuaku;
Pablo Fornals, Declan Rice; Andriy Yarmolenko, Manuel Lanzini, Felipe Anderson;
Sebastien Haller
Pablo Fornals, Declan Rice; Andriy Yarmolenko, Manuel Lanzini, Felipe Anderson;
Sebastien Haller
Ground: London Stadium
Everton, Leicester City, West Ham United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers form the “B tier” of the
Premier League where they aren’t likely to challenge the top 6, but they are better than the bottom
half of the league. The weakest link in this group chasing a possible Europa League berth this year
appears to be West Ham, but they are still an improved team. Łukasz Fabianski is an underrated
goalkeeper who had an impressive season last year, Declan Rice broke into the team and made an
impact among the controversy of switching his FIFA nationality from Irish to English, and new signings
Pablo Fornals and Sebastian Haller make West Ham a threat on the attack. There’s still some room
for improvement to leapfrog the next few teams above them.
Premier League where they aren’t likely to challenge the top 6, but they are better than the bottom
half of the league. The weakest link in this group chasing a possible Europa League berth this year
appears to be West Ham, but they are still an improved team. Łukasz Fabianski is an underrated
goalkeeper who had an impressive season last year, Declan Rice broke into the team and made an
impact among the controversy of switching his FIFA nationality from Irish to English, and new signings
Pablo Fornals and Sebastian Haller make West Ham a threat on the attack. There’s still some room
for improvement to leapfrog the next few teams above them.
9th Wolverhampton Wanderers
Last Season: 7th
Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo
Predicted XI: Rui Patricio; Matt Doherty, Jesus Vallejo, Conor Coady, Willy Boly, Jonny;
Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Leander Dendoncker; Raul Jimenez, Diogo Jota
Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Leander Dendoncker; Raul Jimenez, Diogo Jota
Ground: Molineux Stadium
Wolverhampton Wanderers, or Wolves, had one of, if not the, best season a newly promoted EPL
team could have finishing 7th last season. They did that with some shrewd signings such as
Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho, and Raul Jimenez, adding to a core that featured talented midfielder
Ruben Neves and hardworking staple Matt Doherty. They have built on that with additions such as
Patrick Cutrone and Jesus Vallejo coming in from big clubs Milan and Real Madrid respectively, but
now this talented group faces a big test in the Europa League. Wolves have the ability to do well in
both the Premier League and the Europa League, but their depth will be stretched at times and they’ll
finish a bit lower this season because of it.
team could have finishing 7th last season. They did that with some shrewd signings such as
Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho, and Raul Jimenez, adding to a core that featured talented midfielder
Ruben Neves and hardworking staple Matt Doherty. They have built on that with additions such as
Patrick Cutrone and Jesus Vallejo coming in from big clubs Milan and Real Madrid respectively, but
now this talented group faces a big test in the Europa League. Wolves have the ability to do well in
both the Premier League and the Europa League, but their depth will be stretched at times and they’ll
finish a bit lower this season because of it.
8th Leicester City
Last Season: 9th
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Predicted XI: Kasper Schmeichel; Ricardo Pereira, Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans, Ben Chilwell;
Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, James Maddison; Ayoze Perez, Jamie Vardy, Harvey Barnes
Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, James Maddison; Ayoze Perez, Jamie Vardy, Harvey Barnes
Ground: King Power Stadium
Leicester City have not let their incredible achievement of winning the Premier League title 3 years ago
be for naught. They may have sold key plays such as N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, and Harry
Maguire in the years since, but they have made good decisions in the transfer market to fill those
voids. The standout area is their midfield three of Youri Tielemans, Wilfred Ndidi, and James
Maddison. They will still play a primarily counter attacking football with speedy Jamie Vardy leading
the line, but they are capable of playing in other ways too under Brendan Rodgers.
8th place seems about right as things look up for the Foxes.
be for naught. They may have sold key plays such as N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, and Harry
Maguire in the years since, but they have made good decisions in the transfer market to fill those
voids. The standout area is their midfield three of Youri Tielemans, Wilfred Ndidi, and James
Maddison. They will still play a primarily counter attacking football with speedy Jamie Vardy leading
the line, but they are capable of playing in other ways too under Brendan Rodgers.
8th place seems about right as things look up for the Foxes.
7th Everton
Last Season: 8th
Manager: Marco Silva
Predicted XI: Jordan Pickford; Djibril Sidibe, Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Lucas Digne;
Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Andre Gomes; Bernard, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Richarlison; Moise Kean
Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Andre Gomes; Bernard, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Richarlison; Moise Kean
Ground: Goodison Park
Everton appear to be the perennial top 6 chasers in the last few seasons of the Premier League, and
they were a bit blindsided by Wolves overtaking them last season. However, the last few windows
have seen the Blue half of Merseyside move past the likes of Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines
with a new and improved squad. Each of these starting players have experience either at the
international level, at big clubs, or both. Is it quite enough to break into the Top Six? Perhaps not yet.
But they may be breathing down their necks waiting to capitalize on any slip ups.
they were a bit blindsided by Wolves overtaking them last season. However, the last few windows
have seen the Blue half of Merseyside move past the likes of Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines
with a new and improved squad. Each of these starting players have experience either at the
international level, at big clubs, or both. Is it quite enough to break into the Top Six? Perhaps not yet.
But they may be breathing down their necks waiting to capitalize on any slip ups.
6th Chelsea
Last Season: 3rd
Manager: Frank Lampard
Predicted XI: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger,
Emerson; Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek;
Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham, Pedro
Emerson; Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek;
Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham, Pedro
Ground: Stamford Bridge
This will be an interesting season for Chelsea to say the least. Their star player Eden Hazard left for
Real Madrid this year, Frank Lampard takes Mauricio Sarri’s place as manager coming off of his first
year ever managing a club at Derby County, and they were hit with a transfer ban. This could still be
a good thing as it will force Chelsea to unearth a few more gems perhaps in their legion of players
they’ve sent on loan the last few seasons. Among them, I expect Tammy Abraham to have the biggest
spike in involvement considering things haven’t worked out with Gonzalo Higuaín or Alvaro Morata.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will be one to watch when he returns from injury as well American star player
Christian Pulisic who they managed to snap up from Borussia Dortmund before the ban hit. There will
be some growing pains though and 6th place seems fair.
Real Madrid this year, Frank Lampard takes Mauricio Sarri’s place as manager coming off of his first
year ever managing a club at Derby County, and they were hit with a transfer ban. This could still be
a good thing as it will force Chelsea to unearth a few more gems perhaps in their legion of players
they’ve sent on loan the last few seasons. Among them, I expect Tammy Abraham to have the biggest
spike in involvement considering things haven’t worked out with Gonzalo Higuaín or Alvaro Morata.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will be one to watch when he returns from injury as well American star player
Christian Pulisic who they managed to snap up from Borussia Dortmund before the ban hit. There will
be some growing pains though and 6th place seems fair.
5th Manchester United
Last Season: 6th
Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Predicted XI: David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw;
Scott McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba; Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial
Scott McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba; Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial
Ground: Old Trafford
This has not been the Transfer Window Manchester United fans wanted in order to mount a serious
challenge for the Top Four, let alone the title. The latter was a snowball’s chance in hell of happening
anyway, but they only really addressed their defense. Even then, there’s still players like Ashley Young,
Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, and Chris Smalling who even as squad players have overstayed their
welcome, and this squad composition puts pressure on youth stars Daniel James and Mason
Greenwood to make an impact. 5th place even with Chelsea’s transfer ban and having a better
squad than the “B tier” might not be assured, but that’s what I will go with. It will require a lot of
good performances and leadership especially from David de Gea and Paul Pogba.
challenge for the Top Four, let alone the title. The latter was a snowball’s chance in hell of happening
anyway, but they only really addressed their defense. Even then, there’s still players like Ashley Young,
Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, and Chris Smalling who even as squad players have overstayed their
welcome, and this squad composition puts pressure on youth stars Daniel James and Mason
Greenwood to make an impact. 5th place even with Chelsea’s transfer ban and having a better
squad than the “B tier” might not be assured, but that’s what I will go with. It will require a lot of
good performances and leadership especially from David de Gea and Paul Pogba.
4th Arsenal
Last Season: 5th
Manager: Unai Emery
Predicted XI: Bernd Leno; Hector Bellerin, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Rob Holding,
Kieran Tierney; Lucas Torreira, Dani Ceballos, Matteo Guendouzi;
Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Kieran Tierney; Lucas Torreira, Dani Ceballos, Matteo Guendouzi;
Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Ground: Emirates Stadium
The margins of success and failure can be razor thin in sports, and had Arsenal managed to win the
Europa League last season, Unai Emery would not be sweating as much as he probably is right now.
Chelsea deservedly beat them in the final though, and now Arsenal have to regroup and figure out
how they can win their first league title since 2005. Even with the additions of Kieran Tierney,
Dani Ceballos, and Nicolas Pepe who do drastically improve the squad, that might be too tough a
task. However, perhaps they will be able to distance themselves from the struggling Chelsea and
Manchester United this season.
Europa League last season, Unai Emery would not be sweating as much as he probably is right now.
Chelsea deservedly beat them in the final though, and now Arsenal have to regroup and figure out
how they can win their first league title since 2005. Even with the additions of Kieran Tierney,
Dani Ceballos, and Nicolas Pepe who do drastically improve the squad, that might be too tough a
task. However, perhaps they will be able to distance themselves from the struggling Chelsea and
Manchester United this season.
3rd Tottenham Hotspur
Last Season: 3rd
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Predicted XI: Hugo Lloris; Serge Aurier, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose;
Tanguy Ndombele, Moussa Sissoko; Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Heung-min Son; Harry Kane
Tanguy Ndombele, Moussa Sissoko; Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Heung-min Son; Harry Kane
Ground: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Despite making no moves last year, Tottenham had a good season though they were unable to
shake off their trophiless stigma for a club of their size. Their big move this window was midfielder
Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon, and they look set to be in the top four again this season.
However, it’s hard to imagine them achieving anything more. If they want to keep their star players
such as Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane as well as their manager Mauricio Pochettino, it will take
more than their new stadium to keep them happy. Even in the form of a domestic cup such as the
FA Cup, Spurs need something to show for all the strides they’ve made in recent years.
shake off their trophiless stigma for a club of their size. Their big move this window was midfielder
Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon, and they look set to be in the top four again this season.
However, it’s hard to imagine them achieving anything more. If they want to keep their star players
such as Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane as well as their manager Mauricio Pochettino, it will take
more than their new stadium to keep them happy. Even in the form of a domestic cup such as the
FA Cup, Spurs need something to show for all the strides they’ve made in recent years.
2nd Liverpool
Last Season: 2nd
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Predicted XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson;
Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Naby Keita;
Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Naby Keita;
Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
Ground: Anfield
Though the top six all have talented squads, this season’s title race is between Liverpool and
Manchester City as it was last year. Liverpool had the title in their hands but they bottled it.
Even though they accumulated the third most points in a Premier League season, they could
not prevent the freight train that Manchester City currently is from peaking at the right time.
However, Liverpool did succeed in winning the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp has put his faith
on the same group of players to challenge for titles in all fronts again this upcoming season.
While the players appreciate the sentiment, it’s hard to feel confident in Liverpool’s chances
when their main competition for the PL title brought in more reinforcements.
It might be another second place finish for the Reds.
Manchester City as it was last year. Liverpool had the title in their hands but they bottled it.
Even though they accumulated the third most points in a Premier League season, they could
not prevent the freight train that Manchester City currently is from peaking at the right time.
However, Liverpool did succeed in winning the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp has put his faith
on the same group of players to challenge for titles in all fronts again this upcoming season.
While the players appreciate the sentiment, it’s hard to feel confident in Liverpool’s chances
when their main competition for the PL title brought in more reinforcements.
It might be another second place finish for the Reds.
1st Manchester City
Last Season: 1st
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Predicted XI: Ederson; Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko;
Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, David Silva, Raheem Sterling; Sergio Aguero
Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, David Silva, Raheem Sterling; Sergio Aguero
Ground: Etihad Stadium
Manchester City’s goal this season is nothing less than a threepeat of Premier League titles,
along with winning any other competition they step foot it. Aside from a Quarterfinal
Champions League exit last season, City won everything else. Pep Guardiola is one of,
if not, the best manager in the world right now, and they have one of the most talented teams
in the world as well. Particularly in midfield and attack, they have options such as
Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Rodri, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus, and Leroy Sané
(though he is linked with a move to Bayern Munich) that can’t all even fit on the bench.
Though it was a close race last year against Liverpool, they were without Kevin De Bruyne for
much of it due to injury. It’s their Premier League title to lose.
along with winning any other competition they step foot it. Aside from a Quarterfinal
Champions League exit last season, City won everything else. Pep Guardiola is one of,
if not, the best manager in the world right now, and they have one of the most talented teams
in the world as well. Particularly in midfield and attack, they have options such as
Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Rodri, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus, and Leroy Sané
(though he is linked with a move to Bayern Munich) that can’t all even fit on the bench.
Though it was a close race last year against Liverpool, they were without Kevin De Bruyne for
much of it due to injury. It’s their Premier League title to lose.
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