We’re counting down the hours until the Premier League kicks off and we’ve taken a look at how the final table could look on May 12th. Hit us up on Twitter and let us know your thoughts ahead of the new season!
- Manchester City – Last year’s champions by a 19 point margin added Riyad Mahrez to stifle any complacency in the squad. It’s difficult to see anything other than a repeat title.
- Liverpool – Necessary squad depth was added through Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabinho, and Naby Keita while the addition of Alisson should put to rest goalkeeper worries. Klopp’s crew won’t be able to catch City, but they should again prove to be one of the EPL’s most entertaining sides.
- Tottenham – There were no new faces during the transfer window, but more importantly, no exits. Davinson Sanchez is set to become a mainstay in Spurs’ defense while the familiarity between Alli, Kane, Son, and Eriksen should ensure their attack remains one of the league’s best.
- Manchester United – Will Jose Mourinho be United manager by the end of this season? The fact that it’s not an unreasonable question demonstrates the uncertainty surrounding United. A quiet window where the club hierarchy didn’t agree with Mourinho’s transfer targets, plus ongoing rifts between the manager and key players will see United slip down the table.
- Arsenal – A fresh start under Unai Emery and an off-season for Lacazette, Aubameyang, and Mkhitaryan to gel should bring new energy to the Emirates. Lucas Torreira should add some steel to midfield that the Gunners have missed in recent years.
- Chelsea – It will take time for Chelsea to adapt to a new system under Maurizio Sarri, but Jorginho’s familiarity from their time together at Napoli could speed the transition. If Hazard can be settled at Chelsea, they could thrive under Sarri’s more proactive style and be back in the Champions League places.
- West Ham United – Manuel Pellegrini will take the helm of a significantly improved squad with plenty of competition for places going forward.
- Everton – Ricarlison joined former manager Marco Silva along with Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes from Barcelona. If Silva can utilize Gylfi Sigurdsson correctly, they should maintain last season’s eighth place finish.
- Burnley – It may not be exciting to watch, but Sean Dyche has made Burnley tough to beat, allowing just 39 goals last season. Should they progress in the Europa league, it could stretch a thin squad.
- Wolves – A newly-promoted side adding Joao Moutinho? Wolves are a different animal than most promoted sides. They scored 82 goals in the Championship last year while allowing the fewest goals and have a squad to compete in the EPL.
- Fulham – The Cottagers were busy on deadline day, adding five players to their squad. Capturing Aleksandar Mitrovic on a permanent deal, plus the additions of Jean Michael Seri and Andre Schurrle should help them stay up confidently.
- Leicester City – Losing Riyad Mahrez was inevitable, but it does put their Premier League status into doubt. James Maddison has been brought in from Norwich to take on the vacant playmaker role. He created 124 chances, the most in the Championship last season.
- Crystal Palace – Roy Hodgson should ensure Palace are solid enough in defense to grind out results.
- Bournemouth – A quiet summer for Eddie Howe’s side without the addition of a clear goalscorer.
- Southampton – The Saints narrowly avoided relegation last year and will likely find themselves in a similar position, unless Danny Ings revitalizes his career there.
- Brighton & Hove Albion – The Seagulls scored just 34 goals last year and have brought in the Eredivisie’s top scorer, Alireza Jahanbakhsh as a remedy, which is no guarantee.
- Newcastle United – Rafa Benitez was again denied any serious squad investment, but he’s shrewd enough to keep the Magpies up.
- Watford – Where will the goals come from? It’s hard to see them staying up without a renaissance from Gerard Deulofeu.
- Huddersfield – Manager David Wagner won’t be able to repeat last year’s escape from relegation without much squad investment.
- Cardiff City – The Bluebirds simply don’t have the squad to stay up and will yo-yo back down to the Championship.
Need something to keep you occupied between matches? Give our new game Pitch Invaders a go and try to make it to Elite!:
https://pitchinvaders.page.link/fotmob