With the Ashes in full swing and going so well for England, the
Premier League’s return feels a tad premature. And it is. England’s premier
competition returns a week early owing to Euro 2016. Sky and BT have both pulled
out all the stops with extravagant, expensive adverts. The sparing is over, the
scene is set. Lights. Camera. Action!
Spending across the league has never looked so effortless,
with mid to lower-placed sides bringing in some of the hottest talents across Europe.
Crystal Palace, Newcastle and West Ham,
to name but a few, have all been busy acquiring upgrades from France and the
Netherlands. Indeed, Jose Mourinho concedes the league will be won with a lower
points tally to last season as the gap between the top sides and the rest narrows.
The significance of retaining Premier League status this
time next year has added significance with the new TV deal coming into effect
for 2016/17. Even relegated teams will earn £100m. While there’s added
significance for West Ham. They’ll want to move into the Olympic Stadium as a
Premier League side, rather than a Championship one.
So ahead of the new season, how are the 20 teams looking?
Chelsea
Mourinho’s side finished last season eight points clear of
Manchester City, and they remain the side to beat. But they have been weakened
by the departure of Petr Cech and it remains to be seen how much of a
differential he is. It is a risk selling directly to a title rival, and you
expect this was not Mourinho’s call. Cech’s 11 years of loyal service was considered
by Roman Abramovich, and his desire to remain in London was granted. Out goes
Didier Drogba, in comes Radamel Falcao and where Louis van Gaal failed in
coaxing out his ability, Mourinho will be hoping to succeed. It’s worth noting
Chelsea haven’t won a game inside 90 minutes this pre-season ahead of Swansea’s
visit on Saturday evening.
Big season for: John Terry. Father time waits for no man,
and the 34-year-old will be out to prove he can still mix it with the best.
Prediction: 2nd
Manchester City
Manuel Pellegrini admitted this week he failed last season.
Eight points is too big a gap, and he’ll want to get off to a fast start,
otherwise he’ll be collecting his P45 before the nights draw in. Raheem
Sterling has been brought in for a British-record fee, while two other
Englishmen have arrived in Fabian Delph and Patrick Roberts to appease the
home-grown quota. Question marks hang over captain Vincent Kompany, and this is
a big season for him after several below-par performances last season;
especially in the Champions League against Barcelona. The squad was beginning to
look stagnant, and a summer clean-up was needed. However, Edin Dzeko’s impending
sale to Roma may not be the wisest move.
One to watch: Patrick Roberts. Showed promise at Fulham and
with better players around him, has the ability to showcase his talents in a
supporting role.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal
Many pundits’ tip for the top. Cech is a stellar addition, and
if Arsene Wenger was hoping to improve the core of his squad, he couldn’t have
picked a better option in goal. A striker is now a must before the window
closes, while cover in the holding midfield position is needed; especially with
Jack Wilshere facing another extended spell on the sidelines.
Big season for: Mesut Özil. Shown glimpses of world-class quality,
but is yet to fully justify his price tag. Battle-hardened after two years in
England, expect great things this time around.
Prediction: Champions
Manchester Utd
You get the impression the club is still in transition after another summer of comings and goings. Wayne Rooney is expected to take
centre stage up front, and will feel the weight on his shoulders with the
departures of Falcao and, more pertinently, Robin van Persie. Javier Hernández and
James Wilson will be expected to play important supporting roles, while there’s
much anticipation over Memphis Depay’s debut season. Pedro looks set to be an
upgrade on the inconsistent Angel di Maria. However, last season’s failings
have yet to be addressed. United looked defensively vulnerable and unless van Gaal twists, expect similar shortcomings. Will David
de Gea stay or go? The situation is far from ideal, and is an unwelcome situation
hanging over the club heading into the new season.
Big seasons for: Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Make or
break campaigns for both players for club and country.
Prediction: 4th. Just.
Tottenham
Hugo Lloris’ speedy recovery from a broken wrist is a
massive bonus. He came off the bench during the pre-season victory over AC
Milan on Wednesday, and although he’s a doubt for the opening game against
United, his importance to Spurs cannot be underestimated. Defensive failings
last season have been addressed, and the prospective partnership of Belgians Jan
Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld looks promising. Harry Kane’s breakthrough
year was astonishing, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to cope
with the greater scrutiny Premier League defenders will give him. Should injury
hit them up front, they may struggle, so another forward would be welcome
before August 31st.
Big seasons for: Kyle Walker and Danny Rose. Both players
will have the England full-back positions in their sights ahead of next summer’s
Euros.
Prediction: 6th
Liverpool
Ian Ayre declared himself extremely happy with their summer
transfer dealings. The stardust applied by Luis Suarez is long gone, and the
loss of Steven Gerrard will be more felt off the pitch than on it after his
decline over the past 18 months. The
whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and this is apt when describing this
group of players. James Milner will look to take centre stage after spending
much of his career on the right, and he’ll be dovetailing with Jordan Henderson
in filling the Gerrard void. Nathaniel Clyne is yet another arrival from Southampton
and he’ll be looking to nail down England’s number 2 jersey. While Christian
Benteke is a definite upgrade on Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert combined.
Big season for: Jordan Henderson. Acquiring the captain’s
armband will not phase the England midfielder, but only time will tell whether
he can continue his upward spike while taking on the added responsibility.
Prediction: 5th
Southampton
You cannot help but be impressed with Ronald Koeman. This
time last year, they were earmarked for a relegation battle, yet his dealings
in the transfer market proved astute and Southampton remained a force to be reckoned
with. Fraser Forster will be missing until at least the spring after knee
surgery, but Koeman has drafted in Maarten Stekelenburg on loan in another
shrewd move. A caveat is their involvement in the Europa League. History
suggests juggling this with the rigours of the Premier League may prove to be
an inconvenience.
Big season for: Jay Rodriguez. Missing since April 2014,
Rodriguez will first look to regain his place in the starting line-up. Talk of
England may be further along in his sights, but is a decent carrot for the
once-capped forward.
Prediction: 9th
Swansea
The fairytale continues. Last season saw a record points
tally in the Premier League and their progress in the English football pyramid looks
set to continue. Garry Monk has proven in his short managerial career to be the
perfect man for the role. Not only has he re-established the Swans’ identity
after Michael Laudrup but, in tandem with chairman Huw Jenkins, has evolved the
club both on and off the pitch. In many ways, they could become a victim of
their own success, with anything lower than a top-eight finish deemed a disappointment.
However, with the arrival of Ghanaian Andre Ayew, their forward line has been
sprinkled with added dynamism and unpredictability.
Big season for: Ashley Williams. The captain has reaffirmed
his commitment to the club after media speculation linking him away. He’ll want
to do his talking on the pitch and also help lead Wales to their first
international tournament in 58 years.
Prediction: 8th
Stoke
On the subject of evolution, Mark Hughes has done exactly
that after the Tony Pulis era. Hughes has done everything asked of him since
taking on the role. Retaining their stubborn resilience in the defensive areas,
Hughes has added an attacking verve and a more fluid style of play. Bojan was
an inspired signing last year and had he not sustained a serious knee injury,
may well have been the signing of last season. Ibrahim Afellay may prove to be
yet another smart piece of business, as he looks to replicate the early promise
that saw him move from PSV to Barcelona.
One to watch: Jack Butland. Losing Asmir Begovic to Chelsea
is a blow, but the time is right for Butland to realise his rich potential and
provide stiff competition to England’s current number 1 Joe Hart.
Prediction: 10th
Crystal Palace
Alan Pardew begins his first full season in charge, and has
made significant strides in the transfer market. Yohan Cabaye is crucial to
their season, and will add supreme quality to the central midfield. Yannick
Bolasie remains their trump card and he’ll be looking to add a greater
consistency to his performances. Last season saw a lack of consistency in their
attack, and this looks set to continue. It remains to be seen who Pardew opts for
up front. So it’s a straight fight between Patrick Bamford, Fraizer Campbell,
Dwight Gayle, Glenn Murray, Connor Wickham and Marouane Chamakh. Who’d be a
manager?
Big season for: Wilfried Zaha. Yet to assert himself in the Premier
League after early promise. Upstaged by Bolasie last term, he’ll be looking to
kick on and is another who will be looking to convince Roy Hodgson of international
recognition.
Prediction: 11th
Everton
Chelsea’s public courtship of John Stones has been as
unwelcome as a midsummer cold. It’s imperative he stays if Everton are to
challenge for the European places. Gerard Deulofeu’s return was well received
and Tom Cleverley will look to prove his doubters wrong. Both are low-risk acquisitions
and the former will certainly add a greater threat to their forward line. A
striker to help Romelu Lukaku share the workload is needed as Arouna Kone looks
to be found wanting. Everton have produced some of the finest young English
talent the league’s seen over the years, and both Tyias Browning and Brendan
Galloway are the latest off the production line.
Big season for: Ross Barkley. Struggled last year and will be
looking to assert himself as one of the finest players of his generation.
Prediction: 7th
West Ham
Big Sam was never the right fit for their supporters,
despite restoring their Premier League status and stabilising the club. West
Ham will be desperate to remain in the top flight as they move home next
summer, as the thought of them beginning life in the Olympic Stadium in the
Championship is a financial no-no. Dimitri Payet managed 16 assists in Ligue 1
last season, a league high, and will hope to replicate this. However, with Andy
Carroll and Enner Valencia expected to be out until September and October
respectively, Slaven Bilic should be looking to add a striker to his ranks in
the coming weeks. A massive season.
Key player: Adrián. With goals looking hard to come by in
the attacking third, added responsibility falls at the hands of their Spanish
keeper.
Prediction: 14th
West Brom
Pulis came in and did exactly what was expected of him in
maintaining the club’s Premier League status. The same applies this time
around, but Pulis will want to kick on. Rickie Lambert’s arrival adds to their forward
ranks, which already boasts one of the most gifted strikers in the division in Saido
Berahino. Keeping him amid interest from Tottenham and Manchester City is
paramount. A hallmark of any Pulis side is defensive stubbornness. Indeed, the
Baggies kept 10 league clean sheets at the turn of the year following his appointment
and this looks set to continue.
Ones to watch: Rickie Lambert and Saido Berahino. Both will
be looking to board the plane to France next summer.
Prediction: 13th
Leicester
Many eyebrows were raised when Nigel Pearson got the axe
midway through the summer break. Pearson was a fans’ favourite and despite his
sometimes awkward relationship with the media, was generally respected for the
job he had done not only in gaining promotion, but maintaining their top-flight
status. Claudio Ranieri’s star has fallen since he was last on these shores,
with his last post with Greece ending with defeat at home to the Faro Islands. Yes,
player of the year Esteban Cambiasso decision to leave is a big blow, but N'Golo
Kante’s arrival from Caen will hopefully offset this. (Kante made the highest
number of tackles in the top five European leagues last season with 176). Ranieri
has seen better days, and this appointment will ultimately cost the club.
Player to watch: Jamie Vardy. Will be hoping to prove last
season was no fluke. Just three years after playing non-league at Fleetwood, he’ll
be hoping to add to his solitary England cap.
Prediction: 19th
Newcastle
A summer of optimism at the club. Since Mike Ashley’s
address to their supporters before the final game of last season, not a great
deal has gone wrong. The club stayed up, changed their manager and have brought
in three signings totalling around £35m. A word of caution. Steve McClaren
failed to gain promotion with one of the strongest squads in the Championship
last season at Derby and question marks remain of his suitability at this
level.
One to watch: Rolando Aarons. Progress has been stifled by a
persistence of niggling injuries, but his ability is without question. Should
McClaren give him a run in the side, could set the league alight.
Prediction: 12th and a good cup run.
Sunderland
With Premier League survival secured, it seemed surprising Dick
Advocaat announced he wouldn’t be staying at the club. However, after a u-turn Advocaat
remains in charge and stability can only be a good thing for the club. Two
signings in particular stand out. Advocaat is reunited with Jeremain Lens for a
third time, while the loan signing of Yann M'Vila from Rubin Kazan is sure to
excite the fans. However, it’s firepower they need and after losing Connor
Wickham to Palace, they surely need to bolster their attack before the window
closes.
One to watch: Jeremain Lens. Adds much-needed pace to their forward
line. You don’t win 30 caps for the Netherlands without having something about
you.
Prediction: 16th
Aston Villa
Since FA Cup Final day, not a great deal has gone right. Not
only did they lose 4-0 to Arsenal, but they’ve gone on to lose their two best
players. Christian Benteke’s goals will be hard to replace, while captain Delph’s
departure doesn’t send out the right message. Players will always come and go, but
the ones that have come in will have to hit the ground running. Nine in. Nine
out. Continuity is lacking and from the nine arrivals, only Scott Sinclair and
new captain Micah Richards have Premier League experience.
Big season for: Jack Grealish. At just 19, carries the hopes
of the entire club. Will need to grow up fast. That and probably decide where
his international loyalties lie between England and Republic of Ireland.
Prediction: 17th
Bournemouth
Along with Swansea, probably the feel-good story in recent times. The job Eddie Howe has done is
nothing short of miraculous. But it’s in the past. Now in the big time for the
first time, they need to accept the players are there on merit. They have some
outstanding talents in their squad. Yes, the vast majority lack any Premier
League experience. But those that do have unfinished business, while Sylvain
Distin holds the record for the most appearances made by a foreign outfield
player in the league. Full-back Simon Francis, winger Matt Richie and Callum
Wilson will all be desperate to prove they belong at this level.
One to watch: Matt Ritchie. Most assists in the Championship
last season with 16 is no mean feat.
Prediction: 15th
Watford
It’s difficult to argue with any conviction they are well
placed to stay up. Their previous two campaigns in the Premier League have each
lasted just one season, while their Head Coach Quique Flores has no experience
of managing in this country, let alone the Premier League. The permanent
capture of Matej Vydra will please their fans after two separate loan spells
and the arrivals of Etienne Capoue and Valon Behrami offers much-needed Premier
League experience. However, neither have excelled at this level with Spurs or
West Ham to date.
One to watch: Troy Deeney. For many years he has lead the
line with great distinction in the Championship and the captain will be
desperate to prove he can rub shoulders with the league’s meanest defenders.
Prediction: 20th
Norwich
Their most recent experience in the Premier League brought mixed
fortunes. Yes a third season ended in relegation, but 2011/12 and 2013/14 saw
12th and 11th finishes respectively. Norwich gained 17
wins from 25 games under Alex Neil following his appointment in January, and he
will hope they carry this momentum into the new season. One major plus is a
large chunk of the side that played here last has remained. And they’ve added top
flight experience in Graham Dorrans, Youssouf Mulumbu, Robbie Brady and Andre
Wisdom. Whether they have the required quality remains to be seen.
Ones to watch: Wes Hoolahan and Nathan Redmond. Both have the
required quality to unlock Premier League defences.
Prediction: 18th
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