Hi everyone! We are less than one week before the start of the English Premier League season. The pre-season has flown by, given it has only been a few weeks since the World Cup in Russia, where the French provided the final flourish to what was a great competition.
The pre-season has been mixed for the top clubs, both in terms of their results on the pitch and also off it in their recruitment. Here’s a brief overview for last season’s top 6. I hope you enjoy the season!
Man City
After reaching 100 points last year, City will be confident that even a slightly worse performance this time around will still keep them in the hunt for the title, and therefore will start the campaign as title favourites. An improved performance in the Champions League is still a burning ambition for the club, and they certainly have the quality to do that. Winning on two fronts is always difficult however, so they will require all of their squad to step up to continue their success and build on the legacy that Guardiola is building at the Etihad. Mahrez has been the main summer signing, his impact last season for Leicester suggests he can add to the firepower City possess. Although whether he will get in front of Sane or Sterling in the pecking order will be interesting to see.
Prediction: 1st
Man Utd
Jose Mourinho has looked far from happy at times during pre-season. He will be hoping that once the real competition kicks off, his team will be ready to go and will up their performances. Paul Pogba will be the key man, if they have genuine aspirations for the title. His contribution to France in Russia will provide some hope that he can release the shackles a bit more this year and provide some genuine class from the middle of the park. The question will be whether they can continue to maintain their defensive qualities whilst improving offensively, to help secure an improvement on 2nd last season. The manager needs to bring more positivity to the side if they are going to be a concern to Man City.
Prediction: 5th
Tottenham
Spurs have been impacted more than most by the World Cup, with a number of players not fully fit for the Premier League kick off, after returning from their holidays. They will be hoping their fringe players can step up in August, before the key men return to form in September. Harry Kane has a reputation for being a slow starter to the season, so the likes of Son and Eriksen will need to contribute goals and assists to help them through the first few weeks. The first XI is strong and they have so far managed to hold on to their key players, so Spurs fans will be optimistic. Playing in their new stadium will also affect their performances early on, Liverpool will be the first visitors there in September.
Prediction: 4th
Liverpool
The Reds have probably had the most fruitful pre-season of all the top clubs in England. On paper the signings they have invested in should add depth to the squad, which was much needed towards the end of last season. With previous issues with the fitness of some midfielders such as Lallana, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Henderson, as well as the loss of Can, fans will be hoping new signings Keita and Fabinho provide the needed quality and availability to help them push for a higher finish. They have added a new goalkeeper too, so the expectation levels will be higher this year, especially after outperforming in last year’s Champions League. They have arguably the best attack in the league this year, so they will be keen to get much closer to Man City and keep the title race going into 2019.
Prediction: 2nd
Chelsea
With a new manager it will be interesting to see how Chelsea’s style of play changes this year, with only a few changes to the playing staff. Keeping Hazard on the pitch is critical if they want to get back into the Top 4. Olivier Giroud and Kante will be on a high after the World Cup so they may have a strong start, coupled with the new manager feel good factor. Defensively they should be solid enough, the question is whether they have enough squad depth compared to the likes of Utd and Liverpool to break into the Top 4.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal
After so long with one manager the big question is how will Arsenal react to the new man? Pre-season has gone reasonably well for the Unai Emery. Offensively things look promising and they look like they could be ready for an improved performance this year. Defensive issues remain a concern and it appears there are still issues that need addressing for them to materially improve on last year. Torreira looks like an astute signing based on his World Cup performances for Uruguay, but it will depend on quickly he can adapt to the pace of the Premier League compared to the Italian style of football.
Prediction: 6th