Friday, August 10, 2018

Premier League Predictions

It's a little later than I would have liked but I always try to work out the final Premier League standings. Manchester City have been made favorites to retain the title, but will their focus switch to the Champions League?

Wolves, Fulham and Cardiff all come up to the Premier League but how will they cope with the step up in competition? All three promoted sides stayed in the division last time out, but will that happen again?
Arsenal:

A new manager in at the Emirates will be looking to improve on their sixth position from last season. I do think Unai Emery has made some good signings, and they have certainly looked impressive in Pre-season. I do think Arsenal fans will have an enjoyable season and a comfortable third place finish come seasons end.

Bournemouth:

I cannot really see Bournemouth do anything other than having a steady season. Last season the Cherries finished 12th and I would expect a similar resting point this time around.

Brighton:

It will be another tough season for Chris Hughton and his boys. There have been a lot of players coming in this summer, maybe too many. I think they will slip from last seasons finish, and will be in that relegation discussion all the way into May.

Burnley:

Joe Hart has joined Burnley, and so they have a new interest to me (along with West Ham). Sean Dyche did a fantastic job last season, securing European football, but that could hurt them in the long run. Depending on how far they go in the competition will directly impact their League positioning.

Cardiff:

Newly promoted Cardiff have not spent nearly enough, or brought in nearly enough, to last the season. Neil Warnock must be one of the favorites to not finish out the season with Cardiff destined to anchor the League.

Chelsea:

The side didn't impress in the Community Shield last week but you would expect the side to be up there in May. A new Manager certainly would need time to learn the League, and the loss of Courtois could be a big miss. Yes their new keeper isn't too shabby, but he also may not quite be used to the more physical Premier League.

Crystal Palace:

The side who struggled early on last season ended up finishing 11th. This season, providing they don't go eight games in with no points, I think could improve on their finish.

Everton:

Similar to Palace in the fact they didn't have a great start to the season. It would be tough for the Toffeemen to improve on their eighth spot. Silva certainly has his work cut out, but I think he has made some decent moves in the transfer market, it's just whether all those additions gel.

Fulham: 

Another promoted side with a tough task ahead. Have they got enough to keep their heads above water? I am not so sure.

Huddersfield:

Last season the Terriers did well to survive relegation. Coming into the League they were most pundits (and mine) certainties to go down. It's not that I have anything against them, but I think they could be in that situation again this season.

Leicester:

Mahraz has gone to Manchester City, but they still have Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire. Claude Puel will look to continue his brand of football and it should see him find a finishing spot similar to the previous season of 9th. The question is will the board and fans keep faith with him long enough.

Liverpool:

A lot of money has been thrown around at Anfield in the transfer window. Can they improve on their fourth position finish? For Klopp's sake you would certainly expect them to. Now the excuses are over with the manager well experienced in the English football. Add to that just the sheer dollar amount thrown around in the last three windows and nothing less than a title challenge is expected.

Manchester City:

I expected to see Manchester City make more moves in the market this window. However, Riyad Mahrez was the only real big name coming in. After dominating the League last season will Pep's focus be on League retention or Champions League progression when the season gets to the business end? I certainly expect them in the top two or three spots, but not as many points as last time out.

Manchester United:

This will be Mourinho's last season at Old Trafford. Whether he lasts the whole season is up for debate but I can really see the Red Devils struggle. Despite quite a significant outlay over the last couple of windows, the side has an unimpressive feel about them, With Liverpool and City ahead of them and new managers at two of the three rival London based clubs, will they even secure a Champions League spot?

Newcastle:

The long-running comedy of Newcastle. You really have to feel for the fans of the club with an owner who seemingly isn't interested and a manager who is frustrated. Benitez did well last time getting the 'Toon into the top ten. This season though I think we will see an implosion and the side barely surviving a relegation scare.

Will Benitez leave or will Mike Ashley actually follow through on his five hundredth 'attempt' to sell. Will both happen and how soon? The season will be a long one that's for sure.

Southampton:

They should see an improvement in their finish this season. Danny Ings returns from Liverpool with Angus Gunn coming in from Manchester City. They are not in any danger of making the top six but I think they will be safe with quite a few games to go.

Tottenham:

In this League it is said that if you stand still you move backwards. Tottenham brought in no players during the summer window and so you have to fear for them. Yes they have a young side full of running and hunger, but will that wasn't enough last season. I could easily see Spurs slipping out that top four spot.

Watford:

Lost a few players, and their manager from last season. Despite this I do think they may still improve on that fourteenth spot finish. I have no real reason for believing this, only a feeling I have they might make an appearance in the top ten.

West Ham:

Manuel Pellegrini is another reason, aside from PabZab, to look at the Hammers results. I think the Chilean will help move the side up the table, and get the best out of Jack Wilshire.

Wolves:

The side were dominant in the Championship last season, and ran Manchester City close in the Carabao Cup. Despite this I think they will find it very tough in the Premier League. As, with any new promoted side, I think anything above 18th will be the aim.


1 Man City
2 Liverpool
3 Arsenal
4 Man Utd
5 Tottenham
6 Chelsea
7 Everton
8 Leicester
9 Crystal Palace
10 West Ham
11 Watford
12 Bournmouth
13 Burnley
14 Southampton
15 Wolves
16 Newcastle
17 Brighton
18 Fulham
19 Huddersfield
20 Cardiff

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