The darling of the beautiful game. The cat among the pigeons. The greatest league in the world! The Premier League is set to return tomorrow evening, which births a spark of delight in our souls. Almost a month on from football’s grandest occasion on the international stage, club football is back!
England may not have won the World Cup in Russia, but they’ve shown the world what the Premier League is capable of. Those players will, again, get the opportunity to flex their muscles in the finest league there is, in terms of excitement and entertainment. The opening act of England’s 10-month-long feature showpiece begins at Old Trafford as Manchester United host the 2016 Premier League champions, Leicester City.
In this preview, I’ll be giving my thoughts on each team, predicting the scores from Gameweek 1, and what the table will look like when the league concludes in May.
Thoughts On Each Team
AFC Bournemouth
Eddie Howe did a pretty good job with his Bournemouth team last season. I’m expected more of the same from them this term. I’m excited to see how their new signing, Jefferson Lerma, will impact the squad and strengthen them on the pitch. I expect them to finish around mid-table.
Arsenal
The Gunners haven’t impressed me much in pre-season. To be fair to them, Unai Emery needs time to engrave his philosophy into his new team. They do have a strong squad, though, but I don’t think that they have enough to get them into next season’s Champions League. They will be entertaining, as usual, but I’m expecting them to finish in a Europa League spot again.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Survivors by the skin of their teeth last season, I think that this may be the season that they’ll find themselves preparing for the Championship. Despite their summer additions, I’m not confident that Chris Hughton’s side is strong enough to stay in the Premier League.
Burnley
I loved what they did last season. No one expected them to rack up 7th place. But I’m afraid that last season’s achievement was just a fairytale. The Clarets won’t be good enough to finish in the top half again.
Cardiff City
Definitely strong relegation favourites. I don’t see them doing enough harm to stay in the Premier League. I do hope that they’ll enjoy their stay, though.
Chelsea
There’s always drama at Stamford Bridge, isn’t there? From Conte’s rift with the board to Courtois’ disrespectful exit, Chelsea have had an eventful summer. However, their new signings have been juicy. I’m excited to see how Jorginho and Kovacic settle into Sarri’s midfield. It may take a while for Sarriball to work in full effect, though, and that may cost Chelsea a Champions League spot again.
Crystal Palace
I’m not confident in them at all. Last season was almost a disaster, but I think that this season may be the disaster. Relegation is inevitable.
Everton
They’re looking pretty good to go. Things didn’t quite work out with Wayne Rooney last season, but with fresh faces in the squad and a new desire to win, they can see themselves fighting for a Europa League spot.
Fulham
I’m very excited to see Fulham back in Premier League action. I followed their Championship campaign last season and was happy to see them beat Aston Villa in the Playoff Final. With the signings of Mitrovic and Schurrle, they may be fit for a mid-table finish.
Huddersfield Town
Like Brighton and Cardiff, I think that they’ll be going down. The teams around their level are too strong for them to compete. They may be relegated, but just barely.
Leicester City
They have made some interesting signings to bolster their squad. Title challengers? Definitely not. The loss of Riyad Mahrez will prove to be costly for them, but they may have enough strength and experience in their ranks to secure a top half finish.
Liverpool
Well, what a pre-season they had! Jurgen Klopp is building a formidable team. I think that they’ll be genuine title contenders this season. More of Mo Salah, please!
Manchester City
Judging from their Community Shield triumph against Chelsea, it looks like not much has changed from last season. I see Pep winning the title again.
Manchester United
The Premier League opener may have come at a bad time for Jose Mourinho, who has been complaining about his squad’s shortage of players (as the majority of his players were still on holidays after the World Cup). However, I don’t think that the return of his players will help him much. It’s the dreaded “Jose third season”. I expect United to finish fourth and maybe a Jose sacking.
Newcastle United
Mid-table finishers. That’s pretty much it.
Southampton
They have a lot of improving to do. Last season’s relegation scare should knock some life into them. They could finish in the top half.
Tottenham Hotspur
It’s going to be more of the same for Spurs — put the pressure on, then fall away at the end. Third place will be their spot.
Watford
Relegation contenders, for sure. I sense all sorts of trouble for the Hornets.
West Ham United
The second year in their new stadium should be the charm right? They won’t be fighting for the title or battling relegation; they’ll be comfortably sitting somewhere around mid-table.
Wolverhampton Wonderers
They’re going to be the surprise package this season. Worthy winners of last season’s Championship, Wolves could shock the world with a top eight finish.
Predicted Gameweek 1 Scores
Friday August 10th, 2018
Manchester United 2-2 Leicester
Saturday August 11th, 2018
Newcastle 1-2 Tottenham
Bournemouth 1-1 Cardiff
Fulham 2-1 Crystal Palace
Huddersfield 0-1 Chelsea
Watford 1-1 Brighton
Wolves 1-1 Everton
Sunday August 12th, 2018
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
Southampton 1-1 Burnley
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester City
Predicted Final Premier League Table
(C) Manchester City
2. Liverpool
3. Tottenham
4. Manchester United
5. Chelsea
6. Arsenal
7. Everton
8. Wolves
9. Fulham
10. Burnley
11. Leicester
12. Newcastle
13. West Ham
14. Bournemouth
15. Southampton
16. Crystal Palace
17. Watford
18. Huddersfield
19. Brighton
20. Cardiff
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