Premier League Preview & Predictions
Thought I'd put together a post to discuss our new division and see where everybody thought we'd finish.
Arsenal - 2017-18 Finish: 6th
In: Manager Unai Emery, Liechsteiner, Leno, Papastathopoulos, Torreira, Guendouzi
Out: Manager Arsene Wenger, Mertesacker, Cazorla, Wilshere
Interesting to watch this season. I think Emery was a solid choice. I don't know if Arsenal will finish better than they did last season, but I think there will be more energy surrounding the club. I don't know enough about Emery's style to know who will and won't fit in his system.
Bournemouth - 17-18 - 12th
In: David Brooks, Diego Rico
Out: Grabban, Federici
Doesn't seem like there were alot of changes this offseason (week and a half left before the season starts though). They kept Eddie Howe as manager. Their style seems like a boom or bust system. I feel like they're either winning big or losing big. I don't think they'll finish quite as high this year.
Brighton Hove & Albion - 17-18 - 15th
In: Jahanbakhsh, Bissouma, Button, Bernardo, Balogun, Andone
Out: no one of note
The only players they've seen leave played less than 10 matches for Brighton last season. It was a surprise to some that they survived last season, considering they usually aren't big spenders and Hughton's system depends on smiple execution and unity throughout the match. They've really bolstered their squad with some attacking talent this summer. Will be interesting to see how it pays off. I expect their front office will expect improvement with the money they've invested.
Burnley - 17-18 - 7th
In: no one of note so far
Out: Scott Arfield
Interesting that they've really only signed players from lower level clubs so far this summer. That could prove a mistake with continental play on tap for Burnley. I think they'll be keeping their heads afloat this season, at least until they're knocked out of Europa League. But Dyche has surprised us before.
Cardiff City - 17-18 - 2nd in Championship
In: Smithies, Josh Murphy, Bobby Reid, Cunningham
Out: no one of note so far
Cardiff will try and grasp and claw their way to safety all season. They'll pull an upset win here or there, but I would be surprised if they weren't in or around the drop zone come season's end. They've made some decent additions in Murphy and Reid, but time will tell if they're ready for the step up.
Chelsea - 17-18 - 5th
In: Manager Maurizzio Sauri, Jorginho
Out: Manager Antonio Conte
I think Chelsea are in for a rough season. I imagine they'll make some more additions before the season starts, but I'm not sure it'll be enough. I don't think some of the current players want to stay. Can't see them cracking the top 4.
Crystal Palace - 17-18 - 11th
In: Guaita
Out: Sako
No major changes from the squad that had a historically abysmal start to the season and ended up finishing 11th. Their season hinges on Zaha staying and remaining healthy. If he can, it opens up alot more for their squad. I don't expect them to move higher than they finished last season.
Everton - 17-18 - 8th
In: Manager Marco Silva, Richarlison, Digne
Out: Manager Big Sam, Mori, Rooney
Change in manager will be interesting. I was impressed with Silva at Watford, but Everton is a step up. Big Sam played a boring brand, but he got results - or as good of results as they could expect. They were a big, slow team last season. Silva, Richarlison and Digne and a couple of their departures might help change that.
Fulham - 17-18 - Championship Playoff Winner
In: Marchand, Seri, Fabricio, Mitrovic, Schurrle
Out: Fredericks, Button
Some good moves for Fulham so far IMO. Plus, they've got Sessegnon. I think they'll do better than some expect. I wouldn't be surprised if they survive comfortably this season.
Huddersfield Town - 17-18 - 16th
In: Bacuna, Sobhi, Diakhaby, Drum
Out: Ince
Huddersfield have made a couple interesting additions. Drum will be known to Wagner from his time in Germany. No real losses this offseason. But I think they'll be treading water most of the season.
Leicester City - 17-18 - 9th
In: Evans, Maddison, Pereira, Ward
Out: Huth, Mahrez
Leicester finally had to let go of Riyad Mahrez, but they spent the money necessary to replace him. Alot of eyes will be on Maddison after his great season at Norwich. Season after they won was a bit of a scare, but they were stable last season. I think they'll finish around the same.
Liverpool - 17-18 - 4th
In: Fabinho, Keita, Shaqiri, Alisson
Out: Can, Ward
By season's end, I think Liverpool were the second best team in the Premier League, despite the 4th place finish. They've added some good pieces. Alisson is a very good goalkeeper and will improve their distribution from the back. Shaqiri will add some depth in attack. Overall, if they can stay healthy, I think they can try to keep pace with Man City and fall just short.
Manchester City - 17-18 - 1st
In: Mahrez
Out: Toure
No real losses for Manchester City and a good addition in Mahrez. They keep their main core of players, most of which are in their prime, and their younger stars will be a year older and better. No reason not to pick them to win the league IMO.
Manchester United - 17-18 - 2nd
In: Fred
Out: Blind
Not alot of movement in and out from Manchester United. Alot of their players enjoyed some great World Cups. Mourinho has been vocally disappointed in just about everything this offseason. On paper, they could challenge Man City. But things just don't seem right at Old Trafford.
Newcastle United - 17-18 - 10th
In: Dubravka, Ki, Schar
Out: Merino, Mbemba
No real losses for Newcastle. But they haven't spent as much as their fans - or Rafa - want. With lots of bottom half clubs improving, I think Newcastle will be in for a relegation battle without an some additions.
Southampton - 17-18 - 17th
In: Armstrong, Elyounoussi, Gunn, Vestergaard
Out: Tadic
Some interesting additions for Southampton. I think they've improved in terms of personnel. But I have no faith in Mark Hughes. They're a candidate to go down and Hughes could be the first manager axed.
Tottenham - 17-18 - 3rd
In:
Out:
Pretty much nothing has happened with Spurs this season. Kane and Trippier had good World Cups, along with a few others. Not sure how much further Kane can carry them without Levy ponying up some cash for more players. They'll be in a fight for a top 4 spot.
Watford - 17-18 - 14th
In: Deulofeu, Foster, Navarro, Masina
Out: Richarlison
Javi Garcia is the first Watford manager to finish a season and start the next since they've been promoted. Which means he'll be sacked any day now. I think they're in a dogfight at the bottom.
West Ham - 17-18 - 13th
In: Manager Manuel Pellegrini, Diop, Fabianski, Fredericks, Wilshere, Yarmolenko, Balbuena, Anderson
Out: Manager, David Moyes, Collins, Evra
Massive spending over at West Ham this summer. After a long and gruesome season under Moyes, West Ham have made major upgrades IMO. I don't think they'll get quite to European spots, but they could finish top half.
Wolves - 17-18 - 1st in Championship
In: Patricio, Moutinho, Jiminez, Jonny
Out: Douglas, Afobe, Miranda
Wolves have added some more players this summer. I don't think we needed a massive influx as most of the players from last season are good enough to keep us in the Premier League. Our two questions are how the wingbacks will perform and who will score the goals. I think the latter question will be much like last year: no 20 goal scorer putting one in every other game, but a handful of players with 8-12 goals. I'm more concerned about the wingbacks as they were a huge part of our success in the Championship. It's a step up in competition for Doherty and we've let Douglas go to Leeds. We will depend on improvement from Vinagre and Jonny coming in. Who knows if Ofosu-Ayeh will be able to do anything after missing all of last year with injury. But I think we've got enough to be safe if we avoid major injuries.
Predicted Finish:
1. Manchester City
2. Liverpool
3. Manchester United
4. Arsenal
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5. Tottenham
6. Chelsea
7. West Ham
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8. Everton
9. Leicester City
10. Brighton
11. Wolves
12. Burnley
13. Crystal Palace
14. Fulham
15. Bournemouth
16. Newcastle
17. Southampton
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18. Watford
19. Huddersfield
20. Cardiff
