This year has proved difficult in predicting who will finish where, and I believe that any of five clubs could clinch the Premier League title come May. Chelsea and Liverpool have spent big this year, while Arsenal, Manchester United and City have also splashed some cash with some of the players being right coups. The fight for survival is also going to be a close run affair, but here is who could be the winners and losers this season.
1. Chelsea
Under the leadership of Mourinho it’s hard to discount the blues for any sort of silverware and it’s the same team I had at the top this time last year. But signings such as lethal goal scorer Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, they can narrowly clinch it.
2. Manchester City
City have looked to strengthen their defence with Bacary Sagna on a free and Eliaquim Mangala from Porto, and it will also be interesting to see how much Frank Lampard will feature during his loan spell. But all things considered they will be right up there again this year but just pipped to the post by Chelsea.
3. Manchester United
Van Gaal has come in to essentially turn things around in what is a transition period for the Red Devils. We will see vast improvements in their performances and the return of Darren Fletcher and signings Herrera and Shaw will certainly aid this. With an impressive pre-season under their belts I can almost be certain that they will bounce back into the top four.
4. Liverpool
Last season could be seen as a missed opportunity and there is a definite void missing with the absence of Luis Suarez. But they have spent wisely on some good, quality players and should do well on their return to the Champions League too. They will have to battle hard to finish in the top four this year with many teams upping their game, but it shouldn’t be seen as a negative. Despite this, don’t rule out any cup success.
5. Arsenal
The big signing of Sanchez and the 3-0 win over Manchester City will certainly give fans hope of similar success again after ending their long wait for a trophy last season. But looking at the other teams above, they will do very well to push them all the way through the course of the season. Although I wouldn’t count them out on more cup success and depending on who else they sign during the transfer window, they could creep into the top four.
6. Everton
Martinez has managed to extend the contracts of youngsters John Stones, Seamus Coleman and Ross Barkley along with the permanent signing of Romelu Lukaku. As a result they will aim to finish with another place in Europe and will hope that the chance to play in the Europa League this season will not disadvantage them.
7. Tottenham
Another new manager at the helm and Pochettino will look to take advantage of the talented squad he has at his disposal. I think we will see improved displays by the likes of Lamela and hopefully he will continue to do the same just like he did as the Saints boss.
18. Leicester City
They did a great job in getting promoted last season but don’t have the Premier League quality like QPR who I think are most likely to survive out of the newly promoted teams. The Foxes are going to find it hard to retain a Premier League place but won’t go down without a fight.
19. West Brom
The Baggies were lucky not to be relegated last season and I think their luck will run out this time around. They do have defensive experience in Lescott but unfortunately I think they will go down regardless.
20. Burnley
A team that is always going to be tipped for relegation whenever they re-emerge from the Championship. They have a good partnership in strikers Ings and Vokes but they will do well to avoid an immediate return to the 2nd tier.
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