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The 2021-22 Premier League campaign is right around the corner. As always, there is a buzz around the start of the new domestic season. While some sides have title ambitions, others would consider staying in the division a success. Every club sets its respective goals for the season, and the fans have certain expectations too.
Who could be the surprise package in the Premier League (2021-22)?
The Premier League is famous for being unpredictable. Every season has an underdog story. While not all stories are fairytales, like the Leicester title win in 2015-16, a surprise team can often break into the top-six.
Last season it was West Ham who finished sixth and qualified for the Europa League. In fact, the London side finished just two points off a Champions League spot.
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A team does not have to break into the top-six to be considered a surprise package though. Sheffield United, for instance, were the favorites to finish bottom of the league in 2019-20. However, they managed to finish at a respectable ninth, which exceeded all expectations.
Five such teams who could turn a few heads this season are ranked on the following list:
#5 Brentford FC
Brentford are in the top division of English football for the first time since the 1946-47 season. The 2021-22 Premier League campaign will prove to be a solid test for the London side. Staying in the division will undoubtedly be their priority. However, the club are run in a rather unique manner, which could see them finish ahead of other competitors in the relegation scrap.
Brentford's promotion to the Premier League is an incredible story. From being saved from bankruptcy by a fan in 2012 to reaching the top division in the space of nine years is a phenomenal achievement.
Owner Mathew Benham has revolutionized Brentford's philosophy; choosing to concentrate more on data collection and analytics over traditional coaching methods. This has also benefitted them immensly in terms of recruitment.
Ivan Toney was signed from third division side Peterborough United in August 2020. He managed to score 24 goals that season and was stuck in the lower leagues for most of his career.
However, Brentford decided to sign him up for the 2020-21 Championship campaign based on statistical analysis. The 25-year-old striker now heads into the new season on the back of 33 goals in the second division. He is one of Brentford's biggest hopes in the race to avoid relegation.
Ahead of the 2021-22 Premier League season, Brentford have also solidified their ranks by signing centre-back Kristoffer Ajer from Celtic. For a side that relies on set-pieces, his 198cm frame will certainly help.
Head coach Thomas Frank will be hoping Brentford can turn a few heads this season by staying up in the top-flight. The Bees surely have the potential to do so.
#4 Norwich City FC
Norwich City are another newly promoted side on the list. The Canaries won the Championship in 2020-21, and returned to the Premier League after being relegated in 2019-20.
Their last season in the top division was one to forget as they picked up just 21 points. Regardless, the club decided to stick with manager Daniel Farke, who repaid their faith by regaining promotion at the first time of asking.
The last time Norwich were in the Premier League, they made the mistake of sticking to their existing group of players and not improving. However, that is not the case this season. Despite losing Emi Buendia to Aston Villa, Norwich have strengthened immensly ahead of their Premier League return.
Werder Bremen duo Milot Rashica and Josh Sargent have been recruited as attacking reinforcements. They have also loaned in promising Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour. Additionally, the defense has been strengthened by new arrivals Ben Gibson and left-back Dimitrios Giannoulis. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn also joined from Southampton.
More importantly, Norwich have also kept hold of promising youngsters Todd Cantwell and Max Aarons. Daniel Farke would have learned from the mistakes he made in their last Premier League season. Most pundits expect Norwich to go down, but they could surprise everyone by finishing above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
#3 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace commence their ninth consecutive Premier League season with former Nice manager Patrick Vieira at the helm. Following the departure of Roy Hodgson, the club have undergone a rebuild. While the London club have established themselves as a Premier League side, many predict they will have a tough 2021-22 season.
Experienced players such as Mamadou Sakho, Gary Cahill, Patrick van Aanholt and Andros Townsend have left the club. The incoming players are all youngsters with potential; their recruitment has been futuristic and praiseworthy.
Michael Olise is an exciting addition to the team, along with Chelsea loanee Connor Gallagher. Palace will also head into the 2021-22 Premier League season with a new-look defense of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.
On paper, Crystal Palace have a solid side. Wilfred Zaha will continue as a Palace player too. However, there are some concerns regarding Patrick Vieira's capability as a manager. The former Arsenal midfielder managed an impressive seventh place finish with Nice in 2019-20, but was relieved of his duties in 2020 due to poor performances.
Whether he is the right man for the job remains to be seen, but a mid-table finish could be on the cards for Crystal Palace if they can fulfill their potential.
#2 Leeds United
Leeds United play some of the most attractive football in the Premier League. Under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds managed a ninth place finish in the Premier League in 2020-21. This season, they could push on even further and compete for a spot in continental competitions.
Junior Firpo from Barcelona is the only high-profile addition ahead of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign. Leeds have also permanently sealed the services of Jack Harrison, who was on loan from Manchester City last season. The biggest improvement heading into 2021-22, however, will be experience.
Marcelo Bielsa would have keenly observed how counter-attacking sides took advantage of Leeds' pressing brand of football. Centre-backs Robin Koch and Diego Llorente's injury problems did them no favors last term. When the two defenders are on the pitch, Leeds are more balanced. Should they remain fit, Bielsa could better his ninth-place finish with Leeds.
The likes of Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Raphinha could continue their impressive form in attack. Kalvin Phillips followed up his impressive Premier League season with a good showing at the Euros too, and should carry his form into the 2021-22 campaign.
If everything goes to plan, Leeds United have a chance at finishing in one of the European spots.
#1 Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Hove Albion are among the sides that often find themselves in relegation scraps. This will be the Seagulls' fifth consecutive Premier League season. Graham Potter has achieved 41 points each in both his seasons in charge, finishing 15th and 16th respectively.
The style of football implemented by Graham Potter is progressive, unlike other teams hovering around the relegation zone. Brighton completed 18,185 passes in the Premier League in 2020-21, which ranked them ninth among others. They also ranked seventh for shots attempted, but 14th for shots on target.
Notably, the Seagulls missed 44 big chances across the season, the eighth highest in the league.
Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck had a poor 2020-21 season and will be hoping for an upturn in fortunes this campaign. Brighton have not signed a striker yet but continue to be linked to Darwin Nunez from Benfica and Odsonne Edouard from Celtic. Should they sign a clinical striker, a top-half finish seems easily within reach.
Ben White has left for Arsenal, but Brighton have a reliable trio of Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk and Dan Burn at the back.
They have reinforced their midfield by signing Enock Mwepu from Salzburg, who could form a fantastic partnership with Yves Bissouma.
Brighton have a solid squad, coached by an excellent manager, and could very well finish mid-table if they find that compusure in front of goal.
