8. Leicester City
Trending
Having made the strongest possible statement last season in believing that anything is possible by winning the league, Leicester face a real test this season to at least fight for a top 4 spot this season. Last season, helped by great team ethic and an underdog status, Leicester managed to stun the league.
However, this season, they not only have to bear the pressure of being champions, but also take part in the Champions League. A thin squad that was relatively injury free last season may not be able to cope with the demands of European and domestic football.
The loss of N’Golo Kanté to Chelsea is a huge blow and PFA’s Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez might be off before the transfer window ends. These factors combined will lead to Leicester City not defending their title and finish mid-table at best.
7. West Ham
Last season was a special season for the Hammers under Slaven Bili as both manager and team surprised everyone in their league with their style and results as they notched up victories over the big boys of the league. The signing of Dimitri Payet turned out to be a masterstroke last season as he lit up the league.
This season, West Ham are also moving to the new Olympic Stadium which has been renamed as the London Stadium as they hope to be back among the top soon. The signing of Håvard Nordtveit on a free transfer from Borussia Mönchengladbach could end up a shrewd signing while André Ayew was signed from Swansea to add firepower.
If the team can keep away from injuries, the Hammers can ruffle the top feathers and in the opposite scenario, they still have the quality to finish in upper mid-table.
6. Tottenham Hotspur
An unexpected title fight from Spurs last season ended in finishing behind Arsenal yet again. However, under Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs have progressed really well and last season is evidence to that fact. The real challenge lies this season on whether they can cope with the demands of the Champions League and EPL while butting heads with the elite managers and investment at rival clubs.
The arrival of Victor Wanyama adds strength and power to midfield while Vincent Janssen represents a like-for-like signing for Harry Kane. Although Spurs had an underwhelming transfer window so far, the fact that they did not lose any players keeps them in good stead. The high degree of competitiveness this season will lead to Spurs finishing lower than last season.
5. Arsenal
Another season for Arsenal and another top 4 finish for them. In a season where rivals were either rebuilding or struggling, Arsenal let a genuine chance to win the league slip away. The addition of Granit Xhaka bodes well for the team while not buying a top striker who can score 20+ goals in the league before the season ends could once again haunt them this season.
Further, the mounting defensive crisis calls for the addition of a centre-half. With Arsène Wenger entering the final year of his contract, this is the right time for Arsenal to finish outside of the top 4 and have a change of manager. The current mantra seems to be – “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.“
This has not helped the Gunners in the past decade and the general feeling around the club is that a change of manager could do a world of good for the team.
