The new Premier League season kicks off this season and it's starting earlier than it ever has done due to the World Cup being in the winter.
In this preview I've done a little fact file on each club which includes where I think they'll finish this season, their strongest line ups and who their most important player is likely to be. There is a link to the full guide at the end of this preview.
ARSENAL
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 5th
FA CUP: 3rd Round
LEAGUE CUP: Semi Finals
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS):
Bukayo Saka, 12
Arsenal have been pretty busy this summer with the signings they've made and their squad is looking really promising going into the new season. Their strength in depth in particular is looking promising and especially in the attacking areas because of the options they have there. They needed to add some strength in depth as they're back in Europe this season and as they've done exactly that, they'll be looking to compete on both fronts.
KEY PLAYER: BUKAYO SAKA
Saka has carried Arsenal for the last couple of seasons and he's only just 20 years old. He stepped up as their main man last season and he'll certainly be looking to do the same this season.
PREDICTION: 5th
They've made some good signings which have strengthened their overall squad as well the team in general. With the options they have, another top four challenge is possible.
ASTON VILLA
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 14th
FA CUP: 3rd Round
LEAGUE CUP: 3rd Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Ollie Watkins, 11
Villa will be expecting to kick on this season with it being Steven Gerrard's first full season in charge and the fact being that he's had a full summer to build his own team. They've made a couple of statements signings in Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara plus they made Philippe Coutinho's loan deal permanent at the end of last season. These signings show that Villa are looking to go places under Gerrard's management and this season will surely be the start of their evolution under him.
KEY PLAYER: PHILIPPE COUTINHO
Coutinho made an instant impact when he arrived on loan last season and his good performances were enough for him to make his deal permanent. He'll be someone that Villa will be looking to build their team around.
PREDICTION: 10th
Steven Gerrard has had a full summer to build his own team which has the potential to challenge for Europe. But with the league looking stronger this season, they may have to settle for a top 10 finish.
BOURNEMOUTH
LAST SEASONS STATS:
CHAMPIONSHIP: 2nd
FA CUP: 4th Round
LEAGUE CUP: 2nd Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Dominic Solanke, 30
The Cherries are back in the big time are a two year absence and there is arguably not as much excitement as there was the last time they came up. They were going into their first ever top flight season the last time they got promoted which will have obviously brought a lot of excitement. Their promotion last season was seen more as job done and move on. The fans will of course be exited to be back in the Premier League but I think the feeling this time is a bit different to what it was in 2015.
KEY PLAYER: DOMINIC SOLANKE
Solanke is yet to prove himself in the Premier League and he'll be going into this season with a point to prove after netting 29 times in the Championship last season. HIs goals were crucial to the Cherries going up last season and he'll need to repeat something similar this season they're to stay up.
PREDICTION: 20th
I think goals could be a problem for them this season with Solanke being their only serious threat. With not many goals within the team itself, I can see them struggling this season.
BRENTFORD
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 13th
FA CUP: 4th Round
LEAGUE CUP: Quarter Finals
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Ivan Toney, 14
The Bees had a very good first season in the Premier League last season as they finished 13th and stayed well clear of the relegation zone right throughout the campaign. The signing of Christian Eriksen in January did help them massively but the Bees always had enough in them to survive.
The minimum aim for them this season will probably be survival as they'll be expecting a tougher season than last year. Most teams struggle in their second season and Thomas Frank will be well aware of that as he leads his side into another Premier League season.
KEY PLAYER: IVAN TONEY
Toney scored 12 goals last season which marked a good debut season for him in the Premier League. He'll need to score a similar amount or more if the Bees are to avoid the dreaded second syndrome.
PREDICTION: 17th
The second season can be tough as some teams in the past have found out. But with a good manager and a strong team in all areas, they should have enough to be safe.
BRIGHTON
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 9th
FA CUP: 4th Round
LEAGUE CUP: 4th Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Neal Maupay, 9
The Seagulls had their best ever season last year as they finished 9th. But their old problems were still there in not being able to finish teams off. Those problems might go away this season as they've signed Deniz Undav who scored 26 goals for Union SG in the Belgian League last season. But I do think he'll be seen as someone to put pressure on Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck rather than an instant starter as Graham Potter may want to ease him into his plans.
KEY PLAYER: LEANDRO TROSSARD
He has blown hot and cold at times but when he's on it Trossard can be a real handful. He stepped up as a key player for the Seagulls at times last season and he'll now be looking to do so on a consistent basis.
PREDICTION: 13th
Losing Bissouma will be a blow and their problems in front of goal could well continue. They won't finish as high as they did last season but they should still have enough to stay out of another dogfight.
CHELSEA
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 3rd
FA CUP: Runners Up
LEAGUE CUP: Runners Up
EUROPE: Champions League Quarter Finals
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Romelu Lukaku, 15
This season starts a brand new era for Chelsea with it being their first season under new ownership. There some question marks over it at the end of last season as the situation had a negative effect on their form and it was good that they got it sorted as soon as the season ended. Signing Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling is a good start to their regime as they'll certainly improve things at both ends of the pitch. But Thomas Tuchel will still want a striker in order for his side to challenge.
KEY PLAYER: MASON MOUNT
Mount has been Chelsea's main man for the last couple of seasons and he's only 23. He really upped his game last season by registering more goals and assists and if he can keep that up, he could be the blues' new Frank Lampard.
PREDICTION: 4th
They still need that 15-20 goal a season striker in order for them to seriously challenge. They have made a couple of good signings over the summer but without that striker, I can see them fall short.
CRYSTAL PALACE
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 12th
FA CUP: Semi Finals
LEAGUE CUP: 2nd Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Wilfried Zaha, 15
There was a different look about Palace last season as they played a more progressive style with a reasonably young team. It was a good first season for Patrick Vieira simply because of the football they played and the fact that they were never in danger of being dragged into a relegation fight. The Eagles will be thinking more about a top 10 finish this season because of the potential of their squad plus last seasons finish will give them something to build on.
KEY PLAYER: WILFRIED ZAHA
Zaha has been Palaces' talisman and will be once again this season. They did cope better without him last season than they did before but when he's available, he makes the Eagles a much better side going forward.
PREDICTION: 11th
They had a good season under Patrick Vieira last season as they brought through the youth and played some good football. It has been a quiet window for them but I still think they'll have a similar season to last year.
EVERTON
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 16th
FA CUP: Quarter Finals
LEAGUE CUP: 3rd Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Richarlison, 11
Everton were in a mess both on and off the pitch last season as they made a bad managerial appointment at the start and came close to going down at the end. This will be the season where they need to start again in finding an identity and some stability. The club have lacked both stability and an identity for a number of years now and this has to be the season where both will be brought in. Having a young manager in place should help them achieve that.
KEY PLAYER: DOMINIC CALVERT LEWIN
The big man was a massive miss for the Toffees when he was out injured last season as they lacked an out and out no.9 to score the goals. With Richarlison gone, he'll need to step up as their main man because of how important he is to the team.
PREDICTION: 14th
Was last season a one off or a sign things to come? Losing Richarlison is a massive blow but with Calvert Lewin still around, they should have enough to stay out of another relegation battle. Especially if they keep him fit.
FULHAM
LAST SEASONS STATS:
CHAMPIONSHIP: 1st
FA CUP: 4th Round
LEAGUE CUP: 3rd Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Aleksandar Mitrovic, 43
Fulham are arguably better equipped this season compared to their last two spells in this league in that they haven't brought in a shedload players. They've made some good signings this summer and the right signings in that they've all played at a high level which is what they'll need in order to survive this time.
KEY PLAYER: ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC
The big Serb scored over 40 goals last season as the Cottagers won the Championship. But he is yet to properly prove himself in the Premier League. With a system that suits his game and some good players around him, he should fare much better this time round.
PREDICTION: 15th
They will be questioned defensively but going forward the Cottagers should have enough firepower to survive. If they play a system that gets the best out of Mitrovic, they should be safe.
LEEDS
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 17th
FA CUP: 3rd Round
LEAGUE CUP: 4th Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Raphinha, 11
Leeds were badly hit by injuries to key players last season as they only just stayed up. Another dogfight will expected this season as they've lost arguably their two best players in Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha with the latter carrying the team for much of last season. They have made a lot of signings this summer but whether they'll improve the team remains to be seen.
KEY PLAYER: PATRICK BAMFORD
Bamford was a massive loss for Leeds last season as they really missed his presence at the top end of the pitch. With both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips gone, he'll need to stay fit and step up as the main man if Leeds are to avoid another relegation scrap.
PREDICTION: 19th
They have made a lot of signings but losing both Philiips and Raphinha is a massive blow. Without those two I can really see them struggle this season.
LEICESTER
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 8th
FA CUP: 4th Round
LEAGUE CUP: Quarter Finals
EUROPE: Europa Conference League Semi Finals
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
James Maddison, 18
It was an injury disrupted season for the Foxes last season and this season they're yet to make any new signings. I'm very surprised by this because I was very much expecting them to refresh their squad with five of their players over the age of 30. No European football should help them this season but they need to make some additions before the window closes.
KEY PLAYER: JAMES MADDISON
Maddison was the Foxes' most consistent performer last season where he had his best season for both goals and assists. If he can carry his end of season form into this campaign, a return to the England squad could come.
PREDICTION: 7th
No European football should help them after the injury ravaged campaign they had last season. They may be yet to sign someone but with some good young players in their squad and no European football to distract them, it could be a decent season for them.
LIVERPOOL
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 2nd
FA CUP: Winners
LEAGUE CUP: Winners
EUROPE: Champions League Runners Up
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Mohamed Salah, 31
It was a successful season for the reds last season as they really went far in every competition they were involved in. They won two of them obviously in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and those victories will give them the hunger to win more this season. Particularly the Premier League which they really want to win after missing out by a single point last season.
KEY PLAYER: VIRGIL VAN DIJK
Van Dijk made a real difference for the reds last season thanks to his calmness and presence at the back. The reds are a lot more assured when he's playing and without him they're not the same team.
PREDICTION: 1st
They've made some promising signings and will be hungry for some silverware after missing out on the title last season. With their squad looking stronger than it ever has been, they could win the title.
MAN CITY
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 1st
FA CUP: Semi Finals
LEAGUE CUP: 4th Round
EUROPE: Champions League Semi Finals
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Riyad Mahrez, 24
The signing of Erling Haaland will be seen as the final piece of the jigsaw both in Europe and the Premier League as there were occasions in both where they needed that recognised centre forward to convert those half chances. They did win the league without a recognised striker last season but now they have that recognised striker, they'll hopefully get over the line in Europe as well as the league.
KEY PLAYER: KEVIN DE BRUYNE
KDB has been among the best players in the world for the last five or so years because of the way he can control the flow of a game in midfield. He'll have a bigger role to play for City this season as he's now their club captain.
PREDICTION: 2nd
The signing of Haaland will make a massive difference and particularly in Europe. But with one or two crucial squad players gone, they might fall short.
MAN UNITED
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 6th
FA CUP: 4th Round
LEAGUE CUP: 3rd Round
EUROPE: Champions League Last 16
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Cristiano Ronaldo, 24
Last season was an absolute disaster for United both on and off the pitch in terms of their performances on it and the poor decisions made behind the scenes. New boss Erik Ten Hag has started to sort the mess out in getting rid of some of the deadwood and bringing in players who will fit his way of playing. It is of course going to take time and this season could tell us how long it will be till we see United back at the top of the English game.
KEY PLAYER: BRUNO FERNANDES
Fernandes didn't have his best campaign last season and one of the reasons why was probably down to the return of Cristiano Ronaldo. With his Portuguese counterpart likely to leave this summer, he may have the chance to take back his mantle as the main man.
PREDICTION: 6th
It will take time for them to get used to Ten Hag's style of play and time is something they'll need to give him. They have made some good signings over the summer but it's still going to be a while till they're back competing at the top.
NEWCASTLE
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 11th
FA CUP: 3rd Round
LEAGUE CUP: 2nd Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Callum Wilson, 8
There is a much better atmosphere at Newcastle than there was before thanks to their owners and manager in Eddie Howe. The owners effectively saved the club because of how toxic it was under Mike Ashley's reign and with the money they have, they were able to back the manager which wasn't always the case during the old regime. Europe will be the long term goal for the Magpies and this season will be more about finishing in the top 10 which would be a good start to their project.
KEY PLAYER: BRUNO GUIMARAES
Guimaraes hit the ground running the moment he started playing last season and his performances played a key role in the Magpies pushing themselves up the league. He'll be someone Eddie Howe will be looking to build his team around as he's arguably the most talented player at the club.
PREDICTION: 9th
There is a much better mood around the place than last year which is mainly down to the owners and the manager. With a good squad of players and a good manager at the helm, they should have more than enough to finish in the top 10.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
LAST SEASONS STATS:
CHAMPIONSHIP: 4th (Play Off Winners)
FA CUP: Quarter Finals
LEAGUE CUP: 2nd Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Brennan Johnson, 19
After 23 years away Forest are back in the big time and its good to have them back. They've finally got the right manager to take them forward in Steve Cooper and things are finally looking up for the former European Cup winners. Cooper has clearly been backed this summer with the signings he's made and most of them look like Premier League quality players. This shows an intent of competing at this level.
KEY PLAYER: BRENNAN JOHNSON
Last season was Johnson's breakthrough season as he scored 16 goals to help Forest get promoted. If Forest are to stay up this season, they're going to need the Welshman to have a similar campaign to last season.
PREDICTION: 16th
It's good to see a club of Forest's stature back in the Premier League after so many years away. With a good manager at the helm and some good signings made over the summer, they should have enough to stay up.
SOUTHAMPTON
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 15th
FA CUP: Quarter Finals
LEAGUE CUP: 4th Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
James Ward Prowse, 11
The Saints could be in for a tough season this year because of how poor they were towards the end of last season. They have made some signings this summer but most of them are reasonably young and unlikely to make an instant impact. They have managed to keep hold of James Ward Prowse but Ralph Hasenhuttl's side will still be in for a tough season.
KEY PLAYER: JAMES WARD PROWSE
The Saints skipper carried the team for the entirety of last season and they'll be glad that they managed to keep hold of him. He always comes up with that moment of quality when his team need him to and without him the Saints would be in the Championship.
PREDICTION: 18th
The pressure will be on Hasenhuttl after a poor end to last season. With no clinical striker in their side and the team itself looking no better than last season, this could be a year of struggle for the Saints.
TOTTENHAM
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 4th
FA CUP: 5th Round
LEAGUE CUP: Semi Finals
EUROPE: Europa Conference League Group Stages
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Harry Kane, 27
Last season was a rollercoaster for Spurs. They were mid-table in November after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo, had a bad run of results in February which left their top four place in doubt and yet they somehow finished in the top four. Antonio Conte will be hoping to avoid that this season and getting transfer business done early is a good start. Yves Bissouma will add some extra energy to the midfield, Ivan Perisic will add both quality and experience to the side whilst Richarlison will add some extra quality to their already clinical attack. Spurs are looking very strong indeed.
KEY PLAYER: HEUNG MIN SON
Son was on another level last season as he shared the golden boot with Mohamed Salah scoring 23 goals. He's up there with the best forwards in Europe and he's arguably Spurs' most important player.
PREDICTION: 3rd
They've made some good signings over the summer which have strengthened the team in all areas. With a deadly forward line and a top manager who has been backed, they could be the most likely challengers to the big two.
WEST HAM
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 7th
FA CUP: 5th Round
LEAGUE CUP: Quarter Finals
EUROPE: Europa League Semi Finals
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Jarrod Bowen, 18
The Hammers managed to compete on both fronts with a reasonably small squad last season and they'll need to do so again this season as they'll be competing in the Europa Conference League. They have made some additions this summer and they needed to as the amount of games played eventually caught up with them towards the end of the season. The most important buy was arguably striker Gianluca Scamacca because they needed a back up for Michail Antonio as he was their only recognised striker last season.
KEY PLAYER: DECLAN RICE
The Hammers' success in recent seasons has mostly been down to the development of Rice himself. He's improved a lot as a player over the last couple of seasons and they'll feel happy that they've managed to keep hold of him.
PREDICTION: 8th
They did well in competing on both fronts last season until it eventually caught up with them. With the club in Europe again with a small squad, overachieving again is a tough ask.
WOLVES
LAST SEASONS STATS:
PREMIER LEAGUE: 10th
FA CUP: 4th Round
LEAGUE CUP: 3rd Round
EUROPE: N/A
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)
Raul Jimenez and Daniel Podence, 6
Wolves went under the radar a bit last season but they did get some stick for not being clinical enough in front of goal. They looked strong defensively for most of the season with keeper Jose Sa being a main part of that but going forward they looked wasteful. Raul Jimenez hasn't looked the same player since his return from that horrific injury but with Pedro Neto back, their fortunes could well change.
KEY PLAYER: RUBEN NEVES
Neves is the heartbeat of the Wolves midfield because of his energy and passing ability as well as his long range strikes. His partnership with Moutinho in midfield makes Wolves a very solid outfit and it's no surprise that some of the big boys are after him.
PREDICTION: 12th
They didn't end last season well and they haven't been very active in the transfer window. With goals likely to be an issue again like it was last season, a potential European challenge looks unlikely.
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