The new Premier League season has just started, and it seems like the top six from last season are still the top six. But can anyone catch Liverpool who finished 25 points above the next closest team?
The Reds were fantastic throughout a record-breaking campaign and they’ll be hoping to go even further this season. Which other teams stand a chance at ending up lifting the trophy at the end of another thrilling campaign? Let’s take a look.
Manchester City
We’ll start with the defending champions, hoping to become the first team to retain the title since the brilliant Arsenal side of 2003/04. There’s a lot of hype around the Etihad, and rightly so.
Pep’s side has been excellent for a few years now, and it looks like they could finally be ready to win the title. The reality is, however, that despite the hype, City is probably the outsider to win the Premier League.
The biggest issue is the lack of depth in the squad. There are some glaring holes in the team, with a lack of a proper ball-playing center-back.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s 16/17 season was one for the ages, setting records, scoring loads of goals, and bringing joy to Reds fans worldwide. The question is can they do it again?
With the additions of Alisson, Naby Keita, Fabinho, and Xherdan Shaqiri, Jurgen Klopp’s side now looks even stronger than last season. The front three of Salah, Firmino, and Mané are one of the most dangerous attacking trios in the world and can hurt any team on any given day.
With the defense looking stronger and the midfield looking even better, Liverpool could be the team to beat this season. There’s also the fact that they seem to be the only team in the league who are ready to really go for it.
Arsenal
The Gunners have been on the cusp of winning the league for years now, and they seem to be getting closer and closer to the title each season. The last two seasons have seen Arsenal finish in 2nd place, but they really should have won the league at least once over that period.
There have been many issues over the years, but the team has a new philosophy and seems to be a lot more consistent than in the past. The addition of Unai Emery has brought a fresh approach to the way Arsenal play, and it seems to be working.
The team looks far more disciplined and organized, and their attacking players seem to be a lot more consistent. With stars like Aubameyang and Lacazette leading the attack and guys like Özil and Mkhitaryan behind them, Arsenal has one of the most dangerous attacks in the league.
Chelsea
The defending champions are probably the most likely to win the league again this season. Chelsea has lost some key players, but they have brought in some great replacements.
The team looks incredibly strong in defense, and with players like Kanté and Jorginho in the midfield, they should be able to control games.
The attack still looks a bit weak, Hazard has been a shadow of what he used to be and Morata doesn’t seem to be a top-class striker. That is why many say that Chelsea will win the league, but not many pick them to go all the way.
Everton
The Toffees have had a very quiet summer, with the biggest news being their contract negotiations with a number of their key players. They do have new manager Marco Silva at the helm now, but it’s unclear how much of an impact he will make this season.
The team has the potential to do well this season, especially if Richarlison continues his form and if the likes of Pickford and Walcott stay fit.
With Chelsea’s defense looking weaker this season, the Toffees could be the team to beat in the race for the top four. With so many teams looking stronger, it’s hard to see Everton finish any higher than 4th.
Tottenham Hotspur
The Spurs have been great in the last couple of seasons, with the team reaching the finals in both seasons, but the squad just doesn’t seem to have what it takes to win the league.
The squad looks very talented and the great Harry Kane leads the team, but they just haven’t shown they can consistently play at the highest level. There’s no doubt that the Spurs will be great in the Europa League, but they don’t have the depth or the quality to challenge for the league.
The defense is still a bit shaky, and the attack is far too reliant on Kane. There’s a good chance that Tottenham finish 5th this season, a spot they have become accustomed to in recent years.
Conclusion
There are no guarantees, of course, but those teams will start the campaign as the favorites to finish in the top six. They’ve all got their strengths and weaknesses, of course.
Liverpool may have the best attack in the league, but they also have one of the weakest defenses. Chelsea’s attack could be brilliant, but their defense could also be very poor.
They all have questions to answer, but they’re all also teams with bags of quality and bags of experience. They’ll all be hoping to improve on last season’s positions, and they’ll all be hoping to lift some silverware in the next nine months, too.
