The Premier League kicks off mere weeks after last season’s conclusion, with the opening matches scheduled for 12th September. Liverpool will be hungry to defend their first title in thirty years, but as always, the competition will be fierce, not only for the top spot but for places in the Champions League and Europa League as well.
Down the bottom, expect a real relegation scrap between newly promoted teams and some of the hangers-on from last season. With the action imminent, the players, teams, and managers ready, and the fans excited, let’s take a look at some predictions for the EPL 20/21 season.
Top Two
Liverpool will be on a high following their imperious victory, with the winning margin a massive 18 points over Man City. But Pep Guardiola’s men will also be gunning for revenge and having spent more on new talents, such as Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake, they look poised to reclaim the title from their Merseyside rivals. There are even rumours that Lionel Messi could join the club, as the Argentine legend is apparently getting itchy feet at Barcelona. It’s hard to see any other side matching these two, and for me, City will just nick it.
Set sights on Europe
There will be ferocious competition as usual for the top four spots, but expect to see a resurgent Manchester United come in third in the race. Ole Gunnar Solskjar was given a lot more time and space to regroup and rebuild compared with the other three post-Fergie managers, and this patience seems to have paid off, with increasing confidence levels, more assured play, and crucially, better results.
Pressure and expectation will be weighing heavily on Frank Lampard’s shoulders as Chelsea begin their campaign. Their, at times leaky defence, has a boost from veteran Thiago Silva, and new signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz look set to turn their attack into a force to be reckoned with.
Arsenal may have had a season to forget in the league last time around, but buoyed by success in the FA Cup, Mikel Arteta’s men look poised to get back to the sharp end where they belong. For me, it is Man Utd 3rd, Chelsea 4th and Arsenal in a respectable 5th.
Rising and falling
Newly promoted Leeds will be buzzing after winning the Championship title, and getting back to where their legions of fans think they should be. And it could well work out for them – I predict a solid upper mid-table finish. Although they have signed £30 million Spanish international Rodrigo from Valencia – and that is sure to bolster their attacking – their real strength comes from their enigmatic manager Marcello Bisela, a demanding and perfection-driven boss. Under his guidance, Leeds stand a chance of cementing their place in the Premier League for seasons to come.
While the Yorkshire club is in the ascendance, surprise 2015 champions Leicester look to be in decline. Brendan Rodgers’ side finished 5th last time around – and was disappointed. Alas, 20/21 could get even worse – their squad is talented but lacks depth, and they remain heavily reliant on talisman Jamie Vardy, who, while prodigious, is starting to get on in years. But anything can happen in the EPL, prompting millions of fans to bet on their team to win. So don’t write Leicester off completely, but 9th or 10th is the best I think they’ll do.
The doldrums
Down at the bottom, expect drama, histrionics and tears of euphoria and despair come to the end of the campaign. Once title contenders, Newcastle look set to repeat their relegation dogfight again this season, but should just cling on, boosted by survival last time, and with renaissance man Steve Bruce in the dugout, they have a wiley and efficient operator, a manager who is used to making the most out of what he’s got. I expect Crystal Palace and fellow Londoners West Ham to survive again, but fear it may be a bridge too far for Aston Villa, who will be dumped out alongside newly-promoted Fulham – who lack an effective defence and enough attacking flair – and West Brom, who have seen a mini exodus of the players who helped them to automatic promotion.
With another exciting season about to kick-off, fans are eagerly anticipating the unfolding action. Let’s see if the form dictates, or if we’re in for some surprises along the way.
