The question on everyone’s lips is, can these Man City players replicate the form they showed last season, and be the first team to successfully defend the Premier League title since 2009! We have some new faces in the dugout, with Sarri & Emery at the helm of both Chelsea & Arsenal respectively.
Here are my predictions for the league campaign for the upcoming 2018/2019 Premier League title race:
6) Spurs – This is truly an enigma, however when you think of Spurs they have a consistent squad of players who know each other very well! At the moment, I have three concerns which Daniel Levy can help with one of them. 1) A new home stadium, playing “away” at Wembley for the first home game. Then, they play their first home game at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium versus Liverpool after the international break. 2) Players leaving such as Danny Rose, Toby Alderweireld and possibly Dembele. 3) No incomings to give the squad a lift or boost.
5) Chelsea – Tough call but this is completely dependent on how quick Sarri fits in and the ability to keep Hazard & Courtois after the transfer window. Don’t forget the impact of the Thursday night football in the Europa League which as we know can have a significant impact on PL performance. However, on the flip side, if they keep the majority of their squad, they do have a fantastic team and the signing of Jorginho could be a catalyst.
4) Arsenal –They have had a fantastic summer, a new manager and a new philosophy. Fans of Arsenal & other clubs have been saying for years, you need to sign defenders & a defensive midfielder, sorted! If they can gel up front with Lacazette, Miki & Aubameyang. I think Sarri will sacrifice the Europa League for the first half of the season, and focus on the PL. Don’t be surprised to see a battle between Chelsea & Arsenal for this position.
3) Man Utd – Looks as though Jose is going to get his CB signing in Toby Alderweireld before the deadline day, but the amount of negativity from Jose in this pre-season is astonishing. Especially, when you compare his quotes to Pep & Klopp. I think Utd fans will be appeased to a point with a signing or two, and the likes of Fred & Pereira seem to be in good form. Jose is odd’s on to lose his job before Christmas, which doesn’t surprise me. The only reason I give United a 3rd position is because he knows how to win. Do not forget, the attacking talent of a fully fit United team is very good, Sanchez, Lingard, Rom, Mata, Pogba & Martial (if he stays).
2) Liverpool – For me, the best window they have ever had. Klopp has built a very good team and there will be pressure on him to deliver. Expectations from Liverpool fans will be to challenge for the title, especially if City continue the form they found last year the best they can hope for is be in contention. If Salah can continue his marvellous form & Sane could be more influential this season, very difficult to push them further down the league table.
1) Man City – The addition of Mahrez is a strange signing, but if you want someone to do something different for 20-30 mins at the end of a match, he is your guy. The squad is quite young, so they will only get better. John Stones has the ability to fill the boots of Kompany after an excellent Word Cup. The only issue is can Fernandinho perform the level he did last season, as Pep has tried to sign a replacement (Jorginho &Fred) so he does see that as an issue.
A few watch outs for the upcoming campaign are as follows:
Wolves – Great signings and could be a top table finish
Relegation: Cardiff, Newcastle & Southampton (are at a risk)