Premier League
Premier League 2019/20 Preview: Who Are The Champions Elect?
It has only been two months since Manchester City retained the Premier League title after a long and thrilling two-horse race with the eventual Champions League winners, Liverpool. Fast forward to late July, all 20 teams are well into their pre-season fixtures while also having just over two weeks to complete any signings before the transfer window closes on August 8.
As is usual with the build-up to the start of the new season, predictions and previews hone in on the two or three teams that all have a legitimate chance of challenging for the top prize come next May. This time around, barring any remarkable additions to competing teams, here are the top three main challengers for the Premier League title this coming season.
Manchester City
Winners for the second time running in May, City under Pep Guardiola have dominated English soccer’s top league for the last couple of seasons. With scintillating possession-based play, the City hierarchy has constructed a team that has no weak areas at all.
Arguably after the departure of stalwart club legend Vincent Kompany, City are in the market for a center-back. But despite that, they still have a very strong contingent that includes Jon Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte.
The aging but ever-present Fernandinho looks set to have a positional battle on his hands with incoming midfielder Rodri. The former Atletico Madrid star completed his move to the blue side of Manchester after City activated his $77.1 million release clause.
Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus all look set to spearhead the City attack that managed to score 95 goals in 38 games last season. A fit-again and refreshed Kevin De Bruyne could impact the side like that of a new singing. After a difficult 2018/19 campaign with injuries, De Bruyne will hope to return from his former self to help guide City to glory on multiple domestic fronts.
Yet, after last season’s disappointment in the Champions League, City will want to focus their attention. They will also want to right the wrongs in their quest for European as well as British dominance. The question is, will City shift their intensity on the Premier League for European soccer’s top prize?
Liverpool
A historic season for Liverpool saw them finally secure a sixth Champions League title after being heartbroken the season before against Real Madrid.
The tremendous trio of Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Roberto Firmino fired the Redmen through the majority of last season in an attacking line up that is unlikely to change for the forthcoming campaign.
Dutch defender and Ballon D’Or contender Virgil van Dijk will hope to replicate his superb defensive form as he continues to marshall the league’s best defense. Liverpool arguably possesses two of the best full-backs in world football in the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. Both sound in their duties defensively and ever-threatening going forward; showers of assists expected from early August to mid-May from the dynamic duo.
Liverpool has only spent $1.7 million so far this summer. They spent it on young Dutch center back Sepp van der Berg from PEC Zwolle. However, it remains to be seen if they look to reinforce their midfield which could be seen to be the weakest part of their squad.
Bruno Fernandes has been linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool so far this summer. Fortunately, he could slot perfectly into Klopp’s ‘gegenpressing‘ system that requires dynamic and technical players. Something Fernandes has in bundles.
Maybe this is the year that Manchester City goes down. They seem to have slightly weaker squad in terms of strength in depth, it may be too much of a task for Liverpool.
The Rest?
Going of off last years performances and the additions that the rest of the top six have made during this less than eventful summer, it is fair to say that there are no real other contenders that will stand with Liverpool and City over the course of the whole season.
Manchester United
Manchester United will be coming off the back of a full pre-season under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. With the new recruitment philosophy of bringing young and hungry players in place, this could potentially be the catalyst for change at Old Trafford. The signing of a new center back and a midfielder could assert United as the favorite for third place.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur surprised many by reaching the Champions League final in May. The addition of Tanguy Ndombele may prove to be the acquisition of the summer. The Frenchman is still young at 22 but has all the skills to place his authority in the Premier League. Likened to his countryman N’Golo Kante, Ndombele will provide much needed defensive cover in midfield which will enable the likes of Eriksen and Dele Alli to attack at will.
Chelsea
Chelsea has lost star player Eden Hazard and manager Maurizio Sarri during the summer. The Blues acquired American Christian Pulisic and club legend Frank Lampard in return, for the respective positions. With the transfer ban that they find themselves under, it has been impossible for them to strengthen a squad that appears less threatening without Hazard’s name on the teamsheet. After an unsuccessful season at Derby County, Lampard could be exposed in his first season as the Blues’ boss. Do not be surprised if Chelsea falls down outside of the Europa League places as the season rolls on.
Arsenal
Arsenal boss Unai Emery endured a standard first season in charge of the Gunners who got used to life without Arsene Wenger. Towards the end of the season, Lacazette and Aubameyang proved ever-present threats while their goal tallies mirrored the same opinion. Arsenal lossed Aaron Ramsey on a free to Juventus. Problems with club captain Laurent Koscielny during the off-season could prove to be major stumbling blocks if not addressed properly.
Written by Jacob Robson
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