Premier League
Premier League 2019/20 League Table Predictions
Whether you support a team with ambitions of being champions at the end of the season or one that is simply looking to stay up, the new Premier League campaign will kick-off ten days when Liverpool host newly-promoted Norwich City.
From Arsenal to Liverpool, this is the first of how I think the table will look come next May.
Arsenal – 5th
Unai Emery’s first season in charge of Arsenal was not shambolic by any stretch. However, throughout last season, the Gunners showed signs of naivety and complacency. Yet, after reaching the Europa League final, they showed resilience as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette got into a purple patch of form towards the end of the season.
The loan arrival of Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid and the impending acquisition of Lille’s pacey winger Nicolas Pepe look to be solid signings. If Emery and the board can bring in a quality center-back between now and the end of the transfer window, Arsenal could make a strong case to clinch that final Champions League spot.
Aston Villa – 13th
Aston Villa is coming into this season with one of the most youthful and exciting squads in the whole league. Promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs, Villa proved that they could perform under pressure situations. The signings of Tyrone Mings, Jota, and highly-rated Brazilian striker Wesley from Club Brugge all tick the boxes of quality and creativity. This is something they have in abundance with the homegrown attacking midfielder, Jack Grealish. Grealish, who was linked with a move to Tottenham last January, has matured in both his play and his physical appearance since his last time in England’s top league. He is the one to watch out in particular. Expect Villa to cause a few upsets along the way while surprising a few to finish strong in midtable.
Bournemouth – 15th
It is fair to say that Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth can now be cemented as Premier League regulars. After coming into the league in 2015, the Cherries surprised many, holding onto their Premier League status in the debut season in England’s top flight. Their main goal threat, Callum Wilson looks to be in prime form after netting 14 goals last season, his personal best in the Premier League.
Potentially holding on to the defensive rock, Nathan Aké and the exciting wing pair of David Brooks and Ryan Fraser may be Bournemouth’s best transfer news of the entire window. As long as their key players stay healthy, Bournemouth could have another solid season. Yet, with rival clubs around them spending north of $100m so far, they could be challenged around the bottom half of the table.
Brighton – 20th
Under the tutelage of former manager Chris Hughton, a strong 15th place finish was a great result for the Premier League new boys in the 2017/18 campaign. Triumphant over the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, the Seagulls started last season strongly but after the Christmas period, their form started to slump. Achieving 3 wins in their last 18 games meant that they only just survived the relegation zone, ending up in 17th place.
This was the last straw for the Brighton board as they decided to part ways with Hughton. This summer the club brought in former Swansea manager Graham Potter in a questionable decision when looking at the levels he had managed at prior. No notable additions to the squad and the imminent departure of key defensive figure Lewis Dunk to Leicester City mean that the warning klaxon is currently sounding. Unfortunately, an untested manager and the lack of money spent spells relegation for the boys in blue.
Burnley – 18th
After their remarkable journey that stamped their ticket to a pre-season Europa League qualifying tour in 2018, Burnley struggled last season ending up in 15th place. Lacking the strength in depth and quality in the first eleven, the Clarets found it difficult to compete in all competitions. So far this summer manager Sean Dyche has not been given the backing he so needed to build a team that could challenge for the top half of the table again.
As key player James Tarkowski looks to stay. The return of Jay Rodriguez could hopefully bring back the memories for Burnley fans. The ‘Ginger Pep Guardiola’ might not be able to save this sinking ship that is currently, as it stands, heading for troubled waters.
Chelsea – 6th
With the transfer ban restricting any real transfer business being done, what may first seem to be a bad thing for Chelsea, could actually instead be a silver lining. Club legend Frank Lampard is leading the revolution at Stamford Bridge. Something that will hopefully see the club utilize their many young talents rather than relying on only experienced players. The permanent signings of American sensation Christian Pulisic and Mateo Kovačić are positive signs. However, they are outweighed with the departure of star player Eden Hazard.
Lampard has his legacy at the club on the line after taking this job. With one mediocre year at Derby County on his managerial resumé, Chelsea may slip out of the top four. Yet, Lampard’s trust that he will instill into the youngsters is sure to be a huge plus for the Blues.
Crystal Palace – 17th
The transfer of Wilfried Zaha to Arsenal has been one of the big talking points in the offseason. However, an unsettled Zaha looks to be remaining at Palace after Arsenal opted to sign Nicolas Pepe instead. Roy Hodgson has only brought in Jordan Ayew to bolster his attacking options so far with less than a week to go in the transfer window.
While losing Bakary Sako and Jason Puncheon to free transfers and young full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United, Crystal Palace look weaker than how they finished last season. If they don’t address the issues of an unhappy Zaha and strengthening their squad, Palace will be battling it out for Premier League survival.
Everton – 8th
A standard season last time around for the Toffees under manager Marco Silva. After spending $65m on starlet Richarlison, it looked to be an exciting season ahead. The Brazilian started strong netting twice in his debut. He then went into scoring eleven more times throughout the season to finish joint top scorer with Gylfi Sigurðsson. This summer Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has not been afraid to splash the cash with the acquisitions of Fabian Delph, French midfielder Jean-Phillipe Gbamin and Italian sensation Moise Kean from Juventus.
Kean and Richarlison could potentially strike up an exciting and lethal partnership along with the creativity of Bernard and Sigurðsson in behind. The departure of Idrissa Gueye to PSG may hurt them. However, they will surely address the gap he leaves. Possible challengers for Europa League places with Leicester also vying for those spots.
Leicester City – 7th
Under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, Leicester finished 9th last season. With the off-the-field drama surrounding the passing of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in October, the club throughout was in pain. Despite this, the Foxes rallied for some excellent performances at home. Most notably their wins against Arsenal and eventual champions Manchester City.
The acquisitions of Ayoze Perez and Youri Tielemans serve as a statement of intent. However, with Harry Maguire’s transfer to Manchester United is soon to be confirmed, Leicester will be efficient in bringing in a replacement. A potential in the shape of Brighton defender Lewis Dunk. Star players like Wilfred Ndidi, Jamie Vardy and Ricardo Pereira will certainly guide Leicester to a strong season. Europa League qualifying rounds are the least to expect for the Foxes.
Liverpool – 1st
The Anfield faithful experienced one of the best seasons in recent memory. Champions League winners and just missing out on the Premier League crown. Nevertheless, the Reds are finally back where they belong in English and world soccer. Club captain Virgil Van Dijk had a memorable season where he asserted himself as the best center back in soccer. He is also a strong candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or. The ever-dominant attacking front three of Salah, Firmino, and Mane are one of the most threatening trios. All are backed up perfectly by Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi.
The return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will almost serve as a new signing to strengthen their already robust midfield; this will finally be the year Liverpool wins the Premier League.
Stay tuned for Part Two focusing on Manchester City to Wolverhampton Wanderers!
Written by Jacob Robson
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