Finally, the 2021-22 Premier League season is almost upon us and like most semi neutrals we are hoping for a more competitive affair than last year. Manchester City were head and shoulders (and probably torso too) ahead of the other teams last year, but things should be closer this time. Both Chelsea & Liverpool look poised to at least make a fist of it while city rivals United should also figure.
Leicester have already shown they will be competitive by lifting the Charity Shield, however, we cant see them emulating their 2015-16 heroics. They should be in the Champions League places hunt though.
Brentford will be playing in the top flight for the first time since 1946-47 and they will be the team that most neutrals are rooting for from the newly promoted ones. We would love to be positive about their chances but realistically finishing 17th would be a tremendous result.
Anyway here are our predictions for the new season.
Premier League Winners
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Manchester City is the bookies favourite and with £100m man Jack Grealish added to what was already a world-class squad it’s hard to make a case for them not winning it. We don’t expect it to be by 12 points this time but providing they are not plagued by injuries on a biblical scale they will be lifting the title for the fourth time in five seasons. If as looks probable they add Harry Kane, then that elusive Champions League win could also be on the cards.
Champions League Places
Chelsea won the Champion League last season and with Romelu Lukaku almost certain to return to the club they look assured of a top-four place. If Thomas Tuchel can sort out their defense then they have the strength in depth to push Man City all the way.
Liverpool had a bit of a down season after their title-winning exploits. Losing Virgil van Dijk to injury early on certainly didn’t help and his return should be enough to spur them on. Teaming him up with Ibrahima Konate, a steal from RB Leipzig, means they will be hard to score against. Liverpool’s season could very well depend on how well these two gel, as they already have the firepower to push for the title.
The final Champions League place looks like a battle between Manchester United & Leicester, although if Spurs hold on to Harry Kane they have to be in the conversation also.
Arsenal still looks a few signings away from competing, although Ben White will finally add some defensive steel to an often too frail rear guard. With youngsters like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in their ranks, the future looks bright. However, they need time to grow. They need to improve on last season or the Mikel Arteta experiment could be over.
Best of the rest
Everton, Leeds, West Ham & Aston Villa look like the also-rans this year. None of them should have any relegation worries, but they are unlikely to trouble the European places either. The best they can hope for is a good cup run.
How Will the Newly Promoted Teams fare?
We would like to say ok but being realistic there is a good chance that all three go straight back down. We would love to see Brentford stay up but think they will just fall short in a dogfight with Burnley & Brighton. Crystal Palace could also get sucked into the relegation zone if injuries hit, while Wolves, Southampton & Newcastle might be looking anxiously over their shoulders at some stage.
Overall we expect all of the three promoted teams to go back down.
Premier League Final Table Prediction
- Manchester City
- Chelsea
- Liverpool
- Manchester United
- Leicester City
- Tottenham
- Arsenal
- Everton
- Leeds United
- West Ham
- Aston Villa
- Newcastle
- Southampton
- Wolves
- Crystal Palace
- Brighton
- Burnley
- Brentford
- Norwich
- Watford
So there we have it, our predictions for the 2021-22 Premier League. We think the gap is closing but City should be just too good for Chelsea despite their spending. While you are here check out our most recent Premier League posts or indulge in a Football Quiz or Two and let the world know your football
jordonc ✅
