There are still a few weeks until the new Premier League season kicks off. Teams are getting new players in order and many clubs have just started their preseason campaigns. At this time year, every team thinks they have what it takes to make Europe, or at the very least, stave off relegation. But how the rest of the Premier League stack up?
Best to Worst
- Manchester City
The back to back Premier League winners are still the team to beat. Pep Guardiola has spent £75 million to secure players this summer. However, only one of those, Rodri, will make much of an impact out of the gate.
- Liverpool
Despite making no significant transfer signings yet, Liverpool are still just below Manchester City. Can the Reds have another strong year and upend the Cityzens?
- Tottenham Hotspur
Once again, Tottenham Hotspur are the best of the rest. But don’t count these guys out. Spurs actually made transfer purchases. Tanguy Ndombele was tracked by a number of clubs around Europe. Can he lead them into a title fight with Man City and Liverpool?
- Arsenal
Arsenal have some incredible attacking talent. It is just everywhere else on the pitch that there are questions.
- Manchester United
Like Arsenal, there are questions throughout Manchester United’s team. Even if Harry Maguire arrives from Leicester City, is the team’s defence good enough to stop Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham? Marcus Rashford will need to score more goals than 10 in the Premier League if Manchester City want challenge the top of the table.
- Chelsea
Frank Lampard has returned to Stamford Bridge to coach Chelsea. Has it come too soon in his managerial career? Chelsea must live without Eden Hazard. The ageing Olivier Giroud is still there and so is the underrated Michy Batshuayi.
- Leicester City
What an exciting summer at the King Power Stadium. Brendan Rodgers signed Youri Tielemans and Ayoze Perez to permanent contracts. The Foxes should challenge for a European place even if they sell Harry Maguire to Manchester United.
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers should take a step back this season due to their Europa League commitments. Wolves are in the second qualifying round and must win three two-legged ties to reach the group stage. They could fall way down this list if they make the group stage proper.
- Watford
Several players have joined but none of a true significance. Javi Gracia achieved well with Watford last term taking them to the FA Cup Final. Too bad their Premier League form was awful before the final. It didn’t get any better at Wembley as they lost to Man City 6-0.
- Everton
Everton got it together at the end of last season going undefeated in five of their final six games. Too bad they lost 14 of 38 league matches and fans called for Marco Silva to be sacked midway through the season.
- Southampton
Did the right thing by hiring Ralph Hassenhuttl last season. Now, has a full offseason to implement his plans.
- West Ham
West Ham have high expectations but continue to underwhelm. Does this club actually have a transfer strategy?
- Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace had a strangely weak home record last term. Selhurst Park is typically a fortress but the Eagles gained the second lowest number of home points in 2018-19. If that continues again, they will be fighting relegation.
- Bournemouth
A club that buys Liverpool rejects is bound to fight for Premier League survival, right? Eleven points separated Bournemouth from the bottom three last term.
- Norwich City
Winners of the Championship last season, Norwich City should take note of Fulham’s foolish mistakes to buy a team of new players before kicking off the Premier League campaign.
- Aston Villa
The Championship playoff winners have been active ahead of a return to the Premier League. Will paying £20m for Tyrone Mings pay off? Three cente-backs have been brought in as the Villains prepare to be attacked often.
- Burnley
Burnley suffered from their Europa League commitments last season and did just enough to stay up. They aren’t an attractive team to watch to say the least.
- Sheffield United
Sheffield United earned promotion finishing second in the Championship. Chris Wilder’s team may struggle in the top flight with several inexperienced Premier League players.
- Brighton
After back to back seasons of fighting relegation, Brighton sacked Chris Hughton. Graham Potter has taken his place after managing Swansea City last term. Brighton’s squad just doesn’t have the talent as other teams do and should struggle for a third straight year to stay up.
- Newcastle United
It looks likely to be a terrible season at St. James’ Park for Newcastle United. Manager Rafael Benitez left this summer and journeyman manager Steve Bruce looks likely to be appointed any day now. The Magpies also sold forward Ayoze Perez for £30m to Leicester City. He scored 12 goals last term. The Championship beckons.
