The wait is over and relief is beginning to settle in as the Barclays Premier League kicks off at 12:45pm this Saturday. Chelsea may have run away with last season’s crown but both the manager Jose Mourinho and his captain, John Terry believe the challenge for the title is much tighter this term.
Who are Chelsea’s greatest challengers? How will the promoted teams cope with the quality the Premier League poses? Who will be the surprise package and who will have a drastic campaign against the odds?
Arsenal
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Last Season: 3rd
4-5-1
Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Wilshire, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud
Subs: Ospina, Gabriel, Debuchy, Ramsey, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck
Star Player: Alexis Sanchez
One to Watch: Francis Coquelin
Best Signing: Petr Cech
2015-16 Prediction: 3rd
There have been pundits and media outlets going on record with belief that this is the season that Arsenal can finally overcome their league demons and reach the summit of English football. Signing Petr Cech is one thing but Arsene Wenger needs a goal machine who will gaurantee them at least 25 goals this term. There is genuine quality throughout the side but as the story goes, the Gunners are always gunned down at some point in the season. Wenger is confident in his side and will take each game as it comes, whether the club’s fans are willing to be patient enough rather than prematurely trying to reel the Premier League crown in.
Aston Villa
Manager: Tim Sherwood
Last Season: 17th
4-2-3-1
Guzan, Richards, Okore, Clark, Amavi, Sanchez, Gueye, Sinclair, Grealish, Agbonlahor, Gestede
Subs: Steer, Crespo, Richardson, Westwood, Carlos Gil, N’Zogbia, Ayew
Star Player: Jack Grealish
One to Watch: Jordan Ayew
Best Signing: Rudy Gestede
2015-16 Prediction: 14th
Tim Sherwood certainly stuck to his word and breathed some fire into the Villains. The former Tottenham Hotspur coach will not back down again as he looks to manipulate the club’s poor reputation of late. When Villa were good under Sherwood, they were brilliant, when they became stuck in a rut under Sherwood and his predecessors last term, the claret and blues were disastrous and deserved to be relegated. However, Sherwood has had a full pre season with his players and recruited his own in the window which could speak volumes. One thing that is for certain, Villa fans will be kept on their toes and step aboard many twist and turns. For them it is about coming out at the right end and improving in the mean time.
Bournemouth
Manager: Eddie Howe
Last Season: 1st (The Championship)
4-4-2
Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Distin, Mings, Ritchie, Artur, Surman, Atsu, Wilson, Kermorgant
Subs: Federici, Cook, Smith, Gosling, Gradel, King, Tomlin
Star Player: Callum Wilson
One to Watch: Tyrone Mings
Best Signing: Sylvain Distin
2015-16 Prediction: 18th
Everyone, everywhere is aware of Bournemouth’s story but what a way to seal a perfect climax to the narrative. Probably the favourites to go straight back down but Eddie Howe’s side will not lay down. They are a classy outfit, who like to play fast, free flowing football and whether let us not forget, they did win the Championship title last term. They are able to pay respectable wages and have a terrific following. Whether the Cherries go down or not, it will be a season that they will never forget. They deserve their chance and so does the manager.
Chelsea
Manager: Jose Mourinho
Last Season: 1st
4-5-1
Courtois, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Willian, Fabregas, Matic, Hazard, Oscar, Diego Costa
Subs: Begovic, Zouma, Loftus-Cheek, Ramires, Cuadrado, Remy, Falcao
Star Player: Diego Costa
One to Watch: Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Best Signing: Asmir Begovic
2015-16 Prediction: 1st
Losing the FA Community Shield didn’t mean much to Jose Mourinho. He knows he has arguably the best squad in the league and he is aware that everyone is out to get at his team this term. The Blues won last season’s title in fine form, losing just three games and having the trophy ready on the polishing table weeks before the finale. Mourinho has spoke of his belief that this season will be tougher but with the ‘Special One’ in charge you just know that he expects his players to set an even better example. There is no better spine than Chelsea’s, with Terry’s leadership, Fabregas being the master of the exquisite pass and Diego Costa’s deadly shot ratio.
Crystal Palace
Manager: Alan Pardew
Last Season: 10th
4-1-4-1
Speroni, Kelly, Dann, Hangeland, Souare, Jedinek, Cabaye, McCarthur, Zaha, Bolasie, Chamakh
Subs: McCarthy, Delaney, Ledley, Puncheon, Sako, Wickham, Bamford
Star Player: Yannick Bolasie
One to Watch: Patrick Bamford
Best Signing: Yohann Cabaye
2015-16 Prediction: 12th
Purchasing Yohann Cabaye is a huge statement of intent for the Eagles and their spending does not seem to be running to a loose end any time soon. With Alan Pardew settling in immediately at Selhurst Park, the imminent future for Palace looks very bright indeed. Another top ten finish would be a brilliant achievement for the club, who let us not forget, could barely keep their head above the water during their last spell in the Premiet League. Again, expect Palace to be a a hard nut to crack.
Everton
Manager: Roberto Martinez
Last Season: 11th
4-2-3-1
Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines, McCarthy, Barry, Miralles, Barkley, Deulofeu, Lukaku
Subs: Joel, Hibbert, Besic, Cleverley, McGeady, Pienaar, Naismith
Star Player: Romelu Lukaku
One to Watch: John Stones
Best Signing: Gerard Deulofou
2015-16 Prediction: 9th
The Toffees continued the misery in Merseyside last term with an under par performance domestically. Without the Europa League looming this time around, Roberto Martinez may be able to actually cope with keeping his team mentality fit. The club needs to keep the likes of John Stones and James McCarthy whilst picking up a few more faces to be competative, which by the source of action this summer, it seems as though Martinez has been struggling to lure the bodies needed.
Leicester City
Manager: Claudio Ranieri
Last Season: 14th
4-4-2
Schmeichel, Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs, King, Drinkwater, Schlupp, Mahrez, Ulloa, Vardy
Subs: Schwarzer, Kante, Moore, Benalouane, Albrighton, Kramaric, Okazaki
Star Player: Jamie Vardy
One to Watch: Andrej Kramaric
Best Signing: Shinji Okazaki
2015-16 Prediction: 19th
Leicester’s miraculous journey to beat the drop last season was quite an achievement but Nigel Pearson’s time as manager was running short after the antics of his juvenile son. His replacement, Claudio Ranieri has not recieved the cosiest of receptions, especially having walked away from the Greek national team in horrendous form. Failing to keep Esteban Cambiasso could be the Foxes most fatal error and finding the Argentine’s replacement has not been as easy as what the manager would have hoped. Unfortunately for them, the old cliché of second season syndrome may well kick in.
Liverpool
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Last Season: 6th
4-3-3
Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Can, Alberto Moreno, Henderson, Milner, Coutinho, Firmino, Sturridge, Benteke
Subs: Bogdan, Lovren, Allen, Lallana, Ibe, Markovic, Ings
Star Player: Daniel Sturridge
One to Watch: Jordan Ibe
Best Signing: James Milner
2015-16 Prediction: 6th
Christian Benteke may have scored a absolute screamer on his Liverpool debut but there is doubt as to whether the Reds have what it takes to improve. Again, Brendan Rodgers has brought in his fair share of new faces, some better than others, a few with increased quality on last season’s arrivals, nonetheless, there is belief amongst the squad that they can move on from last seasom’s disappointments. Rodgers is walking on an intense tight rope and is many people’s top top to be the first boss to be chopped following the club’s decline. This season has to be a good one.
Manchester City
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Last Season: 2nd
4-4-2
Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Delph, Toure, Sterling, Silva, Bony, Aguero
Subs: Caballero, Sagna, Mangala, Fernando, Fernandinho, Nasri, Navas
Star Player: Sergio Aguero
One to Watch: Patrick Roberts
Best Signing: Raheem Sterling
2015-16 Prediction: 2nd
Despite making four signings, including the British record-breaking purchase of Raheem Sterling, the 2013-14 champions have failed to add the players needed to overtake Chelsea. There has been an everlonging belief that Manuel Pelligrini is not the right man for the job and with news of Pep Guardiola inheriting the reigns in 2016-17, it will be interesting to see how City compete this season. The next nine months will either prove to be very successful or the Citizens may come to admit that they have taken a step or two backwards.
Manchester United
Manager: Louis van Gaal
Last Season: 4th
4-1-3-1-1
De Gea, Darmain, Jones, Smalling, Shaw, Schneiderlein, Schweinsteiger, Ander Herrera, Mata, Depay, Rooney
Subs: Romero, Rojo, Blind, Carrick, Valencia, Young, Fellaini
Star Player: Wayne Rooney
One to Watch: Matteo Darmain
Best Signing: Morgan Schneiderlin
2015-16 Prediction: 4th
Louis van Gaal achieved his first priority by finishing in the top four in his debut season with Manchester United, although there is still a UEFA Champions League play-off to bare in mind before Old Trafford experiences the thrill of Tuesday and Wednesday nights again. LVG plans to retire in 2017 when his contract expires which means he only has two years to take the Red Devils to the summit of English football. Another marquee signing is needed but with time running out United need to buy quickly, especially in attack alongside captain Wayne Rooney.
Newcastle United
Manager: Steve McClaren
Last Season: 15th
4-2-3-1
Krul, Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, Mbemba, Wijnaldum, Colback, Sissoko, Rivieire, Perez, Mitrovic
Subs: Darlow, Lascelles, Dummett, Tiote, Cabella, de Jong, Cisse
Star Player: Moussa Sissoko
One to Watch: Alexander Mitrovic
Best Signing: Georginio Wijnaldum
2015-16 Prediction: 13th
Newcastle suffered last term and so did new manager Steve McClaren after failing to lead Derby County to promotion. Nonetheless, the Magpies have to turn over a new leaf and move on from the bad eggs of last term, McClaren has by taking on another huge task and there isn’t going to be one much more difficult than that at St James’ Park. A mid-table finish would be an extremely credible campaign but firstly the manager must find a new found team spirit which has been missing for quite a while now. Whether Chairman Mike Ashley finally allows the man he employs to do the job he is asked to do will ultimately determine Newcastle’s fate.
Norwich City
Manager: Alex Neil
Last Season: 3rd (The Championship)
4-4-1-1
Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Olsson, Redmond, Howson, Mulumbu, Johnson, Hoolahan, Jerome
Subs: Rudd, Turner, Wisdom, Dorrans, Tettey, Brady, Hooper
Star Player: Nathan Redmond
One to Watch: Andre Wisdom
Best Signing: Youssouf Mulumbu
2015-16 Prediction: 17th
Although the Canaries were promoted through the Championship play-offs there is belief they have the strongest squad out of the three new Premier League sides to sustain a survival push. Alex Neil took Carrow Road by storm and will have to adapt his style to a complete new difficulty level. His strides from Scotland to the Championship proves he can take on the challenge. Norwich have bought well with quality rather than simply bulking up by source of numbers. Finding additional confidence and a formula that sees them hard to beat will see Norwich have a good season.
Southampton
Manager: Ronald Koeman
Last Season: 7th
4-2-3-1
Forster, Cedric, Fonte, Caulker, Bertrand, Clasie, Wanyama, Tadic, Ward-Prowse, Mane, Pelle
Subs: Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Targett, Davis, Juanmi, Long, Rodriguez
Star Player: Sadio Mane
One to Watch: Cedric Soares
Best Signing: Jordy Clasie
2015-16 Prediction: 8th
Last season’s predictions of relegation were swiftly eradicated by Ronald Koeman who bought smartly following the exodus of many important players. The Dutchman has repeated the same philosophy this summer by replacing both Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlein with yet more smart recruitments. This season the Saints have the UEFA Europa League to contend with, which will require the side to find the right balance so they do not jeopardise their league status. Nevertheless, the Saints will give their all in Europe having worked meticulously to get there.
Stoke City
Manager: Mark Hughes
Last Season: 9th
4-4-1-1
Given, Johnson, Wollscheid, Shawcross, Pieters, Whelan, Ireland, Diouf, Afellay, Bojan, Crouch
Subs: Butland, Wilson, Bardsley, Adam, van Ginkel, Odemwingie, Joselu
Star Player: Bojan Krkic
One to Watch: Joselu
Best Signing: Ibrahim Afellay
2015-16 Prediction: 10th
Mark Hughes has turned the mindset of all doubters in support of the Potters, which in turn has sprung a new level of confidence in the Welshman’s ability to lead a group of players under his regime. The Potters can only aim upwards and reaching the UEFA Europa League would be a tremendous feit. Hughes is an attractive prospect for talented footballers to work with, whilst they will be promised stability under a club that has continued to move in the right direction.
Sunderland
Manager: Dick Advocaat
Last Season: 16th
4-4-2
Pantilimon, Matthews, Kaboul, O’Shea, van Aanholt, Cattermole, M’Vila, Lens, Johnson, Defoe, Fletcher
Subs: Mannone, Coates, Larsson, Rodwell, Giaccherini, Buckley, Graham
Star Player: Jermain Defoe
One to Watch: Jermaine Lens
Best Signing: Yank M’Vila
2015-16 Prediction: 16th
Sunderland have to improve and move on from the past few seasons, which in truth have been disastrous for the Black Cats. Dick Advocaat’s tenure at the Stadium of Light may not last much longer than the next nine months, therefore his priority, along with everyone associated with the club is to find short term progression and to build on from there on in. A season away from another relegation battle would be an huge relief in Weerside.
Swansea City
Manager: Gary Monk
Last Season: 8th
4-3-3
Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Cork, Shelvey Sigurdsson, Dyer, Ayew, Gomis
Subs: Nordfeldt, Rangel, Tabanou, Ki, Routledge, Montero, Eder
Star Player: Bafetimbi Gomis
One to Watch: Eder
Best Signing: Andre Ayew
2015-16 Prediction: 7th
Barely few would have thought Gary Monk would have been able to take on the Swansea City job, nevermind have the capacity to raise expectations for them in the forthcoming season. Anything better than finishing above last term’s 8th place will be a courageous effort. There is a genuine acknowledgement that the Swans will get better and with recruits including the likes of Andre Ayew, Monk’s profile is certainly on the up.
Tottenham Hotspur
Manager: Mauricio Pocchetino
Last Season: 5th
4-4-1-1
Lloris, Trippier, Alderweireld, Verthonghen, Rose, Lamela, Mason, Bentaleb, Chadli, Eriksen, Kane
Subs: Vorm, Walker, Fazio, Wimmer, Dembele, Pritchard, Townsend
Star Player: Harry Kane
One to Watch: Alex Pritchard
Best Signing: Toby Alderweireld
2015-16 Prediction: 5th
Bridging the gap to reach the UEFA Champions League could be even more challenging for Spurs this season. Pocchetino has been efficient in clearing out the unwanted carriage in his squad but has yet to replace those leaving gaps in the midfield and attack. Defensively Tottenham look much more capable, however at least one striker and three midfielders need to be brought in for the Lilywhites to be contenders. This will be an even more demanding campaign for Harry Kane, with the England striker required to prove he is not just a one season wonder.
Watford
Manager: Quique Flores
Last Season: 2nd (The Championship)
4-1-2-1-2
Gomes, Nyom, Britos, Prodl, Holebas, Capoue, Layun, Behrami, Jurado, Deeney, Vydra
Subs: Gilmartin, Angella Ekstrand, Watson, Tozser, Abdi, Berghuis
Star Player: Troy Deeney
One to Watch: Jurado
Best Signing: Valon Behrami
2015-16 Prediction: 20th
The Hornets were impressive in the Championship last season, especially towards the end of the 46 game haul which saw them almost pip Bournemouth to take the league title. There is genuine belief that the owners have made an horrendous mistake in sacking Slavisa Jokanovic despite his replacement, Quique Flores having experience lead the likes of Atletico Madrid on his CV. With 10 new faces, a reschuffle in management and the lack of pre season preparation some of the new faces have had, the Hornets may find it tough. However, should they take the momentum from last season into the Premier League with a strong blend between the new and pre-existing faces, Flores may see his side surprise a few.
West Bromwich Albion
Manager: Tony Pulis
Last Season: 13th
4-4-1-1
Foster, Gamboa, Olsson, Lescott, Pocognoli, Fletcher, Yacob, McManaman, McClean, Berahino, Lambert
Subs: Myhill, Dawson, Chester, Brunt, Gardner, Sessegnon, Ideye
Star Player: Saido Berahino
One to Watch: James McClean
Best Signing: Rickie Lambert
2015-16 Prediction: 15th
If West Brom didn’t have Tony Pulis the Baggies would have received a lower league prediciton, as his momentum and self courage to never be relegated as a manager is a huge ingredient for them. However, a lack of movement in the transfer window could make it difficult for Pulis to improve on last term. Keeping Saido Berahino is his main priority.
West Ham United
Manager: Slaven Bilic
Last Season: 14th
4-1-2-1-2
Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate, Amalfitano, Obiang, Payet, Sakho, Valencia
Subs: Randolph, Reid, Collins, Nolan, Noble, Jarvis, Carroll
Star Player: Enner Valencia
One to Watch: Pedro Obiang
Best Signing: Dimitri Payet
2015-16 Prediction: 11th
The Hammers are looking for vast improvement on the second half of last season under previous manager Sam Allardyce. Former West Ham defender Slaven Bilic needs to set a reputation at the club ahead of their move to the Olympic stadium in 2016-17. A more than respectable season for West Ham would be a top 8 finish, whilst a lenghty run in the UEFA Europa League wouldn’t go for a miss.
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