It would be proper to begin this piece on a welcome note by welcoming the new boys as well as the new managers and of course the returning manager(s) back to the English Premier league. Arguably the best league in the world.
Without sounding too soft, let’s get the ball rolling…
Summer signings, new appointments, pre-season fixtures, new rules, new grounds, extended deals, new kits and turned down offers all set the tone for the start of another league season in England.
Intrigue is a constant characteristic of the EPL, but there is something unusual about the incoming 2016/17 season – it looks unpredictable. However, it wouldn’t be as unpredictable as it was last season.
Here is how we think some of the 20 clubs will fair; going by the strength of squad, manager’s impact, depth as well as pre-season ties.
Leicester City
Being the defending champions, Leicester city will begin the 2016/17 season with all eyes glued on them. Having defiled all odds last season, Claudio Ranieri will lead out his boys for a non feasible title defense as well as the challenge of Champions league football.
With the acquisition of Ahmed Musa plus other summer signings like Namplays Mendy, Luis Hernedez and Ron-Hobert Zieler, the Leicester squad looks bolstered with options in all departments. But then the departure of the unassuming N’Golo Kante to Chelsea gives a major concern. – Someone has to step in those shoes!
Having singed a couple of players, and whether or not Kante left, Leicester City looks the same. Besides they still have their attacking prowess; having being able to ward off interests for Jamie Vardy and holding on to Riyad Mahrez.
From another angle, the results the foxes churned out from their pre-season friendlies make it easier to predict their faith. They would face pressure on the domestic scene with the need to do well on the continent at the back of their minds.
Without much talk, their campaign would go down to Claudio Ranieri’s team selection, approach and most importantly, consistency – remember they will observe UEFA Champions league nights.
Considering their status, if there was one team that will feel the heat of the incoming season, it would definitely be Leicester. So it’s safe to tip them for a survival finish. Top 10!
Arsenal
Every season, it becomes hard to tip Arsenal for the league diadem. The reason is not far-fetched; they start well but falter on the way. Since their historic invincible run in 2003/2004, the premier league title has eluded the Gunners widely and narrowly.
Arsenal observed a quiet summer transfer window. Nevertheless, they got the signing of Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach for £34m, Japanese; Takuma Asano joined for an undisclosed fee while Rob Holding was acquired for £2m from Bolton.
Regardless of the effective dealing of Arsenal in the transfer market, many of their fans are still looking for the name of a world class striker on their summer signings list. However, with the development of players like Alex Iwobi, they might fire all cylinders even without a big name. But again, sticking to Olivier Giroud to lead the line raises concerns.
At this point, it must be said that the Gunners had an enviable pre-season, winning four and playing a draw in their five fixtures. The Gunners can be sure to replicate this feat, but they must find team spirit as they go in the Premier league.
Arsenal must contend like a real title challenger. They have what it takes. – If only they can decide.
Manchester United
Manchester United has the Community shield title in their kitty already. That raises the curtain to whatever the season has in stock for all 20 teams.
The Red Devils’ pre-season ties would not really measure up what to expect from them in 2016/17. Rather, it would be the impact of Jose Mourinho and their new players.
Upon the appointment of the Special One, the management of the club put mega million pounds on the pen to get the signature of Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mikitaryan. Additionally, Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined on a free transfer from PSG. So how much can you ask for again? – You can only ask for trophies.
United are looking desperate to win back their status in the English topflight. It remains cloudy if MUO will bring back the days of SAF. All other title contenders should watch out.
Manchester city
Just like their neighbors and city rival, Manchester city has challenged in the transfer market.
Appointing Pep Gourdiola as Manuel Pellegrini’s replacement is a good start., as he had served beyond expectations at Barcelona and Bayern Munich .
However, Pep and his new squad did not have the best of preparation with their pre-season ties as most players took part in the European championship and Copa America centenario. Hence, they all have to wait a little bit late to get off the blocks and begin work earnestly.
Nevertheless, Pep has been busy on the drawing board- thinking of possible ways to reshape man city. With the arrival of Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus and the likes, expect a shift or change in City’s line up for matchdays.
There is no doubt about city’s depth and options. All they have to do is transform their potentials into positive result.
As peter Staunton has put it, Pep’s project at City is a work in progress. – it will take time to materialize.
Chelsea
After a catastrophic campaign which deposed them as champions last season, the blues are coming into the 2016/17 season as a wounded lion. – It’s like never before.
Just as few clubs did, Chelsea would be under the guidance of a new manager; Antonio Conte who has an enviable C. V on the managerial job with Juventus and the Italian national team.
To add depth to the team he inherited, Conte secured Michy Batshuayi and N’golo Kante. But for Mohammed Salah’s exploit in the Seria A, it remains unknown why the Italian finally let him join Roma on a permanent deal.
Chelsea are known for their solid defensive style of play – some call it negative, but it surely earned them the diadem two seasons ago. So like what the players are used to, Conte comes with something similar – the 3-5-2 formation.
Hence, it’s obvious that nothing would really be new about their style, what could make the difference would be character a well as the ability of key players as; Eden Hazard, Willian and Cesc Fabregas.
Ultimately, it would be a different ball game at the Stamford Bridge. – Even the players are feeling the difference. It would be safe to tip them for an eventual second place finish.
For Liverpool, West Ham United, Tottenham and co, each of them also comes with their respective targets and that makes the league tougher.
At Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has improved the quad he inherited. So like he said, it’s his squad now. – No excuses.
West Ham United will have to savour the pride of a new Olympic stadium. So any team, travelling to play them should be ready for a fight.
Tottenham Hotspur missed out on the league last season due to a closing stage blip. They might not be able to go far again if they haven’t learnt to handle pressure.
Enough of talks…lets watch football!!!
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