Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and had an excellent week, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. In this post I will be doing my preview for the upcoming Premier League season, where I take a look at some of the major transfers, along with how I think the final table will end up.
Major Transfers
There have been plenty of big names moving around this summer, with all clubs adding a host of new players to their squads. Some big names have also left, and with the window not shutting until the September the 1st at 11pm, expect more moves in and out before then.
Below are some of the biggest and most eye catching moves which have happened so far this summer:
Players Name - Buying Club - Fee - Selling Club
Kai Havertz - Arsenal - £65m - Chelsea
Declan Rice - Arsenal - £105m - West Ham
Pau Torres - Aston Villa - £33m - Villarrael
Justin Kluivert - Bournemouth - £9.5m - Roma
Nathan Collins - Brentford - £23m - Wolves
Christopher Nkunku - Chelsea - £53m - RB Leipzig
Alexis MacAllister - Liverpool - £35m - Brighton
Dominik Szoboslai - Liverpool - £60m - RB Leipzig
Joško Gvardiol - Manchester City - £77.6m - RB Leipzig
Mason Mount - Manchester United - £60m - Chelsea
Andre Onana - Manchester United - £47.2m - Inter
Rasmus Hojlund - Manchester United - £72m - Atalanta
Sandro Tonali - Newcastle - £55m - AC Milan
Harvey Barnes - Newcastle - £39m - Leicester
James Maddison - Tottenham - £40m - Leicester
Major Names Leaving the Premier League
Players Name - Selling Club - Buying Club - Fee
Roberto Firmino - Liverpool - Al Ahli - £0 (Free Transfer)
Ilkay Gundogan - Manchester City - Barcelona - £0 (Free Transfer)
Riyad Mahrez - Manchester City - Al-Ahli - £30m
Granit Xhaka - Arsenal - Bayer Leverkusen - £21.4m
Jordan Henderson - Liverpool - Al-Ettifaq - £12m
David De Gea - Manchester United - Released
Alain Saint-Maximin - Newcastle - Al Ahli - £23m
Christian Pulisic - Chelsea - AC Milan - £18.8m
N'Golo Kante - Chelsea - Al-Ittihad - £0 (Free Transfer)
Lucas Moura - Tottenham - Released
Ruben Neves - Wolves - Al Hilal - £47m
Wilfried Zaha - Crystal Palace - Galatasary - £0 (Free Transfer)
Team Analysis
While teams may still add to their squads before the end of the window, below I will do a review on each team with their major strengths and weaknesses.
Arsenal
Arteta overachieved last season, although remained empty handed. They did win the Community Shield, and with Havertz, Rice, and Timber arriving the team now has more depth. The Champions League will likely take its toll on the team, and matching last season will be a big ask. However, Arteta will be aiming for silverware as much as anything, and therefore good cup runs could be just as important. The others in the league will be more prepared for Arsenal this time around, so Arteta will need to ensure he keeps his side and tactics fresh going forward.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery has made quite the impact since he arrived at the club last season. His style is clear and his transfers have suddenly made Villa a serious contender among the European clubs. Diaby, Pau Torres, and Tielemans will add strength and quality to the side, although being in the Europa Conference League the squad will be tested. However, they have plenty of depth meaning they should be able to navigate it without impacting their domestic campaign. Keeping Watkins fit and firing will be a key component to their season.
Bournemouth
The Cherries did excellent to stay in the league comfortably last season, but they have not rested on their laurels. New manager Iraola will look to make his mark, while improvements across the part should ensure they have another strong showing this time around. Justin Kluivert and Hamed Traoré will be especially important attacking players as Bournemouth look to cement themselves as a Premier League club.
Brentford
With Ivan Toney banned for the first half of the season, the pressure will be on Brentford. They showed they can match the best on their day, with some big results against Liverpool and both Manchester clubs last season. Thomas Frank can get the most from his limited budget, although Nathan Collins will be an immense addition at the back. Schade will look to add attacking output on the wing, and the Bees should be in for another solid season in the top flight.
Brighton
The fear for Brighton this season is the sales of MacAllister to Liverpool and Sanchez to Chelsea, along with the possible sale of Caicedo. However, they are a club full of depth and capable reinforcements, and with De Zerbe in charge anything is possible. Playing in the Europa League will likely have an impact on their domestic performances, but they will bring back that entertaining football and Milner and Dahoud will enforce that midfield. Joao Pedro from Watford will be the centrepiece to this attacking side, and Verbruggen will have a big ask to step up in goal.
Burnley
Having won the Championship last season, Burnley made it a quick return to the top flight. Under Vincent Kompany they looked strong but this will be another challenge altogether. They played excellent football last season but they wont have as much of the ball this term. Their investments so far have looked solid, with Trafford coming in between the sticks and new defenders and attackers arriving. I expect a bit more business before the end of the window, as Burnely look for the right investments to keep them in the league.
Chelsea
Pochettino knows he can really do no worse than last season, where Chelsea finished in the bottom half and looked a shadow of themselves. Without Europe he will have plenty of time to work with the players, but with the turnaround of players a lack of leadership could be an issue. Transfers have been the biggest highlight of Boehly taking control of the club, and more names could be inbound before the end of the window. A big season ahead for Pochettino to prove he is the man to bring stability back to the club.
Crystal Palace
A lot was made of the importance of Zaha, but now it is Olise who Palace need to hold onto. Clubs are sniffing around him, and with Zaha gone both Eze and Olise will be the main men this term. Hodgson did an excellent job when he came in last season and will want to get the same impact this time around. Franca will be an interesting addition in the attacking third, and Hodgson will continue to ensure his side are solid at the back and difficult to score against.
Everton
These are tough times for the Toffees, having narrowly avoided relegation over the past two seasons. In Sean Dyche they finally have a capable manager who is more than avoid to steer them through a relegation battle, but their issues around FFP remain. The Premier League is likely to resolve their charges against Everton during the season, which could result in a points deduction, while the lack of investment in new players will see them struggle. Arnaut Danjuma has arrived to bolster their attack, but keeping things tight at the back, especially at home, will be the key to their season.
Fulham
After a stellar first season back in the Premier League, Marco Silva will need a massive effort from his side to once again secure a top half finish. They were very capable last season, although with rumours of Mitrovic looking to leave, issues could arise. He was a mainstay and it showed when he was banned last season just how much Fulham relied upon him. A lack of depth could cause them problems, but they have shown they are shrewd enough to make it in the league.
Liverpool
Klopp needs to show his Liverpool 2.0 can work this time around. With the Reds playing in the Europa League, Klopp will likely be able to rotate and focus on the league. However, with only MacAllister and Szoboslai arriving with Henderson, Fabinho, Keita, Milner, and Ox leaving, more bodies are required. Liverpool have one of the best attacks around and therefore will be scoring for fun. Keeping their defence and midfield solid will be the main aim for Klopp to get this team firing. Trent Alexander-Arnold will be key to any success they club can have this term, and Nunez will find his scoring boots.
Luton Town
A wild card side for sure, Luton Town got promoted via the playoffs last season when nobody really expected them to make it into the Premier League. They will have a lot to do if they are to avoid the drop, although they will give their opponents plenty of tests along the way. Set pieces could be their best chance of gaining points, but over the course of the season they are likely to be found out. A miracle survival will be the aim for the season, and although they will be favourites to go down, their fight for the cause has gotten them where they are.
Manchester City
The treble winners for last season will have a tall ask to come back and do it all once again. With Gvardiol arriving at the back their defence is one of the best around, and likely will not concede much. Attacking wise they will rely on Haaland once again, but the sale of Mahrez follwoing Sterling last season shows that Pep will put his faith in the youth such as Palmer. It will be another stellar season for City, no doubt about it, but their desire to keep going and win it all again will be put to the test this time around.
Manchester United
Ten Hag did excellent in his first season, winning the Carabao Cup and finishing in the Champions League places. However, with big outlays on Mount, Hojlund, and Onana, the pressure will be on. A big showing in the Champions League along with a title challenge will be expected, although I think he will fall short in that regard. The quality of the squad is still in question, with Fernandes taking over as captain a big question for the squad. Goals are a requirement, so the pressure will be on new striker Hojlund to produce from the off.
Newcastle
So far everything has gone to plan, and then some, for Newcastle since the PIF took control of the club. Champions League qualification was never expected so soon, but arrived on the back of some excellent football under Howe. This season they will need to balance between Europa and the league, while the fans will be hoping for another domestic cup run and hopefully a trophy. This could all add up to wear and tear on the their squad, and while they are adding smartly with Livramento and Tonali, it will be a tough season for the Magpies. More additions before the end of the window could change their outlook for the season, but teams wont underestimate them this time around.
Nottingham Forest
The tricky trees will be hoping to once again produce a season of excitement and magic, having avoided the drop last time around. Cooper will be more knowledgeable after a year of managing in the league, and their players will be more adapted to the league. Creating chances away from home will be important, but their record at the City Ground shows they have the capability to become a solid Premier League side. Elanga, Wood signing permanently, and Ania will certainly add to their already bolstered squad and securing a goalkeeper will be the requirements to ensure they are clear of the relegation battle this time around.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United got promoted last season by finishing runners up, but they have failed to add any real attacking quality to their side. They look weak up top especially after the sale of Ndiaye. Their ambitions will be to avoid the drop but that seems like it could be a step too far, although some investment before the end of the window could result in more hope among the fanbase. It will be a huge test and likely they will be exposed in many games, with much of their fans predicting a points tally to rival the worst in Premier League history, Derby County with 11 points in 2007/08.
Tottenham
All questions remain around Harry Kane, with his impending transfer to Bayern Munich likely only a formality at this stage. How Ange Postecoglou will have a lot to prove, but with Maddison brought it and Porro and Kulusevski signing permenantly for the club, he has plenty of options. Vicario will be interesting in goal, but the style Ange brings to the team will be the biggest change, and it could be one which sees Tottenham vastly improved from last season. If Kane does go, expect plenty of new additions before the end of the window. No European football will also likely be a blessing in disguise for the club, allowing Ange more time to work with the players.
West Ham
Moyes brought success to the club last time around, but the domestic campaign was one to forget. They avoided the drop, but there have been rumours of discontent with his management. Rice has left, and they have so far failed to reinvest the hundred million they received. They will be back in Europe again, but with some smart investments and focusing on the likes of Bowen could see them have a far more comfortable season this time around.
Wolves
With one of the best managers in the league available to them, Wolves fans should be excited for the season ahead. However, Lopetegui has already made it clear he is not happen with the direction of the club. Whether or not he lasts the season remains to be seen, with a host of star players having left including Ruben Neves. They are lacking investment due to FFP regulations, and their defence is looking very weak. Any points gained will be huge, as they will struggle for clean sheets.
Table Prediction
Below is my predicted table for the season ahead. Of course much can change over the course of the campaign, and things are unlikely to pan out as expected. Liverpool are a signing or two away from potentially being back to their best, and this is the year for Klopp to show his Liverpool 2.0. Manchester City will need a lot to replicate their heroics of last season, while I think there could be an interesting battle for the European places. Premier League mainstays Everton could finally get the drop while the new clubs will all be battling to stay in the division come May.
1. Liverpool (Winners)
2. Man City (Champions League Qualification)
3. Arsenal (Champions League Qualification)
4. Man Utd (Champions League Qualification)
5. Chelsea (Europa League Qualification)
6. Brighton (Europa League Qualification)
7. Aston Villa (Europa Conference League Qualification)
8. Newcastle
9. Tottenham
10. West Ham
11. Brentford
12. Nottingham Forest
13. Crystal Palace
14. Burnley
15. Fulham
16. Bournemouth
17. Luton
18. Wolves (Relegated)
19. Everton (Relegated)
20. Sheffield United (Relegated)
Top Goalscorers Prediction
After the record breaking season by Erling Haaland last season, everybody will be looking for ways to keep him quiet this time around. On top of that, there is plenty of attacking talent in the league which will be looking to stake a claim as the top scorer themselves.
Some of the top goalscorer odds currently stand as follows:
- Erling Haaland – 8/13
- Harry Kane – 7/1
- Mohamed Salah – 8/1
- Darwin Nunez – 16/1
- Marcus Rashford – 16/1
- Gabriel Jesus – 25/1
- Christopher Nkunku – 25/1
- Ollie Watkins – 25/1
Of course the likes of Kane is linked with a move away from Tottenham, while new United striker Hojlund will want to show what he is worth. If Kane stays, it could make for an interesting season, but I believe he is ready to pack his bags for greener pastures. Therefore, this season will likely see Salah and Haaland battling it out at the top, although never count out the others in the league. I don't think Rashford will have the same impact as he did last season, although he will be strong for United. Nunez will be determined to prove his worth for Liverpool and could be a dark horse this season, while Nkunku will want to hit the ground running for Chelsea.
All in all though I think Haaland will once again get his golden boot, with Salah a close second in the standings.
Exciting times ahead as the countdown to the new season begins.
Have a great day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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