The Premier League return is just three days away, and we bring you a four part series previewing the new campaign and here is part one, where we will focus on Arsenal, Bournemouth, Burnley, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Firstly, we must stress that our teams predictions for the coming season have been made on the current state of the Premier League squads, which can of course change between now and the end of the transfer window, which closes on August 31st.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s finished second place finish will give Gunners fans hope that they can go one better this season and claim their first Premier League crown since 2004 next May.
However, Arsene Wenger has overseen a quiet summer transfer window, with Swiss star Granit Xhaka the only significant arrival. Arsenal have also brought in Rob Holding, a £2million arrival from League 1 club Bolton Wanderers.
They are still on the lookout for a new striker with Alexandre Lacazette and Mauro Icardi both heavily linked with a making a move to the Emirates, although with Wengers reluctance to splash out on big transfer fee’s, and other clubs spending freely, we wonder if Arsenal fans hopes of 14th League title will materialise any time soon.
Predicted finish: 4th
Bournemouth
Bournemouth were one of the surprises of last season, where Eddie Howes hard working side managed preserve their Premier League status into a second season.
The Cherries have continued to invest in their squad, with Jordan Ibe being the headline signing after arriving in a £15million move from Liverpool, whilst Nathan Ake has arrived on loan from Chelsea.
However, they have also lost one of their key players in Matt Ritchie, who dropped down a division to join Newcastle United, whilst Tommy Elphick also dropped into the Championship to join Aston Villa.
Sadly, we have doubts as to whether the Eddie Howe can steer them clear of the drop for a second season on the spin.
Predicted finish: 19th
Burnley
Did one of the most difficult things in football by returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and did so as Championship Champions too.
However, the Clarets have had a relatively quiet summer, bringing in Jon Flanagan on loan from Liverpool, as well as Iceland star Johann Gudmundsson from League 1 Charlton.
There is however intense speculation surrounding the future of key centre-back Michael Keane, who is interesting reigning Premier League champions Leicester City.
Much will depend on Andre Gray and Sam Vokes’ ability to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Predicted finish: 16th
Chelsea
Premier League champions of 2014/15, tenth place finishers of 2015/16! What a top say turvy league the Premier League is.
Despite their lack of Champions League football next season, the Blues have managed to keep their squad together,maps well as attracting some key signings. The first is Antonio Conte, the Italian manager who steered what was claimed as ‘the worst Italy squad in history’ to a respectable quarter final place at this summers Euro 2016, only being knocked out on penalties to World Champions Germany.
They also secured the £30million signing of N’Golo Kante from Leicester City. Kante was one of THE stars if the season last year, guiding Leicester to the Premier League title with his combative and energetic style of play.
Chelsea have also brought in Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, whilst being linked with a £65million move to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge.
Despite Chelsea’s struggles last season, we think that their lack of Champions League football could be a blessing in disguise ahead and the Football Faithful team predict a strong push for the Premier League crown.
Predicted finish: 1st
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace will be hoping to continue their progress under Alan Pardew despite their FA Cup finals defeat to Manchester United back in May.
The Eagles have had a solid summer transfer window, bringing Andros Townsend, James Tomkins and Steve Mandanda to Selhurst Park. They have also been strongly linked with a big money move for Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, who will be desperate to rediscover his form and will be hoping Palace’s style of play is more suited to his than that of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Crystal Palace also seem set to cash in on winger Yannick Bolasie, but the arrival of Townsend from Newcastle should ensure that the squad is not weeker.
Predicted finish: 12th
