The wait is over! Football might not have come home but is definitely back! The Premier League is in many peoples eyes the greatest league in world football, and with good reason. It has been the stage of some of the greatest achievements this sport has seen; from Sir Alex Fergusons unmatched United reign to Arsene Wengers invincible Arsenal and all the way to when little Leicester City shocked the world with their triumph a few years back! Last year we saw Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, collect 100 points, more than any other team has done in a season! Now a new season full of goals, surprises, tears and sweat lie before us as we look to crown another Premier League champion!
After a long summer consisting of a World Cup, in which many players got to show their best and worst sides, and a busy transfer window for most clubs the time has now come to put it all to the test. We take a quick look at some teams we think you should keep an extra eye out for in the coming season! Please bear in mind that although the Premier League clubs no longer can sign new players, nothing is stopping clubs outside England from buying players from English teams until the end of August. This means the Premier League teams could still be weakened or potentially offload some unwanted ballast. Now, lets get to it!
Manchester City
They were simply outstanding last season and were well-deserved champions. The team has few weaknesses and they have therefore not seen the need for big reinforcements, however, the long-awaited arrival of Riyad Mahrez is set to create some healthy competition within the squad and strengthen the flanks. Theres no reason for them not having another marvellous season but they will be given tough competition.
Manchester United
Even though they finished in a solid 2nd place last year behind an unstoppable Manchester City, Mourinho and supporters arent happy. David De Gea was a guarding angel for them and the defence needs strengthening as they cant rely so much on one man. Fred comes into the midfield this season and will reinforce the team both defensively and offensively. Pogba is still rumoured to be heading out the door, which would remove a lot of strength and creativity from the side. Regardless of what happens, Mourinho has a very strong squad at his disposal that he should be able to do even better with and in his 3rd season in charge many hope he will finally get United back where theyre used to being; atop the table.
Liverpool
After their best season in ages with a place in the Champions League final and the most lethal attacking trio in the world on their side, there was only one position of the pitch that most people agreed had to be strengthened. And with Alisson Becker, Brazils number one goalkeeper during the World Cup, coming in the doors at Anfield, that problem seems to be taken care of. And with Keita, Fabinho and Shaqiri all coming the same way, this Liverpool side looks stronger than in a very long time. This could be their year if they play their very strong cards right.
Chelsea
After a very disappointing 2017/18 season which means they will need to watch the Champions League from home this year, the Blues have taken action and gotten a new manager. Sarri had great success with his Napoli side last year and had them playing some very entertaining football. Chelsea fans will be hoping to see the same in London and with Kepa the chosen replacement for Courtois and Jorginho and Kovacic ready to help out the midfield, Chelsea could become a strong force this season if Hazard and Willian stay on and Morata and Giroud find back to their scoring ways.
Tottenham
Pochettino has worked wonders since taking over the Spurs but fans are starting to ask for more than just top 3 every year and entertaining football; they also want trophies from their lads. The transfer window has been tough for Tottenham as theyre the first Premier League club to not make a single summer signing since the transfer window was established in 2003. The lack of fresh blood could prove to be a big issue as Pochettinos preferred players started to show fatigue towards the second half of last season. Spurs fans can nevertheless find comfort in having several of Englands World Cup stars in their squad, including top scorer Harry Kane (for the moment).
Arsenal
After a 22-year long Arsene Wenger reign at the Emirates, Arsenal finally felt it was time for a change. Last season ended with a disappointing 6th place in the league but Gunners fans have reason for optimism as we head into the new season. Emery has an exciting project going on and with names such as Lichtsteiner, Leno and Sokratis ready to bolster the team, this could be a good season for Arsenal. Up front we will be excited to see how the likes of Mkhitarian, Lacazette, Aubameyang and Ozil can link up to create the goals and hopefully bring the crowds back to the Emirates again.
Wolves
Wolverhampton set the Championship alight last season, much thanks to super-agent Jorge Mendes who helped them land several big signings. Now in the Premier League they have secured the services of Portugals national team stars, Rui Patricio and Joao Moutinho and made a club record transfer for Adama Traore to mention some. Things are finally looking bright again in the Black Country and the fans are excited. And with a squad like the one the Wolves currently possess the chances of them establishing themselves well in the Premier League for the coming seasons are good!
Everton and West Ham
Both Everton and West Ham have had a very good transfer window and look strong ahead of the new season. Everton secured deals for Mina, Richarlison, Digne, Bernard and Andre Gomes, while Wilshere, Anderson and Fabianski are some of the names heading to East London after this transfer window. Exciting projects are going on in both camps and their fans are more optimistic than in a good while, lets see if their respective clubs and live up to the expectations and challenge the top 6!
Having checked out the most exciting teams ahead of the new season we feel its appropriate to try and place them on the table as well. Below you can see the ScandiBet Vikings very own prediction for how we think the Premier League table might look at the end of the season!
1. Man City
2. Liverpool
3. Chelsea
4. Man United
5. Tottenham
6. Arsenal
7. Everton
8. West Ham
9. Wolverhampton
10. Southampton
11. Fulham
12. Newcastle
13. Bournemouth
14. Burnley
15. Leicester
16. Crystal Palace
17. Watford
18. Huddersfield
19. Brighton
20. Cardiff
Whether you agree or disagree with our predictions and opinions regarding the teams and the table, we hope you are as excited for the new season as we are! No matter which team you support and how you wish to enjoy the games, you can be sure to find high odds on all matches the entire season! Bet like a Viking on the Premier League with ScandiBet!