Lee Harwood
My Premier League Table Prediction 2016/17
What a season we are going to have this time round, some world-class players and managers alike have joined the best league in the world! Who do I think will not survive the drop? Who will win the league? Find out in my Premier League Table Prediction 2016/17...
Hey guys, welcome to my new blog, in which I will be discussing the football season in the greatest league on earth, the Premier League. I will kick off my blog with this season prediction, then I will endeavor to produce weekend predictions and reviews and often post when there is a huge football story worth discussing. Let's get stuck into the predictions...
20 - HULL CITY
Could a club come into the premier league in a worse state than Hull City have? With no manager as of yet, Hull City are set the start the season with Mike Phelan taking charge, in a tough challenge against the champions Leicester City. However, with no real leadership at the club and no new signings to strengthen the squad to be able to challenge in the premier league, it could all just downhill back to the Championship for Hull City and their fans, who I tip to end the season bottom of the Premier League.
19 - BURNLEY
Unfortunately the club from Lancashire will yo-yo up from the Championship but will return just a season later, in my opinion. The club just don't look to have the firepower to survive the Premier League and I can't see them picking up enough points to see them remain clear of relegation. Andre Grey is a spectacular player and I can see him having a good season, perhaps bagging his side 10+ goals, but with a below average defence and not much to provide the goals that will cut open stubborn Premier League sides, Burnley will have it tough and slide into the drop zone.
18 - WATFORD
Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney were vital to Watford last season with their impressive goal tallies which claimed their side massive points which ultimately lead to a comfortable finish for the club. However, if it hadn't had been for the duo, Watford wouldn't have been so successful and this season I don't think the pairing will be able to continue their form which leads to my prediction of Watford dropping down to the Championship.
17 - BOURNEMOUTH
Narrowly escaping the drop is Bournemouth. With an incredible young English manager in Eddie Howe, Bournemouth will survive relegation, just, by finishing in 17th. The speculative 'second season syndrome' will be a conspiracy within the club, but the team have enough the pull through and remain in the top flight. Matt Ritchie will be a big loss to Bournemouth as he has departed to Newcastle United of the Championship.
16 - WEST BROMWICH ALBION
West Brom will again remain in the Premier League as they always seem to do for the last few seasons. The team will be comfortably away from the bottom 3, but I do not see them having enough quality to challenge mid table. Rondon will need to step up from his average form last season and bag some goals. Johnny Evans, Darren Fletcher and Ben Forster are experienced Premier League players, but with Sadio Berahino looking to move away from the club, the youth and mix of the squad is very aged and this could be a factor that contributes to West Brom not hitting bigger heights than 16th position.
15 - SUNDERLAND
New boss, David Moyes will be a huge addition to the club after the departure of Sam Allardyce, the Scotsman has a huge point to prove after some difficult few years for him in management. Jermaine Defoe and his goals will be key to securing a mid-table spot, but also with the likes of Wahbi Khazri and Jeremain Lens, Sunderland have potential to be an awkward side this season for the bigger teams. Youth talent comes in an abundance with Sunderland in the likes of Duncan Watmore and Jordan Pickford, two players David Moyes will be able to get the best out of.
14 - MIDDLESBROUGH
The only promoted side I see staying put in the Premier League is Middlesbrough and this is largely due to their excellent use of the transfer market and the funds they had available. The signings of Victor Valdes, Alvaro Negredo and Viktor Fischer add to an already pretty talented team. Aitor Karanka deserves a pat on the back for completing these quiet tremendous signings and helping Middlesbrough try to establish themselves as a Premier League team. Jordan Rhodes is a fantastic striker and will be an essential part of the team with his goals which I can see him getting around the 15 mark if successful and helped by the experience in Negredo.
13 - SWANSEA CITY
The representation of Wales in the top league in England is Swansea who are a very good side. Francesco Guidolin has a big task in keeping Ashley Williams after his terrific Euro 2016 display has attracted Everton and whilst writing this Swansea have agreed on a £12 million move, but with the Welsh man as a commanding captain over players such as Gylfi Sigurdsson, who I rate massively, Swansea will cement 13th position. Maybe lacking in the striker area especially with the departure of Andre Ayew to West Ham, so a new signing there wouldn't be a bad thing but I think Swansea are set for an average mid table spot.
12 - SOUTHAMPTON
Considered a selling club, Southampton will have to produce one of there seasonal wonder achievements to finish any higher than 12th spot. Big losses over previous seasons look nothing compared to the huge hole left behind from the departure of genius Dutch manager, Ronald Koeman. The man would perform remarkable things year on year despite losing key players, however, with a loss of even more stars and the manager, Southampton will be looking at mid-table with new French manager Claude Puel.
11 - CRYSTAL PALACE
Selhurst Park could be hosting a surprise package this season with Crystal Palace recruiting and adding to a side that already looked mightily good. With the likes of Bolasie, Zaha, Puncheon and Cabaye in the team already, the squad has been bolstered with the new signings; Steve Mandanda, Andros Townsend. The loss of Dwight Gayle to Newcastle will not faze them if they manage to secure a deal for targets Benteke or Berahino. Alan Pardew's FA Cup finalist team is beginning to look a frightening one.
10 - STOKE CITY
Right in the middle of the table, I have predicted Stoke. Securing a new contract with Marko Arnautovic was massive and he is a player that can prove to be a difference in big games. Along with Xherdan Shaqiri, Stoke look threatening going forward. Young English talent Jack Butland is a valuable man to have between the sticks and could soon become England's number 1 in the next couple of seasons. Shawcross and Imbula provide a secure reassurance for Stoke defensively and I think 10th will be a respectable position for a club that looks as though it could be rising up the league in the coming years.
9 - EVERTON
The blues of Merseyside will have to settle for a finish below their red counterparts from across the park. New boss Koeman is a fantastic replacement for the new Belgium manager Martinez who was going stale with the Everton supporters. Retaining the services of Romelu Lukaku will be vital for Everton after Manchester City managed to price John Stones away for no less than £47 million. Everton are linked with a £12million for Ashley Williams which would be fantastic but Everton would also benefit from improvements in midfield.
8 - LEICESTER CITY
After an incredible season which, as you know, saw Leicester lift the Premier League trophy, teams attempted to dissect the champions. However, at this point only Kante has been prized away, with key player Jamie Vardy honourably rejecting Arsenal in favour of staying loyal to his new adoring fans. Holding onto Riyad Mahrez and Wes Morgan will also be beneficial, but with new signings Musa and Mendy, Leicester City will still be a strong unit and finish in a strong position. Having Champions League football and seeing Leicester compete will be fantastic but will test the strength and depth in the squad.
7 - WEST HAM UNITED
Slaven Bilic and The Hammers emotionally move from The Boleyn Ground to their new home The London Stadium, formally known as The Olympic Park. This will only benefit West Ham and I think Payet and the rest of the team will thrive in the years to come. Feghouli and Tore are great new additions to the side who are on the verve of qualifying for the Europa League.
'Before we get into the top 6, I would just like to point out that from this league positon, it is tough. Arguably, every team in the European spots could have a shout at winning the league and my predictions could be totally turned on their heads come the end of May, none the less here are my top 6'
6 - TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS
Tottenham are blessed with talent, from the likes of young Englishmen Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier to their goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and solid Belgium centre-back pairing Alderweireld and Vertonghen. Victor Wanyama comes in to strengthen the side and with mastermind Mauricio Pochettino leading them, I think Spurs will be unfortunate to miss out on top 4.
5 - ARSENAL
Perhaps the biggest controversial call in my prediction, Arsenal to not claim 4th spot. I think this will be the biggest reality check for Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board who have been comportable for too long with not signing players they need and finishing in 4th spot every season. Arsenal didn't take a golden opportunity to win the league last season when most of the 'top sides' had problems. It is frustrating enough for non-Arsenal fans to see them not sign players in transfer windows depite having the funds but not the man to spend them. This season Arsenal lack a serious goalscorer and I can not see them winning titles with Olivier Giroud leading the line. To say Arsenal could have had superstar LUIS SUAREZ if it hadn't had been for stubborn Wenger trying to negotiate over £1 when adding another £5million would have been the same drop in the ocean to them. 5th may not even be a bad option for the supporters of Arsenal as it would finally result in the board noticing that the club can not compete with teams that go out and spend. I may also be as bold to say, this could be Arsene Wenger's last season with Arsenal.
4 - LIVERPOOL
Taking 4th position and the a potential Champions League spot is, Liverpool. It will be Jurgen Klopp's first full season in charge at Anfield and this will allow him to instrument his philosophy into the Liverpool team as he has a full summer window to buy his style of players. Brining in the likes of Mane and Wijnaldum to add to the plethora of talented attacking midfielders at Liverpool looks like Klopp is building his team. In a preseason that saw them turn over Barcelona 4-0, a result that should not be taken lightly especially considering the strength of the Barcelona outfit. A high pressing Liverpool side is one we may see come to the Premier League and I think it could work massively in their favour. If Sturridge can remain fit, Liverpool have an exception talent upfront, but Origi as a backup is also a fantastic option.
3 - CHELSEA
A dramatic improvement awaits Chelsea this season, however that wouldn't take much for the team that won the title and then finished in a slump 10th position. New manager Conte will inspire much of the team to turn things around at Stamford Bridge, with Eden Hazard being one player that he will massively want to get the best out of as on his day Hazard is right up there with the best. With a solid goalkeeper but an aging defence, an area Conte will look to improve in with links to fellow Italian Bonucci, a packed midfield with world-class players in the likes of Fabregas and Matic will allow Chelsea to fit in with Conte's style. Should Chelsea come to an agreement with Everton for Lukaku, the London club will be a dominating team through-out Europe in the coming seasons. A commanding season from the blues will see them finish nicely in 3rd.
'The title, I always said this season will be heading to Manchester. To which side, its extremely hard to decide. My head tells me one things but my heart tells me another. The two teams are very evenly matched and with new managers both clubs will dominate the Premier League and the Champions League in future years. Only 4.6 miles separate the two clubs geographically but in football terms it is much closer. The team I predict to win the Premier League 2016/17 is...'
2- MANCHESTER CITY
Pep Guardiola is a tactic genius and changed the whole dynamic on modern football. He will look to come to Manchester, into the Etihad and mark his mark on the club. With new signings John Stones, Leroy Sane, Gundogan and Nolito Manchester City look strong and have emphasised on youth, a factor of the squad that I think is a fantastic thing to see and credit Pep for this. Aguero will reach 20 goals with ease and the midfield as a whole is fantastic with Silva, Yaya and De Bruyne. Raheem Sterling, critised last season, will have a fresh start and could benefit massively from working with Guardiola. The only aspect preventing Manchester City from the title is fierce local rivals...
1- MANCHESTER UNITED
My heart prevailed and Manchester United are the team I think will be crowned Champions of England. Jose Mourinho is a winning manager with the determination to succeed which 'The Red Devils' have lacked since the retirement of Sir Alex. Having prioritised 4 targets and succeeded in getting all four; Zlatan, Bailly, Mkaitaryan and finally £89million man Paul Pogba, the marquee signing of the summer, Manchester United has turned into a giant force which will bulldoze its way to the title. A strong team, with a strong manager will result in a strong season for Manchester United who will see off competition and retain the Premier League trophy for an extended record of 21 times. Old Trafford has some exciting times in store for Manchester United supporters, like myself, and they will enjoy them!
I hope you enjoyed reading my view on how the league will stand come the end of the season. Do you agree with my table?
Be sure to follow me on twitter - @kingleeroy67 and email me your opinions lee.harwood67@gmail.com
You may notice my name is 'Urbex Leeroy' this was due to my YouTube but I will be changing it soon, stay tuned for more...
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