Football is already back. Soon we will all be back on the terraces singing and chanting away at the sight of Tottenham once again. I have left it a while, but I thought now would be a good time to share my thoughts on how the season will plan out. First of all, let me start by saying, Not all the transfers have been done; spurs especially have questions around a new centre back and of course Harry Kane. Now, I thought would be a good time to start though on who will come where and how they will perform. Make sure to leave comments if I got anything wrong or right in your opinion.
One thing I will say this an incredibly long article and I have tried to kept in as much content as possible while keeping it as short as possible, but if you want to skip to the good bits I recommend 5th,17th and 12th places. I mean Estupian one the best left backs who I could write pages about did not get a shout as frankly, I did not have time.
Let me start by saying a well done to all spurs women players competing at the world cup. It has been a truly thrilling and encapsulating contest, and a particular well done to the Irish national team who showed incredible spirit, hunger and desire at the tournament and good luck to the England national team and superstar Beth England. Good luck to all spurs women players. Now let’s begin:
20) Fulham
You were expecting Luton weren’t you. No, Fulham are going to seriously struggle this campaign. They have lost Mitrovic to the Saudi’s. Adarabioyo looks like he may join Spurs or Monaco. And midfield maestro Palhina, looks like he could be on the move. Whether, these two leave or not, Mitrovic is a massive loss one that I just don’t think Jiménez can replace, who has never looked the same since that awful injury.
All this put together, leaves Marco Silva’s side in serious trouble. I thought there team was very impressive last season, but Willian and Vinicius can not save this team what is frankly collapsing at the moment. I think Silva will get the sack in November, to be replaced with Koeman, who will boringly sleepwalk this team to relegation, for someone like March to take over next year in the championship.
The only saving factor is Silva who is very competent manager and may be able to save this team. But sorry Fulham fans second season syndrome will hit you hard. But best of luck.
19) Sheffield United
Still no Luton. To be fair I think this makes sense. Paul Heckingbottom’s side have had a poor to say the least pre-season, there team is full of good championship players, but players that are just not suited to the premier league. Your transfers have been really underwhelming. Frankly I don’t know how they got promoted in the first place. That being said they will put up a good fight and am excited to see Ahemdemovic play in the league, but the quality is just not there in a very talented league. But good luck again.
18) Bournemouth
Why did you sack Gary O’Neil? Now, admittedly I have praised Iraloa for a good job at Rayo Vallecano, with players such as Fran Garcia a young promising left-back eyeing up a move to Real Madrid. But while I am all for progressive football, Bielsa ball does not work, man to man marking does not work, some teams will eat Bournemouth alive. It only takes one defender to fall asleep and your one on one with the goalie. Son is going to have a field day.
That being said the squad itself is actually not bad, I like: Moore, Senesi and Zabarnyi. But as I say, Iraloa concerns me at this club. I think he is a good manager for sure, but its too early. If you had kept O’Neil for a season, you would have admittedly lost a bit, you would not have watched pretty football. But I think you would have stayed up. It’s a gamble and I just think that second season syndrome might kick in. But the supporters can and do sometimes make the vitality a fortress, so you never know.
17) Luton Town
Good luck. I know this may seem slightly nuts. But you must remember last year everyone though Bournemouth would go down and Gary O’Neil comfortably kept them up. And Rob Edwards is a much better manager then O’Neil. Rob Edward is capable of keeping this team up. And if he can’t there are plenty of candidates that could. But I have full faith in Edwards.
Also, do not underestimate the power of momentum. Kenilworth road is going to be a fortress. It will be loud, it will be muddy, it will be wet, miserable and cold. No team will want to play there. Teams will struggle. Luton will fight for every header, second ball and foul. The spirit of that famous clash between Luton and Millwall in 1985 will be there. They were a non-league team only in 2014, they were deducted 30 points just over a decade ago. And some players like Mpanzu, who has been on the rise from non-league to premier league would and will fight to the death for this club. If I would compare them to any club it would be Ian Holloway’s Blackpool, they are going to fight and fight.
My final point on Luton town, stop throwing insults at Kenilworth Road. It is refreshing to see a team rise like Luton. Money has destroyed football this season. The Saudi league is a sport washing disgrace. So frankly we should take pride in the fact we get to go to Kenilworth Road next year. Ask yourself this, with no disrespect to these teams would you rather go to: Kenilworth Road or the Saudi Arabia national stadium, The valley or the Lunasil stadium, Loftus Road or the bird’s nest, Hillsborough or the Qatar national stadium. Spurs fans honestly ask yourself: White hart lane or the new stadium. Impressive structures yes, but not the passion filled grounds of generations past, where working class people stood on the terraces shoulder to shoulder behind there clubs.
All I can say is good luck Luton, enjoy the journey.
16) West ham
I think West ham will struggle. Now the obvious loss is Rice. But I think player such as Ward-Prowse and Paulinha and Kalvin Phillips are all solid options,
But I can’t get over that last year, west ham did not handle at all well European football and the competing in the league. And they must do the same again only this time without Rice. It will be tough.
Moyes will be gone by December only for Potter to take over. And will lead them to a disappointing 16th. Before he gets the sack and next year someone like Christopher Galliter to come in. Although, I will say I expect a good season from Paqueta and Bowen. And maybe a big move to city for the Brazilian.
15) Burnley
Kompany’s claret and blue army were a force to be reckoned with last season, playing truly tantalising football. I was in awe with some players such as Tella and Zaroury. I think they will be alright not as impressive as some people suggest but decent. They will get smashed sometimes like city manged in the cup and will struggle with the level and competivitness of the premier league.
My only reservation is Kompany himself. Although, he out classed most of the championship, it was not a total innilation of the league and he did show some weakness. He struggled at Anderlecht, and I think he may struggle in the top flight. This day and age there seems to be a lot of managerial sackings, I have it in my head that former spurs boss Andreas Villas-Boas or Graham potter may be candidates to replaces Kompany. He may come to regret not leaving Turf moor.
To finish on a more positive note, James Trafford will have a breakout season on the back of one the most astonishing u-21 campaigns with England where he did not concede a single goal. I expect a big season and slowly establish himself in the England team just in time for the Euro’s. All in all, expecting some exciting stuff from Burnley.
14) Wolves
I really thought wolves would be relegated. But Lopetegui, is too good to be relegated. I am looking forward to seeing Irishman Doherty back at Molineux. I think that Kilmann is a very good player. But yeah, it won’t be interesting, it’s going to be a dull season of nothing to note. Just about scrape enough points to stay up. Very dull in fact.
13) Crystal palace
Let me start by saying that originally, I had palace much higher, but my mates, most who are palace fans alerted me to the precarious situation they are in. I mean Mitchell and Olise are out for a long time. They have not bought anyone in and look a bit lacklustre especially after club legend Zaha has left for Galatasaray. You also must remember Selhurst park will be undergoing renovations we think, so it may not even be the nasty ground to play at it normally is.
This being said I am confident they will be okay against this adversity. I except players such as Limakovic and Moura to join, also excited to see youngsters such as Rak-Sayki too be very prevalent in this year’s campaign. Eze to establish himself as one the best and eye up a move to Newcastle. Plus, Guehi and Olise will return. Roy will get the sack by Christmas for someone like Moore or March to carry them to a respectable 13th.
12) Everton
Originally, I had Everton a little lower. But you know what the Toffee’s are in quite a good place now in my opinion. First of all, Dyche does not get relegated, that is just a fact. Secondly Danjuma and McNeill is a good wing partnership and if he can stay fit will be complimented well by Calvert-Lewis. Pickford is still very decent and the Doucouré and Garner partnership will pair well.
All in all, I think the final season at Goodison park will be one maybe not to remember but one to be proud of and pay tribute to the greats such as Alan Ball maybe not in style of prestige but dignity.
A quick mention of a loved hero of mine Dele Alli. I was 9-10 when he joined for my 5th season and while my dad would talk about Gazza being the star off his youth, Dele will forever be mine, week in week out in my season ticket seat I would watch him masterfully dribble round defenders and compliment Kane and son like a fine wine. I was heartbroken to hear the austerity and cruelty he faced in his youth, and I offer him my support and I hope he recognises the huge positive impact he had on my life personally. There was always be a spot at the Lane for you Dele and good luck going forward.
11) Nottingham Forrest
I think people should praise Forrest a lot more than they do. Never have I seen a team learn from its mistakes just like Forrest have, last year after signing countless players, I thought they were on path to financial ruin with a huge wage bill and possible relegation looming, but Steve Cooper dug deep, weathered the storm and kept them up.
I think an improvement of a season will be made with performances from Johnson and Gibbs-White to be of note. Nothing special maybe a good cup run or two, but overall, the twice European champions will be comfortable. One side point the signings of Wood and Elanga do not strike me as anything special. Overall positive season looms at the city ground.
10) Brentford
Brentford in seasons past would be much higher than 10th. Unfortunately, if the league was 100-meter sprint between the top 10 the Toney suspension mean they are starting a further 5 meters back, he is a big miss and there is no doubt in that. But results like against Spurs last season shows they are not dependent on him like Fulham are with Mitrovic. With that side point passed I cannot begin to tell you how much I admire Thomas Frank, why Real Madrid and Napoli are not looking at this man is beyond me. He is a tactical genius. I have no reservation in his ability at all.
Ecstatically looking forward to as well German youngster Kevin Schade (who I think may end up at spurs one day), think players like Raya and Ajer will have solid seasons again and overall Brentford will not flirt with relegation at all. It’s disappointing there chance at Europe is squandered due to one person spending to much time in paddy power.
9) Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton is hard to judge at the moment, there is still much uncertainty surrounding Caciedo, ever way De Zebi won’t reach the heights as last season, he will struggle balancing European football and the league. Now I am not doubting a pretty good run in Europe with a semi final very possible if not further. But the league will not be as successful.
First, I must applaud Pedro who I had serious reservations about, but he is proving himself to a high degree in pre-season and convincing me he will be a good goal scorer next year. But I could not say the same in other departments, Milner is a good signing, but Dahoud is simply not McAllister or Caicedo. You have not replaced Colwill efficiently (Igor being slightly underwhelming) and there is a lack in squad depth. I am looking forward to your style of play, but teams will figure it out like Everton and Villa did at the latter stages of last season, and fatigue will set in certainly toward the end of the season. But I think there are exciting opportunities in Europe awaiting so do not be disheartened.
8) Chelsea
Oh boy. Let me just say first that if Caciedo joins you automictically jump up one or two spots. But I can’t say hand on heart that Chelsea are showing me any signs of a new era, far from it. You let your best players leave, bought in Jackson who is promising but injury prone, Mudyrk will be better for sure but nervy. I just could not justify you any higher. Kante and kovacic leaving is huge, they were your two best midfielder’s last season and why you let them go is beyond me. There is something not right about Chelsea.
Pochettino, has already got enormous amount of pressure probably more than anyone else on the list, you have to remember Chelsea is not a club it is a Franchise, they demand ultimate and instant success. The project will fade away quickly, Chelsea fans are already precarious about him as a former Spurs manager and are already calling for his head. The demand is so high and the tension so strife that I think it may lead to calamity. On the 25th of august they play a Luton team that are playing for nothing. The bar is so low. I expect a Luton win and Chelsea will turn on Pochettino, setting the tone for the first half of the season. If I could reference it to anything a bit like John Major’s precarious backbenchers pouncing on him after black Wednesday.
With that said, rether they keep Pochettino or bring in someone such as Zidane, they will finish the season strong. I except a huge season from Levi Collwill who will flourish under Pochettino system and plant himself firmly in the England squad alongside John Stones in time for the Euro’s. Enzo Fernandez will be pushed up higher as well that intern will lead to him playing with the same flair, he did at the world cup.
It is an important season for Chelsea, and they have not showed me anything to change my thinking yet
7) Aston Villa
Unai Emery has impressed me. I never believed in Gerrard; he was not good enough for the standard of the premier league. Emery’s pure tiki taki football worked insanely well last season and signings like Pau Torres, reassured me that they wont struggle balancing the league with Europe. What I fully expect them to win.
I will say to just nit-pick there are sometimes they play too Spanish. Just kick the ball up long and stop playing out from the back, in my head its common knowledge sense, even Pep will boot it long. And Diaby, in my eyes will meet the same fate as Bailey and Havertz what is just a bit lacklustre in there performances.
But on the positive, Watkins showed this unbelievable ability what I think he can carry on through the season. Diego Carlos and Torres is up there in the best partnerships with the league if not Europe. Villa park is always a horrible place to visit and this year will be no different.
6) Liverpool
Interestingly, the same rationale I gave to Chelsea, I am going to give to Liverpool. Unlike Chelsea, Liverpool finished very strong last year and showed glimpses of the team that competed with City for years. My concern is their age. It’s a too old team that is not being replaced. Salah is although finishing well starting too loose pace, Fabinho and Van Dijk are completely unrecognisable to the players they once were. Robertson as well falls into this category. And the ghost of Mane leaving still haunts the club. Even Klopp tactically looks a bit inept and outdated. But I don’t think that’s his fault, but the old team just can’t keep up to his style.
I think Diaz and Jota are amazing but are injury prone. MacAllister is new but in my opinion not enough to return Liverpool to the top 4 single handily. Lavia who is being rumoured has not proven himself in my eyes yet too make any significant short-term impact. All in all, it is a bit underwhelming. The exception being Alexander-Arnold. He is class and, the new role of dropping into the midfield will suit him too the ground. I said it for years and I think people need to give him the respect he deserves.
I would like to finish by saying, I saw this coming, I knew that there were storm clouds gathering and the team was too old. Henderson is now gone the hardworking captain is no longer there even Milner leaving is big in my view. Anfeild is still a fortress though and for all my concerns, it is still Liverpool.
5)Tottenham Hotspurs
Wishful thinking, probably. But it is a new era at spurs, don’t be distracted by the Kane saga. This team is impressive and typically Tottenham. The new positive style of play is a return to our DNA, and I am expecting a big season from players such as: Maddison, Lo Celso and Udogie. We have no European football and one aim what is European football.
Kane is an important factor to our season, but it must be said while I don’t think Kane can be replaced and is truly one of the best. Tottenham have always produced some of the best strikers in the world. Richarlison looks very comfortable in big Ange’s system and I except big things from him. Kolo muani is still a very solid replacement even though I would prefer Ollie Watkins personally. So even if Kane leaves precedent suggests we will stumble upon someone.
But lets step away from the Kane saga and talk about the team. For years spurs have been described as Kane, son and everyone else, particularly after Eriksen left. This may be the best spurs team for years. Our full backs look very strong and our midfield of Bissouma, Maddison and Lo Celso may be one the best in the league and, I am a bit stunned of the lack of reporting around our very strong midfield. I mean the amount of possession we have carried in pre-season is astonishing and breath taking.
The real area of concern in my opinion is not Harry Kane, but the lack of a centre back being bought in, as it stands I put this down to two factors: The first is Levy is obviously playing a hard bargain with Wolfsburg and Leverkusen, and I think as time goes on, I reckon Mickey Van de Ven will sign at the lane but probably on deadline day lets be honest. The second factor is an interesting chain of events involving Sanchez. It is a concern, but I have semi confidence it will be resolved but probably not with Moscow but at a club like Galatasaray.
Faith and admiration are the words I would use for Ange Postecoglou, his style of play is refreshing and a return to the old Tottenham like you would see at the Lane against teams such as Inter Milan in 2010. Kane might leave, but no matter what; I have a surprisingly optimistic feeling that this season is a building block to something bigger, especially when you think how toxic pre-season has been with regards to: Kane and Lewis. So I have very little concern and we will prevail when it comes against any adversity this season. Watch this space.
4) Newcastle United
For all the teams in the league this year, Newcastle is the one where I cannot decide which way they will swing. I mean on the one hand momentum should drag them near to the top of the table. Tonali, is maybe one of the best signings of the window, in fact I am astonished it came about. And St. James Park will be belting out Blaydon races as loud as ever, making each opponent team shiver in undeniable fear.
Europe, while a great achievement is the biggest hinder to this side. Very few players have played in Europe and for Eddie Howe this is completely foreign territory. Quite remarkably I think Newcastle will go quite far, probably more than any other English team. But it will lead to a very lacklustre second half of the season where they will be jousting for position but just fall short of any real title contention. Overall, another positive season waits ahead one of excitement and thrill.
3) Manchester United
Another solid season beckons for Erik Teg Hag’s side, in which they will start out as title contenders, but as the season unfolds, they will just start to full back and be completely out of the race just prior to the new year. Rashford is still one the best wingers. The midfield partnership of Casimero and Eriksen is still as strong as ever.
I am really looking forward to the addition of Onana to the league. The Goalkeeper was breath-taking in the champions league final and is a very consistent Goalkeeper with a massive kick, in fact his distribution is some of the best in the world. Very intrigued of the young Danish striker from Atalanta who if he completes the move, will burst on to the scene. Personally, I would have gone for Oshimen but not everyone is as smart as me. It is exciting, while the ownership is still up in the air, they have learnt not too spend money on player’s such as Pogba and are signing sensible. And I say it is working out. So all in all another good season for the Dutchman.
2) Arsenal
Tough pill to swallow but Arsenal will be very good, I mean tittle contender good. I am not going to go into any detail as it would be inappropriate. But what more to say progressive football and good transfer spending with a promising academy works. The only saving grace is that Pep Guddiola is at such a high class, he is a king that cannot be disposed. But one thing I will add I do believe this will be Arteta’s last season. I found it intriguing earlier this year he met with PSG, and I see at as a sign his long-term career may not be at the Emirates.
1)Manchester City
Just all a bit boring now. No one had any problem with city winning the league a decade ago, primarily because they were not Manchester united or Chelsea. In fact, the boys from Maine road, created some incredible moments. But now it is just all a bit boring. It is not even a contest. I mean can they be stopped? Can Halland, De Bruyne and Rodri be stopped? No, it is ridiculous.
I mean they are the only club to lose one the best midfielder’s and left back in the world. And bring in Gravdiol and Kovacic. It’s not fair at the end of the day and a salary cap is needed in the league. But as it stands then, the other 19 teams (except potentially one) may not even show up in august.
Although, I see this season as forgone conclusion; this is potentially Pep’s last season at the Etihad. So, my question is if Pep leaves: Who comes next?
Review of the list:
I hope you enjoyed the list, and looking forward too seeing how the season pans out, as I said before I have not been able to go into great detail as in all honesty, I did not have time to go into depth in all the intricacies of each team in the league.
I will be reporting and doing match reports on all Spurs games this year and my next piece will be on players too look out for in the league this year. Some I have mentioned today. Also worth noting the window is not done so much can change and I expect it might. So you may seen changes up to the 31st but for now enjoy and I would love to hear your opinions.
Just to wrap up in summary:
Premier league: Man city
Top Goal scorer: Halland
Young player award: Destiny Udogide
Relegated:
1) Fulham
2) Sheffield united
3) Bournemouth
FA Cup: Man city
Promoted:
1) Southampton
2) Ipswich
3) Sunderland AFC
Champions league: Barcelona FC
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