2020/21 Premier League Season Preview

Posted on September 6, 2020 by | 0 Comments

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The following is a 2020/21 Premier League season preview. Futures betting tips are provided at the bottom. This season preview covers every club’s form and stats, key squad changes, positives, negatives, pre-season results, a survey of pundit predictions and futures odds. This article will be updated daily to incorporate the latest news as we approach the start of the season on September 12.

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Arsenal

Arsenal

  • Last six season finishes: 3, 2, 5, 6, 5, 8
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 8th with 56 points and a 14-14-10 record (10-6-3 at home and 4-8-7 away)
    • Offence:: 56 goals scored (36 at home and 20 away) – league rank: 8
    • Defence:: 48 goals conceded (24 at home and 24 away) – league rank: 8
  • Stadium: Emirates Stadium (60,260 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Mikel Arteta. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 2019.
    • Key arrivals: Gabriel Magalhaes (Lille, £23.14m), Willian (Chelsea, free), William Saliba (Saint-Étienne, was out on loan), George Lewis (Fram Larvik), Tim Akinola (Huddersfield, free), Salah-Eddine (Feyenoord, free), Jonathan Dinzeyi (Tottenham Hotspur, free), Pablo Mari (Flamengo, was on loan), Cedric Soares (Southampton, was on loan)
    • Key departures: Tobi Omole (Released), Matthew Dennis (Released), Dinos Mavropanos (Stuttgart, loan), Zech Medley (Gillingham, loan), Zak Swanson (MVV Maastricht, loan), Trae Coyle (Gillingham, loan), Matt Smith (Swindon Town, loan), Jordi Osei-Tutu (Cardiff City, loan), Sam Greenwood (Leeds), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Roma), Ben Sheaf (Coventry, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • MK Dons 1-4 Arsenal
    • Arsenal (5) 1-1 (4) Liverpool – Community Shield
  • Positives:
    • At the time of writing it appears that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will sign a new contract.
    • Won the FA Cup which has secured them a Europa League spot. This should help with player recruitment and retention.
    • Their defence has received a much needed boost with the signing of centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and the return of defender William Saliba from a loan spell.
    • Won the Community Shield over Liverpool.
    • Have done well to bring in ex-Chelsea player Willian for free.
    • Have addressed their set-piece issues by hiring set-piece coach Andreas Georgson from Brentford.
    • Dani Ceballos returns on loan from Real Madrid following a successful loan spell last season.
  • Negatives:
    • Finished outside the top six for the first time in 25 years. Last year was their worst league result since 1995.
    • Were suspect in defence at times, with the centre-back position a repeated cause for headaches. David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi are both error-prone and Rob Holding is injury-prone.
    • Dropped over 20 points from winning positions last season.
    • Mikel Arteta inherited a messy squad. Mesut Ozil, their highest ever paid player, was left out of the last ten games and midfielder Matteo Guendouzi also ended the season out of favour.
    • It is reported that the club has a limited transfer budget.
    • Only won four away fixtures last season with only the 10th best away record.
  • Pundit table predictions: 6th1, 5th2, 5th3, 7th4, 5th5, 6th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Aston Villa

Aston Villa

  • Last six season finishes: 17, 20, 13 (C), 4 (C), 5 (C), 17
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 17th with 35 points and a 9-8-21 record (7-3-9 at home and 2-5-12 away)
    • Offence:: 41 goals scored (22 at home and 19 away) – league rank: 19
    • Defence:: 67 goals conceded (30 at home and 37 away) – league rank: 18
  • Stadium: Villa Park (42,785 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Dean Smith. At the helm since 2018 and began his managerial career in 2011.
    • Key arrivals: Matty Cash (Nottingham Forest, £16m), Ollie Watkins (Brentford, £28m)
    • Key departures: Ross McCormack (Released), Callum O’Hare (Released), Jack Birch (Released), Anton Hooper (Released), Colin Odutayo (Released), Dimitri Sea (Released), Jamie Searle (Released), Matija Sarkic (Wolves, free), James Chester (Stoke, free), James Bree (Luton)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Aston Villa 5-2 Wycombe
  • Positives:
    • At the time of writing it appears Jack Grealish will stay with the club, with Man Utd refusing to accept Aston Villa’s price tag. Villa’s other key players are also expected to stay.
    • Avoided relegation despite the distraction of their Carabao Cup run where they reached the final.
    • John McGinn is fit again after missing much of last season with a broken ankle. Aston Villa’s form dropped when he was out and picked up when he returned late in the season.
    • The owners are wealthy and willing to spend.
    • Have brought in former Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare as the assistant manager.
    • Have addressed their defensive issues with the signing of left-back Matty Cash.
    • Have beaten out other interested clubs to sign Brentford striker Ollie Watkins. Watkins scored 25 goals in the Championship last season and he previously played under Aston Villa manager Dean Smith when Smith coached Brentford.
  • Negatives:
    • Barely avoided relegation (benefiting from Sheffield United’s “ghost” goal) despite spending more than £118m on new players during the summer, which was the most in the EPL.
    • Were heavily reliant on talisman Jack Grealish. Any lengthy injury to him would hurt their cause badly.
    • Had the worst away record (2-5-12) of any team to survive relegation last season and were the only team to fail to keep an away clean sheet.
    • Had the worst defensive record (67 goals conceded) of any team to survive relegation and they had the worst goal difference (-26) of any surviving team.
    • Have been slow to act in this summer’s transfer market.
    • First choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton isn’t due back from injury until October and fellow goalkeeper Pepe Reina’s loan has expired.
    • Wesley, their biggest signing last year, has been injured since January with an ACL tear.
    • Missed out on Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, who opted for Newcastle instead.
  • Pundit table predictions: 18th1, 18th2, 15th3, 18th4, 16th5, 15th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Brighton

Brighton

  • Last six season finishes: 20 (C), 3 (C), 2 (C), 15, 17, 15
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 15th with 41 points and a 9-14-15 record (5-7-7 at home and 4-7-8 away)
    • Offence:: 39 goals scored (20 at home and 19 away) – league rank: 11
    • Defence:: 54 goals conceded (27 at home and 27 away) – league rank: 14
  • Stadium: Amex Stadium (30,666 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Graham Potter. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 2010.
    • Key arrivals: Jensen Weir (Wigan), Adam Lallana (Liverpool, free), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Lars Dendoncker (Club Brugge)
    • Key departures: David Button (West Brom), Leon Balogun (Wigan), Archie Davies (Released), Lewis Freestone (Released), George Cox (Fortuna Sittard), Anthony Knockaert (Fulham, £10m – was previously on loan), Beram Kayal (Released), Percy Tau (Anderlecht, loan), Jan Mlakar (Maribor, loan), Warren O’Hora (MK Dons, loan), Taylor Richards (Doncaster, loan), Martin Montoya (Real Betis), Matt Clarke (Derby, loan), Ryan Longman (AFC Wimbledon, loan), Leo Ostigard (Coventry, loan), Aaron Mooy (Shanghai SIPG), Glenn Murray (Watford, Loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
    • Brighton 0-0 West Brom
  • Positives:
    • Show signs of being on an upward trajectory. Brighton finished with their highest ever EPL points tally last season and assured survival with a few games to spare.
    • Had the 11th best defensive record last season.
    • The free transfer of former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana will add experience to the squad and increase creativity in attack.
    • The signing of Joel Veltman adds further experience to their defence. Veltmen had over 200 caps for Ajax and over 20 caps for the Netherlands.
    • Lewis Dunk ended transfer speculation by signing a new contract.
    • Despite pundit concerns over the decision to sack the ‘safe’ Chris Hughton, new manager Graham Potter has worked out well since joining last summer. He had made some shrewd signings including Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard.
    • Ben White re-joins the squad and has signed a new four-year contract following a highly successful loan spell at Leeds last season. It is rumoured that Brighton turned down a £20m+ offer for him.
    • 18-year old Jensen Weir could prove to be an excellent long-term signing.
  • Negatives:
    • According to fbref.com, Brighton have a short pass completion percentage of 30.8%, which was the second worst in the Premier League. This raises questions of the club’s ability to play the possession-oriental style of football preferred by manager Graham Potter.
    • Were heavily dependent on Neal Maupay for goals. He scored ten and their next top scorer was Leandro Trossard on five.
    • Were wasteful in front of goal last season. Brighton had the 8th most shots recorded but only the 16th most goals.
    • Only won five home fixtures last season, which was the fewest of any team to survive relegation.
  • Pundit table predictions: 13th1, 14th2, 16th3, 16th4, 12th5, 17th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Burnley

Burnley

  • Last six season finishes: 19, 1 (C), 16, 7, 15, 10
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 10th with 54 points and a 15-9-14 record (8-4-7 at home and 7-5-7 away)
    • Offence:: 43 goals scored (24 at home and 19 away) – league rank: 9
    • Defence:: 50 goals conceded (23 at home and 27 away) – league rank: 10
  • Stadium: Turf Moor (21,944 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Sean Dyche. At the helm since 2012 and began his managerial career in 2011.
    • Key arrivals: Will Norris (Wolves), Marc Richter (Augsburg), Will Rickard (Free), Marcel Elva-Fountaine (Reading), Connor Barrett (Leicester)
    • Key departures: Joe Hart (Tottenham Hotspur, free), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle, free), Adam Legzdins (Released), Aaron Lennon (Released), Oliver Younger (Released), Scott Wilson (Released), Joel Senior (Released), Ryan Cooney (Morecambe, loan), Adam Phillips (Morecambe, loan), Jordan Cropper (Chesterfield, loan), Ben Gibson (Norwich, loan), Scott Wilson (Barrow, free)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Preston 0-0 Burnley
  • Positives:
    • Managed a top ten finish despite their squad availability issues after the covid break.
    • Kept 15 clean sheets last season, which was the second most in the league, one behind Man City. Have an excellent goalkeeper in Nick Pope.
    • Manager Sean Dyche has managed the club incredibly well despite their limited resources.
    • Lost only one home fixture after New Year’s Day, and that was with little to play for on the final day of the season.
    • Finished last season on a 8-6-2 run.
  • Negatives:
    • The club has modest resources by Premier League standards. They have arguably over-achieved in recent seasons.
    • Sean Dyche’s accolades as a manager could see him lured away to a bigger club if someone else gets sacked. Dyche has publicly stated his gripes with the board regarding the squad and the limited resources made available to him. Burnley would struggle to find a better manager if he departed.
    • There is strong interest in centre-back James Tarkowski from other clubs.
  • Pundit table predictions: 15th1, 13th2, 13th3, 14th4, 13th5, 16th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Chelsea

Chelsea

  • Last six season finishes: 1, 10, 1, 5, 3, 4
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 4th with 66 points and a 20-6-12 record (11-3-5 at home and 9-3-7 away)
    • Offence:: 69 goals scored (30 at home and 39 away) – league rank: 11
    • Defence:: 54 goals conceded (16 at home and 38 away) – league rank: 5
  • Stadium: Stamford Bridge (41,631 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Frank Lampard. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 2018.
    • Key arrivals: Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen, £71m), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig, £47.5m), Hakim Ziyech (Ajax, €40m), Ben Chilwell (Leicester, £45m), Thiago Silva (PSG, free), Malang Sarr (Nice), Xavier Mbuyamba (Barcelona, free)
    • Key departures: Josh Grant (Released), Marcel Lavinier (Released), Richard Nartey (Released), Pedro (Released), Willian (Arsenal) Free, Danilo Pantic (Cukaricki, loan), Jacob Maddox (Vitoria SC), Jamie Cumming (Stevenage, loan), Trevoh Chalobah (Lorient, loan), Armando Broja (Vitesse Arnhem, loan), Michy Batshuayi (Crystal Palace, loan) , Ethan Ampadu (Sheffield United, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
  • Positives:
    • Only Liverpool and Man City scored more goals than Chelsea last season. Their attack has been further boosted by the headline signings of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.
    • Managed to qualify for the Champions League despite the transfer embargo last season. The ban may have been a blessing in disguise as it enabled Chelsea to successfully blood new talent such as Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham from their high quality youth ranks.
    • Ended last season with six consecutive home wins.
    • Signed left-back Ben Chilwell and the vastly experienced centre-back Thiago Silva in an effort to address their defensive issues.
  • Negatives:
    • Lack quality and depth in the centre-back position. Had only the 11th best defensive record last season and kept only one clean sheet away from home.
    • Signed Kepa Arrizabalaga for £71.6m in August 2018, which was a world record fee for a goalkeeper, but he had a terrible 2019/20 campaign. His 54.5% save percentage was the worst in the EPL and his reported £150k-per-week salary makes him difficult to offload.
    • Willian was excellent last campaign and he has departed for Arsenal.
    • Were inconsistent last season, which isn’t an easy issue to fix.
  • Pundit table predictions: 4th1, 4th2, 3rd3, 2nd4, 4th5, 3rd6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace

  • Last six season finishes: 10, 15, 14, 11, 12, 14
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 14th with 43 points and a 11-10-17 record (6-5-8 at home and 5-5-9 away)
    • Offence:: 31 goals scored (15 at home and 16 away) – league rank: 9
    • Defence:: 50 goals conceded (20 at home and 30 away) – league rank: 15
  • Stadium: Selhurst Park (26,047 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Roy Hodgson. At the helm since 2017 and began his managerial career in 1976.
    • Key arrivals: Eberechi Eze (QPR, £19.5m), Nathan Ferguson (West Brom, free), Jake Giddings (West Ham, free), Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea, loan)
    • Key departures: Kian Flanagan (Released), Dion-Curtis Henry (Released), Daniel Tupper (Released), Jason Lokilo (Doncaster, free), Jacob Mensah (released)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Crystal Palace 2-1 Oxford United
    • Crystal Palace 3-0 Charlton Athletic
    • Millwall 0-1 Crystal Palace
    • Crystal Palace 1-1 Brøndby
  • Positives:
    • Had the 9th best defensive record last season.
    • Their bad run at the end of the season was largely due to a heavy injury toll.
    • Have made moves to address their ageing squad. Snapped up England Under-20 defender Nathan Ferguson after he refused to sign a new contract with West Brom. Beat out a number of other interested clubs to sign England Under-21 international forward Eberechi Eze.
    • The EPL has awarded thier Academy Category 1 status, which boosts their youth development programme. The Under-18s will play in the Premier League: South division and the Under-23s will compete in Premier League 2.
    • Jeffrey Schlupp, James McArthur, Martin Kelly and Stephen Henderson have signed contract extensions.
    • Jordan Ayew had a breakout season last campaign, scoring 9 league goals compared to 1 the year before.
    • Have signed Michy Batshuayi on loan for the season. His last loan spell at Palace was highly successful, when he scored six goals in 13 appearances in 2018-19.
    • Left-back academy product Tyrick Mitchell was solid when introduced late last season.
  • Negatives:
    • Have an ageing squad. In one fixture the average age of their starting XV was almost 31 and their season average was just under 30. Palace named 17 of the 20 oldest starting line-ups in 2019-20. The squad definitely needs a refresh, which the shortened season break isn’t conducive to.
    • Struggled badly for goals last season. Only Norwich scored fewer goals than their tally of 31. The next lowest tally for a team that survived relegation was 38. No player managed to reach double figures for goals.
    • Finished the season on a 0-1-7 run and were held scoreless in six of those fixtures.
    • Star player Wilfried Zaha had made it clear he wishes to leave the club. Zaha scored 10 league goals in 2018/19 but only four in 2019/20.
    • Have the ninth highest wage bill in the league and a few high earning players have under-delivered. £27m signing Christian Benteke is on £120,000 per week wages and has only scored 3, 1 and 2 league goals in the last three seasons. Centre-back Mamadou Sakho is on £100,000 per week and only made 14 appearances last season.
    • Nathan Ferguson, James McCarthy, Patrick van Aanholt, Gary Cahill, Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins are in doubt for the start of the season due to injury.
  • Pundit table predictions: 16th1, 16th2, 18th3, 13th4, 18th5, 18th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Everton

Everton

  • Last six season finishes: 11, 11, 7, 8, 8, 12
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 12th with 49 points and a 13-10-15 record (8-7-4 at home and 5-3-11 away)
    • Offence:: 44 goals scored (24 at home and 20 away) – league rank: 13
    • Defence:: 56 goals conceded (21 at home and 35 away) – league rank: 12
  • Stadium: Goodison Park (39,221 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Carlo Ancelotti. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 1995.
    • Key arrivals: Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford, up to £25m), Allan (Napoli, £21.7m), Niels Nkounkou (Marseille, free), James Rodriguez (Real Madrid, £12m)
    • Key departures: Morgan Feeney (Released), Alexander Denny (Released), Matthew Foulds (Released), Luke Garbutt (Released), Manasse Mampala (Released), Korede Adedoyin (Released), Oumar Niasse (Released), Cuco Martina (Released), Morgan Schneiderlin (Nice), Leighton Baines (Retired), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax, free), Nathangelo Markelo (FC Twente, loan), Kieran Dowell (Norwich City)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Blackpool 3-3 Everton
    • Everton 2-0 Preston
  • Positives:
    • Have an incredibly experienced and accomplished manager in Carlo Ancelotti. They picked up in form when he took over in late December. They had gone 5-4-9 prior to his arrival and then went 8-6-6 with him at the helm. Three of their six defeats under Ancelotti took place at the end of the season when Everton had little to play for.
    • The owners have promised Carlo Ancelotti strong financial backing.
    • Have excellent strikers in the squad. If they can sort out service from midfield they would soar and the club has made progress in this department with the signings of Allan and James Rodriguez, who have both played under Ancelotti previously. The club has also added Abdoulaye Doucoure, representing a total spend of over £50m to strengthen their midfield.
    • Beat out Juventus for the free signing of Marseille teenager Niels Nkounkou.
  • Negatives:
    • Finished 12th last season, which was their worst result in 16 years.
    • When appointed in December Carlo Ancelotti was the club’s 5th permanent manager in less than four years. He inherited an out of balance squad, featuring a number of overpaid and underperforming players. E.g. winger/forward Alex Iwobi cost £34m and scored just once last season. The squad was built from a shambolic recruitment policy and Ancelotti has had a shortened off-season to fix it.
    • Have been poor on the road, losing 11 away fixtures last season, which was the 2nd most of any team to survive relegation.
  • Pundit table predictions: 9th1, 10th2, 9th3, 9th4, 9th5, 7th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Fulham

Fulham

  • Last six season finishes: 17 (C), 20 (C), 6 (C), 3 (C), 19, 4 (C)
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 4th in the Championship with 81 points and a 23-12-11 record (15-2-6 at home and 8-10-5 away)
    • Offence:: 64 goals scored (40 at home and 24 away) – league rank: 4
    • Defence:: 48 goals conceded (26 at home and 22 away) – league rank: 4
  • Stadium: Craven Cottage (25,700 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Scott Parker. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 2019.
    • Key arrivals: Antonee Robinson (Wigan, £1.9m), Mario Lemina (Southampton, loan), Harrison Reed (Southampton, £8m – was previously on loan), Anthony Knockaert (Brighton, £10m – was previously on loan), Alphonse Areola (Paris St-Germain, loan), Kenny Tete (Lyon)
    • Key departures: Cody Drameh (Leeds), Marlon Fossey (Shrewsbury Town, loan), Martell Taylor-Crossdale (Colchester, loan), Alfie Mawson (Bristol City, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Fulham 2-2 MK Dons
  • Positives:
    • Had the 2nd best home record in the Championship last season.
    • The club will have learned valuable lessons from their failed 2018/19 Premier League campaign.
    • Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scored 26 league goals last season and he is proven in the top flight, having scored 11 league goals in Fulham’s 2018/19 campaign.
    • Fulham stormed home in 5-2-0 regular season form.
    • Have signed Harrison Reed on a permanent deal after an excellent season on loan.
  • Negatives:
    • Have had a shortened pre-season to prepare for the Premier League and even less time to prepare than Leeds and West Brom due to promotion via the playoffs.
    • Since 2002, 53% of teams promoted via the playoffs have been relegated the following season.
    • Their previous return to the Premier League was a disaster. Fulham spent £100m on new players, changed managers twice and were relegated after just one season.
  • Pundit table predictions: 19th1, 19th2, 19th3, 19th4, 19th5, 20th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Leeds

Leeds

  • Last six season finishes: 15 (C), 13 (C), 7 (C), 13 (C), 3 (C), 1 (C)
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 1st in the Championship with 93 points and a 28-9-9 record (15-5-3 at home and 13-4-6 away)
    • Offence:: 77 goals scored (40 at home and 37 away) – league rank: 1
    • Defence:: 35 goals conceded (14 at home and 21 away) – league rank: 1
  • Stadium: Elland Road (37,890 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Marcelo Bielsa. At the helm since 2018 and began his managerial career in 1990.
    • Key arrivals: Rodrigo (Valencia, £26m), Robin Koch (Freiburg, £13m), Helder Costa (Wolves, £16m – previously on loan), Illan Meslier (Lorient), Jack Harrison (Man City, renewed loan), Joe Gelhardt (Wigan), Cody Drameh (Fulham), Sam Greenwood (Arsenal)
    • Key departures: Ben White (Brighton, loan ended), Ryan Edmondson (Aberdeen, loan), Kun Temenuzhkov (Real Union, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Stoke City 3-0 Leeds
    • Leeds 3-1 Pacos de Ferreira
  • Positives:
    • Have been on an upward trajectory since Andrea Radrizzani purchased the club in May 2017 and bought the ground back for the club.
    • Enjoyed a strong uplift under the highly-rated coach Marcelo Bielsa, following the sacking of Paul Heckingbottom in June 2018.
    • Have added quality and experience up front with the marquee signing of Rodrigo from Valencia.
    • Have retained the services of Jack Harrison for a third season on loan from Man City.
    • Have been the most active in the transfer market of the three promoted sides.
    • Had the best defensive record in the Championship last season and the best goal difference.
    • Beat out a number of other interested clubs to sign Robin Koch. His arrival offsets the disappointing departure of Ben White.
    • Elland Road is an intimidating venue, which should give them a lift when the crowds return.
  • Negatives:
    • Ben White was superb when on loan last season but he has re-joined Brighton.
    • Striker Patrick Bamford had a productive season with 16 league goals last campaign but he has been a disappointment in previous spells in the Premier League, scoring 1 goal in 27 games in appearances for four different clubs.
    • Have had a shortened pre-season to prepare for the Premier League and unlike Fulham and West Brom, the club has no recent Premier League experience, having last competed in the top flight in 2004.
    • New signings Rodrigo and Robin Koch missed the pre-season friendlies due to international duty.
  • Pundit table predictions: 12th1, 12th2, 10th3, 17th4, 15th5, 11th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Leicester City

Leicester City

  • Last six season finishes: 14, 1, 12, 9, 9, 5
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 5th with 62 points and a 18-8-12 record (11-4-4 at home and 7-4-8 away)
    • Offence:: 67 goals scored (35 at home and 32 away) – league rank: 6
    • Defence:: 41 goals conceded (17 at home and 24 away) – league rank: 4
  • Stadium: King Power Stadium (32,312 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Brendan Rodgers. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 2008.
    • Key arrivals: Timothy Castagne (Atalanta, £21.5m)
    • Key departures: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea, £45m), Calvin Bassey (Rangers), Viktor Johansson (Rotherham, free), Ryan Loft (Released), Connor Tee (Released), Daniel Iversen (OH Leuven, loan), Bartosz Kapustka (Legia Warsaw)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Leicester 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday
    • Leicester 1-1 Blackburn
  • Positives:
    • James Maddison has signed a new four-year contract.
    • Jamie Vardy shows no signs of slowing. His haul of 23 league goals last season was his most since 2015-16 (24).
    • Have eight players in the squad who are aged 24 or younger. Their peaks are head of them.
    • On paper are a cashed-up side. Paid £24.1m in total for Ben Chilwell, Danny Drinkwater, N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire and sold them for a total of £250m.
    • Europa League qualification should help with player retention and recruitment.
    • Signed Timothy Castagne to counter the departure of Ben Chilwell.
  • Negatives:
    • Started last season in red-hot (12-2-2) form but then went 6-6-10. Leicester won 8 straight games between October 19 and December 8 but only won 6 more games out of the remaining 22. They finished with just 4 wins out of the last 17 games. They led the race of a Champions League spot by 14 points at one stage but fell out of the race in the final week.
    • Were hurt by the injury to defender Ben Chilwell and he has since departed to Chelsea. This continues Leicester’s track record of seeling a key player each summer: N’Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater, Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire. At some point this might catch up with them as it did Southampton.
    • Arguably don’t have the squad depth for the additional burden of the Europa League and certainly don’t have the same squad depth as the other sides who are vying for a top-four finish.
  • Pundit table predictions: 7th1, 9th2, 7th3, 6th4, 7th5, 9th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Liverpool

Liverpool

  • Last six season finishes: 6, 8, 4, 4, 2, 1
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 1st with 99 points and a 32-3-3 record (18-1-0 at home and 14-2-3 away)
    • Offence:: 85 goals scored (52 at home and 33 away) – league rank: 1
    • Defence:: 33 goals conceded (16 at home and 17 away) – league rank: 2
  • Stadium: Anfield (54,074 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Jürgen Klopp. At the helm since 2015 and began his managerial career in 2001.
    • Key arrivals: Konstantinos Tsimikas (Olympiacos, £11.7m)
    • Key departures: Dejan Lovren (Zenit, £10.9m), Adam Lallana (Brighton, free), Nathaniel Clyne (Released), Daniel Atherton (Released), Pedro Chirivella (Nantes, free), Shamal George (Released), Jack Walls (Released), Morgan Boyes (Fleetwood Town, loan), Ovie Ejaria (Reading), Kai McKenzie-Lyle (Cambridge)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Liverpool 3-0 Stuttgart
    • Salzburg 2-2 Liverpool
    • Arsenal (5) 1-1 (4) Liverpool (Community Shield)
    • Liverpool 7-2 Blackpool
  • Positives:
    • Won the title last season by an 18-point margin and with seven games to spare.
    • Are unbeaten at Anfield for three consecutive seasons.
    • Have a settled squad with world-class players in every area of the pitch and a settled manager.
    • The departures of Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne have reportedly freed-up more than £300,000 per week in the wage bill.
    • Had the best defensive record in the league last season.
  • Negatives:
    • Had only the 6th best points tally after the covid break.
    • Since Man Utd won three consecutive titles from 2006-07 to 2008-09, only one side has won back-to-back titles.
    • Jurgen Klopp has suggested he has no plans to make any big-name signings this summer.
  • Pundit table predictions: 2nd1, 2nd2, 1st3, 1st4, 2nd5, 1st6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Manchester City

Manchester City

  • Last six season finishes: 2, 4, 3, 1, 1, 2
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 2nd with 81 points and a 26-3-9 record (15-2-2 at home and 11-1-7 away)
    • Offence:: 102 goals scored (57 at home and 45 away) – league rank: 2
    • Defence:: 35 goals conceded (13 at home and 22 away) – league rank: 1
  • Stadium: Etihad Stadium (55,017 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Pep Guardiola. At the helm since 2016 and began his managerial career in 2007.
    • Key arrivals: Pablo Moreno (Juventus), Ferran Torres (Valencia, £20.87m), Nathan Ake (AFC Bournemouth, £40m), Scott Carson (Derby County, loan extended)
    • Key departures: Ernest Agyiri (Released), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich, £44.7m), Jack Harrison (Leeds, loan extended), David Silva (Real Sociedad, free), Claudio Bravo (Released), Lukas Nmecha (Anderlecht, loan), Yangel Herrera (Granada, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • None
  • Positives:
    • Picked up three more points than any other club following the covid break.
    • Topped the league for goals last season and became the first English top-flight side to have five different players (Sterling, De Bruyne, Aguero, Jesus, & Mahrez) score 10+ league goals since 1984-85.
    • 20-year old midfielder Phil Foden looks incredibly promising. In 16 starts in all competitions for Manchester City in 2019-20, he was directly involved in 14 goals (six goals and eight assists).
    • Signed centre-back Nathan Ake for £40m from Bournemouth, which was the position they were weakest in last season.
    • Signed Ferran Torres £20.87m from Valencia to replace Leroy Sané.
    • Successfully overturned their two-year ban from European club competitions.
    • Scored more goals and had a better goal difference than Liverpool last season.
  • Negatives:
    • By their high standers they were defensively frail last season as they failed to fill the hole left by Vincent Kompany’s departure.
    • David Silva’s departure leaves massive shoes to fill.
    • Finished an eye-watering 18 points behind Liverpool last season.
    • Sergio Aguero is injury-prone.
    • Have had the distraction of a rumoured failed transfer bid for Lionel Messi.
  • Pundit table predictions: 1st1, 1st2, 2nd3, 3rd4, 1st5, 2nd6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Manchester United

Manchester United

  • Last six season finishes: 4, 5, 6, 2, 6, 3
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 3rd with 66 points and a 18-12-8 record (10-7-2 at home and 8-5-6 away)
    • Offence:: 66 goals scored (40 at home and 26 away) – league rank: 3
    • Defence:: 36 goals conceded (17 at home and 19 away) – league rank: 3
  • Stadium: Old Trafford (74,879 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjær. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 2011.
    • Key arrivals: Donny van de Beek (Ajax, £35m + £5m in add-ons), Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua, loan)
    • Key departures: Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (Released), Dion McGee (Released), Angel Gomes (Released), Ethan Hamilton (Released), Michael O’Hara (Released), Largie Ramazani (Released), George Tanner (Released), Alexis Sanchez (Inter Milan), Tahith Chong (Werder Bremen, loan), Aliou Traore (Stade Malherbe Caen, loan), Joel Pereira (Huddersfield, loan), Demetri Mitchell (Blackpool, free)
  • Pre-season results:
    • None
  • Positives:
    • The late January signing of Bruno Fernandes rejuvenated the side. Since making his debut in February, Fernandes was directly involved in more league goals than any other player (15). No side picked up more points than United following his arrival.
    • United had the second best points tally after the covid break. They finished the season on a 14-game unbeaten streak in the EPL.
    • Mason Greenwood became the first player to score 10 Premier League goals in a season as a teenager since Romelu Lukaku in 2012-13.
    • Only suffered two home defeats last campaign.
    • Have bolstered the midfield with the signing of Donny van de Beek.
    • Have bolstered their goalkeeping options by choosing not to renew Dean Henderson’s loan to Sheffield United. This addresses the deteriorating form of David de Gea.
  • Negatives:
    • Some pundits have concluded that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t trust his back-up players, suggesting added squad depth is needed. He named the same XI frequently after the post-covid restart and did not make a substitution in the Europa League semi-final until the 87th minute.
    • Goalkeeper David de Gea was poor last season and he is earning a reported £350,000-£375,000 per week, which makes him difficult to offload. He has three years left on his contract, which makes this a lingering headache unless his form improves.
    • Have had the distraction of captain Harry Maguire getting arrested in Greece.
  • Pundit table predictions: 3rd1, 3rd2, 4th3, 5th4, 3rd5, 4th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Newcastle

Newcastle

  • Last six season finishes: 15, 18, 1 (C), 10, 13, 13
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 13th with 44 points and a 11-11-16 record (6-8-5 at home and 5-3-11 away)
    • Offence:: 38 goals scored (20 at home and 18 away) – league rank: 14
    • Defence:: 58 goals conceded (21 at home and 37 away) – league rank: 16
  • Stadium: St James’ Park (52,354 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Steve Bruce. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 1998.
    • Key arrivals: Callum Wilson (Bournemouth, £20m), Jamal Lewis (Norwich, £15m), Mark Gillespie (Motherwell, free), Niall Brookwell (Liverpool, free), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth, free)
    • Key departures: Luke Charman (Released), Jack Colback (Nottingham Forest), Robert Elliott (Released), Liam Gibson (Released), Nathan Harker (Released), Victor Fernandez (Viitorul Constanta, free), Jake Turner (Morecambe, loan), Tom Allan (Accrington Stanley, loan), Freddie Woodman (Swansea, loan), Kell Watts (Plymouth, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Newcastle 3-0 Crewe
    • Newcastle 2-1 Barnsley
    • Middlesbrough 5-1 Newcastle
    • Newcastle 0-1 Stoke City
  • Positives:
    • Beat out Aston Villa to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.
    • Manager Steve Bruce did a reasonable job in trying circumstances last season.
  • Negatives:
    • Have had to deal with the distraction and uncertainty over the failed Saudi Arabian-backed takeover bid. Mike Ashley remains the owner and he is despised by the fans for his perceived lack of investment.
    • Finished the season on a 0-2-4 run as injuries exposed their lack of squad depth.
    • The £40m signing Joelinton scored just 4 goals last season.
    • Were poor in pre-season, losing 5-1 to Middlesbrough and 1-0 to Stoke City
    • First-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will miss the first six weeks of the season due to injury and striker Dwight Gayle is out for up to four months with a knee injury.
  • Pundit table predictions: 17th1, 17th2, 17th3, 15th4, 17th5, 12th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Sheffield United

Sheffield United

  • Last six season finishes: 5 (L1), 11 (L1), 1 (L1), 10 (C), 2 (C), 9
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 9th with 54 points and a 14-12-12 record (10-3-6 at home and 4-9-6 away)
    • Offence:: 39 goals scored (24 at home and 15 away) – league rank: 4
    • Defence:: 39 goals conceded (15 at home and 24 away) – league rank: 9
  • Stadium: Bramall Lane (32,702 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Chris Wilder. At the helm since 2016 and began his managerial career in 2001.
    • Key arrivals: Aaron Ramsdale (AFC Bournemouth, £18.5m), Jayden Bogle & Max Lowe (£11m, Derby), Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea, loan), Wes Foderingham (Rangers, free)
    • Key departures: Mark Duffy (Fleetwood, free), Keenan Ferguson (Released), Oliver Greaves (Released), Jake Eastwood (Kilmarnock, loan), Tyler Smith (Swindon Town, loan), Luke Freeman (Nottingham Forest, loan), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Luton, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Dundee United 0-1 Sheffield United (abandoned at HT due to weather)
    • Hearts 0-1 Sheffield United
    • Derby 0-2 Sheffield United
    • Sheffield United 2-2 Preston
  • Positives:
    • Have a highly rated manager in Chris Wilder, who guided them to a top-ten finish despite starting the season as the favourite to be relegated.
    • Their failure to qualify for Europe is probably a blessing given the extra burden that competition puts on teams.
    • Kept 13 clean sheets last season, which was tied for the 3rd most in the league. Sheffield United had the fourth best defensive record in the league.
    • Were quick to sign goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to replace Dean Henderson.
  • Negatives:
    • Regressed in the second half of last season. The Blades suffered 4 defeats in the first half compared to 8 in the second half of the campaign. They ended the season with 5 defeats in their last 9 games, including three straight defeats to conclude the season.
    • Last season’s first choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson has returned to Man Utd following a two-year loan spell.
  • Pundit table predictions: 14th1, 11th2, 11th3, 10th4, 14th5, 14th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Southampton

Southampton

  • Last six season finishes: 7, 6, 8, 17, 16, 11
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 11th with 52 points and a 15-7-16 record (6-3-10 at home and 9-4-6 away)
    • Offence:: 51 goals scored (21 at home and 30 away) – league rank: 15
    • Defence:: 60 goals conceded (35 at home and 25 away) – league rank: 11
  • Stadium: St Mary’s Stadium (32,384 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Ralph Hasenhüttl. At the helm since 2018 and began his managerial career in 2007.
    • Key arrivals: Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham Hotspur, previously on loan), Mohammed Salisu (Real Valladolid)
    • Key departures: Alexander Cull (Released), Mohamed Elyounoussi (Celtic, loan), Maya Yoshida (Released), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur), Cedric Soares (Arsenal), Mario Lemina (Fulham, loan), Harrison Reed (Fulham), Alfie Jones (Hull), Jack Ross (Walsall, free)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Southampton 7-1 Swansea
  • Positives:
    • Had the 3rd best away record in the league last season.
    • Picked up 18 points from 9 games after the lockdown, which was tied for third most in the league. Finished on a seven-game unbeaten streak.
    • Have retained the services of Danny Ings, who scored 22 league goals last season.
    • Didn’t panic after their 9-0 defeat in October and have been rewarded by their decision to retain the services of manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
    • Have signed Kyle Walker-Peters following a successful loan spell last season.
    • Have successfully sold Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for a reported £15m plus bonuses. Hojbjerg had made it clear he wanted to leave the club.
  • Negatives:
    • Had the worst home record (6-3-10) of any team to survive relegation.
    • There’s a possibility that manager Ralph Hasenhüttl could get lured to a bigger club.
    • 22 of their 51 goals last season came from Danny Ings, so there’s a question of where their goals would come from if he got injured.
  • Pundit table predictions: 10th1, 8th2, 12th3, 12th4, 10th5, 10th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Tottenham

Tottenham

  • Last six season finishes: 5, 3, 2, 3, 4, 6
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 6th with 59 points and a 16-11-11 record (12-3-4 at home and 4-8-7 away)
    • Offence:: 61 goals scored (36 at home and 25 away) – league rank: 7
    • Defence:: 47 goals conceded (17 at home and 30 away) – league rank: 6
  • Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (62,062 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: José Mourinho. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 2000.
    • Key arrivals: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton), Joe Hart (Burnley, free), Matt Doherty (Wolves, £14.7m)
    • Key departures: Jan Vertonghen (Released), Michel Vorm (Released), Tariq Hinds (Released), Rayan Clarke (Released), Jonathan Dinzeyi (Released), Phoenix Patterson (Released), Maxwell Statham (Released), Maximus Tainio (Released), Troy Parrott (Millwall, loan), TJ Eyoma (Lincoln City, loan), Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton, previously on loan), Armando Shashoua (Atletico Baleares), Luke Amos (QPR), Oliver Skipp (Norwich, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Tottenham 3-0 Ipswich
    • Tottenham 4-1 Reading
    • Tottenham 1-0 Birmingham
    • Watford 2-1 Tottenham
  • Positives:
    • Following Jose Mourinho’s first game in charge in November, only Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd picked up more points.
    • Have been remarkably consistent, finishing in the top six for 11 consecutive seasons, having managed to do so just twice in the prior 17 seasons.
    • Despite injury disruptions, Harry Kane has been the model of consistency, scoring at least 18 league goals in each of the last six seasons.
    • Had the 3rd best home record last season.
    • The new signings to date are all proven Premier League players rather than players who might take time to adjust to English football.
  • Negatives:
    • Their 6th placed finish was their worst result since 2013/14. Failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in five years. In each of the last three seasons they finished lower than they did the season before.
    • Will have a heavy fixture schedule this year due to qualifying only for the Europa League second qualifying round rather than the Europa League group stage.
    • Tottenham registered just eight clean sheets in 2019-20, their lowest tally since 2010-11.
    • Have lost experience in the back following the departure of Jan Vertonghen.
    • Had only the 10th best away record last season as they picked up just four away wins.
  • Pundit table predictions: 5th1, 6th2, 6th3, 4th4, 6th5, 5th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

West Bromwich

West Bromwich

  • Last six season finishes: 13, 14, 10, 20, 4 (C), 2 (C)
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 2nd in the Championship with 83 points and a 22-17-7 record (10-10-3 at home and 12-7-4 away)
    • Offence:: 77 goals scored (44 at home and 33 away) – league rank: 3
    • Defence:: 45 goals conceded (27 at home and 18 away) – league rank: 3
  • Stadium: The Hawthorns (26,688 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Slaven Bilić. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 2001.
    • Key arrivals: Matheus Pereira (Sporting Lisbon, £8.25m – previously on loan), Grady Diangana (West Ham, £18m – previously on loan), David Button (Brighton), Cédric Kipré (Wigan)
    • Key departures: Chris Brunt (Released), Finn Azaz (Cheltenham Town, loan), Josh Griffiths (Cheltenham Town, loan), Jonathan Leko (Birmingham City), Callum Morton (Lincoln, loan), Alex Palmer (Lincoln, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Brighton 0-0 West Brom
  • Positives:
    • Permanently signed Sporting Lisbon winger Matheus Pereira after a highly successful season-long loan.
    • Unlike Leeds, West Brom and their manager have had recent experience in the Premier League.
  • Negatives:
    • Lost England Under-20 academy product Nathan Ferguson to Crystal Palace after he refused to sign a new contract.
    • Missed out on QPR striker Eberechi Eze, who stated his preference to move to Crystal Palace.
    • Have had a shortened pre-season to prepare for the Premier League.
    • Limped over the line last season, failing to win any of their last four matches.
  • Pundit table predictions: 20th1, 20th2, 20th3, 20th4, 20th5, 19th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

West Ham

West Ham

  • Last six season finishes: 12, 7, 11, 13, 10, 16
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 16th with 39 points and a 10-9-19 record (6-4-9 at home and 4-5-10 away)
    • Offence:: 49 goals scored (30 at home and 19 away) – league rank: 16
    • Defence:: 62 goals conceded (33 at home and 29 away) – league rank: 13
  • Stadium: London Stadium (60,000 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: David Moyes. At the helm since 2019 and began his managerial career in 1998.
    • Key arrivals: Tomas Soucek (Slavia Prague, £13.5m – previously on loan)
    • Key departures: Grady Diangana (West Brom, £18m – previously out on loan), Sead Haksabanovic (IFK Norrkoping), Carlos Sanchez (Released), Pablo Zabaleta (Released), Roberto (Real Valladolid), Jordan Hugill (Norwich, £5m), Albian Ajeti (Celtic, £4.5m), Daniel Kemp (Blackpool, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • Ipswich 1-4 West Ham
    • Wycombe 1-5 West Ham
    • West Ham 3-5 Bournemouth
  • Positives:
    • After he came in at the end of December, David Moyes made the astute January signings of Tomas Soucek (on loan, now permanent) and Jarrod Bowen, which helped them avoid relegation.
    • Antonio finished the season in excellent form, scoring more goals in 22 days than he managed in either of the two previous seasons.
  • Negatives:
    • Finished 16th last season, which was West Ham’s poorest EPL finish since promotion for the 2012/13 season. The last two times they finished 16th or 17th West Ham were relegated the following season.
    • Were in the relegation scrap for much of last season until Michail Antonio went on a scoring spree that steered them clear of danger.
    • No team dropped more points from winning positions than West Ham last season.
    • The decision to sell Grady Diangana was not popular with other players.
  • Pundit table predictions: 11th1, 15th2, 14th3, 11th4, 11th5, 13th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton

  • Last six season finishes: 7 (C), 14 (C), 15 (C), 1 (C) , 7, 7
  • Last season:
    • Placing:: 7th with 59 points and a 15-14-9 record (8-7-4 at home and 7-7-5 away)
    • Offence:: 51 goals scored (27 at home and 24 away) – league rank: 5
    • Defence:: 40 goals conceded (19 at home and 21 away) – league rank: 7
  • Stadium: Molineux Stadium (32,050 capacity)
  • Squad:
    • Manager: Nuno Espírito Santo. At the helm since 2017 and began his managerial career in 2012.
    • Key arrivals: Fabio Silva (Porto, £35.6m), Marcal (Lyon, £1.78m), Matija Sarkic (Aston Villa, free)
    • Key departures: Matt Doherty (Spurs, £14.7m), Jordan Graham (Released), Connor Johnson (Released), Callum Thompson (Released), Helder Costa (Leeds, £16m – previously on loan), Tsun Dai (Shenzhen), Ryan Giles (Coventry, loan), Elliot Watt (Bradford), Will Norris (Burnley), Morgan Gibbs-White (Swansea), Matija Sarkic (Shrewsbury, loan)
  • Pre-season results:
    • None
  • Positives:
    • Finished 7th in the EPL for the second straight year with 59 points compared to 57 the season before. This was despite the heavy burden of Europa League football last season.
    • Their failure to qualify for Europe again could be a blessing in disguise given the extra burden that competition puts on teams.
    • Management have made it clear they have no intention to sell star player Raul Jimenez.
    • Picked up 21 points from trailing positions last season, which was the most in the league.
    • Teenage record signing Fabio Silva should be a good fit given the Portugese manager and nine Portugese teammates.
  • Negatives:
    • Squad depth needs improvement if they are to push for European football and there are rumours they might have to sell Adama Traore to raise funds for acquisitions. Other star players might be lured away now that they’re no longer playing European football.
    • Defender Matt Doherty has been sold to Tottenham.
  • Pundit table predictions: 8th1, 7th2, 8th3, 8th4, 8th5, 8th6
  • Unibet futures odds:


 

Futures Betting Tips

View Gameweek 1 betting tips

Leeds to be the top newcomer at 1.48 (Unibet)

Leeds’ goal difference last season was 10 better than West Brom’s and 26 better than Fulham’s. Leeds have been the most ambitious of the three promoted sides in the transfer window and Elland Road will be an intimidating venue when the crowds return.

Southampton to finish in the top half of the table at 2.60 (bet365)

Southampton got stronger as last season went on. Eight of their 16 defeats were between Rounds 1 and 12. They started 2-2-8 and finished on a 4-3-0 run. Only Manchester City and Manchester United picked up more points than Southampton following the covid break. Ralph Hasenhüttl was named manager of the month in July. Southampton had the 3rd best away record in the league last season. If they can sort out their home form a top-ten finish would be well within their reach.

Leicester City: under 56.5 points at 1.85 (Unibet)

Leicester City picked up 38 points from their first 16 games but only 24 points from their remaining 22 last season. They won just 4 of their final 17 games.

Chelsea to finish in the top four at 1.50 (bet365)

Chelsea managed a top-four finish last season despite the transfer embargo. That was their 15th top-four finish in 18 seasons. With the embargo lifted, the billionaire-backed club is again spending heavily, having signed Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen, £71m), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig, £47.5m), Hakim Ziyech (Ajax, €40m) and Ben Chilwell (Leicester, £45m), plus Thiago Silva for good measure.

Everton to finish in the top half of the table at 1.61 (bet365)

Everton’s form picked up noticeably following the arrival of world-class manager Carlo Ancelotti in late December. They have excellent strikers but their weakness last season was the service from midfield. Everton have addressed this during the summer with the signings of Allan and James Rodriguez, who have both played under Ancelotti previously. Everton have finished in the top half in 11 of the last 14 seasons.

Relegated teams:

As always, about half the league are relegation candidates. The short-list is Aston Villa, Brighton, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield United, West Brom and West Ham. The ones that seem most at risk are Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Newcastle and West Brom. For those looking for high odds, bet365 offers a market where you select all three relegated sides. Some come notable combos are:

Fulham, Newcastle, West Brom at 23.00
Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Brom at 26.00
Crystal Palace, Fulham, Newcastle at 41.00

Compare EPL match odds
Compare EPL futures odds

 

Notes

Table prediction sources:

Transfers sources:
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/transfers
https://www.premierleague.com/transfers/summer/2020
Note that some of the transfers listed in this preview are close to being completed but not yet 100% through.

 

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