Premier League 2018/19 preview

The return of the Premier League is just around the corner and fans can’t wait to experience regular football once again. Newly promoted sides will be looking to retain their status, whilst teams in the top tier of the table will be angling for yet another title race. Today we take a look at what to expect from the league table at the end of the season.

The ‘Title’ race 

The Premier League is increasingly becoming competitive with each and every new season. Manchester City are the reigning champions after breaking a number records on their way to the title last term and they have a strong squad to put up another challenge this season. Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal are also plotting their own assault and this promises to be an interesting race.

Chelsea and Arsenal have new managers in Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery respectively. The two will be expected to manage their clubs’ transition while remaining competitive at the same time. Interestingly, Liverpool have one of the strongest squads following a few additions in the transfer market. They have been active with the acquisition of Alisson Becker, Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabinho and Naby Keita. We expect them to give a good account of themselves to reflect the status of their recent signings.

Manchester United have made improvements to their midfield with the arrival of Fred, whilst City’s acquisition of Riyad Mahrez bolsters their already strong attacking line up. The two are expected to lead from the front but it is Manchester United and Chelsea who have the better odds to win at 8.00 and 13.25 respectively here.

An exciting era for Burnley, Tottenham, and Wolves

Burnley finished seventh last season and this was the highest they had ever finished in a Premier League season since 1974. Sean Dyche will be the man to lead them, but with added responsibility coming their way in the Europa League. Whether they can manage to be competitive in the face of added fixtures remains to be seen.

Tottenham for their part will be looking to move to their new stadium sometimes in September after spending the whole of last season at Wembley. They will need to settle in quickly and make their new home a fortress to give them a basis for which to challenge on many fronts.

Wolves are back in the top-flight and they have come across new wealth that should play a big role in ensuring that they remain on top come May. They gained promotion after a strong season in the Championship where they played some impressive football and we should expect a similar attitude from them.

The relegation battle

Newly promoted sides usually run the risk of dropping right back into the Championship after a season, but this trend seems to be changing in the Premier League. Huddersfield surprised many last season when they managed to stay on top but we doubt that they will have enough in them to endure another season.

Cardiff City will be hoping to put in a good shift and avoid relegation, though we all know this is easier said than done. They will be the only Welsh side in the top flight following the relegation of Swansea and this might give them the extra motivation, but Neil Warnock is aware of the huge task ahead of him.

Crystal Palace for their part turned what was potentially a catastrophic season into a good campaign last term. Wilfried Zaha, their best player, has been linked with moves away from Selhurst Park and if they do lose their talisman, their season might be affected. They will not have Reuben Loftus-Cheek as well who is set to remain with Chelsea after a season-long loan spell with Palace.