Premier League Table Predictions 2016/17
Every year I get sucked into this. As a sports broadcaster it’s kinda wrong not to. For the record, I did not predict Leicester to go down last season… But can’t claim to have had them top 10, let alone champions, though. But who did?
So here we go again… My Premier League table prediction 2016/17
Champions – Manchester City
City have had the most talented group in the Premier League for a while, but something has been missing the last two seasons. In Guardiola they may have found their ‘Pep’ Factor! I reckon their success will depend largely on how much they can improve at the back… John Stones should help.
2nd – Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs played the best football in the Premier League last season. They’ve kept their squad together and have added depth up front in the signing of Vincent Janssen and a top drawer midfielder in Victor Wanyama. They won’t be Spursy in Pochettino’s third season in charge.
3rd – Manchester United
Pogba, Zlatan, Jose… United now have a cast of great characters and can be taken seriously again as title challengers. A lot depends on how quickly they click! My feeling is this won’t be as easy as many are predicting.
4th – Arsenal
The rumours suggest this will be Arsene Wenger’s last season in charge at Arsenal. He’ll keep it consistent. A Cup and Champions League football.
5th – Chelsea
Antonio Conte looks a tremendous manager but I think it’ll take a season to really make his mark… Chelsea desperately need fresh faces in defence and Eden Hazard to turn up this season.
6th – Liverpool
Not sure Liverpool will set the league a light just yet. But looking forward to watching them all the same.
7th – Leicester City
Ahmed Musa went straight into my Fantasy League side. Vardy and Mahrez will be back at it. But Kante is a big miss.
8th – West Ham United
9th – Everton
10th – Southampton
11th – Stoke City
12th – West Brom
13th – Watford
14th – Crystal Palace
15th – Sunderland
16th – Middlesbrough
17th – Bournemouth
18th – Burnley
It’ll be tight between Burnley, Bournemouth and Boro. But I’m calling Burnley.
19th – Swansea City
The loss of Ashley Williams and Andre Ayew is huge. I think they’ll struggle.
20th – Hull City
I said Watford would finish bottom last season… So Hull City fans, you’ve probably just had a result in me calling this.