Guide to the new Premiership Season - Part 2
Part 2 of a preview of the Premiership, looking at each clubs season to come.
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| I'll have a Martinez, shaken not stirred |
Everton
Many felt Everton would struggle last season, without David Moyes, without Fellaini and Baines potentially unsettled, however they ended up improving, finishing in a great 5th place.
Their main business in the summer, has been to sign the players who were on loan last season, Barry and Lukaku. They've also added Besic, and kept Barkley and Baines. Besic looks impressive, with good skill and vision in the middle of the park, he'll be key in releasing the likes of Baines, Coleman and Mirallas out wide.
Jagielka and Stones will be crucial at the back, as will Lukaku up front again.
Lukaku looked poor in the World Cup and if he's not on form, Everton will struggle. They face a tough start with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd all within their first 6 matches.
Prediction - 7th
Hull City
A season to remember in the FA cup last season, making it to the final. They finished 16th in their first season back in the Premiership, and but for the final distractions would have been further up.
This season they have the challenge of second season syndrome and the difficulty of managing a Europa League schedule.
They've added Snodgrass and Tom Ince, who should help their attacking. Jake Livermore joins permanently and Andrew Robertson and Harry Maguire add some youth to the Hull defence.
I think they'll struggle with the Europa League schedule, but will be helped by having Long and Jelavic up front with added support from Ince.
Prediction - 16th
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| Is the future All Brighton for Leicester (apologies) |
Leicester City
Championship champions last season, but it's been a while since they've been in the Premier League.
They've got some money behind them and have brought in Leonardo Ulloa from Brighton for £8m, but it might Marc Albrighton, who turns out to be the better signing, if he can produce the form he did on occasion at Aston Villa.
I feel they'll full short, with a lack of firepower. Expect some great shot-stopping from Kasper Schmeichel though.
Prediction - 19th
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| Adam Lallana has been signed by Brendan Rodgers for around £20m |
Liverpool
A fantastic season last year, which almost lead to a first title in 24 years. They end up 3rd, which was still impressive, and guaranteed champions league football.
This season is an altogether different proposition, firstly there is no Luis Suarez, he scored 31 goals in 33 games last season. Secondly, they now have European football to negotiate with their squad.
They've signed a trio of Southampton players, Lallana, Lambert and Lovren, as well as Markovic and Emre Can.
They'll have some great attacking options available, but no real replacement for Suarez, and they will find it difficult to outscore teams, as they did last season.
I think they'll struggle compared to last season.
Prediction - 5th
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| Stefan Jovetic - has looked good in pre-season |
Manchester City
Last season's champions left it late to charge to the top, but were deserved champions.
Expectations this season will be no lower.
Who do you sign for the team that seemingly have everyone they need. Man City have added Bacary Sagna and Wily Caballero, to provide cover at full back and in goal. Fernando comes in in defensive midfield, and Mangala is expected to sign soon to strengthen the centre back position, which was their main weakness.
Negredo will miss the first 3 months of the season, with a broken metatarsal. However, City can rely on Aguero, Dzecko and Jovetic to provide the goals. Jovetic has looked like a new signing in pre-season after an injury hit first season at Man City.
They will contend again with a well-balanced squad.
Prediction - 2nd
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