Football: Top 6 Predictions and Why

The Premier League gets underway tonight when Arsenal host Leicester but there’s a lot of business left to do for certain clubs if they are to finish in the top six this season. Manchester City has splashed out on a lot of talent and is already being widely tipped to win the title but what about the broader race for the top spots? This is how we think the top six will look 38 rounds from now.

Sixth

This will be one of the toughest seasons in the 25 years of the Premier League for up-and-comers to break into the top six, and it is harder to predict which teams will end up just outside the top four.

In sixth place will be Liverpool, on the basis that it has struggled to recruit half of the players it wants, hasn’t improved on its long-term defensive problems, and still lacks a world-class striker.

The arrival of Mohamed Salah, left, will add some goals but in comparison to the strike forces of the other five big clubs it will be nearly impossible for the Reds to compete in front of goal. It also doesn’t help that Dejan Lovren is still the second-best defender at the club behind  Joël Matip.

Fifth

It’s a struggle to choose between three clubs for this position. Sadly for Manchester United fans, Jose Mourniho’s squad is still carrying a lot of dead wood.

There are a number of players who won’t be able to deliver the performances needed to break into the top four. Playing Champions League football with a squad full of mediocre players will often work against you when it comes to rotating the team because Mourinho won’t have much faith in the second-string players.

That means United’s first team will be burnt out by the end of the season so they will narrowly miss out on the Top Four.

Fourth

Many will disagree with this one but they’ve snuck in on the simple fact that they can score goals. Spurs have arguably the best midfield finisher and best striker in Dele Alli and Harry Kane.

Throw in their tough defensive set-up and a fully fit Moussa Dembele and Spurs will be hard to shake off this season.

However, the fact the Lilywhites are going to be playing the season at Wembley may seriously affect where they finish.

With the firepower going forward, the steel at the back and one of the best young managers in the world at the helm, I expect them to finish fourth.

Third

Despite winning the league last season, I find it impossible to see Chelsea replicating the performances of that last campaign.

The lack of signings compared to most of the other top six clubs will really hurt the Blues if they pick up injuries, which is almost inevitable given the added pressure of Champions League football.

Taking Diego Costa out of the starting line-up will hurt Antonio Conte’s side as Alvaro Morata, left, is known for his powerful style but not so much for his goals, and that is what Chelsea may lack this season.

Second

Arsenal. Everyone will think Arsene Wenger’s side doesn’t stand a chance but the arrivals of Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette,are two perfect signings that Arsenal needed to make.

Adding a powerful and aggressive full-back could solve the Gunners’ weakness at the back and the bonus of a new goal-scoring machine up front means Arsenal comes into this season very well equipped to challenge for the title.

First

Manchester City’s transfer business has been brilliant. City are hot favourites after the arrivals of two new full-backs, both of whom are world-class and fit Pep Guardiola’s plans perfectly, and an attacking midfielder to iron out errors made in the final third of the pitch.

Guardiola will also have gained a lot of knowledge from last season. Given his tactical nous and a squad full of world-class talent, I don’t think anybody will be able to stop the Sky Blues from taking the title.

 

 

by Nubaid Haroon

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