My Predictions for the 2020-2021 Premier League Season

These are just my predictions for the 2020/21 Premier League season. I go over all the teams quickly and only provide real depth to those that I thought were surprising or differed from popular opinion. I tried to provide some reason for each team, including their transfer dealings, squad depth and calendars. This is mostly just my opinion for me to react to at the end of the season.

20th - Fulham

Fulham’s new squad is largely the same as two seasons ago, They have failed to upgrade their defense by a lot. Mario Lemina just isn't good enough to have a significant impact. They have no chance in staying up.

19th - Aston Villa

They have no reason to believe they can stay up. Dean Smith is just not a good enough coach, Jack Grealish is 100% gonna leave by deadline day. They stayed up on the last day last season, their luck has definitely gonna run out.

18th - West Bromwich Albion

There is no way that Charlie Austin can be reliable, the Baggies will be in a relegation battle for the whole season. One or two signings could turn the tide and keep them up though.

17th - West Ham United

They have some decent talent in Jarrod Bowen, Declan Rice, and Issa Diop but they are inconsistent throughout the season. They will struggle this season, The West Ham owners seem to think they are a bigger club than they actually are. The sale of Grady Diangana to relegation rivals West Brom could really hurt the Hammers. Just like last season, this is not going to be a good season for the Hammers.

16th - Crystal Palace

Although Ayew had a minor spark last season, Benteke has forgotten where the net is. I mean 2 goals all season for over 100,000 Pounds a week when that's your job is utterly embarrassing. Zaha is unhappy and Roy Hodgeson should be on the brink of retirement. There is no way that the Eagles are finishing any higher than 15th. However they did sign Eberechi Eze but he is unproven beyond QPR’s level.

15th - Brighton and Hove Albion

Decent season but it’s gonna be hard for the Seagulls, They showed some decent style and quality during points in last season. Their performance against Tottenham was one of the standout performances of last season. Brighton played pretty nice football, they try to play a passing, free flowing and expansive style. This is much different from many relegation-threatened sides that just sit back and attack on the counter. Their biggest issue is that they don't really have the quality to play like this effectively. Sides like Barcelona and Manchester City play in a similar way with players like Leonel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne and Aymeric Laporte. The Seagulls have players like Anthony Knockhart, Davy Propper and Adam Webster.

14th - Southampton

There is no way Danny Ings can replicate what he did last campaign, that means that the Saints will struggle to find as many goals unless Che Adams is able to progress off of his goal against Manchester City. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has also left for Tottenham. 14th is about as high as I can put them.

13th - Newcastle United

Not too much change here for the Magpies. They have made some decent signings. The additions of Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson could help them kick on considering their struggles in the attacking third only scoring 38 times over the course of the season. That was the 4th lowest amount in the league even below Sheffield United. Steve Bruce failed to kick on from the work Rafa Benitez contributed to, I think this season will be the same.

12th - Leeds United

None of this “Bielsa ball” stuff, Leeds need a squad refresh. Pablo Hernandez is a 35 and has shown that he can’t perform in the Premier League. Ben White is going back to Brighton after his loan. Lastly, relying on Patrick Bamford for goals is the biggest joke since Huddlesfield’s awful PaddyPower Kit. I know that they signed Rodrigo and he can score goals but I think he is not good enough to carry the rest of the team. Kalvin Philips also looks pretty interesting. Historic club, mediocre return.

11th - Burnley

Somehow Sean Dyche is Mr. Consistent. He may play the most boring football in the division but it works. No major changes, solid season.

10th Leicester City

After the restart Leicester City were terrible. No chance that Vardy can replicate the amount of goals he scored last season, losing Ben Chilwell to Chelsea will be a massive blow to the team. The Foxes also have the Europa League, the increase in the number of games could really harm them by taking their focus off of the league.

9th - Sheffield United

The Blades are heavily dependent on momentum, judging by their meltdown post-restart they have lost some crucial momentum. Add the fact that they have lost Dean Henderson and struggled for goals for the entirety of last season, I don’t think they will be able to push on and may experience some kind of Second-Season Syndrome. Though, the signing of Aaron Ramsdale between the posts seems solid. One more striker who can score 15+ goals and they may be able to contest for European football.

8th - Wolves

Wolves have had a great run in the Premier League since getting promoted at the beginning of the 18/19 season. It will still be a great season for them with the great signings potentially coming in for Wolves. Fabio Silva and Marçal from Porto and Lyon respectively, look like good signings to strengthen their matchday squad. Wolves did lose Matt Docherty to Tottenham and Morgan Gibbs-White on loan to Swansea. Wolves have also lacked depth with multiple players playing every game. Wolves have done nothing to fix the issue. I do think that the Wolves squad is full of quality and can perform well next season if they get some momentum.

7th - Tottenham

Tottenham looked shaky at times last season, Tottenham have changed since losing the Champions League final against Liverpool. Jose Mourinho needs to change something if he wants to bring Spurs to finish higher. Mourinho is famous for his solid defenses, yet his team conceded 47 goals last season. Also, Harry Kane needs to stay fit, Harry Kane is the type of player who could start for any team and score a load of goals. Kane has had some niggling injury problems over the past few seasons that have prevented him from playing and scoring consistently. Most crucially, If their trophy drought does continue a number of their key players could look for a different club. Spurs will continue to perform at the level they did last season considering the amount of quality their rivals have.

6th - Everton

Everton may finally make it into European football. A midfield trio of James Rodríguez, Abduolaye Doucouré and Allan is one of the strongest in the whole league. Pair with that, Carlo Anncelotti, a serial winner, Everton can truly do great this season. If Calvert-Lewin can build on his great form from last season Everton will be well on their way to Europe. I am really excited to see what Everton can bring to the table next season.

5th - Arsenal

I know this is controversial but I think if they continue with their current momentum they could finish 5th. In their last game against Liverpool, they were dominant. The reigning Premier league champions kept the game close but the Gunners looked alot more impressive than most other times last season. Cut me some slack if I get this one wrong but I truly do think that Arsenal can build on their momentum. They also beat Manchester City in the FA cup final where they looked pretty convincing. If Pierre Emerick Aubameyang can progress and William Saliba are solid, Arsenal could easily contest for Champions League football. Moreover Arsenal have some exciting young talent, players like Bakayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe and Riess Nelson could have a breakout season. This crop would further be boosted if Arsenal can keep hold of Ainsley Maintland-Niles. Arsenal are my surprise pick but I do think it is justified.

4th - Manchester United

If the Red Devils can continue on their momentum post Coronavirus, they will make it into the top 4. Bruno Fernandes is the key to this team. Before Fernandes came in, United were struggling for creativity. The amount of chances he generated for the rest of his team was crucial in their top 4 finish last season. Harry Maguire was solid for most of the season and the return of Dean Henderson to Old Trafford will at least motivate David De Gea to perform, if not Deann Henderson was one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the league. Donny Van De Beek is exciting and versatile and a definite add on in quality for the “engine room.” Either Sergio Reguilón or Alex Telles also look set to walk through the door and strengthen Manchester United’s Left-Back spot. While unlikely, Jadon Sancho may possibly join. Sancho is Marquee, world-class and a game changer, he would strengthen this Manchester United squad immeasurably. Ole is going to drive the Red Devils to their 2nd successive 4th place finish.

3rd - Chelsea

Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech are all world-class attacking additions to the side. Thiago Silva will provide some expert advice for some of Chelsea’s younger center-backs. Left Back Ben Chilwell is a massive upgrade on both Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri. Along with that Chelsea are linked with Rennes’, Edouard Mendy, who could provide the Blues with a safe pair of gloves. Moving on from all of Chelsea’s transfer business, they had a strong squad even without the additions. Christan Pulisic provided 9 goals and 4 assists last season at the tender age of 21. Fikayo Tamori, Reece James and Tammy Abraham are all youngsters who had stellar season’s last campaign. While Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic were among the standout midfielders in the league last season. N’golo Kante was underwhelming but he is still supremely talented and key to Chelsea. Frank Lampard brought his side to finish 4th on 2019/20, he is going to one up himself this season and finish 3rd. Chelsea’s case is further boosted by the fact that their title rivals have not spent big during this window.

2rd - Liverpool

Liverpool had horrible form after they confirmed winning the title last season. Most notably,they lost 4-0 to 2nd place Manchester City. More Recently, they were dominated by Arsenal in the Community Shield. I know none of these matches meant much but if this form carries over to next season it could be detrimental to Liverpool’s title charge. Furthermore, If key players like Alisson, Van Dijk or Salah get injured, it would severely hinder the Red’s title push. A major reason why Manchester City weren't able to retain the title was because of the injury to Aymeric Laporte. The Reds have a lack of depth in key areas of their squad like Goalkeeper, Right-Back and in the winger positions. They have also not invested in their squad in this window (at the time of writing). There is no way Manchester City will not win the title.

1st - Manchester City

If Laporte is back, Pep Guardiola is gonna stop at nothing. I know City lost David Silva and Leroy Sane, but this is the perfect time to integrate Phil Foden into the team. City also have Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva to fill up Sane’s vacant position. The main reason why City lost out on the title last season was due to Laporte’s long injury. Laporte is back from injury, City are gonna be champions. City must be hungry after not getting their hands on any silverware last season. You give me a strong reason why they're not gonna win.