Premier League Power Rankings: Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Analysis
Premier League Power Rankings: Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Analysis
1. MANCHESTER CITY
Last Season: 1st (no change)
Significant Transfer business: In — Riyad Mahrez, Out — Yaya Toure
First 3 PL opponents: Arsenal (A), Huddersfield (H), Wolves (A)
The defending champions will kick off the new season as favourites to reclaim their crown, after one of the most dominating seasons in Premier League history. Pep Guardiola’s side have added Leicester star Riyad Mahrez to their ranks while only really losing an ageing Yaya Toure from their senior squad. Brimming with stars, and helmed by one of the world’s premier tacticians — it’s tough to see them being beaten.
PREMIER LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
2. LIVERPOOL
Last season: 4th (up 2)
Significant Transfer business: In — Naby Keita, Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alisson Becker, Out — Emre Can
First three PL opponents: West Ham (H), Crystal Palace (A), Brighton (H)
Judging by Jurgen Klopp’s transfer activity, Liverpool will be challenging Manchester City for the title. Keita, Fabinho and Shaqiri are all major signings, but the addition of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson for a record-breaking fee is a huge statement by the club. Alisson didn’t make a single error in 49 appearances for Roma last season, while Liverpool fans don’t need reminding of Loris Karius’ calamitous Champions League final performance.
3. MANCHESTER UNITED
Last Season: 2nd (down 1)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Fred, Out — Daley Blind, Michael Carrick
First 3 PL opponents: Leicester (H), Brighton (A), Spurs (H)
Despite rampant criticism of Jose Mourinho’s game style, United finished runners-up last season to their bitter cross-town rivals. With Shakhtar midfielder Fred their only major signing thus far, it’s tough to see them causing a significant reshuffle. Expect to see England’s most successful club in and around the summit as is often the case.
4. SPURS
Last season: 3rd (down 1)
Significant Transfer business: In — N/A, Out — Keanen Bennetts
First three PL opponents: Newcastle (A), Fulham (H), Manchester United (A)
With Golden Boot winner Harry Kane and World Cup winner Hugo Lloris returning, you’d expect Spurs to remain in the top four this season. But Mauricio Pochettino has brought in no reinforcements so far — something the squad needs if they’re to push for the title. His preseason plans have also been severely disrupted by the fact that he had nine players involved in the final weekend of the World Cup.
5. CHELSEA
Last Season: 5th (no change)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Jorginho, Out — Kenedy
First 3 PL opponents: Huddersfield (A), Arsenal (H), Newcastle (A)
After a season tainted by off-field rifts, Chelsea have parted with yet another manager as Maurizio Sarri comes in to replace Antonio Conte. Their new Italian has roughly three weeks to impart his new philosophy on his squad, and reshape it how he sees fit. Jorginho has already come in, and he won’t be the last arrival — the squad needs a lot of work if they’re to compete.
6. ARSENAL
Last season: 6th (no change)
Significant Transfer business: In — Stephan Lichtsteiner, Lucas Torreira, Out — Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere
First three PL opponents: Manchester City (H), Chelsea (A), West Ham (H)
A new era begins at Arsenal and it’s hard to predict what life after Wenger will look like. But new coach Unai Emery has made significant signings and he hasn’t been afraid to make the big decisions, like telling club legend Jack Wilshere he wouldn’t be able to give him the game time he wants. Arsenal fans will get a good idea of where their team is after the first two games — first against defending champions Manchester City, followed by a London derby away to Chelsea.
7. EVERTON
Last Season: 8th (up 1)
Significant Transfer Business: Out — Wayne Rooney, Ramiro Funes Mori
First 3 PL opponents: Wolves (A), Southampton (H), Bournemouth (A)
With new boss Marco Silva at the helm, the Toffees kicked off pre-season with a bizarre 22-0 win. Don’t let that result fool you, there’s still plenty to be done as they attempt to reshape their squad with Wayne Rooney a big out. Linked with a range of big money moves, their transfer business will dictate whether they can keep up with the big boys this season or spent another year in mid-table obscurity.
8. WEST HAM
Last season: 13th (up 5)
Significant Transfer business: In — Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere, Out — Patrice Evra
First three PL opponents: Liverpool (A), Bournemouth (H), Arsenal (H)
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has splashed out in the transfer market, bringing in Ryan Fredericks, Issa Diop, Lukasz Fabianski, Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko, Fabian Balbuena and record signing Felipe Anderson. On paper, it’s a squad that should see the Hammers finish in the top half of the table — provided Pellegrini gets the right mix.
9. NEWCASTLE
Last Season: 10th (up 1)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Martin Dubravka, Kenedy, Ki Sung-Yueng, Out — Jesus Gamez
First 3 PL opponents: Spurs (H), Cardiff (A), Chelsea (H)
With well-respected tactician Rafael Benitez guiding them, Newcastle surged up the table last season — and there’s no reason they can’t continue that trend. They’ve got a well put together squad, now bolstered by the permanent arrivals of Dubravka, Kenedy as well as new boy Ki, and look likely to give a good account of themselves.
10. BURNLEY
Last season: 7th (down 3)
Significant Transfer business: In — N/A, Out — Scott Arfield
First three PL opponents: Southampton (A), Watford (H), Fulham (A)
It was some achievement by Burnley to finish seventh last season and secure European football for the first time in 51 years. But manager Sean Dyche has made no additions to his squad and you have to wonder if his players will be spread thin with the extra commitments involved. The club has high hopes, but it’s hard to see them reaching the heights of last season.
11. CRYSTAL PALACE
Last Season: 11th (no change)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Vicente Guaita, Out — Yohan Cabaye, Bakary Sako
First 3 PL opponents: Fulham (A), Liverpool (H), Watford (A)
When Roy Hodgson took over at Selhurst Park, Palace appeared destined to be stuck in a relegation scrap. But the former Liverpool and England boss inspired his troops to rise up the table, finishing 11th — a table position they will look to repeat or better. Keeping Wilfried Zaha is key to their chances.
12. LEICESTER
Last season: 9th (down 3)
Significant Transfer business: In — James Maddison, Jonny Evans, Out — Riyad Mahrez
First three PL opponents: Manchester United (A), Wolves (H), Southampton (A)
The most significant moment of Leicester’s off-season was the departure of Riyahd Mahrez. He’s been instrumental for Leicester, but fortunately Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel remain — for now. Still, it looks like the Foxes could drop into the bottom half of the table this season even with the additions of Maddison and Evans.
13. SOUTHAMPTON
Last Season: 17th (up 4)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Mohamed Elyounoussi, Jannik Vestergaard, Out — Guido Carrillo, Dusan Tadic
First 3 PL opponents: Burnley (H), Everton (A), Leicester (H)
After avoiding the drop by the skin of their teeth, the Saints will be eager for redemption. Some big money signings will boost their chances, while the loss of Tadic could be telling. Expect them to bounce back as Premier League journeyman Mark Hughes steers the ship.
14. BOURNEMOUTH
Last season: 12th (down 2)
Significant Transfer business: In — David Brooks, Out — Benik Afobe
First three PL opponents: Cardiff (H), West Ham (A), Everton (H)
Following the departure of Arsene Wenger, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is now the longest-serving manager in the Premier League. He orchestrated a few major scalps last season, but he’s also lost Benik Afobe. Despite the continuity of having Howe, Bournemouth could find this season more of a challenge.
15. BRIGHTON
Last Season: 15th (no change)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Yves Bissouma, Bernardo, Out — Tim Krul, Steve Sidwell
First 3 PL opponents: Watford (A), Manchester United (H), Liverpool (A)
Brighton fared well in their return to the top flight last season, as Socceroo Maty Ryan made the No. 1 spot his own. The competition is fierce, and they’ll need to be at their best to keep up this time around. After spending big on little known players Yves Bissouma and Bernardo, they’ll be hoping the pair can improve on the starting XI.
16. WOLVES
Last season: 1st (Championship)
Significant Transfer business: In — Rui Patricio, Diogo Jota, Raul Jimenez, Out — Ben Marshall
First three PL opponents: Everton (H), Leicester (A), Manchester City (H)
Wolves stormed to the Championship title last season and there’s genuine excitement at Molineux ahead of their return to the Premier League. Having made some major signings, including Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota, this is a team after more than simply survival.
17. FULHAM
Last Season: 3rd (Championship — promoted via playoffs)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Jean Michael Seri, Out — Ryan Fredericks
First 3 PL opponents: Crystal Palace (H), Spurs (A), Burnley (H)
After securing promotion via the Championship playoffs, Fulham return to the Premier League after a four season absence. They’ve shown some serious intent by beating the likes of Chelsea to the signing of midfielder Jean Michael Seri, and will be hoping he justifies their investment on the park. Tough to tell how they’ll fare on their return from the second tier — although if teen sensation Ryan Sessegnon finds form, anything can happen!
18. WATFORD
Last season: 14th (down 4)
Significant Transfer business: In — Marc Navarro, Gerard Deulofeu, Out — Mauro Zarate
First three PL opponents: Brighton (H), Burnley (A), Chelsea (H)
Watford could be up against it this season, particularly if they lose their Brazilian forward Richarlison to Everton. Javi Gracia does have some exciting players at his disposal in Gerard Deulofeu and Nathaniel Chalobah, but will that be enough to save them from the drop?
19. HUDDERSFIELD
Last Season: 16th (down 3)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Ramadan Sobhi, Erik Durm, Terence Kongolo, Out — Rob Green
First 3 PL opponents: Chelsea (H), Manchester City (A), Cardiff City (H)
The Terriers gritted their way to a 16th placed finish last season, and could be up against it to avoid relegation again this time around. Led in the centre by Aussie star Aaron Mooy, Huddersfield have added Ramadan Sobhi and Bundesliga veteran Erik Durm to their squad in the hopes of improving. However, they may lack the quality to escape a relegation scrap.
20. CARDIFF
Last season: 2nd (Championship)
Significant Transfer business: In — Bobby Reid, Greg Cunningham, Out — N/A
First three PL opponents: Bournemouth (A), Newcastle (H), Huddersfield (A)
Back in the top flight after four seasons away, Cardiff replace the relegated Swansea as the only Welsh team in the Premier League. They finished second in the Championship under Neil Warnock last season, but their only focus will be survival.
Premier League
1. MANCHESTER CITY Last Season: 1st (no change)Significant Transfer business: In — Riyad Mahrez, Out — Yaya ToureFirst 3 PL opponents: Arsenal (A), Huddersfield (H), Wolves (A)The defending champions will kick off the new season as favourites to reclaim their crown, after one of the most dom...
1. MANCHESTER CITY
Last Season: 1st (no change)
Significant Transfer business: In — Riyad Mahrez, Out — Yaya Toure
First 3 PL opponents: Arsenal (A), Huddersfield (H), Wolves (A)
The defending champions will kick off the new season as favourites to reclaim their crown, after one of the most dominating seasons in Premier League history. Pep Guardiola’s side have added Leicester star Riyad Mahrez to their ranks while only really losing an ageing Yaya Toure from their senior squad. Brimming with stars, and helmed by one of the world’s premier tacticians — it’s tough to see them being beaten.
PREMIER LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
2. LIVERPOOL
Last season: 4th (up 2)
Significant Transfer business: In — Naby Keita, Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alisson Becker, Out — Emre Can
First three PL opponents: West Ham (H), Crystal Palace (A), Brighton (H)
Judging by Jurgen Klopp’s transfer activity, Liverpool will be challenging Manchester City for the title. Keita, Fabinho and Shaqiri are all major signings, but the addition of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson for a record-breaking fee is a huge statement by the club. Alisson didn’t make a single error in 49 appearances for Roma last season, while Liverpool fans don’t need reminding of Loris Karius’ calamitous Champions League final performance.
3. MANCHESTER UNITED
Last Season: 2nd (down 1)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Fred, Out — Daley Blind, Michael Carrick
First 3 PL opponents: Leicester (H), Brighton (A), Spurs (H)
Despite rampant criticism of Jose Mourinho’s game style, United finished runners-up last season to their bitter cross-town rivals. With Shakhtar midfielder Fred their only major signing thus far, it’s tough to see them causing a significant reshuffle. Expect to see England’s most successful club in and around the summit as is often the case.
4. SPURS
Last season: 3rd (down 1)
Significant Transfer business: In — N/A, Out — Keanen Bennetts
First three PL opponents: Newcastle (A), Fulham (H), Manchester United (A)
With Golden Boot winner Harry Kane and World Cup winner Hugo Lloris returning, you’d expect Spurs to remain in the top four this season. But Mauricio Pochettino has brought in no reinforcements so far — something the squad needs if they’re to push for the title. His preseason plans have also been severely disrupted by the fact that he had nine players involved in the final weekend of the World Cup.
5. CHELSEA
Last Season: 5th (no change)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Jorginho, Out — Kenedy
First 3 PL opponents: Huddersfield (A), Arsenal (H), Newcastle (A)
After a season tainted by off-field rifts, Chelsea have parted with yet another manager as Maurizio Sarri comes in to replace Antonio Conte. Their new Italian has roughly three weeks to impart his new philosophy on his squad, and reshape it how he sees fit. Jorginho has already come in, and he won’t be the last arrival — the squad needs a lot of work if they’re to compete.
6. ARSENAL
Last season: 6th (no change)
Significant Transfer business: In — Stephan Lichtsteiner, Lucas Torreira, Out — Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere
First three PL opponents: Manchester City (H), Chelsea (A), West Ham (H)
A new era begins at Arsenal and it’s hard to predict what life after Wenger will look like. But new coach Unai Emery has made significant signings and he hasn’t been afraid to make the big decisions, like telling club legend Jack Wilshere he wouldn’t be able to give him the game time he wants. Arsenal fans will get a good idea of where their team is after the first two games — first against defending champions Manchester City, followed by a London derby away to Chelsea.
7. EVERTON
Last Season: 8th (up 1)
Significant Transfer Business: Out — Wayne Rooney, Ramiro Funes Mori
First 3 PL opponents: Wolves (A), Southampton (H), Bournemouth (A)
With new boss Marco Silva at the helm, the Toffees kicked off pre-season with a bizarre 22-0 win. Don’t let that result fool you, there’s still plenty to be done as they attempt to reshape their squad with Wayne Rooney a big out. Linked with a range of big money moves, their transfer business will dictate whether they can keep up with the big boys this season or spent another year in mid-table obscurity.
8. WEST HAM
Last season: 13th (up 5)
Significant Transfer business: In — Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere, Out — Patrice Evra
First three PL opponents: Liverpool (A), Bournemouth (H), Arsenal (H)
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has splashed out in the transfer market, bringing in Ryan Fredericks, Issa Diop, Lukasz Fabianski, Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko, Fabian Balbuena and record signing Felipe Anderson. On paper, it’s a squad that should see the Hammers finish in the top half of the table — provided Pellegrini gets the right mix.
9. NEWCASTLE
Last Season: 10th (up 1)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Martin Dubravka, Kenedy, Ki Sung-Yueng, Out — Jesus Gamez
First 3 PL opponents: Spurs (H), Cardiff (A), Chelsea (H)
With well-respected tactician Rafael Benitez guiding them, Newcastle surged up the table last season — and there’s no reason they can’t continue that trend. They’ve got a well put together squad, now bolstered by the permanent arrivals of Dubravka, Kenedy as well as new boy Ki, and look likely to give a good account of themselves.
10. BURNLEY
Last season: 7th (down 3)
Significant Transfer business: In — N/A, Out — Scott Arfield
First three PL opponents: Southampton (A), Watford (H), Fulham (A)
It was some achievement by Burnley to finish seventh last season and secure European football for the first time in 51 years. But manager Sean Dyche has made no additions to his squad and you have to wonder if his players will be spread thin with the extra commitments involved. The club has high hopes, but it’s hard to see them reaching the heights of last season.
11. CRYSTAL PALACE
Last Season: 11th (no change)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Vicente Guaita, Out — Yohan Cabaye, Bakary Sako
First 3 PL opponents: Fulham (A), Liverpool (H), Watford (A)
When Roy Hodgson took over at Selhurst Park, Palace appeared destined to be stuck in a relegation scrap. But the former Liverpool and England boss inspired his troops to rise up the table, finishing 11th — a table position they will look to repeat or better. Keeping Wilfried Zaha is key to their chances.
12. LEICESTER
Last season: 9th (down 3)
Significant Transfer business: In — James Maddison, Jonny Evans, Out — Riyad Mahrez
First three PL opponents: Manchester United (A), Wolves (H), Southampton (A)
The most significant moment of Leicester’s off-season was the departure of Riyahd Mahrez. He’s been instrumental for Leicester, but fortunately Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel remain — for now. Still, it looks like the Foxes could drop into the bottom half of the table this season even with the additions of Maddison and Evans.
13. SOUTHAMPTON
Last Season: 17th (up 4)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Mohamed Elyounoussi, Jannik Vestergaard, Out — Guido Carrillo, Dusan Tadic
First 3 PL opponents: Burnley (H), Everton (A), Leicester (H)
After avoiding the drop by the skin of their teeth, the Saints will be eager for redemption. Some big money signings will boost their chances, while the loss of Tadic could be telling. Expect them to bounce back as Premier League journeyman Mark Hughes steers the ship.
14. BOURNEMOUTH
Last season: 12th (down 2)
Significant Transfer business: In — David Brooks, Out — Benik Afobe
First three PL opponents: Cardiff (H), West Ham (A), Everton (H)
Following the departure of Arsene Wenger, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is now the longest-serving manager in the Premier League. He orchestrated a few major scalps last season, but he’s also lost Benik Afobe. Despite the continuity of having Howe, Bournemouth could find this season more of a challenge.
15. BRIGHTON
Last Season: 15th (no change)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Yves Bissouma, Bernardo, Out — Tim Krul, Steve Sidwell
First 3 PL opponents: Watford (A), Manchester United (H), Liverpool (A)
Brighton fared well in their return to the top flight last season, as Socceroo Maty Ryan made the No. 1 spot his own. The competition is fierce, and they’ll need to be at their best to keep up this time around. After spending big on little known players Yves Bissouma and Bernardo, they’ll be hoping the pair can improve on the starting XI.
16. WOLVES
Last season: 1st (Championship)
Significant Transfer business: In — Rui Patricio, Diogo Jota, Raul Jimenez, Out — Ben Marshall
First three PL opponents: Everton (H), Leicester (A), Manchester City (H)
Wolves stormed to the Championship title last season and there’s genuine excitement at Molineux ahead of their return to the Premier League. Having made some major signings, including Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota, this is a team after more than simply survival.
17. FULHAM
Last Season: 3rd (Championship — promoted via playoffs)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Jean Michael Seri, Out — Ryan Fredericks
First 3 PL opponents: Crystal Palace (H), Spurs (A), Burnley (H)
After securing promotion via the Championship playoffs, Fulham return to the Premier League after a four season absence. They’ve shown some serious intent by beating the likes of Chelsea to the signing of midfielder Jean Michael Seri, and will be hoping he justifies their investment on the park. Tough to tell how they’ll fare on their return from the second tier — although if teen sensation Ryan Sessegnon finds form, anything can happen!
18. WATFORD
Last season: 14th (down 4)
Significant Transfer business: In — Marc Navarro, Gerard Deulofeu, Out — Mauro Zarate
First three PL opponents: Brighton (H), Burnley (A), Chelsea (H)
Watford could be up against it this season, particularly if they lose their Brazilian forward Richarlison to Everton. Javi Gracia does have some exciting players at his disposal in Gerard Deulofeu and Nathaniel Chalobah, but will that be enough to save them from the drop?
19. HUDDERSFIELD
Last Season: 16th (down 3)
Significant Transfer Business: In — Ramadan Sobhi, Erik Durm, Terence Kongolo, Out — Rob Green
First 3 PL opponents: Chelsea (H), Manchester City (A), Cardiff City (H)
The Terriers gritted their way to a 16th placed finish last season, and could be up against it to avoid relegation again this time around. Led in the centre by Aussie star Aaron Mooy, Huddersfield have added Ramadan Sobhi and Bundesliga veteran Erik Durm to their squad in the hopes of improving. However, they may lack the quality to escape a relegation scrap.
20. CARDIFF
Last season: 2nd (Championship)
Significant Transfer business: In — Bobby Reid, Greg Cunningham, Out — N/A
First three PL opponents: Bournemouth (A), Newcastle (H), Huddersfield (A)
Back in the top flight after four seasons away, Cardiff replace the relegated Swansea as the only Welsh team in the Premier League. They finished second in the Championship under Neil Warnock last season, but their only focus will be survival.
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