Home of football statistics and historyPremier League clubs across England are set for a hectic spell as they prepare for the 2020/21 season to get underway on September 12.
With the previous campaign finishing on the final weekend of July, the close season will be an unusually short affair this year.
That factor could lead to surprise results, particularly for any clubs who fail to get their business done early during the summer transfer window.
Read on as we preview the upcoming season and offer our predictions for some of the key issues across the Premier League.
City eager to knock Liverpool off their perch
Manchester City will be one of the most popular 888 football betting tips this season as they strive to wrestle the title back from Liverpool.
The Reds denied City a third successive title last term, but Pep Guardiola’s side are a confident pick to claim top spot this time around.
Guardiola has already set about improving his squad, signing Nathan Ake from Bournemouth and Ferran Torres from Valencia.
By contrast, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s decision not to splash the cash this summer could turn out to be a major mistake as the season unfolds.
United ready to challenge the top two
It has been a while since Manchester United mounted a serious title challenge, but that is fully expected to change next term, with TalkingSports.co.uk and other news publications putting United in as favourites for third place next season.
A 14-game unbeaten run helped United claim third position last season and that should provide the perfect platform to build from for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The signing of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon during January proved to be an inspired decision and gave United the creativity they had been sorely lacking.
With Jadon Sancho tipped to move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund and the prospect of a top-class centre-half arriving this summer, United should be firmly in the title mix.
Honeymoon period over for Lampard
The transfer embargo hanging over Chelsea last summer afforded Frank Lampard an extended honeymoon period during his first season in charge.
A fourth-place finish wasn’t a bad return, although the Blues did benefit massively from Leicester City’s late season implosion to bag that spot.
They were also helped by Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal failing to deliver what was expected of them and Lampard is unlikely to have as much luck again.
Major doubts remain over Lampard’s ability to organise his defence effectively and that could seriously hinder Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the top four next season.
North London duo on their way back
Both Spurs and Arsenal underperformed in the league last term, but they are expected to finish much closer in 2020/21.
Spurs are perhaps best placed of the pair to force their way back into the top four, particularly with manager Jose Mourinho at the helm.
Mourinho sparked a big improvement in Spurs’ fortunes after replacing Mauricio Pochettino and his tactical acumen should continue to stand them in good stead.
Arsenal’s success in the FA Cup highlighted the progress they have made under Mikel Arteta and if he can add more quality to their squad the Gunners could challenge for the top four.
Resurgent Leeds the new name in town
Leicester and Wolverhampton Wanders look more than capable of staying in the upper reaches of the Premier League, but they may face stiff competition in the form of Leeds United.
The Whites deservedly clinched the Championship title last season and look a good bet to continue their resurgence in the top flight.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play should be ideally suited to the Premier League and it would be no surprise to see Leeds in the running for European qualification.
Everton are another club who will fancy their chances of pushing for Europe, with their boss Carlo Ancelotti boasting an impressive track record of success throughout his career.
Baggies set for a tough campaign
While Leeds look well equipped to handle the step up in class, the same can’t be said for fellow new-boys West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies will return to the Premier League after a two-year absence, but they may struggle to add the necessary quality to their squad this summer.
The winners of the Championship play-off final between Fulham and Brentford are also expected to be fighting against relegation next season.
West Ham United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Burnley are amongst the other clubs who may be battling to avoid the drop during the 2020/21 campaign.
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