At the start of every season, there are three types of fans. The optimists, who believe Liverpool have the credentials to finally end their 27-year drought for a Premier league title. The pessimists, who worry about the Red’s squad depth and if the team pick up a couple of injuries, our challenge for the top four will be non-existent and finally the realists, who firmly believe Liverpool will break into a Champions league spot with potentially a trophy.
Nevertheless, the majority of these guesses are often unfounded and exactly that, a guess. The fact is, it’s hard to predict a game let alone the outcome of an entire season, but what if you could hedge your bets? The best way to be more certain of your prediction is analysing every game in the season, predicting a result for match, totting up the tally of the number of points they have accumulated and then matching it against that of their rivals to see where your side finish overall in the table.
Not got enough time, don’t worry I have done it for you and it’s an interesting reading!
My Final Prediction for the Premier League Season 2017/18
Let me know your predictions by tweeting @ryanbromilow1
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Premier League: |
Final Predictions - |
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1. MAN CITY |
92 POINTS |
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2. MAN UNITED |
78 POINTS |
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3. LIVERPOOL |
76 POINTS |
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4. CHELSEA |
74 POINTS |
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5. ARSENAL |
70 POINTS |
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6. TOTTENHAM |
69 POINTS |
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7. EVERTON |
67 POINTS |
Based on these predictions, it is time to consider each clubs chance at the title by looking through the rose-tinted spectacles of the optimists and drinking through the half empty glass of the pessimists.
Manchester City - 92 points
Optimist:
It will come as no surprise to see Manchester City’s name at the summit of the table and with out an in-depth analysis, it’s clear to see why many believe the Manchester Outfit will have their name on the trophy come May. Guardiola has invested heavily in his squad, the defence was a considerable concern for City last year but with the additions of Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy, they look a force to reckoned with heading into the new season. With the options that the manager has at his disposal, the predicted considerable gap over bitter rivals United certainly doesn't seem far fetched.
Pessimist:
What is there to be negative about? Manchester City has the strongest squad out of 20 teams, they have been incredibly active in the transfer window, they have one of the best managers in the league and everyone expects them to lift the trophy after 38 games. Exactly, isn't that where the pressure lies, in order to maintain Guardiola’s illustrious record, they have to win it and the pessimist will feel worried going into the new season, after an incredible amount of investment coupled with the strength of City’s squad already and if that notion does not become a reality, the season will be unsuccessful.
2. Manchester United - 78 points
Optimist:
For Reds fans, this is not going to be good reading but Manchester United are back and making a statement, after 38 games, I still don’t think they will do enough to clinch Premier League glory, however, after predicting every fixture this season, Mourinho's men just edge Klopp in the top four. Jose is another example of a manager not afraid to flex his financial muscles in the transfer market already bringing in Romelu Lukaku, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic and I feel his experience and ability to win tough fixtures will be enough to secure United a second place finish.
Pessimist:
If you are looking at the half empty glass, there are some negatives. Jose has brought in a Premier league proven striker for a fee estimated in the region of 90 million pounds, but although Lukaku scored 25 goals in the last campaign, with the greatest of respects to Everton, Manchester United is a different kettle of fish. The expectation of a number nine for the Manchester outfit is far greater than that of Everton’s and although Lukaku converted 20+ goals for Everton last season, he has some downsides to his game. Lukaku has been consistently criticised for his poor first touch and his inability to perform in big match ups and if you're a pessimist, it may feel that the Big Belgian isn't the man to take the club forward.
3. Liverpool - 76 Points
Optimist:
If these predictions are correct, It is certainly going to be tight. Liverpool would sit two points adrift of Manchester United in 2nd and two points ahead of Chelsea in fourth, not a lot of room to manoeuvre. This position would please the majority of fans, if you consider the Reds lack of activity in the transfer market and with Klopp’s side competing in three other competitions, it would certainly be a sign of progression as Liverpool look to push on from last season. Klopp has added to his ranks with the additions of Dominic Solanke and Mohamed Salah, with Liverpool’s attack looking freighting as we approach the new season. It is filled with pace, invention, creativity and bags full of potential.
Pessimist:
However, it's apparent that Klopp’s Achilles heel is exactly the same as last year if the predictions are to be correct. With the worrying remarks from Klopp with his inference to Liverpool potentially finished for business in the market and the Reds entertaining the possibility, that they could be without their prized asset, Philippe Coutinho. Strength in depth will be the reason why the Reds drop off from a serious challenge for the title come January. The lack of activity in the transfer window after the signing of Andrew Robertson from Hull is worrying, however, I have just received news that Virgil Van Dijk has handed in a transfer request, how things can change.
4. Chelsea - 74 Points
Optimist:
The greatest argument as a Chelsea fan for why the new season is full of promise is the Blues are back with the big boys in Europe once again and as they showed last campaign, they have the credentials to win the league. Chelsea has a strong side, with plenty of strength in depth and a positive balance that certain sides are lacking cough*Liverpool*cough. Conte has a strong spine to his team and with their new additions in the window, there is plenty to be optimistic about the new season as they attempt to defend their title.
Pessimist:
Yes, that’s right I am predicting last years title winners to fall off the pace into fourth and not only that but by the time May rolls around, I expect Conte’s men to be 18 points adrift of the league leaders. In the modern age, it's practically impossible to retain the Premier League title, clubs invest millions of pounds each summer and managers have severe expectations to deliver the prime silverware for their club. Conte was a breath of fresh air in his first season at Chelsea, but after burning bridges with one of his prized assets, Diego Costa, the supplier of 20 goals last season and ultimately Chelsea’s top goalscorer, the Italian manager threatens a season of uncertainty for the Blues. The counter argument is, of course, Alvaro Morata the replacement for Costa but unproven in the Premier League, can he notch 20 goals a season. Potentially, but I think it will take time for the man to adapt to his new club, and that, coupled with the manager clearly not happy with the board for their dealings in the transfer market so far will be the reason why Chelsea will fail to mount a serious defence of their Premier League crown.
5. Arsenal - 70 Points
Optimist:
The Gunners have hope for the new season with a couple of key signings, it appears all is well again in Wenger's camp. The purchase of Alexander Lacazette from Lyon is a positive one for the long serving manager, he offers Arsenal a clinical focal point in attack for the first time since the departure of Robin Van Persie. Another huge boost for the north London faithful is retaining their prized asset Alexis Sanchez, his presence alone will certainly offer some optimism for the new campaign.
Pessimist:
But……If you ask any serious Arsenal fan, if they were happy with last season, you would receive a resounding no. The Gunners failed to reach the top four for the first time in 20 years and any positive achievements, for instance, Winning the FA Cup, was shrouded by speculation over Wenger's future. The manager, in my opinion, should have left five, six years ago, but he hasn't and he will have to deliver if his stay is going to be as comfortable as possible. The prediction of a fifth place finish seems realistic for Arsene’s side, who have strengthened in areas but with Wenger’s stubborn philosophy, it appears Arsenal will fall off the pace yet again.
6. Tottenham - 69 Points
Optimist:
Three times the charm? Tottenham have run so close to gaining they're first ever Premier League for the past two seasons now but come up just short, surely third time is the charm? Spurs are another side who have a strong spine to their side, the pace and clinical duo of Kane and Alli offer the north London outfit an attack that can win the league and their robust and rugged defence certainly plant the seeds in the optimist’s mind.
Pessimist:
Bold, I know, but it is not beyond possibility in a season for transition for Pochettino's side. Now, Liverpool supporters I know how frustrated you are with Klopp’s lack of activity in the window, but spare a thought for Spurs fans. If the transfer market was Facebook, Tottenham’s account would be inactive. They have made no new additions to their side that has excellent foundations to win their first Premier League title and whats worse, is they have weakened by selling arguably one of their best players, Kyle Walker. That is not the only issue for fans of the North London outfit, the transition to Wembley Stadium proved a problem last season and that was only for Champions League Games, how will Pochettino’s side fare playing at their new home for the upcoming campaign. It is generally the highlight of the campaign, a trip to Wembley for most Premier League sides however for Spurs, it is a mental challenge they need to overcome. Nevertheless, I think they will struggle and that’s reflected in my predictions. Despite, a promising campaign last year, with the lack of additions and their transition to Wembley doesn't bode well for the new season.
7. Everton - 67 Points
Optimist:
It is all change on the blue side of Merseyside after several years of accepting mediocrity, it appears Everton have taken a leap of faith. There is a host of new arrivals ready to lace up their boots to compete on the famous Goodison turf, Koeman, unlike Klopp has been flexing his own financial muscles in the market spending over a 100 million on new additions. So, what to make of Everton this campaign, it would appear that after a raft of new signings Everton should feature further up this list knocking Merseyside rivals, Liverpool from their perch.
Pessimist:
Can you tell me if Ronald Koeman is fooling anyone? Yes, Everton has spent £100+ million on a host of new additions but it is very much a case of one step forward, two steps back isn't it? The Blues have brought in seven players, however, they have lost Lukaku and it seems inevitable that Ross Barkley is on his way out with Koeman “100%” certain the Englishman will leave this summer. Everton’s net spends £0. Koeman’s side has lost their biggest asset, the provider of 25 goals and if his side is going to even puncture the top four, they are going to have to add a proven goalscorer. Don’t be under any illusions, that it is only 25 goals Everton need to recuperate, if they are going to burst into a champions league spot, they need to add 10-15 on top of that. After watching their sluggish start in pre-season, I find it hard to entertain the idea of Everton achieving a Champions League Spot.
Whatever your perspective optimistic, pessimistic or realistic, one thing is for sure, this campaign is certainly going to be interesting and every club will have to answer the doubts and the main questions reigning over their side. Although it is a long read, I hope it has eased the fears of some Liverpool supporters, as this article is proof that Klopp’s side isn't the only team with problems.
Let me know your predictions by tweeting me at