Premier League 2020-21 season preview Huge questions, seeing new gamers, team-by-team projections

It looks as if the 2019-20 season solely ended yesterday throughout Europe (effectively, possibly a month?), However after a brief break and some UEFA Nations League video games as a sporting aperitif, it is time for the Premier League- The 2020-21 season begins.

– – Predict the results in ESPN’s English Soccer Pick ‘Em!

There’s lots to see too, as some golf equipment are investing closely this summer time (see you, Chelsea) creating the attractive prospect of a three- or four-way title struggle. (Nonetheless, anticipate Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis to set the tempo.) In the meantime, three well-known golf equipment (West Bromwich Albion, Fulham, Leeds United) are returning to the highest division. We’ve a flood of high strikers and a ton of wonderful signings to sit up for.

Who will win the league? Who can be uncared for? What targets and expectations does every workforce set for the marketing campaign? We’ve all of that and extra in our Premier League preview to get you prepared for the season.

Are Liverpool favorites or a 12 months outdated marvel?

Liverpool are about to search out that attending to the highest of the mountain is simple, even when it took them 30 years to make it by profitable the Premier League final season.

Jurgen Klopp and his gamers have written their very own chapter in Liverpool historical past by sealing a primary nationwide title since 1990 – and doing so in a spectacular means with their pre-lockdown type, making the title race inevitable till midway by way of 2019-20 makes marketing campaign. However regardless of their success final season, the brand new problem for Liverpool is arguably harder than profitable the title in any respect.

Liverpool have now raised the bar and so they have to satisfy their requirements. The one downside is that up to now they’ve ignored the outdated truism that it’s worthwhile to capitalize on success by strengthening your self when you find yourself on the high. Manchester Metropolis, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all considerably expanded their squads this summer time to fill the hole with Liverpool. They solely have one deal, a reserve left-back to cowl Andy Robertson.

Mark Ogden explains why Liverpool should promote a big participant to boost cash for Thiago Alcantara.

Group Protect’s loss to Arsenal final month highlighted the necessity for change and recruitment at Anfield. Klopp’s workforce remains to be top-of-the-line in Europe, however depth is a matter and the established stars know their place on the workforce is fairly safe. An absence of competitors may weaken Liverpool’s lead however they missed Timo Werner and have but to suggest a deal for Thiago Alcantara.

Klopp’s squad will undoubtedly be one of many favorites to win the title, however with no new faces they appear to fall brief of their problem to remain of their place. – Mark Ogden

What are you able to anticipate from Pulisic in his sophomore 12 months at Chelsea?

Christian Pulisic has many targets for Chelsea this season. There are extra targets, extra assists and extra trophies to safe. However maybe most of all there may be one that may be taken with no consideration: well being.

The American suffered a hip harm simply earlier than the New 12 months and needed to return to the sphere earlier than the coronavirus pandemic hit in March. After the season resumed in June, Pulisic went into excessive gear to inflict a thigh harm within the FA Cup ultimate.

That harm may maintain him again for the beginning of the season, though sources near the state of affairs say he can be coaching once more this week. One can solely hope that on his return he’ll be capable of resume the shape he confirmed on the finish of the season when he was top-of-the-line gamers within the Premier League.

Craig Burley says Christian Pulisic might want to preserve his nice form to remain in Chelsea’s beginning XI.

Granted, at a membership like Chelsea, competitors for locations is all the time powerful and nothing has modified on that entrance. If something, 2020 can be harder. Pedro and Willian are gone, however Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech got here from Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax respectively for mixed charges of over USD 130 million. On the flanks there are additionally holdovers like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. By sustaining health, Pulisic can overcome these challenges and construct on his debut season with the Blues.

However the arrival of Havertz and Ziyech in addition to the world-class striker Timo Werner provide an opportunity. Your success will create extra space that Pulisic can use. Havertz, who was primarily lively because the central playmaker at Leverkusen, appears to be a complementary piece to Pulisic, as Ziyech can function on the other wing. Supplied Pulisic stays match this season – and as we have seen, there aren’t any ensures there – he may and may thrive alongside that high quality. – Jeff Carlisle

Will we see the identical 4 groups within the high 4?

Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis had been by far the highest two groups within the Premier League final season and they’re prone to set the bar once more. The consistency they’ve proven over the previous two years means that they’ll struggle for the highest two once more. As well as, Chelsea’s deal was eye catching in the summertime switch window. When the vast majority of their new gamers can discover their means round rapidly, they give the impression of being finest geared up to problem the most effective two.

Manchester United had been a unique aspect within the second half of final season after the arrival of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon. If they’ll repeat this consistency over a full season, a high Four outcome should not be an issue.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester will all battle for Champions League spots, significantly Arsenal and Tottenham, who ought to climate the upheavals of each supervisor modifications in final 12 months’s midseason. Arsenal have proven they’ll beat the most effective groups underneath Mikel Arteta and Jose Mourinho can have his aspect effectively organized and effectively educated at Tottenham.

Final season’s high 4 will admire their probabilities of a repeat, however there must be a extra sustained problem from the pursuers. – Rob Dawson

Can United do higher than fourth?

Jan Joost Van Gangelen believes that Solskjaer will play towards Donny van de Beek alongside Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

The problem for Manchester United this season is to again up the dialog with motion. Three semi-finals and a 3rd place within the Premier League final season had been a step ahead for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however the activity now could be to take one other step ahead. Information from Solskjaer since arriving in December 2018 has mentioned it can take a while to rebuild, however in some unspecified time in the future it should develop into trophies and a Premier League title problem.

For the reason that arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January, United have proven that they’re able to operating in good condition for a very long time. Nonetheless, this should be repeated over a complete marketing campaign if they’re to return underneath Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek is a optimistic addition to the midfield squad however there are different gaps to fill and United’s prospects of closing the hole with Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis depend upon how effectively they do earlier than the tip the deadline on the switch market lower on October fifth. Chelsea have already made a press release with a lot of prime quality signings.

United’s begin can be essential. Get off to an excellent begin and you will not should reply questions on whether or not you qualify for the Champions League – and a spotlight can be targeted on placing stress on Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis on the high of the desk. Get off to a nasty begin and Solskjaer might have questions on his future till Christmas. – Rob Dawson

Which aspect of north London will rule the Supreme?

ESPN FC’s Frank Leboeuf examines how Gabriel Magalhaes will step up Arsenal’s defenses.

Arsenal vs. Spurs is all the time a wrestle and consistency will once more be key to seeing who north London “wins” as Mikel Arteta and Jose Mourinho start their first full seasons.

A few huge wins glossed over Arsenal’s worst end in 25 years. Signing a veteran Premier League participant to Willian will add a big increase to Arsenal’s defenses, whereas the selection between two top-notch goalkeepers in Bernd Leno and Emiliano Martinez provides Arsenal a solidity they’ve beforehand missed. Bukayo Saka’s breakout season hints at a promise, nevertheless it’s onerous to look past securing the companies of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – the newest is he’s near signing a brand new deal – as key to any Arsenal success .

Regardless of Mourinho’s aggressive administration strategy, he oversaw an upswing in Spurs’ fortune final season. Whereas the expectation may need been for some headlines this summer time, Mourinho has opted for solidity as an alternative, as Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Wolves defender Matt Doherty and veteran goalkeeper Joe Hart have proven the Premier League. Common or not, Mourinho has been made to win trophies and collaborating within the Europa League may lead Spurs to give attention to different, extra achievable competitions.

It is onerous to miss the thrill Arteta has delivered to Arsenal, an power provide that was badly wanted after a number of weary years. Mourinho’s colourful administration historical past (and tendency to self-destruct) prevented an analogous bump at Spurs and led the Gunners to color north London pink this season. – Kathleen McNamee

Which promoted workforce will “Sheffield United draw” and why?

Having completed ninth within the Premier League final season, Sheffield United set the benchmark for the newest crop of promotion hopes. West Brom and Fulham have the newest high expertise – WBA was final within the Premier League in 2018 and Fulham copied it in 2019 – however we anticipate Leeds to return to the elite for the primary time since 2004.

Below the outsider Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds has a supervisor who has cast a aspect that trusts the system and fears nobody. Signing Spanish striker Rodrigo of Valencia this summer time for £ 30m – he ought to contribute at the least 15 targets – and Freiberg defender Robin Koch are a wise deal whereas additionally they managed to convey again the formidable Jack Harrison from Manchester Metropolis on mortgage . Kalvin Phillips is internationally acknowledged within the UEFA Nations League with England, whereas Pablo Hernandez is timeless. So anticipate this Leeds workforce to work with El Loco to verify nothing is left on the sphere of play.

West Brom have accomplished effectively and Fulham nonetheless has a number of the gamers who had their final Premier League journey however neither the workforce has the identical power as Leeds, nor the Bielsa issue. – Tom Hamilton

Who will struggle for the Golden Shoe?

Mark Ogden thinks Harry Kane’s entry spot for England isn’t as safe as many individuals assume.

With regards to purpose scorers within the Premier League, the query is once more this season: Can anybody be part of the Golden Boot Membership? In any case, it’s all the time the identical stars that high the charts. Leicester’s Jamie Vardy received final season by 23 targets, one forward of Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who shared the award final season with Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Salah lifted the Golden Shoe in 2018 after his unimaginable marketing campaign (32) alone forward of Harry Kane, who completed first with 29 and 25 targets respectively within the final two seasons. Then there may be all the time Man Metropolis’s timeless Sergio Aguero who isn’t removed from the highest.

So can somebody break the hegemony of the “High 6” gamers or will it’s one in all them once more?

Danny Ings from Southampton got here very shut final season with 22 of his personal. Can he stroll higher? Can Chelsea’s newcomer Timo Werner be the person? Or how about Man Metropolis’s Raheem Sterling? Can Man United’s Anthony Martial or Wolves’ Raul Jimenez enhance their 17 league targets from final season? Or can we anticipate an enormous shock “à la Kevin Phillips” – he scored 30 for Sunderland in 1999-2000 – from Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Rodrigo (Leeds United) or Callum Wilson (Newcastle)?

Whoever wins hopes to set a brand new model. Salah’s 32 targets in 2018-19 had been the best since Alan Shearer and Andy Cole scored 34 targets in 1994 and 1995. Can anybody do higher this season? Solely Phillips (2000), Thierry Henry (2003), Cristiano Ronaldo (2008), Robin Van Persie (2012), Luis Suarez (2014) and Salah have scored greater than 30 targets in a single season within the final 20 years. No matter occurs, it guarantees to be one other tight and thrilling race … – Julien Laurens

What can we anticipate from Marcelo Bielsa?

The one factor we are able to actually anticipate from Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa this season is the surprising. After 16 years of absence from the highest flight, Leeds are lastly again to the place many consider they belong, nevertheless it took Bielsa’s unpredictable genius to crack the championship promotion code.

Leeds received the championship by enjoying basic Bielsa soccer – a recreation of fast possession and gamers who can transfer across the subject with excessive power. After they confronted Arsenal within the third spherical of the FA Cup within the Emirates final season, Leeds gave Bielsa an hour-long masterclass denying their standing within the decrease division earlier than dropping the sport for lack of topicality.

If Leeds and Bielsa are to maintain updated this season they should discover a approach to rating targets in video games they dominate and the transfer for Rodrigo suggests they’ve discovered an answer to that downside . Even so, it is best to not make assumptions relating to Bielsa. He will definitely give a unique taste to the Premier League together with his soccer model, however will it’s too open and adventurous for the highest division? And can Bielsa survive the tempo? Will he need?

His observe file has been combined – he left Lazio after two days of labor, left Marseille a recreation in his second season and lasted lower than six months in Lille – so time will inform if he’ll persist with Leeds for the journey or discover the Premier League too difficult. – Mark Ogden

Newcomers to be pleased about

The Premier League seemed to be slower within the switch market this summer time because the coronavirus pandemic had monetary implications. Up to now, nonetheless, trades have been made with an estimated worth £850 million have been accomplished up and down the desk.

Tor-Kristian Karlsen is a Norwegian soccer scout and supervisor and former managing director and sports activities director of AS Monaco. Right here he charges the six incoming gamers who’re price being attentive to when the brand new marketing campaign begins.

Ale Moreno believes Leeds’ file participant Rodrigo has the potential to thrive within the Premier League.

Rodrigo, FW, Valencia to Leeds United, € 30 million: It might appear to be a excessive value to pay for somebody who is simply six months previous their 30th, however within the Brazilian-born Spanish worldwide, Bielsa will get a high quality participant with a number of pedigree. The left-footed striker, who had a moderately nondescript mortgage from Bolton 10 years in the past, can play in nearly any attacking place and is stuffed with the power, motion and dedication that Bielsa wants from an attacker.

Quick, sharp and unpredictable, Rodrigo is a wonderful counterattack participant.

Kai Havertz, MF, Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea, € 80 million: The German is the crème de la crème from a spectacular sequence of summer time signings by the West London Membership. Though Havertz is simply 21 years outdated, he’s already an skilled Bundesliga participant and already has helpful expertise in each the Champions League and the German nationwide workforce. The fantastically gifted footballer with a pleasant contact of the ball can play as an attacking midfielder by way of the center, far to the proper or as a deep falling striker.

On the one hand he’s an clever playmaker with the flexibility and creativity to set targets and however he is a wonderful finisher who finds nice positions in and across the field.

Eberechi Eze, MF, Queens Park Rangers to Crystal Palace, € 17.eight million: The nimble, artistic attacking midfielder is transferring from west to south London after a formidable season within the championship. Eze is mostly used because the reverse large midfielder on the left. He loves operating towards opponents and his wonderful steadiness allows him to face up to challenges regardless of his comparatively small dimension.

Bringing good ball abilities and loving rear wheel passing, 22-year-old Eze made his debut for England Below-21s final 12 months and was carefully watched by a number of different Premier League groups earlier than becoming a member of London rivals. All in all, he is an excellent finisher who can hit the goal effectively outdoors the field.

Donny van de Beek, MF, Ajax to Manchester United, € 39m: Though Bruno Fernandes has spent some huge cash lately, it wasn’t till January 2020 that he achieved immediate success for the Pink Devils, though it appears just like the 23-year-old Dutchman may observe in the identical means.

Judging by his profile, van de Beek has what it takes to achieve success within the Premier League. He’s astute, hardworking, neatly on the ball and has the priceless potential to transform well-timed assaults into alternatives and targets. Regardless of going through stiff competitors in midfield, it would not be shocking if van de Beek had been one of many first names to land on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s workforce sheet as soon as he made his determination.

Ferran Torres, FW, Valencia to Manchester Metropolis, € 23 million: For a membership that’s used to paying by odds, the Spanish winger, who was about to enter the ultimate 12 months of his contract, is one thing as uncommon as signing a contract. Manchester Metropolis might not have landed with Lionel Messi (but?) However the 20-year-old Spaniard definitely has a number of the technical abilities an attacking participant must operate within the context of Pep Guardiola’s fluid soccer.

Torres has normally been used because the all-right winger however expects him to tackle extra central positions within the blue shirt. An thrilling, tough Aptitude participant who’s pleased when he’s at his finest.

James Rodriguez, MF, Actual Madrid to Everton, € 25m: There is no denying that the 2014 World Cup winner’s profession has gone a bit downhill within the final two seasons. Solely 18 leagues began within the final two campaigns. Nonetheless, the presence of Carlo Ancelotti means that Rodriguez can be a hit at Merseyside. The Colombian is becoming a member of the Italian coach for the third time in his profession.

Whereas there may be doubt about his agility and dedication to face one other problem, the wonderful left foot – which he can take care of from anyplace – remains to be evident. Coupled together with his formidable imaginative and prescient and (hopefully) his enjoying abilities, he could also be an vital addition to Everton. – Purpose Kristian Karlsen

The 2020-21 Premier League season in a single sentence

You’ve got learn the large questions and the brand new names to maintain observe of from week to week. Now’s the time to look at what every of the 20 groups expects from the 2020-21 marketing campaign and the way they could (or might not) obtain their targets. Tom Hamilton received you lined.

ARSENAL: (eighth final season, 56 factors)

The purpose can be a High Four outcome and whereas Arsenal followers wait to see if Mikel Arteta will proceed to obtain assist within the switch window to assist them obtain these lofty targets, they’ll discover out about Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang’s new contract and the Signing of Gabriel Magalhaes’ determination to assist their unpredictable protection.

ASTON VILLA: (17th, 35 factors)

Villa will hope to take care of a respite outdoors the relegation zone, signal a striker and preserve her talisman Jack Grealish. In case you do, you will have an opportunity to remain awake.

BRIGHTON: (15th, 41 factors)

Brighton followers can be hoping for midfield and that must be achievable after an excellent summer time of Adam Lallana arriving, Ben White returning and Lewis Dunk signing a brand new deal.

BURNLEY: (10th, 54 factors)

Burnley followers have confronted annual uncertainty about the way forward for their beloved Sean Dyche and are battling to carry onto James Tarkowski. attain each and they need to be in midfield.

CHELSEA: (4th, 66 factors)

After signing half of the European stars, Chelsea followers are hoping for a title problem this season with new recruits Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech on the helm. After a valiant struggle, anticipate them to complete third.

CRYSTAL PALACE: (14th, 43 factors)

After a tragic finish to final season, Crystal Palace followers can be eager to discover a striker who can hit double digits this season. If they’ll try this, they need to escape the drop, however will probably be one other thrilling marketing campaign from begin to end.

EVERTON: (12th, 49 factors)

The redesigned midfield of Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure will give Everton followers confidence that they’ll land in Europe, however they’ve to begin the season off effectively and hope Richarlison will shoot in any respect cylinders.

FULHAM: (Funded by way of Championship Playoffs, 81 factors)

This season is all about surviving and studying from her final disappointing Premier League endeavor. They may fall brief, nonetheless, not attributable to lack of effort or utility.

LEEDS UNITED: (Promoted as championship winner, 93 factors)

It is a welcome return for Leeds this season and the Premier League should put together for Bielsa and their new signing Rodrigo, who must be sufficient to safe a spot in midfield and a number of drama.

LEICESTER: (fifth, 62 factors)

After dropping Ben Chilwell this summer time, Leicester can be unable to imitate final season’s fifth place within the Europa League, which is giving Brendan Rodgers a choose headache and a struggle to maintain his roster contemporary.

LIVERPOOL: (Champions, 99 factors)

Will probably be troublesome to beat final season’s notable title win and Liverpool followers can be hoping for a repeat this season however with the strengthening of Manchester Metropolis they arrive near second.

MAN CITY: (2nd, 81 factors)

With Pep Guardiola probably nonetheless livid final season, Manchester Metropolis can be a wounded beast this season, and even with out Leo Messi, they’ve accomplished effectively over the summer time (Ferran Torres, Nathan Ake) and must be champions of the third time Premier League can be time within the final 4 seasons.

MAN UNITED: (third, 66 factors)

The summer time has been dominated by Jadon Sancho and in the event that they handle to get him throughout the road United followers will dream of a title problem. In case you do not, will probably be one other high Four fandango, however they need to be good for a spot within the Champions League.

NEWCASTLE: (13th, 44 factors)

Newcastle followers nonetheless cannot do away with controversial proprietor Mike Ashley, however with some sensible recruits this summer time – together with Callum Wilson – Steve Bruce’s aspect can be hoping for midfield however probably find yourself somewhat additional down the road.

SHEFFIELD UNITED: (ninth, 54 factors)

Will probably be onerous to high final season however the groups will now not underestimate Chris Wilder’s squad. Midfield is probably going, however they’ll nonetheless deal losses to a number of the league’s larger fish.

SOUTHAMPTON: (11th, 52 factors)

With arguably England’s most prolific striker of their ranks, Southampton followers are hoping Danny Ings and a few sensible summer time signings can be sufficient to get into the highest half however a tenth spot is forecast.

TOTTENHAM: (sixth, 59 factors)

Flip a coin for this season: At first look, Tottenham ought to end within the high six however they may go greater if Jose Mourinho works his magic and manages to maintain his star gamers match after a prudent summer time switch.

WEST BROM: (Promoted 2nd within the championship, 83 factors)

They did effectively in the summertime, Grady Diangana has arrived and the wondrous Matheus Pereira has signed completely. They’ve a wise supervisor at Slaven Bilic however whereas West Brom followers are hoping the workforce will keep away from relegation will probably be a struggle.

WEST HAM: (16., 39 factors)

Even the West Ham captain is unhappy with the ownerSo goodness is aware of how this season goes to play out, however they’ve sufficient high quality to finish up in midfield in the event that they handle to search out some stability off the sphere.

WOLVES: (seventh, 59 factors)

The Portuguese contingent grows in Molineux with the signing of £ 36 million baby prodigy Fabio Silva. So the wolves must be good for an additional European indictment and reform underneath Nuno Espirito Santo.

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