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Premier League season preview: Part 3

Just two days to go until the big kick off, and our Premier League preview is half complete. Here’s our thoughts on the next five teams.

Manchester United

It’s easy to forget that Manchester United were Premier League Champions just three years ago in 2013. Since then, two managers have presided over three-years of mediocrity, where they have finished 7th, 4th and 5th respectively.

But then in came Jose Mourinho and his wealth of Premier League experience. We have already mentioned in our previews how 2016/17 could be a battle of the managers, well Jose is probably one of the most experienced in the game. Couple that with him having a point to prove after a disappointing spell with Chelsea last term, and Manchester United could be serious contenders once again.

They have also bolstered their squad terrifically, with the additions of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the best players in France and Germany respectively last season. In addition to that United have smashed the World Record to bring Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford, as well as centre back Eric Bailly who earned the man of the match award in last weekends Community Shield victory.

Our Football Faithful team were all in agreement that United could indeed win the title again this season, although their participation in the Europa League could hamper those hopes.

Predicted finish: 2nd

Middlesbrough

Secured automatic promotion from the Championship last season and have undoubtedly had the best summer of all the promoted clubs.

Aitor Karanka has brought in a number of excellent additions, including World Cup winning goalkeeper Victor Valdes as well as Premier League winning striker Alvaro Negredo.

Along with a number of other excellent additions as well as Football League goal machine Jordan Rhodes, we think that Boro will have an excellent season and survive with ease.

Predicted finish: 13th

Southampton

Southampton seem to do well every season, despite having their star players and managers whipped away from them every summer.

This summer has been no different with Ronald Koeman jumping ship to take charge of Everton, with French boss Claude Puel taking over at the helm.

Southampton have also once again lost a number of key players. Sadio Mane completed a £34million move to Liverpool, Graziano Pelle completed a move to China, whilst Victor Wanyama moved on to Tottenham Hotspur.

They have of course made additions, with Nathan Redmond and Pierre Emile Hojbjerg being the stand out signings for the Saints.

Southampton look like they may be light on goals so far and will be relying on Charlie Austim and Jay Rodriguez staying fit, but we anticipate the Saints to still continue their good work.

Predicted finish: 10th

Stoke City

Mark Hughes’s work at the renamed bet365 stadium continues this season, and has added Wales midfielder Joe Allen and Egyptian starlet Ramadan Sobhi to the club ranks, whilst getting Marko Arnautovic tied down to a new long term contract at the club.

They have also been trying tirelessly to sign West Brom striker Saido Berahino in an attempt to bolster their attacking options.

It should be another solid season of Premier League stability for Stoke this season

Predicted finish: 11th

Sunderland

Sunderlands pre-season preparations were going swimmingly well, up until the point of Emglands failure at Euro 2016 when Roy Hodgson was sacked and The FA came chasing Sam Allardyce.

Big Sam eventually left and was replaced by former Everton and Manchester United boss David Moyes, who will be hoping to do a similar job to that he did at Goodison Park and successfully steer the club clear of constant relegation battles.

He has only made one signing so far, bringing in Chelsea defender Papy Djilobodji. It is believed he is interested in signing Manchester United trio, Paddy McNair, Donald Love and Adnan Januzaj.

They still need to add a proven goalscorer to their ranks to help the ageing Jermaine Defoe.

Moyes should bring a air of stability of the club and we think Sunderland will finally be clear of the constant relegation battle.

Predicted position: 14th

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