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Expectations for the 2017/18 Premier League season

As the Premier League season approaches, what can we expect from the new campaign?

The 2016-17 season of the English Premier League proved to be another exciting one, although Chelsea’s march towards the title couldn’t quite match Leicester’s shock win of the season before for drama. At the other end of the table, Sunderland’s regular relegation battle finally ended in defeat, with Hull City and Middlesbrough making the drop alongside them. This article will take a look at the upcoming season and who the winners and losers might be.

The fixtures for the new season have now been announced, even though the action itself is not due to get underway until the middle of August. Of course the transfer activity is already underway, but reigning champions Chelsea will be looking to strengthen their squad more before they take on Spurs in their opening fixture.

Although it will take place at Wembley, due to Tottenham’s new stadium plans, it still represents a tough opener for the Blues against a side that finished just below them last season. Chelsea are heavily linked with defender Alex Sandro, but Antonio Conte is rumoured to be demanding the club sign a top quality striker. Romelu Lukaku from Everton is widely believed to be a target and, with current main goal scorer Diego Costa exhibiting signs of being unsettled, this does seem like an urgent requirement for Chelsea if they are to build on last season’s success.

The club also has to take on Leicester and Everton in its early fixtures, so we are likely to get a good idea whether they can retain the title or whether a repeat of what happened in 2015-16 is on the cards.

The three newly promoted teams are Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town – with the first of these facing the highest expectations.

Under Rafael Benitez, Newcastle are expected to survive comfortably and have started bringing in players already. Christian Atsu was first through the door, but the club is expected to follow this up with further signings. They should have enough to compete, but for Brighton and Huddersfield – the latter playing in the top flight for the first time ever – it will be a battle to stay in the division. Securing experienced players who can help them do this will be the summer aim.

Elsewhere, Manchester United will be expected to make a serious title challenge this season, although the two trophies secured last year put a gloss on a disappointing league campaign.

Pep Guardiola will also be under pressure across the city, after Manchester City finished an underwhelming third and failed to win any trophies last season. Whether the Manchester clubs can mount a real challenge for the EPL title this season could determine whether managers Jose Mourinho and Guardiola remain in place, but if you can’t wait for the action to unfold and see whether they do or not, a football slot such as Soccer Safari at GamblingInsider.ca will offer an alternative way to get your fix of the beautiful game.

You could really make next season into a bumper pay day if you scoop the Soccer Safari jackpot and pick the right team to bet on for the Premier League title.

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