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Premier League season preview: Part 2

It’s just three days to go until the start of the Premier League, and we have started to taking a look forward to the season ahead. Here’s part 2 of our season preview.

In case you missed it, make sure you take a look a Part One of our preview to the season which looks at the prospective fortunes of Arsenal, Bournemouth, Burnley, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Everton

A disappointing season last year by Evertons recent standards where they finished in 11th place resulted in Roberto Martinez being sacked before the final game, where he was eventually replaced by Southampton boss Ronald Koeman.

The summer has been a slow one until this week, with only Marten Stekelenburg and Idrissa Gueye arriving at the club. However following their big money sale of John Stones. Evertons transfer dealings.

The Toffees are close to completing deals for Ashley Williams and Yannick Bolasie, whilst also being interested in Wilfried Bony and Lamine Kone.

They have also successfully kept hold of star striker Romelu Lukaku so far, which leads us to believe that the Blues will be back on the up this campaign.

Predicted position: 7th

Hull City

What a difference a few months make. Back in May, Hull were on cloud nine after securing their place back in the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Since then, the squad has been left threadbare and manager less after a series of injuries and player sales led to the departure of Steve Bruce as manager.

With just three days until the start of the season, we think that the future looks bleak for the Tigers.

Predicted position: 20th

Leicester City

The greatest story ever told, that was how Leicester’s title success was described last season after escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth in 2014/15.

So, if they did it once, can they do it again?

Well, it’s hard to say, but we don’t think so.

They have managed to keep their star striker Jamie Vardy despite a strong interest from Arsenal, and so far, Riyad Mahrez is also still at the club. However the loss of N’Golo Kante to Chelsea is a big blow for the Champions, who often did the work of two men.

They have of course added quality to their ranks, with Ahmed Musa the pick of the bunch, joining from CSKA Moscow for a club record fee.

However the added pressures of being Champions, as well as the increased workload the Champions League will bring will surely take its toll.

Predicted position: 9th

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Liverpool mid-season following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, but was unable to steer the club into the top four.

They almost achieved Champions League qualification via the Europa League, but missed out after a crushing defeat in the final to the hands of Sevilla.

However, the lack of European football this season could be a blessing in disguise for the Reds who will have plenty of time to recouperates between matches to accommodate Klopp’s energy intensive style of play.

Liverpool splashed the cash on Southampton forward Sadio Mane, as well as a new goalkeeper and defender in the shape of Loris Karius and Ragnar Klaven, both signed from the Bundesliga, whilst Georginio Wijnaldum arrived from Newcastle.

We think that Liverpool will mount a strong bid for the Top 4 this season, and maybe even the title, but could just miss out.

Predicted position: 5th

Manchester City

The battle for the Premier League could come down to the battle of the manager, and Manchester City have lured one of the best in the business in Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard is synonymous with success, winning three La Liga titles, three Bundesliga titles and two Champions League titles during his short career as a manager and will now try his hand in the Premier League.

He has added quality to his squad, with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Nolito, as well as future stars such as John Stones and Leroy Sané.

However, moving to Manchester City will be Guardiola’s biggest challenge yet. In Spaim, he managed THE great Barcelona team at the peak of its powers, and whilst at Bayern Munich he had the strongest squad by quite a distance.

When compiling our season preview, the team at Football Faithful were split on how well City would do under Guardiola.

The Premier League has had five different champions in the last five seasons, proving that the league is the most difficult and competitive league in the world.

Guardiola relies on high tempo and possession in his teams style of play, something that Leicester proved isn’t always necessary for success.

Predicted position: 3rd

Join us tomorrow for parts three and four of our Season Preview, when we look at the chances of the remaining ten teams in this seasons Premier League.

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