Post by SmilingGoats on Aug 11, 2021 12:24:55 GMT -5
Skip ahead in the thread for current season predictions.
2021-2022 Pre-Season Picks:
The Title Race
I see this being a three-team race and the top three could finish in any order. I've kept Man City top because I think they have the best team. It's hard to repeat, though, and they have admirable challengers. Chelsea should be really, really good if they get Lukaku over the line. Liverpool will return to form with their defensive injury returnees.
Battle for the final champions league spot
Manchester United are in the driver's seat for the number 4 spot. I'm sure Man U fans will argue their second-place finish should make them title challengers but I'm not sure that's in the cards for this year. Leicester likes to finish 5th...I'm sticking with that. I'm hopeful that Arsenal will improve with fans returning to the stadium and nothing but domestic football upon which to concentrate...but it's Arsenal. 6th place is probably the best-case scenario. Tottenham's tenuous Harry Kane situation slots them in 7th. They could move in either direction depending on what happens but even with him, I think sixth or seventh is the best they can do.
Mid Table
Villa takes a step forward, even with the loss of Grealish. They've invested well elsewhere and I expect they're not done. Leeds is Leeds. I predicted a good first season in the Prem last season and they didn't disappoint. I expect them to continue to be solid top half performers. West Ham were the surprise performers last season and while I expect them to be a good side again this year, having to play European football will challenge their depth and I see them be solid mid-table. Brighton are a good side with a fantastic manager...anywhere in the solid midtable area is likely. Everton take a step back without Ancellotti. Even with Ancellotti, their second-half performance last season was only good enough for 12th. I do think Rafa's a good coach...just think it will take time.
Just in the safety zone
Who will Wolves be under a new manager? A below-average team is my answer. Crystal Palace still has a little work to do but I like their additions in the window thus far. Newcastle will barely finish safe...again.
Battle for the bottom
The three newcomers will have difficulty staying up. I see Southampton and Burnley joining them in the relegation battle.
2021-2022 Pre-Season Picks:
- Manchester City
- Chelsea
- Liverpool
- Man United
- Leicester
- Arsenal
- Tottenham
- Aston Villa
- Leeds
- West Ham
- Brighton
- Everton
- Wolverhampton
- Crystal Palace
- Newcastle
- Southampton
- Brentford
- Burnley
- Norwich
- Watford
The Title Race
I see this being a three-team race and the top three could finish in any order. I've kept Man City top because I think they have the best team. It's hard to repeat, though, and they have admirable challengers. Chelsea should be really, really good if they get Lukaku over the line. Liverpool will return to form with their defensive injury returnees.
Battle for the final champions league spot
Manchester United are in the driver's seat for the number 4 spot. I'm sure Man U fans will argue their second-place finish should make them title challengers but I'm not sure that's in the cards for this year. Leicester likes to finish 5th...I'm sticking with that. I'm hopeful that Arsenal will improve with fans returning to the stadium and nothing but domestic football upon which to concentrate...but it's Arsenal. 6th place is probably the best-case scenario. Tottenham's tenuous Harry Kane situation slots them in 7th. They could move in either direction depending on what happens but even with him, I think sixth or seventh is the best they can do.
Mid Table
Villa takes a step forward, even with the loss of Grealish. They've invested well elsewhere and I expect they're not done. Leeds is Leeds. I predicted a good first season in the Prem last season and they didn't disappoint. I expect them to continue to be solid top half performers. West Ham were the surprise performers last season and while I expect them to be a good side again this year, having to play European football will challenge their depth and I see them be solid mid-table. Brighton are a good side with a fantastic manager...anywhere in the solid midtable area is likely. Everton take a step back without Ancellotti. Even with Ancellotti, their second-half performance last season was only good enough for 12th. I do think Rafa's a good coach...just think it will take time.
Just in the safety zone
Who will Wolves be under a new manager? A below-average team is my answer. Crystal Palace still has a little work to do but I like their additions in the window thus far. Newcastle will barely finish safe...again.
Battle for the bottom
The three newcomers will have difficulty staying up. I see Southampton and Burnley joining them in the relegation battle.
