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Creme de La prem

Premier League 2017/18 preview: Chelsea defend title with Manchester United, Manchester City and a host of other clubs on the hunt

With the transfers rolling in for a lot of the clubs, this season is set to be one of the most competitive ever in the top-flight

THE Premier League is coming... and it looks set to be one of the most epic battles ever witnessed.

Managers desperate to seize the crown of champions and those merely braced for another brutal fight for survival have been splashing the cash on new talent and clearing out the dead wood in the hope they will be the ones laughing in May.

 Premier League rivals will be looking to take Antonio Conte's crown from him this season, illustration by Lovatto
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Premier League rivals will be looking to take Antonio Conte's crown from him this season, illustration by Lovatto
 Arsenal certainly have the talent to win the Premier League - but do they have the mentality?
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Arsenal certainly have the talent to win the Premier League - but do they have the mentality?Credit: Rex Features

As they prepare to lock horns in the season ahead, we reveal everything you need to know about all 20 clubs including unlikely heroes and possible villains.

ARSENAL

MANAGER: Despite season-long protests demanding his resignation last year, Arsene Wenger duly put pen to paper on a new two-year deal at the Emirates recently, meaning he’ll now be in charge for an astonishing 22nd season.

Quite how it’s going to pan out though is anyone’s guess.

While he may have become the most successful manager in the history of the FA Cup after that win over Chelsea in May, it’s now 13 long years since they last won the Premier League title.

And that, put simply, isn’t good enough.

And the less said about the Champions League the better.

CAPTAIN: Per Mertesacker

KEY MAN: If Alexis Sanchez stays at the club then he’ll remain the lynchpin of a side that really relies on the goals and guile of the Chilean superstar.

If he goes – as seems likely – then the onus will shift to Alexandre Lacazette.

He’s certainly got an eye for goal. In fact, nobody has scored more goals in Ligue 1 for the past four seasons and he even scored two more than Harry Kane last term too.

One thing’s for sure, they won’t really be able to rely on Mesut Ozil to come up trumps, week in and week out. Some things will never change.

STRENGTHS: On their day, the Gunners are as good as any team in the division. The problem, however, is that those days are too few and far between.

Mind you, that surprise FA Cup win over the champions Chelsea might just prove to be crucial in overcoming their demons when it comes to facing the bigger sides in the Premier League.

WEAKNESSES: They’re a side blessed with talent all over the pitch but their inconsistency is truly perplexing.

MOST LIKELY TO: Start well, fade in the middle and finish strongly.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Run away with the title.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 5th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 6th

BOURNEMOUTH

 Eddie Howe's side finished in 9th place last season - a remarkable achievement
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Eddie Howe's side finished in 9th place last season - a remarkable achievementCredit: PA:Press Association

MANAGER: Yes there were only six points separating 8th place from 17th in the Premier League last season but for Eddie Howe to steer Bournemouth to a scarcely believable 9th was nothing short of remarkable given the size of the club and, more pertinently, the size of their budget.

Often talked of as a future England manager, Howe remains one of the most level-headed of operators in the top flight, capable of treating massive wins like the 4-3 thriller over Liverpool with the same degree of objectivity as he would the 6-3 drubbing from Everton.

There are signs now that Howe’s been given even more backing as he tried to take his team on to a new level, with the near £20million signing of Chelsea’s Nathan Ake smashing the club’s record transfer fee, keeper Asmir Begovic arriving for £10million and the inspired capture of Jermain Defoe all bringing real quality to his squad.

CAPTAIN: Simon Francis

KEY MAN: The 16 goals that Josh King plundered for Bournemouth last season have, inevitably, attracted the attentions of bigger clubs with West Ham, Newcastle and Spurs all sniffing around the 25-year-old Norwegian international.

Can the Cherries resist, especially if they need to claw back some of the cash they’ve splashed this summer?

STRENGTHS: When your marquee signing is Nathan Ake, you know that Bournemouth are a team with precious few big-time Charlies in it.

It’s that team spirit, coupled with a belief and strict adherence to Eddie Howe’s principles, that have carried them from the third tier of English football to the top half of the Premier League. It’s some story.

WEAKNESSES: While Charlie Daniels and Adam Smith are the epitome of the modern, marauding full-back their fondness for getting forward can leave the Cherries exposed at the back, something that several teams, including Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton all took advantage of last season.

A bit more defensive discipline wouldn’t go amiss.

MOST LIKELY TO: Confound their critics yet again.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Improve on last year’s success.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 9th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 13th

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

 Anthony Knockaert in action for Brighton during their recent pre-season friendly with Atletico Madrid
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Anthony Knockaert in action for Brighton during their recent pre-season friendly with Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters

MANAGER: What Chris Hughton has achieved in less than three years in charge at the Seagulls is nothing short of miraculous, taking a team that were on the verge of dropping down to the third tier and guiding them first to the play-offs and then, last year, to promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

Much will depend on his approach. Naturally conservative, his last stint in the top-flight ended when he was sacked by Norwich with the Canaries languishing in 17th place and the team being widely criticised for its negative style of play.

In his defence, Brighton are one of the more attractive sides to watch (on a good day) but whether they’ll be able to do that in the top-flight is another matter entirely.

Would Brighton take 17th is you offered it to them now? You bet.

CAPTAIN: Bruno Saltor

KEY MAN: From his position wide on the right, Anthony Knockaert is pivotal in providing some imagination and invention going forward.

Last season, the 25-year-old Frenchman was named Championship Player of the Season, chipping in with 15 goals and eight assists.

Keep an eye out too for Dale Stephens.

The composed midfielder is the engine room of the Brighton side and has recently committed his future to the Seagulls despite continued overtures from Burnley.

STRENGTHS: Despite the strange departure of goalkeeper David Stockdale, Brighton’s defensive line remains impressively solid.

Central defenders Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy have gelled well since the latter’s arrival last summer while there’s ample back-up in the shape of the German Uwe Hunemeier and Connor Goldson.

WEAKNESSES: There’s a wholesale lack of top-flight experience in the Seagulls squad and while that’s not a prerequisite for success in staying in the Premier League, the men that have been there – Glenn Murray, and Steve Sidwell – aren’t exactly spring chickens.

Nor is their skipper Bruno. He may have a first-touch sent from above but he’ll be 37 in October – and he’s going to have to mark the likes of Eden Hazard this season.

MOST LIKELY TO: Become the favourite away day of every other fan in the top-flight.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Do a Leicester.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 2nd in the Championship

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 17th

BURNLEY

 Sam Vokes is Burnley's key man once again as the Clarets look to avoid the drop
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Sam Vokes is Burnley's key man once again as the Clarets look to avoid the dropCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: Sean Dyche may look – and sound – like a nightclub doorman but his appearance belies one of the canniest coaches in the game and he’s done brilliantly to not only take Burnley up but to do it yet again after the relegation in 2014/15.

It’s proof that it’s not always the best policy to ditch the manager when things don’t quite go to plan.

This summer, Dyche has taken the £30million they banked from the sale of defender Michael Keane to Everton and already set about bolstering a squad in need of reinforcements.

To date, they’ve signed the highly-rated defender Charlie Taylor from Leeds, as well as reliable striker Jon Walters from Stoke and Swansea’s Jack Cork, who returns to the club having played over 50 games for Burnley on a loan spell from Chelsea seven years ago.

CAPTAIN: Tom Heaton

KEY MAN: With ten league goals in just 21 games last season (and a decent showing in the European Championship with Wales) it’s surprising that more clubs aren’t tempted to try their luck with striker Sam Vokes.

An honourable mention should also go to their goalkeeper and captain Tom Heaton who’s grown in stature in recent years, deservedly winning international recognition with England and the Player of the Year Award at Turf Moor last season.

STRENGTHS: Their home form. Put simply, it was the only thing that kept them in the Premier League last season.

They took 33 of their total of 40 points at Turf Moor, winning ten times.

WEAKNESSES: Their away form. The Clarets won just once on their travels in 2016/17 and that didn’t happen until the very end of April when they conjured up a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.

MOST LIKELY TO: Sit back and frustrate the hell out of their opponents.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Boss the possession stats.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 16th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 19th

CHELSEA

 Eden Hazard sat next to Tiemoue Bakayoko on the bench for Chelsea during their defeat to Arsenal
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Eden Hazard sat next to Tiemoue Bakayoko on the bench for Chelsea during their defeat to ArsenalCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: Given the turmoil at Chelsea in the dying days of Jose Mourinho’s second stint in charge, you could have quite easily cut Antonio Conte a bit of slack when he took over last summer and given him a season or two to work his magic.

He didn’t need it.

He took hold of a massively underperforming side and, in no time at all, re-established the Blues as the team to beat in the top flight.

And if proof were needed of his influence not just on Chelsea but on the rest of the Premier League, just look at how many managers are now playing three at the back.

And that includes you, Arsene Wenger.

CAPTAIN: Gary Cahill

KEY MAN: Will Eden Hazard stay or will he go to Real Madrid? If he stays at the Bridge then we can look forward to another season of bewitching brilliance from the Belgian.

If he goes, Conte's creative options will be severely reduced.

And what of David Luiz? The Brazilian defender’s return to Stamford Bridge raised many eyebrows when he left PSG last summer but it’s proved to be a brilliant bit of business.

He’s come back stronger, less error-prone and with greater positional sense.

STRENGTHS: Resolute at the back, industrious in midfield and devastating in attack, Chelsea tick all the boxes if you’re looking for a genuine title challenger this season.

Mind you, we said that when they started their title defence two seasons ago.

They’re brilliant front-runners too. When they thrashed Everton 5-0 at home in November 2016 to top the table they never looked back, remaining at the summit until the end of the season.

They finished in style too, winning their last six games and scoring 20 goals in the process.

WEAKNESSES: It all depends on the personnel that Antonio Conte will have at his disposal this season.

If Diego Costa does depart then how well Alvaro Morata settles in - and how  quickly - will be pivotal in their title defence. How they may regret not bagging Romelu Lukaku before he made the switch to Old Trafford.

MOST LIKELY TO: Be there or thereabouts come May.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Call on Gus Hiddink to step in in January.

POSITION IN 2016/17: Champions

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 3rd

CRYSTAL PALACE

 Wilfried Zaha came on leaps and bounds at Crystal Palace last season
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Wilfried Zaha came on leaps and bounds at Crystal Palace last seasonCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: Expect a stark shift in style at Selhurst Park this season as the solid but unspectacular strategy of Sam Allardyce is replaced by Frank De Boer, a man whose grown up at the home of total football, Ajax.

The Dutchman certainly has some talent at his disposal, not least in the shape of the revitalised Wilfried Zaha and the ever-present menace of Christian Benteke up front, although the latter may yet move to Everton as a replacement for his compatriot Romelu Lukaku.

At the time of writing, though, Palace haven’t signed a single player this summer but don’t take that as a sign of De Boer’s contentment with his squad. New faces will arrive to join loan signings Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jairo Riedewald and Selhurst-bound Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

CAPTAIN: Scott Dann

KEY MAN: There were times last season when Wilfried Zaha finally began to show what he was all about.

With pace to burn and skills by the bucket load, he was the Eagles’ second-highest scorer last term.

If he can learn to stay on his feet too, well…

STRENGTHS: On their day, Palace can prove to be the most stubborn opponents imaginable.

Take last season when they spent most of the year flirting with relegation.

Though they lost an ugly 21 games, and won just 12, they still managed to thump Arsenal at home and beat Liverpool and champions Chelsea on their travels.

WEAKNESSES: The squad. While the first XI at Palace might be capable of giving most teams a run for their money, a few injuries or suspensions and you’ll soon see there’s about as much depth to it as an episode of Love Island.

It needs bolstering – and quick.

MOST LIKELY TO: Have the best atmosphere in the Premier League.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Have anything to actually shout about.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 14th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 10th

EVERTON

 Wayne Rooney is back at Everton after 13 years at Manchester United
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Wayne Rooney is back at Everton after 13 years at Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: After a debut season at Goodison where his Everton charges showed glimpses of real promise manager Ronald Koeman has received the full backing of his board this summer, splashing out on a succession of new signings including keeper Jordan Pickford, defender Michael Keane, Davy Klassen from Ajax and Malaga’s Sandro Ramirez.

There’s some other chap they got from Manchester United too.

It all points to what could be Everton’s best bet in years to break into the closed shop of the top four.

CAPTAIN: Phil Jagielka

KEY MAN: Wayne Rooney’s return to his boyhood club could prove pivotal for the Toffees, not because he’s at the peak of his playing powers but because he brings a vast reservoir of experience to the side and, crucially, a winning mentality.

Will he replace the hard running and dynamism of Romelu Lukaku? Unlikely.

Will he help galvanise an Everton side with undoubted potential? Undoubtedly.

The other issue, and one that seems to crop up each and every season, is whether this will be the season where Ross Barkley finally emerges as the "world class" player we’ve been told he is for the past five years.

Maybe that’ll only happen if he moves to Spurs?

STRENGTHS: Everton now have the perfect blend of youth and experience with the likes of Mason Holgate, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies all finding their feet in the Premier League last term and the old brigade of Phil Jagielka, Gareth Barry, Ashley Williams and now Wayne Rooney ready and waiting to help them out.

WEAKNESSES: Rooney’s arrival on a free transfer may have grabbed all the headlines but the question is whether he, or any of the other Everton forwards for that matter, can step up and replace the guaranteed 20 plus goals a season that Romelu Lukaku would deliver.

MOST LIKELY TO: Break into the top four.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Win the Merseyside derby.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 7th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 4th

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

 Aaron Mooy is Huddersfield's key man this season
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Aaron Mooy is Huddersfield's key man this seasonCredit: Getty

MANAGER: Though they came through the dullest play-off final in living memory, it was the right result given the season they had in the Championship and testimony to the miracles that Jurgen Klopp disciple David Wagner has worked at the club.

After stabilising the Terriers in 2015/16, Wagner brought in 13 new players in the summer of 2016 and, against the odds, fashioned them into a promotion-winning side.

Now, with a Premier League spot in their hands, they’ve set about further strengthening their squad with ten players all moving to the club, including Aaron Mooy making his loan move from Manchester City permanent, midfielder Tom Ince and striker Steve Mounie from Montpelier.

CAPTAIN: Tommy Smith

KEY MAN: Aussie midfielder Aaron Mooy arrived on a loan deal from Manchester City.

But his class in the centre of the park stood out so much in the cut and thrust of the Championship last year that Huddersfield bent over backwards to make the deal permanent this summer, despite interest from a clutch of other clubs.

STRENGTHS: Town conceded the fewest number of shots per match in the Championship last season thanks largely to the immovable object that was German defender Christopher Schindler, who not only played in every league game last season but also completed nearly 300 clearances and close to a 100 interceptions too. Solid

WEAKNESSES: It’s hardly surprising that Huddersfield have brought in two strikers this summer.

Last season, they took over 11 shots for every goal they scored (19th in the division) despite having an average of 14 shots per game (7th highest in the division).

That’s why they still got promoted with a negative goal difference.

MOST LIKELY TO: Be playing in the Championship next season.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Have a positive goal difference come May.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 5th in the Championship

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 20th

LEICESTER CITY

 Jamie Vardy remains Leicester's most valuable player after Riyad Mahrez fell away last season
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Jamie Vardy remains Leicester's most valuable player after Riyad Mahrez fell away last seasonCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: When Leicester City’s owners incurred the wrath of the watching world by sacking Claudio Ranieri last season, they did so because the Foxes were in grave danger of relegation, just months after winning the most unexpected title in living memory.

Six months on, and nobody can argue that Craig Shakespeare has done anything other than a magnificent job, reshaping and revitalising a team that probably just needs to rediscover their mojo.

Shaky steered Leicester to safety, taking 23 points from a possible 39, compared to just 21 from 75 under Ranieri.

He’ll have a full season at the helm now. Expect them to push for a European place again.

CAPTAIN: Wes Morgan

KEY MAN: With the imminent departure of Riyad Mahrez, the onus shifts to the goals of Jamie Vardy.

The striker’s return of 13 league goals last term was almost half what he achieved in the title-winning season but he showed signs that he was back to his bustling best in the tail end of the season, scoring eight times in the final 13 matches to retain his position as Leicester’s top scorer.

The addition of former Man City forward Kelechi Iheanacho could also be inspired business, but Foxes fans may wonder why Pep let him go if he really is that good.

STRENGTHS: Quick, energetic and direct, you know what you’re going to get when you play Leicester.

It’s a classic 4-4-2 in an age when that formation has gone out of fashion but it works for them and, often, brilliantly.

WEAKNESSES: Leicester’s strength is often their weakness. The rapid counter-attacking style that took the Foxes to the title became a little predictable under Ranieri’s stewardship but was tweaked to much greater success by Craig Shakespeare.

The other issue is goals. Take Vardy out of the equation (and assuming Mahrez moves on) and a lot of pressure falls on the shoulders of the relatively untested Iheanacho.

That over-reliance on Vardy could come to cost them.

MOST LIKELY TO: Be back to somewhere near their best.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Dabble with drop again.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 12th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 8th

LIVERPOOL

 Liverpool fans will be hoping and praying they can hold on to Philippe Coutinho
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Liverpool fans will be hoping and praying they can hold on to Philippe CoutinhoCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: When Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers in the Anfield hotseat it was commonly accepted that he was the right man in the right job.

Nearly two years on and while he’s yet to win any silverware with the Reds, he has got them back into the Champions League and, more importantly, fostered that trademark team spirit among his players and the Liverpool faithful.

While that’s all well and good, he does need to strengthen what looked, at times, to be a fairly flimsy squad last team.

So far, Klopp’s secured the services of former Chelsea man Mohamed Salah from Roma while the pursuit of Leipzig star midfielder Naby Keita continues apace.

Expect a handful of big name signings before the window shuts.

CAPTAIN: James Milner

KEY MAN: If Liverpool manage to hold on to Philippe Coutinho, despite continued interest from Barcelona and, more recently, Paris St. Germain, they’ll have done exceptionally well.

When the Brazilian magician was out of the Liverpool side with ankle ligament damage last season, the Reds lacked the spark and the invention that only he can seem to provide.

He also chipped in with 13 goals from 31 league games too and that’s about as good as it gets from a midfielder.

STRENGTHS: Get this. Last season, Liverpool lost just two games at Anfield, managed to beat champions Chelsea and Arsenal away from home, did the double over Everton, took four points off Spurs and Manchester City and didn’t lose to Manchester United either.

Proof, then, that when there’s a big game at hand they’re always up for it.

WEAKNESSES: The flip side of their impressive record against the top sides is that they somehow managed to lose against Burnley despite having 81 per cent possession, throw away a 3-1 lead at Bournemouth to lose 4-3 and go down to relegation-threatened Swansea and Hull.

There’s no doubt they are a much more dangerous side under Jurgen Klopp but they need to find that ruthless winner’s mindset if they’re to mount a genuinely serious tilt at the title this season.

MOST LIKELY TO: Give Reds’ fans real hope of a long-awaited title.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Give Reds’ fans a long-awaited title.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 4th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 7th

MANCHESTER CITY

 Kevin de Bruyne is one of a host of impressive players in Manchester City's squad this season
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Kevin de Bruyne is one of a host of impressive players in Manchester City's squad this seasonCredit: Getty Images

MANAGER: It all started so well for new boss Pep Guardiola.

City won their first ten games under his management (including their first six in the Premier League) but then what had promised to be another stellar season collapsed into inconsistency and, for the first season in his coaching career, no trophies for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss.

Recruitment has already been brisk this summer.

In has come big name signings Bernardo Silva, Brazilian keeper Ederson, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo - and there may even be the arrival of Alexis Sanchez at the Etihad too.

That’s all well and good but it’s the defence that needs urgent attention, not least because they’ve released Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta. But £50 million for Kyle Walker? Really?

CAPTAIN: Vincent Kompany

KEY MAN: It goes without saying that City’s roster of talent is up there with the very best in the game so while you can earmark Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and the ever-reliable Sergio Aguero as potential match-winners, it’s the creativity of their ageless – and newly-shorn – Spanish wizard David Silva that remains their key weapon.

With Silva in the side, City always appear unquestionably stronger.

STRENGTHS: One look at the vast wealth of talent City have going forward and you’ll see why their reputation precedes them.

WEAKNESSES: For all their flair going forward, City’s problems across their back line and, particularly, in goal put an almighty spanner in Pep’s plans to land the title last season.

From the moment Claudio Bravo gifted a goal to Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his debut last season, the debate about the wisdom of Guardiola’s decision to send Joe Hart on loan seemed to preoccupy the thoughts of all City fans and with good reason.

Will new £35 million signing Ederson make the difference between the sticks? City fans will be praying he, along with their new defensive reinforcements, does.

MOST LIKELY TO: Do big things.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Win the Champions League.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 3rd

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: Champions

MANCHESTER UNITED

 Paul Pogba will be one of Manchester United's main men in their title charge
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Paul Pogba will be one of Manchester United's main men in their title chargeCredit: Reuters

MANAGER: Remember when Jose Mourinho used to have a laugh at his press conferences?

Remember when he used to make you smile with his crazy talk about omelettes or his endless jibes about Arsene Wenger?

We’ve no idea why he turned quite as grumpy as he did last season, especially when United still won two trophies, but it’s clear he’s not the same man he once was.

But while there were signs of a United revival last term, there are some big questions facing the Red Devils this time around. Will Wayne Rooney be missed? Will Romelu Lukaku slip seamlessly into United’s ranks?

And will David De Gea join Real Madrid?

Yes, United need to do more the transfer market whatever happens as another finish outside of the top four just won’t be up to their usually stratospheric standards.

CAPTAIN: To be confirmed but likely to be Michael Carrick.

KEY MAN: He may be the world’s most expensive footballer but Paul Pogba showed only glimpses of his undoubted talent in his first season back in the Premier League. He really needs to step up this time.

STRENGTHS: Okay, so United’s football wasn’t exactly the free-flowing stuff of old last term but they got the job done thanks largely to some doggedly determined displays.

That may change this year, though, as the arrival of £75million Romelu Lukaku may add some much-needed dynamism up top, something that the efficient but static Zlatan Ibrahimovic couldn’t really provide.

And that, coupled with turning some of those 15 draws of last season into wins, could make all the difference this season.

WEAKNESSES: There are still major question marks over the United defence.

Yes they’ve signed the Swedish international Victor Lindelof but, like neighbours City, they really need some fresh faces in their back line. It goes without saying that keeping David De Gea is imperative too, while Nemanja Matic may yet turn out to be a far better signing than some United fans expect.

MOST LIKELY TO: Surprise everyone.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Draw so many games.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 6th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 2nd

NEWCASTLE UNITED

 Newcastle are preparing for their first season back in the Premier League
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Newcastle are preparing for their first season back in the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: It was a big decision for a manager with the CV of Rafa Benitez not just to take the Newcastle job in the first place but to hang around for a season in the Championship once their relegation was confirmed.

But he delivered.

The Magpies were top of the table for most of the season and while they benefited from Brighton’s end of season collapse to snatch the title, nobody could say they didn’t deserve their immediate return to the top flight.

To date, Newcastle’s main signing this summer has been Eibar defender Florian Lejeune for £8.7 million, but there’s bound to be many more before the season starts if Mike Ashley gets his wallet out.

CAPTAIN: Jamaal Lascelles

KEY MAN: Though he never quite cut it in the Premier League, Dwight Gayle proved to be the difference last season as he plundered 23 goals despite an injury-hit campaign. The Magpies will need him fit and firing if they’re to get away to a good start.

There were goals aplenty too from Scotland international midfielder Matt Ritchie, who chipped in with 16 goals across all competitions after his move from Bournemouth.

STRENGTHS: While Rafa’s first stab in the Championship ended in success, it’ll be his vast reservoirs of experience in Europe’s biggest leagues that will be invaluable as he gets a full season in the top flight with his team.

Expect a very different showing from the last side he turned out in the Premier League.

WEAKNESSES: It’s all well and good having Dwight Gayle doing his thing upfront but they need another 20-goal a season striker and fast.

There’s also the not insignificant matter of the fans’ expectations too.

MOST LIKELY TO: Find the Premier League going slightly easier than last time around.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Keep Mike Ashley out of the pub.

POSITION IN 2016/17: Champions in the Championship.

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 9th

SOUTHAMPTON

 Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini will lead the line for Southampton this term
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Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini will lead the line for Southampton this termCredit: Getty Images - Getty

MANAGER: Much like Watford, Southampton now seem to be locked into a never ending cycle where they’re faced with hiring a new manager for each passing season and after Claude Puel was relieved of his duties at the end of the last term, the baton has now been passed to Mauricio Pellegrino (not be confused with Manuel Pellegrini or Mauricio Pochettino).

The former Liverpool first-team coach arrives at St. Mary’s having taken Alaves to the final of the Copa del Rey in Spain where they lost to 3-1 to Barcelona.

To date, business hasn’t been exactly brisk on the Hampshire coast with just defender Jan Bednarek coming in from Lech Poznan and £20million midfielder Mario Lemina joining from Juventus.

The Saints are in talks with Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto though. We’ll see how that pans out.

CAPTAIN: Steven Davis

KEY MAN: It would be easy – and correct – to say that central defender Virgil van Dijk is Saints’ key man but there’s more chance of me turning out for Southampton than him staying at the club this summer.

In his inevitable absence we’ll turn our attentions to striker Manolo Gabbiadini.

A £15million buy from Napoli, the Italian arrived at the club and promptly scored five goals in his first four games, the first player in Saints’ history to achieve the feat.

He was also February’s Premier League Player of the Month.

STRENGTHS: In theory, Saints have plenty of talent to ensure another stress-free season; an international goalkeeper that’s as big as a barn door, a classy holding midfielder in Oriel Romeu who’ll stick his foot in anywhere and everywhere and, in Dusan Tadic, they have a gifted playmaker who can turn a game with one moment of mesmerising brilliance.

If Mauricio Pellegrino can a) keep them all together, and b) get them playing for each other then it should be another solid campaign.

WEAKNESSES: Though they finished in 8th place it was in spite of the fact they only scored 41 goals in the league all season.

To give you some idea of how shy they were in front of goal consider the fact that Charlie Austin was their top scorer for the season, scoring nine goals in all competitions and this despite being injured between December and May.

MOST LIKELY TO: Be looking for a new manager come the end of the season

LEAST LIKELY TO: Keep Virgil van Dijk.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 8th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 13th

STOKE CITY

 Bojan must take over from Marko Arnautovic as Stoke's key man
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Bojan must take over from Marko Arnautovic as Stoke's key manCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: It was a forgettable season for Mark Hughes’ Stoke City last term.

Having started the season like a Southern Rail train – they didn’t win their first game until mid-October – they also finished their campaign like one too, winning just two of their final 11 games.

And there wasn’t a great deal in between either.

The Potters may have finished 13th but it seems that Mark Hughes is struggling to get any more out of his squad.

Another poor start this time around and you can be sure he’ll be in the firing line once more.

CAPTAIN: Ryan Shawcross

KEY MAN: Having spent the latter half of last season out on loan at German club Mainz, Bojan is back and Stoke will be all the better for it.

The former Barca man was out of favour with Mark Hughes but the pair have patched up their differences and now the gifted Spaniard is set to figure again for the Potters.

STRENGTHS: The unspectacular and less than scintillating style of football on show at Stoke could actually be their biggest attribute. Why?

Because nobody, no matter how well they’re playing, ever fancies going to the Bet365 Stadium, do they?

WEAKNESSES: Goals. Or the lack of them. Yes, when you’re top scorer is a 36-year-old Peter Crouch and he only scored seven league goals all season then you know you’re in trouble. They need some proven firepower - and fast.

MOST LIKELY TO: Get a new manager some time in the season.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Improve on last year.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 13th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 14th

SWANSEA CITY

 Gylfi Sigurdsson may not be at Swansea at the start of the season
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Gylfi Sigurdsson may not be at Swansea at the start of the seasonCredit: Getty - Contributor

MANAGER: Paul Clement was the third manager at the Liberty Stadium last season and the only one who seemed capable of dragging the Swans out of the torpor induced by Francesco Guidolin and the disastrous Bob Bradley.

Though they finished in 15th their survival was only secured after an away win at Sunderland in their penultimate game.

It helped too that they somehow managed to beat Liverpool 3-2 at Anfield in the run-in as well.

CAPTAIN: Leon Britton

KEY MAN: There’s every chance that by the time you read this Gylfi Sigurdsson will be playing his football somewhere other than Swansea City.

For the time being he remains the lynchpin of the Swans’ side, providing imagination, creativity and devastating set-pieces.

They’re talking of upwards of £50million for the Icelander which, in today’s mad market, doesn’t seem like bad business in the slightest.

STRENGTHS: People tend to think of Swansea as one of the slicker sides in the top-flight but they enjoyed huge success last season from crosses and set-pieces with the likes of Fernando Llorente, Alfie Mawson and Leroy Fer all cashing in.

That, of course, was largely down to the Key Man above, and makes his probable departure all the more problematic. Fans in the valleys will be hoping to be singing loan signing Tammy Abraham's name with genuine affection for the next nine months at least.

WEAKNESSES: The defence. Since Ashley Williams left for Everton, the Swans have struggled badly at the back and the 70 goals they conceded in the Premier League last season was only bettered (worsened?) by Hull City.

Yes, even Sunderland let in fewer than Swansea.

MOST LIKELY TO: Find the going tough once more.

LEAST LIKELY TO: See Gylfi Sigurdsson running out at the Liberty in a Swansea shirt.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 16th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 16th

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

 Harry Kane will be looking to make it a hat-trick of Premier League Golden Boots
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Harry Kane will be looking to make it a hat-trick of Premier League Golden BootsCredit: Getty - Contributor

MANAGER: If you’re wearing a hat then please take it off and doff it in the direction of Mauricio Pochettino.

Since the Argentinian took over at White Hart Lane, he’s managed to assemble a side who are now capable of challenging for the domestic game’s top honours.

The net result of Spurs’ vast improvement under Pochettino is that many of his squad are now targets for bigger clubs with much bigger budgets.

So expect continued interest in the likes of Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Danny Rose this summer from some of the top flight’s big hitters.

If Spurs can hang on to them then they’ve every chance of going one place higher this term.

CAPTAIN: Hugo Lloris

KEY MAN: Despite missing a chunk of the early part of the season through injury, Harry Kane returned to the Spurs’ side to retain his Golden Boot title, knocking in 29 goals in the league and 35 in total.

He finished the season in a rich and rare vein of form, scoring seven goals in the final two games of the season against Leicester and Hull. He’s simple irreplaceable.

STRENGTHS: Youth and energy by the bucket load. Arguably the fittest team in the top flight, Spurs’ endless running, allied to organisation at the back and the lethal finishing of Kane and Alli up top give them advantages all over the pitch.

They also lost the fewest games of any team in the Premier League last season (four) and conceded the fewest goals too (26).

WEAKNESSES: The move away from White Hart Lane this season as Spurs’ new stadium is completed is fraught with difficulties, not least as they’ve stunk Wembley out pretty much every time they’ve played there in their Champions League campaigns.

Still, they’ve sold out their season tickets in their new home so maybe they’ll finally get their heads round playing at the national stadium week in, week out?

MOST LIKELY TO: Spend most of the season battling to hang on to their star men.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Find Wembley to their liking.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 2nd

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 5th

WATFORD

 Troy Deeney is still the main man at Watford despite transfer speculation
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Troy Deeney is still the main man at Watford despite transfer speculationCredit: Getty Images - Getty

MANAGER: The Vicarage Road revolving door never stops spinning, does it?

So after the departure of Walter Mazzarri at the end of the last campaign comes the man who so nearly helped Hull City pull off a great escape last season, Marco Silva.

From the evidence to date, it looks like the Hornets will be in good hands but they’re going to have to make significant improvements.

Last season, the team were in freefall towards the end of the season, losing seven of their final eight games to finish just one place above the drop zone.

CAPTAIN: Troy Deeney

KEY MAN: See above. The skipper remains the heartbeat of the Hornets’ side and is the man most likely to get a goal when they need it.

That said, he’s found the going much tougher in the Premier League having scored 20 goals or more in the Championship three seasons running.

There’s also the question of his future.

His hometown club Birmingham City are said to be keen and with cash to splash and Harry at the helm they might yet land the 29-year-old striker.

STRENGTHS: Watford’s most effective strategy last season was the long ball.

The Hornets averaged over 70 per match, the plan being that Troy Deeney would win it and feed the likes of Niang and Okaka. Yes, it’s old school but when it works, it works wonderfully.

WEAKNESSES: Last season Watford suffered with the whims of Walter Mazzarri as the Italian coach chopped and changed his tactics and formations to no great effect.

They need a system and stability this season and that’s what Marco Silva should guarantee.

MOST LIKELY TO: Show greater resolve, resilience and organisation under Marco Silva.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Stay up.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 17th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 18th

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

 Salomon Rondon will be a key man for West Brom this season
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Salomon Rondon will be a key man for West Brom this seasonCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: It was a strange season for the Baggies and Tony Pulis last year.

When they beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the end of February they reached the magical 40-point mark and then properly took the foot of the gas, losing nine of their final 12 games and picking up just five points from 36.

So while Tony Pulis’ escapology skills weren’t really needed last term, Baggies’ fans – and the board – will want them to maintain the promise that the first half of the season offered and really push on.

CAPTAIN: Chris Brunt

KEY MAN: The problem for West Brom, like so many teams of their ilk, is that as soon as they have a real asset on their playing staff then it’s only a matter of time before they’re on their way.

So it is with Salomon Rondon, a bulldozer of a striker who’s energy and eye for goal have several clubs, in England and in China, forming a queue.

The fact that they’ve recently signed Jay Rodriguez and tied Hal Robson-Kanu to a long-term deal suggests they may be open to offers for the Venezuelan too.

STRENGTHS: You know what’s coming when you play West Brom.

Rough and ready, it’s a physical test based around accurate set pieces and an aerial threat from the likes of Jonny Evans, Gareth McAuley and Craig Dawson, who was actually West Brom’s second top scorer last season with seven goals.

WEAKNESSES: Anybody who’s seen any of Tony Pulis’s sides over the years will know that there’s not much beyond the aerial bombardment and occasionally roughhouse tactics. There’s no denying it’s effective – Pulis’s record speaks for itself – but it doesn’t bring much to the Premier League party.

MOST LIKELY TO: Leave Baggies’ fans underwhelmed again.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Replicate last season’s ‘success’.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 10th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 12th

WEST HAM UNITED

 A fit Andy Carroll could make all the difference for West Ham this season
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A fit Andy Carroll could make all the difference for West Ham this seasonCredit: Rex Features

MANAGER: To his credit, Slaven Bilic endured a fairly torrid time last term as his team lost five of their first six games and suffered embarrassing home defeats to the likes of Watford (2-4), Arsenal (1-5), Manchester City (0-4) and Liverpool (0-4).

But the Croat withstood an onslaught of abuse and speculation over his future to pull things together and the Hammers lost just one of their last seven league games to finish in a very comfortable 11th place.

They have brought in a string of names with Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez all ready to do what many Hammers fans are yet to, and that is make the London Stadium home.

CAPTAIN: Mark Noble

KEY MAN: What would West Ham give for a healthy Andy Carroll to play more than just a handful of games before retiring to the sidelines with yet another injury?

When he’s fit and up for it, he’s about as much of a handful as you’re allowed on a football pitch but he’s capable of the extraordinary too as that jaw-on-the-floor overhead scissors kick against Crystal Palace last season proved only too well.

STRENGTHS: On the rare occasions that everything came together for West Ham last season, like the home victory over Tottenham in May, they appeared to be a team capable of much greater things.

If they can achieve something approaching consistency this year then there’s every chance they can push on.

WEAKNESSES: But for that win over Spurs at the tail end of the season, there wasn’t a lot for Hammers’ fans to get excited about at their new home.

Factor in crowd trouble, complaints about the atmosphere and a distant view of the pitch and you can understand why Slaven Bilic said that their matches there “didn’t feel like a home game”.

MOST LIKELY TO: Finish in mid-table.

LEAST LIKELY TO: Get a full season out of Andy Carroll.

POSITION IN 2016/17: 11th

PREDICTED POSITION IN 2017/18: 11th

  • Exclusive illustration by Lovatto