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The Premier League season is just around the corner and it's building up to be an exciting campaign. Pre-season is now done and dusted, with the first game of the new Premier League season set to kick off on Friday night as Arsenal face Brentford away from home.
With Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane leaving Spain and the arrival of several big-name players to England, the Premier League has retained its elite status among domestic leagues.
Predictions are underway for the new Premier League season
The start of the new season brings with it a whole lot of predictions as well. Based on previous seasons' performance and activity in this transfer window, the odds are being calculated for who wins the league, who makes the top four, and who gets relegated.
Here we look at five teams who have the potential to break into the top six of the Premier League and challenge bigger clubs who feature in those positions consistently. Let's get right into it.
#5 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves are currently undergoing a transitional period of sorts. Their biggest loss last season was the departure of former boss Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese has been replaced by his compatriot and former Benfica head coach Bruno Lage. Wolves were known to play a counter attacking brand of football under Nuno, but with Bruno Lage things could change this season.
A long-term injury to striker Raul Jiminez highlighted their weakness in attack last season. But with the Mexican returning to action, there is hope among Wolves' faithful of pushing high up the table.
With the likes of Pedro Neto, Adama Traore and new addition Francisco Trincao, who is on loan from Barcelona, Wolves' attack for the upcoming season looks promising.
Although Wolves had to deal with the departure of first-choice custodian Rui Patricio in the summer transfer window, the club has recruited Jose Sa from Olympiacos as his replacement.
Considering how Wolves have retained the rest of their core for the upcoming Premier League season, there is no denying their credentials for a potential European berth.
It will be interesting to see how Wolves fare under their new manager in the Premier League next season.
#4 Everton FC
Everton showed real promise under Carlo Ancelotti last season but his departure to Real Madrid has put the club a little out of balance. The Merseyside club swiftly responded with the managerial appointment of former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.
Many have labeled this a controversial appointment but also one that signals intent. There's no doubting the caliber Benitez has but the Spaniard will definitely have his work cut out for him despite his vast Premier League experience.
The Toffees have been decent in the transfer window so far with the acquisition of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend, both with plenty of Premier League experience.
Benitez will rely heavily on his frontmen, hoping that the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison pick up from where they left off last season. But getting the best out of James Rodriguez could prove to be a challenge, with the Colombian seemingly unsettled after Ancelotti's departure.
Expectations are high at the Merseyside club this season and it will be exciting to see if they can improve on their 10th place finish last season.
#3 West Ham United
The 2020-21 Premier League campaign was a season of rejuvenation for West Ham for many reasons. David Moyes built a well drilled unit last season and the Hammers finished sixth, something that many did not see coming.
An assured backline covered by the midfield duo of captain Declan Rice and the incredible Tomas Soucek was pivotal to their success. But the addition of Jesse Lingard on loan in the January transfer window completely galvanized the squad.
Lingard joined from Manchester United in search of regular gametime and thrived at the east London club. In a West Ham team that played quick counter-attacking football, he became the best player in the second half of the Premier League.
The Hammers will be looking for a repeat of last season, but they are the only team on the list playing midweek in Europe. As such, the challenge could be slightly more intense for West Ham this term.
With additional fixtures, limited squad depth and the possibility of Lingard staying at Manchester United, it can't get any harder for David Moyes and company.
#2 Leeds United
Marcelo Bielsa's side exceeded expectations in their first season back in the Premier League. Nobody expected a newly promoted side to take Premier League teams head-on and much of it is down to Bielsa's all-out attacking style of play and incredible fitness levels.
This upcoming season will be about maintaining that success from last season and not falling prey to the 'second season syndrome.'
While they have had no problems going toe-to-toe against any side in the Premier League last season, the defense has been a huge concern for Leeds. Their error-prone backline was unable to provide sufficient cover for their 'murderball' style of play, conceding heavily on multiple additions.
The Whites have retained key players in Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Raphinha, while making some smart additions like Junior Firpo and signing Jack Harrison on a permanent deal.
Hopes are high for Leeds in their second season in the top-flight, with a league opener against arch rivals Manchester United. If Bielsa can work his magic again, you wouldn't put it past them to ruffle a few feathers.
#1 Aston Villa
After a really bright start, Villa fell short throughout the course of the season, finishing 11th in the Premier League last term.
Injury to captain Jack Grealish kept him on the sidelines as Villa struggled for creativity. His absence will be felt a lot more this season after he made the move to defending Premier League champions Manchester City for a British transfer record-fee.
It will always be difficult to replace your captain and best player, let alone someone as unique as Grealish.
But with one of the richest owners in the Premier League and a capable manager running proceedings, Villa have been smart in the transfer market, quickly investing in the future.
They have acquired the services of striker Danny Ings, creator Emi Buendia from Norwich, and the lightning quick Jamaican Leon Bailey to bolster their attack.
And with Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Copa America winner Emiliano Martinez, Villa have a more than solid back line. The return of Ashley Young on a free transfer and signing Axel Tuanzebe on loan from Manchester United could also help their cause.
Dean Smith's side will fully believe they can push for European qualification this time around in the Premier League.
