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#3 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace commence their ninth consecutive Premier League season with former Nice manager Patrick Vieira at the helm. Following the departure of Roy Hodgson, the club have undergone a rebuild. While the London club have established themselves as a Premier League side, many predict they will have a tough 2021-22 season.
Experienced players such as Mamadou Sakho, Gary Cahill, Patrick van Aanholt and Andros Townsend have left the club. The incoming players are all youngsters with potential; their recruitment has been futuristic and praiseworthy.
Michael Olise is an exciting addition to the team, along with Chelsea loanee Connor Gallagher. Palace will also head into the 2021-22 Premier League season with a new-look defense of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.
On paper, Crystal Palace have a solid side. Wilfred Zaha will continue as a Palace player too. However, there are some concerns regarding Patrick Vieira's capability as a manager. The former Arsenal midfielder managed an impressive seventh place finish with Nice in 2019-20, but was relieved of his duties in 2020 due to poor performances.
Whether he is the right man for the job remains to be seen, but a mid-table finish could be on the cards for Crystal Palace if they can fulfill their potential.
#2 Leeds United
Leeds United play some of the most attractive football in the Premier League. Under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds managed a ninth place finish in the Premier League in 2020-21. This season, they could push on even further and compete for a spot in continental competitions.
Junior Firpo from Barcelona is the only high-profile addition ahead of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign. Leeds have also permanently sealed the services of Jack Harrison, who was on loan from Manchester City last season. The biggest improvement heading into 2021-22, however, will be experience.
Marcelo Bielsa would have keenly observed how counter-attacking sides took advantage of Leeds' pressing brand of football. Centre-backs Robin Koch and Diego Llorente's injury problems did them no favors last term. When the two defenders are on the pitch, Leeds are more balanced. Should they remain fit, Bielsa could better his ninth-place finish with Leeds.
The likes of Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Raphinha could continue their impressive form in attack. Kalvin Phillips followed up his impressive Premier League season with a good showing at the Euros too, and should carry his form into the 2021-22 campaign.
If everything goes to plan, Leeds United have a chance at finishing in one of the European spots.
#1 Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Hove Albion are among the sides that often find themselves in relegation scraps. This will be the Seagulls' fifth consecutive Premier League season. Graham Potter has achieved 41 points each in both his seasons in charge, finishing 15th and 16th respectively.
The style of football implemented by Graham Potter is progressive, unlike other teams hovering around the relegation zone. Brighton completed 18,185 passes in the Premier League in 2020-21, which ranked them ninth among others. They also ranked seventh for shots attempted, but 14th for shots on target.
Notably, the Seagulls missed 44 big chances across the season, the eighth highest in the league.
Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck had a poor 2020-21 season and will be hoping for an upturn in fortunes this campaign. Brighton have not signed a striker yet but continue to be linked to Darwin Nunez from Benfica and Odsonne Edouard from Celtic. Should they sign a clinical striker, a top-half finish seems easily within reach.
Ben White has left for Arsenal, but Brighton have a reliable trio of Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk and Dan Burn at the back.
They have reinforced their midfield by signing Enock Mwepu from Salzburg, who could form a fantastic partnership with Yves Bissouma.
Brighton have a solid squad, coached by an excellent manager, and could very well finish mid-table if they find that compusure in front of goal.
