12. Crystal Palace
A dream start to the season turned disastrous as Palace won only 2 out of the last 21 games and lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United. The summer signings of James Tomkins, Steve Mandanda and Andros Townsend add quality and experience to the side.
However, the key problem for the Eagles has been in their striking department and various strikers have been linked, with manager Alan Pardew promising two signings and so far not one has been signed. If Palace manage to land a suitable proven striker and start the season well, they could break into the top 10.
However, they possess enough quality in their side to finish in a decent mid-table position.
11. Everton
The general feeling towards Everton last season was that a quality squad was underperforming. This led to Ronald Koeman replacing Roberto Martínez as manager to improve the state of things. After a quiet window till July end, the Toffees burst into life, signing Ashley Williams from Swansea, and targeting Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace along with another striker.
Leicester City’s Steve Walsh was lured to become the Director of Football and this could play a pivotal role in Everton’s revival. Also, the Toffees finally have money to spend thanks to new majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri. The position where Everton end up this season hinges a lot on their success to keep Romelu Lukaku at the club and this could define Everton’s season as they rebuild.
10. Southampton
The Saints are a perfect example of a system that keeps working and delivering results in spite of losing key personnel. This summer has seen the departure of manager Ronald Koeman to Everton and was replaced by relatively unknown Claude Puel.
Further the Saints have lost Sadio Mané, Victor Wanyama and Graziano Pellè as well. But if the last few seasons are anything to go by, the Saints can be expected to recover. They have made quality signings this summer in the form of Nathan Redmond from Norwich City and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg from Bayern Munich.
However, they need to strengthen further, especially in their attacking department given their participation in the Europa League as well this season. These factors will very likely lead to a drop from their 6th placed finish of last year.
9. Stoke City
The Potters have been a symbol of consistency under Mark Hughes with three consecutive 9th place finishes and they would want the club to improve their league position next season. The signing of Joe Allen from Liverpool represents a good piece of business while they continue their pursuit for forward Saido Berahino from West Brom.
Stoke have taken another step forward by signing a club record kit deal with Macron showing their PL status and this could inject further revenue to improve the team. The tying up of last season’s best player Marko Arnautovi to a long term deal is another positive sign.
The quality of teams and managers above Stoke is likely to prove a little too much this season however and they will possibly finish 9th for the 4th consecutive time.
