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The English Premier League kicks off in a few days' time and football fans around the world are thrilled to bits. Considering the massive influx of talented players who have signed for the English clubs in this transfer window, it surely is going to be a nail-biting contest.
The previous season saw Manchester City's dream run getting scripted in history books, as Pep Guardiola led the Sky Blues to the Premier League title, breaking multiple records along the way. This time it's going to be different, because all the teams have bettered their arsenal, by multiple signings.
The top four at the end of the season, automatically qualify for the next season's Champions League and hence getting into the top four is a matter of prestige. However, it is not a piece of cake for any team as the Premier League is the most unpredictable league on the planet. Even minnows can beat the odds and defeat strong oppositions as well.
We take a look at the teams who could clinch a top four spot at the end of the season:
1) Manchester City ( Position: Winners)
Manchester City have come a long way since winning the Premier League back in 2012. They have performed well season after season, and have managed to clinch two more titles since then.
Pep Guardiola is definitely one of the best managers in the history of football and he has transformed the Sky Blues into a well-oiled unit, that can keep on clinching victories irrespective of the opposition it faces. Last season, City broke Chelsea's long-standing record of maximum points in a single season.
Their team looks solid this time out, as well. In addition to that, the return of left-back Benjamin Mendy from long-term injury and the addition of Riyad Mahrez into an already star-studded midfield, greatly improves their chances of winning the title. Phil Foden is definitely someone who, as a young player, can make the cut and draw attention.
Manchester City look set to retain their title. However no team has been able to retain the Premier League title since Manchester United in 2009. Can City change it, this time around?
Player to watch out for: Phil Foden
2) Liverpool ( Position: Runners-up)
Liverpool have always been one of the finest English clubs and history also says so. They have the winning culture in their roots and have always helped to elevate English football in Europe.
Liverpool had a wonderful last season, in which they reached the final of the Champions League and lost to Real Madrid. Besides that, they were breathing down the necks of Manchester City all the time. However, few slip-ups against smaller opposition led to a gradual slump and they finished fourth in the table.
This season, manager Jurgen Klopp has strengthened the team even further by signing Naby Keita, Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alisson Becker from Roma. This makes the team even stronger, which has the likes of Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk in its starting line-up.
They could almost win the Premier League title, but with Manchester City at the helm, it seems almost impossible to do so.
Player to watch out for: Naby Keita
3) Manchester United ( Position: 3rd)
Manchester United have had quite a history and have won the Premier League title more number of times than any other club in the league. They are the traditional heavy-weights in the competition and can defeat any opposition on their day.
The last season was unlucky for Manchester United, as the Red Devils failed to get their hands on any piece of silverware, finishing runners-up in both the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup. They managed to secure the highest number of points (81) since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, and finished second in the league.
This season holds more promise for them, with Jose Mourinho at the helm and the signings of Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk and Diogo Dalot from Porto. Their star-studded line-up has the capability to score goals from nowhere. If Alexis Sanchez could rejuvenate himself to the form he had when he was at Arsenal, United can become unstoppable.
However, it looks very difficult that they'll win the title. With teams like Manchester City and Liverpool ahead in the pecking order and a typical Mourinho implosion likely to happen soon, they would have to be content with a 3rd-place finish.
Player to watch out for: Fred
4) Chelsea (Position: 4th)
If there is any club that has enjoyed success in the last 15 years and rivals the numbers in Manchester United's trophy cabinet, it has to be Chelsea. The Blues are one of the best teams in England, with a fantastic set of players.
Chelsea were not upto the mark last season, having won the Premier League title in 2016/17 and laboured to a fifth place finish. However, they did win the FA Cup under ex-manager Antonio Conte. Since then, things have changed and Maurizio Sarri has taken the reigns as the coach, promising that 'attacking football' would be played by the Blues.
With the transfer market about to close, it looks like Chelsea have managed to keep their star-man Eden Hazard at the club. They signed a midfield engine in Jorginho from Napoli and could do some significant deadline-day deals as well. The presence of N'Golo Kante and Willian can help the Blues end the season on a strong note.
There is a high chance that the Blues will edge out London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal for a place in top four, because of their competitiveness.
Player to watch out for: Eden Hazard
