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The upcoming Premier League campaign is likely to be one of the toughest, most competitive we've seen in a long time. Virtually every side in the league is now stronger than ever, thanks to the huge payday given to each club at the end of the season derived from TV rights (around £100m).
We've seen the total transfer costs exceed £1billion in the past few summer transfer windows, and that number is only expected to rise in the future. Because of the vast wealth Premier League clubs have recently attained, they're able to purchase players of the highest calibre from all around the world, outbidding top clubs from leagues like the Bundesliga, La Liga and Ligue 1 with ease to augment their sides.
With each passing season, more and more high-quality players enter the league having signed big-money deals, boosting the attention and interest from around the world for the Premier League and its matches, which in turn hikes up TV revenue and means an even bigger payday for Premier League sides. Things are only going to get better.
As far as this list is concerned, don't be offended or upset if your team is predicted to finish lower than you would have liked; it's all primarily based on opinion, with much of the decision predicated on the current standard of the squad and the transfers the team has made thus far. It's all speculation, and you're welcome to share your thoughts in the comments below.
#20 Cardiff City
Players In: Bobby Reid, Greg Cunningham, Josh Murphy, Alex Smithies
Players Out: N/A
Cardiff City played very well in the Championship last season, managing to accumulate a respectable 90 points by the end of the campaign. Their squad was already reasonably strong upon promotion, but the Cardiff board knew at the start of the summer transfer window that they needed to add players to help their chances of survival.
Whilst four signings have been made thus far, there are a few question marks in regards to quality. Greg Cunningham and Alex Smithies are mediocre signings and many fans will argue on whether they're even up to Premier League standard, but these lacklustre deals were made sweeter by the transfers of Josh Murphy and Bobby Reid.
Bobby Reid netted 19 goals in the Championship last season, setting up a further seven. He's a force to be reckoned with and he'll undoubtedly make a splash in the Premier League in the upcoming campaign. His speed and agility will keep him in good stead when running at opposing defenders, and his eye for goal will mark him out as a constant threat.
As for Josh Murphy, he was clearly the best of the bunch at Norwich City. His brother, Jacob, was transferred to Newcastle United the year prior for around the same price as Cardiff bought Josh for. The twins both have great talent and Josh Murphy will be eager to showcase his ability week-in-week-out in the upcoming campaign.
However, a brief glance through the members of their current squad reveals that there's still some way to go before they can convincingly compete with many of the teams in the division. This means that they'll be hoping for scraped wins against weaker opposition. But with the Premier League now filled to the brim with solid, robust sides, just how many points can they expect to pick up? It seems likely that Cardiff will get steamrolled by most of the teams in the division next season, which is why they sit bottom of this list.
#19 Huddersfield Town
Players In: Ben Hamer, Ramadan Sobhi, Terence Kongolo, Juninho Bacuna, Erik Durm, Florent Hadergjonaj, Jonas Lossl, Adama Diakhaby.
Players Out: Tom Ince, Dean Whitehead, Rob Green, Luca Colville, Dylan Cogill, Denilson Carvalho, Jack Boyle, Regan Booty, Jack Payne, Sean Scannell.
Huddersfield weren't far from the drop last season, finishing in 16th place with only 37 points (5 more than relegated Swansea in 18th), so it was vital that they revamped the squad this summer. And that's just what they did.
Signings like Hamer, Sobhi, Kongolo and Durm stick out almost instantly as real statements of intent. Ben Hamer was at Leicester previously, but failed to impress and was moved on. However, he's still regarded by many as a solid goalkeeper, who just needs a chance to prove himself properly.
As for Sobhi and Kongolo, this pair will be a rock for Huddersfield in the midfield. And Durm, without question, is their biggest signing. The former Dortmund man is likely to make a big splash in the Premier League next season, utilising his experience of the fast-paced Bundesliga to startle opposition.
David Wagner impressed in the first half of the season, but after performances began to take a turn for the worse, all eyes were on him to turn the season around. The pressure mounted rapidly and put the German at a disadvantage - but he somehow managed to steer the Terriers to safety before the season came to a close.
Whilst the signings Huddersfield have made are impressive, their season will depend on whether these players are able to settle. The Premier League is unlike any other competition around the world, and it takes a fair bit of getting used to, as the newcomers will find out.
Wagner will need to test out a lot of tactics and strategies before the seasons kicks off in order to find the best way to approach the upcoming campaign. Although they did well last season to survive, I can't see them doing the same again this year.
#18 Newcastle United
Players In: Martin Dubravka, Ki Sung-yueng, Kenedy, Fabian Schar, Yoshinori Muto
Players Out: Jesus Gamez, Curtis Good, Massadio Haidara, Jack Colback, Chancel Mbemba, Matz Sels, Mikel Merino
Newcastle have had an abysmal time in the gap between the ending of last season and the beginning of this next one. The divide between Rafa Benitez and Mike Ashley has widened, with their relationship reaching perhaps the sourest it's ever been. Benitez has complained about his lack of control over transfer negotiations, and is infuriated that all of the deals are controlled by Ashley and the Newcastle board.
Recently, Newcastle's deal with Salomon Rondon stalled after they took far too long to activate his release clause. The clause expired in late July and has meant that the deal is now off - unless Rondon's club, West Brom, can find a replacement in time.
To make matters worse, the players they've let go are far better than the players that they've brought into the club. As a result, there's been a clear drop in standard at St. James' Park, which will only put them in a very weak situation going into next season. Newcastle also had a pre-season friendly against mid-table Portuguese side, S.C. Braga, which they lost 4-0. Benitez said that the result was "worrying".
With all this in mind, it becomes clear as to why I've predicted for Newcastle to be relegated. Unless they can bring in some high-quality players before the window closes, they'll be in for a long, tough season.
#17 Watford F.C.
Players In: Ben Wilmot, Marc Navarro, Gerard Deulofeu, Ken Sema, Ben Foster, Adam Masina
Players Out: Mauro Zarate, Costel Pantilimon, Nordin Amrabat, Richarlison, Jerome Sinclair, Brandon Mason
Watford are always an interesting side to watch as a neutral. They seem to have lots of individual talent, names you can recognise almost immediately, but they fail to gel as a team which has cost them a great deal in the past couple of seasons. Last year, they finished 14th with 41 points, which sounds OK, until you realise that it's only a mere seven points from the relegation zone.
This summer, Watford fans were counting on big-money signings to come through the door at Vicarage Road, but that hasn't been the case. The only key name of note has been Gerard Deulofeu, and whilst there's still time, whether or not a big name will actually arrive is anyone's guess.
To have let go of the likes of Amrabat and Richarlison will be a blow to Watford, especially the latter's departure, as he was a stand-out player for the Hornets last season. You could argue that Deuloufeu will take his place, but ultimately that's a switch considered by most as a step down.
Watford will be another team that struggle this season and could even find themselves in the relegation zone, it's a very close one to call. Watford need to bolster various areas in their squad, and with the transfer window closer to being slammed shut with every second that passes, they need to hurry if they want survival next season.
#16 Fulham FC
Players In: Maxime le Marchand, Jean Michael Seri, Fabri, Andre Schurrle, Alfie Mawson
Players Out: Ryan Fredericks, George Williams, David Button, Daniel Martin, Elijah Adebayo, Stephen Humphrys, Isaac Pearce, Daniel Martin, Djed Spence, Joe Felix, Marek Rodak
Fulham were promoted last season after they beat Aston Villa in the Championship Play-Offs Final. They had racked up a staggering 88 points in the league, but this still wasn't enough to surpass first place Wolves (99) and second place Cardiff (90).
Their squad was relatively strong, to begin with, but with the recent additions of le Marchand, Seri, Fabri, Schurrle and Mawson, there's no doubt that they've now built a solid foundation. It was a surprise to almost everyone when Seri chose to join Fulham over other high-profile clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal, but what he's after might purely be gametime, which is something he'll get in abundance at Craven Cottage.
I think that Fulham will cause a few upsets this season and will comfortably avoid the relegation zone. There's a chance they might finish even higher, as the points difference in the lower half of the table is usually very slim. Either way, I believe Fulham are in for a strong campaign.
#15 Brighton & Hove Albion
Players In: Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Leon Balogun, Florin Andone, Jason Steele, Bernardo Fernandes da Silva Junior, David Button, Yves Bissouma, Percy Tau
Players Out: Steven Sidwell, Conor Goldson, Jamie Murphy, Rohan Ince, Tim Kurl, Liam Rosenior, Jiri Skalak
Brighton had finished in 15th place last season, and I think they'll manage that again this time around. Whilst they've strengthened their squad considerably with the likes of Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Balogun and Andone, there's still a great deal of work to do before they end up in a solid mid-table position. Until then, they're fixed in the lower half of the division.
The signing of Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who was Iran's key man in the World Cup, was a stunning move from Brighton. It cost Brighton £20m to get his signature, which is a new club-record fee. It's been deemed a real statement of intent by many, one which could be pivotal in steering them from the relegation zone.
#14 AFC Bournemouth
Players In: David Brooks, Diego Rico
Players Out: Benik Afobe, Max Gradel, Lewis Grabban, Baily Cargill, Adam Federici
Bournemouth have almost shot themselves in the foot this summer by getting rid of some of their best players in Grabban, Afobe and Gradel. To make matters worse, they haven't found any replacements for the trio yet, and with the end of the transfer window drawing closer by the day, time is running out.
Thankfully, Bournemouth already have a relatively strong squad that could cruise into mid-table obscurity with ease. If the board shared the same ambition as the fans, they could be striving for 10th place or better. This could be achieved if more money was invested into the club, but now fans are starting to wonder if Bournemouth are turning into a "selling club", focused solely on profits than league positions.
I predict a 14th place finish for Bournemouth, purely because their team is so strong right now, but the lower half of the table is a slippery slope: all it takes is a couple of bad results and they'll drop towards the relegation zone.
#13 Crystal Palace FC
Players In: Vicente Guaita, Cheikh Kouyate, Max Meyer
Players Out: Damien Delaney, Lee Chung-yong, Bakary Sako, Yohan Cabaye
Crystal Palace's business in the transfer window this summer has been superb. They got rid of the deadwood in their squad and replaced them with high quality players. Max Meyer in particular is a name that stands out as a marquee signing, and I think that he'll change the entire complexion of Crystal Palace's football this season. Cheikhou Kouyate will also be a solid addition to the squad in the defensive-midfielder role - he can also play as a centre-half.
Wilfried Zaha will undoubtedly be the star of the season, though. His attacking flair is such a force to be reckoned with that opposing teams still don't quite know how to stop him; even if they find a way, he's so versatile that he can change up his style to catch defenders out. I had expected Zaha to leave this summer, but he looks set to stay at Selhurst Park for at least another season, where he remains a big fish in a small pond.
13th place is a respectable finish for Palace, although they could finish even higher under Roy Hodgson's regime. He's made such an impact after taking over from Frank de Boer at the start of last season, and I expect his chemistry with the squad to only strengthen over time.
#12 Southampton FC
Players In: Stuart Armstrong, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Angus Gunn, Jannik Vestergaard
Players Out: Jordy Clasie, Guido Carrillo, Will Wood, Dusan Tadic, Florin Gardos, Jeremy Pied
The Saints have done well in the transfer window thus far. Getting rid of the deadweight with the sales of players like Gardos and Pied will do wonders for their squad in the upcoming campaign. More importantly, though, Saints manager, Mark Hughes, has managed to bring in four superb players, who will all play a big part in strengthening the squad.
Southampton had a torrid time last season, finishing just outside of the relegation zone on 36 points - a mere three points more than relegated Swansea City. Hughes undoubtedly went into this summer transfer window knowing that if he doesn't improve the team drastically, they face certain relegation.
Personally, I feel that Southampton will end up in 12th place purely based on the signings made, and the fact that this is Hughes' first proper season in charge. He's had the pre-season to get things into shape, and now he's got the squad he desires. I think they'll have a comfortable campaign.
#11 Leicester City
Players In: James Maddison, Ricardo Pereira, Jonny Evans, Danny Ward
Players Out: Riyad Mahrez, Ben Hamer, Robert Huth, Josh Debayo, Ahmed Musa
With the departure of Riyad Mahrez, another player who was integral to Leicester's 2015/2016 title-winning campaign has left. Robert Huth has also been released this summer. Danny Drinkwater and N'Golo Kante had left the season before now, leaving only Jamie Vardy, Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel as the only memorable names from that glorious era.
The signings of James Maddison and Ricardo Pereira, especially, will have eased the anxiety of Mahrez's exit. Maddison was Norwich City's star player for several years in a row, and Ricardo Pereira is a player with an abundance of ability and potential; he'll only get better from here. Signing Jonny Evans from West Brom for just £3m is a great piece of business, and he'll undoubtedly be a rock in the defence. Danny Ward will be a backup to Schmeichel, most likely, but has a lot of time to develop his skills.
Although the team has been switched around considerably since their title-winning campaign, the current squad is still strong enough to secure a solid mid-table finish in 11th place. I can't see them breaking into the top half, but they will definitely be around that spot.
#10 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Players In: Rui Patricio, Benik Afobe, Willy Boly, Raul Jimenez, Diogo Jota, Leo Bonatini, Ruben Vinagre, Roderick Miranda, Joao Moutinho, Jonny Castro
Players Out: Aaron Collins, Sherwin Seedorf, Ben Marshall, Jordan Allan, Adam Osbourne, Hakeem Odofin, Jon Flatt, Prince Oniangue
Wolves have essentially become the breeding ground for Portugal's future stars, thanks to their connections with superagent Jorge Mendes. Even the manager of Wolves, Nuno Espirito Santo, is one of Mendes' clients. All it takes is for the Wolves board to point their finger at a Portuguese target and, if they belong to Mendes, he'll orchestrate a deal to get them there.
This is why the likes of Rui Patricio and Joao Moutinho have signed up to play at the Molineux Stadium next season. In any other circumstances, it's unlikely that these types of players would even consider an offer from a club like Wolves, but the happenings behind the scenes have changed all that.
Simply because of the team Wolves have now, and with the quality of their manager at the helm, I can see them breaking into the top ten this season. They could fall flat on their faces, however, and slip down the ladder to 14th or 15th place, but that's about as low as they'd go, I imagine.
#9 Everton
Players In: Richarlison, Lucas Digne
Players Out: Ramiro Funes Mori, Wayne Rooney, Luke Garbutt, David Henen, Joel Robles, Jose Baxter
This will be a controversial pick for ninth place, considering the questionable transfers that have taken place. Without question, £40m for Richarlison is a flagrant rip-off, and the Everton board are foolish for bidding that much for a player who hasn't done anything of note since November 2017. Lucas Digne from Barcelona, however - now that's a good signing. He'll slot in well at left-back, and will take over from the ageing Leighton Baines.
Everton's outgoings are standard and mostly expected. But there need to be more players to come in if they're going to increase the quality in their squad. Currently, it looks bland and doesn't differ much from last season at all, but the fact it's still a strong side despite this is why I think they'll finish so highly. Their experience in the Premier League will help them fend off the newcomers too.
#8 Burnley FC
Players In: None
Players Out: Scott Arfield, Dean Marney, Rahis Nabi, Chris Long
Burnley's 7th place finish last season probably came as a shock to virtually everybody. On paper, it didn't seem as if their team was capable of even surpassing 12th place, let alone break into the top half. But Sean Dyche's plan for Burnley has evolved over the years, and the chemistry between the players seems to be at an all-time high.
Their style of play can be rough, but it gets the job done. Players aren't afraid to lunge into tackles and risk getting hurt, if the ball can potentially be won. Dyche has employed this strategy for some time now, and it has worked well.
Worryingly, though, no signings have been made. There are still a few areas in which Burnley can improve, and with the amount of money Burnley would have received for finishing so high up in the table, you'd expect them to invest at least half of that cash into strengthening the squad. There's still time before the window closes, however, so that could all change.
Burnley look set for another great season under Dyche, and if they can make a few signings to augment the squad, I think they'll finish well within the top half again.
#7 West Ham United
Players In: Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere, Ryan Fredericks, Lukasz Fabianski, Fabian Balbuena, Issa Diop
Players Out: James Collins, Patrice Evra, Reece Burke, Marcus Browne, Cheikh Kouyate
West Ham's dealings in the transfer window this summer have showcased exactly why I think they'll finish so high in the table next season. Anderson, Yarmolenko and Wilshere are real statements of intent, and all three of them are likely to be integral to the team's set-up in the upcoming campaign. Furthermore, Fabianski, Balbuena and Diop are also likely to play key roles in the squad. In all, these signings will make West Ham a force to be reckoned with.
The departure of James Collins and Patrice Evra is the start of the defensive revamp that the Hammers have been needing for some time now. Both Collins and Evra were 35-years-old, which is far too old for defenders in a league as action-packed as the Premier League. Balbuena, Diop and Fredericks have arrived to bolster the back line, and will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the Hammers' performances this season.
Due to the fact West Ham have bolstered so many key areas of their squad, I think they'll surprise a lot of people and finish just behind the top six. This will be a far cry from last season's performance, where they ended up in 13th place, after an uninspiring campaign. Fans will be expecting a lot from their team this time around, and they're sure to impress.
#6 Arsenal
Players In: Bernd Leno, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sokratis, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi
Players Out: Santi Cazorla, Per Mertesacker, Jack Wilshere, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Chuba Akpom
This season will be the first time Arsenal have played under a new coach for twenty-odd years. Unai Emery has taken the helm at the Emirates Stadium, and will stand in a spot where Arsene Wenger had stood all those years before now. It's a new team and a new era, but do they have enough to win the league?
No. Not as far as I'm concerned. Whilst the signings they've made are decent, there are areas across the squad that still need improving if they want to properly compete with the "big six" this season. Getting rid of Wilshere was probably a mistake on Emery's part, and I think they'll live to rue letting him go so easily.
With all the money that the other teams in the top six have spent this summer, you'd have expected Arsenal to have made marquee signings as well. But if the likes of Sokratis and free-agent Leno are the best Gunners fans are going to get, then I think they might struggle this time around. Still, whilst 6th place is nothing to scoff at, we all know that they could do better.
#5 Liverpool
Players In: Naby Keita, Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alisson Becker, Isaac Christie-Davies
Players Out: Emre Can, Jon Flanagan, Yan Dhanda, Danny Ward
Whilst it could be argued that Liverpool have had probably one of the best transfer windows in some time, I still don't think they'll get further than 5th place. Keita and Fabinho will certainly strengthen the midfield, with Shaqiri out occupying the flanks, too. Alisson Becker will be a rock in goal, so that Liverpool fans will no longer have to watch Karius and Mignolet make blunder after blunder. But aside from that, it's the same old Liverpool.
The Reds might have reached 4th last season, but I can't see them surpassing the other top teams who have developed just as much, if not more, than Liverpool in the past few years. Every season is the same: they'll fend off the clubs destined for mid-table obscurity or those battling to survive, but then fall short against the top sides they so often compare themselves to.
Emre Can's departure will also affect Liverpool, I think. Whilst Fabinho and Keita have been brought in to replace him, the Premier League experience that Can had always kept him in good stead. Keita and Fabinho are new and may take some time to settle. Only time will tell what happens, though.
#4 Tottenham Hotspur
Players In: None
Players Out: Christian Maghoma, Keanan Bennetts, Joel Pritchard, Ryan Loft, Anton Walkes
Tottenham finished in third place last season and impressed time after time in the process. The British core that Spurs have created has meant that the chemistry amongst the players is incredible, which is something that a lot of Premier League sides lack these days.
Harry Kane will always be a threat in front of goal, and I'm sure he'll bag the usual 20 or more goals by the end of the campaign. But without signings to strengthen the squad and keep them abreast of their rivals, Spurs might be in for a rough ride insofar as getting the title is concerned. I think top four is still a realistic finish for them, as the team they currently have is more than capable of achieving that.
#3 Manchester United
Players In: Fred, Diogo Dalot, Lee Grant
Players Out: Michael Carrick, Joe Riley, Daley Blind, Sam Johnstone, Devonte Redmond, Indy Boonen
Put simply, Manchester United have not strengthened enough to win the title this season. The fact that Chris Smalling and Phil Jones look the most likely to start in the centre of defence is enough proof that first place is out of reach. Top strikers will weave in and out of Jones and Smalling and sink United with ease. Although Lindelof and Eric Bailly are available, it's widely known that Mourinho's relationship with the pair is sour.
Diogo Dalot has been the only defensive player to be brought into the squad this summer, but even so, he's out at right-back, when the area that needs improving is the centre. As for Fred, I think he'll be a valuable asset in midfield, and will most likely sit back whilst Pogba strides forward. The third signing United made was Lee Grant - you can expect him to be used in a couple of cup matches here and there, but other than that: bench warmer.
Third place is a reasonable finish for Manchester United this season, as there's still a lot of work to do.
#2 Chelsea FC
Players In: Jorginho, Rob Green
Players Out: Jordan Houghton, Mitchell Beeney, Cole DaSilva, Wallace, Boga
Under Maurizio Sarri, I can't help but think that Chelsea are going to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Jorginho has already been brought in from Sarri's previous club, Napoli, and is expected to augment their midfield. Jorginho alongside N'Golo Kante is a dream pairing.
The board have pushed several youngsters and reserve players out of the door, which will free up space for potential newcomers. The only real area that needs to be improved at Chelsea is the goalkeeper; Courtois looks set to leave for Real Madrid, and the only other 'keeper of note is Caballero, who isn't a reliable option. They need to find a replacement before the window closes.
Second place is the highest place Chelsea will finish next season, as Manchester City will undoubtedly run away with the title once again.
#1 Manchester City
Players In: Riyad Mahrez, Claudio Gomes
Players Out: Angus Gunn, Yaya Toure, Pablo Maffeo, Angelino, Rodney Kongolo, Kean Bryan
Manchester City have such an incredible squad that I can't see any other team surpassing them this season. They broke several records on their way to winning the title last season, and completely destroyed any team that threatened to stand in their way. They've now added the silky Riyad Mahrez to that squad, who will undoubtedly make them even more powerful in the upcoming campaign.
Pep Guardiola has done well in terms of getting rid of the deadwood in the City squad, making everything a lot more streamlined. City's team is filled to the brim with superstars so there's not really any need to bring in new players, though Mahrez will add that extra attacking flair. Youngster Claudio Gomes from PSG also signed on a free; he'll be one to watch and will most likely make appearances in cup fixtures to get some experience under his belt.
City look set to win the title for the second season in a row, and I don't think anyone is surprised.
