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Arsenal Premier League Season Preview – Gunners assessed along with all 19 Rivals


Premier League Season Preview 2017/18

So the new season is but days away, it feels both an age away but also just like yesterday that Arsenal lit Wembley up during the epic curtain closer of the FA cup final. There are so many changes in football this coming season, with many clubs getting new managers and especially many new shiny players. In this article I look at Arsenal’s changes and also the other clubs we will be playing in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal seem a lot stronger since the formation change of last season, proving that with the aforementioned dazzling victory in the FA cup final. With so far little to no outgoings from the first team squad, Arsenal have made two impressive signings in the form of Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette. Kolasinac was viewed by many as the best left back in the Bundesliga, thanks to his combination of being both defensively sound but also offensively aggressive. In Lacazette, Arsenal finally have a pure finisher who should be able to guarantee goals, where once they were unsure where they came. There are questions about many players future’s so with that comes the possibility of replacements and one is midfield creator Thomas Lemar who is being linked with a transfer heavily.

With comings and out goings still expected, Arsenal’s season is still unpredictable. With that said you’d have to say it could be a great season, thanks to the likes of Sanchez, Ozil, Xhaka and now Lacazette, Kolasinac along with the emergence of wonderkid Reiss Nelson.

 

 

Bournemouth

Sept 9(H) Jan 13(A)

With the signings of Begovic, Ake and Defoe, Bournemouth have conservatively improved on last season’s team without pulling up any tree’s. Eddie Howe, will as ever have his men well drilled and playing some of the best football in the league, I do fear though if there aren’t more signings in the defensive area’s they could well struggle. Finally the weight will be once again heavily on Jermain Defoe’s shoulders to the score goals, as the former Bournemouth man returns from Sunderland to partner an in form Joshua King.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sept 30(H) March 3(A)

Finally the Seagulls are in the big time after those bad years where they faced extinction, their loyal fans must never have thought they would see this day. Another team that spent conservatively but also wisely especially on Pascal Groß who created more chances than any other player in Bundesliga last season and is already in the goals scoring 3 in 4 in pre season. Other than the Groß, Brighton have a skilful, hard working team although I fear they’ll need more signings if they are to stay in the league.

Burnley

Nov 25(A) May 5(H)

Burnley are definitely a team you know what you are getting these days, lots of hard work, grit and determination in a squad drilled within an inch of its life by Sean Dyche. With the signing of Jack Cork from Swansea though I feel they are slowly trying to add a little bit more craft to the team, It will also be a big season for left back, Charlie Taylor who signed from Leeds United after many a drama on his exit from the club.

Chelsea

Sept 16(A) Jan 1(H)

The Champions, solidified their midfield centre this summer with the signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko from AS Monaco, a player who like last season’s player of the year, Kante seems to have a twin on the pitch at times. With Alvaro Morata replacing Diego Costa and Antonio Rudiger replacing John Terry, Chelsea will be a force to be reckoned with once again. You have to feel if Arsenal finish about them they will be in good stead for the title.

Crystal Palace

Dec 26(A) Jan 20(H)

Frank De Boer has his work cut out at Palace to turn them into a team that can make an impact in the top half of the table. Crystal Palace managed to just avoid relegation last season thanks to Big Sam Allardyce but one can expect an easier on the eye type of football from De Boer’s men this time around. The Ajax legend has already been shopping at his former club, signing centre back cum left back Jairo Riedewald.

Everton

Oct 21(A) Feb 3(H)

After spending near £80 million on players, much will be expected of this new Everton team, albeit without last season’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku. Every Arsenal fan’s favourite Shrek lookalike Wayne Rooney has returned to Everton after nearly 13 years playing for some Salford based team of no note (sideways glance). Of the rest Davy Klaassen looks like he could be a real stand out if played correctly.

Huddersfield Town

Nov 28(H) May 13(A)

Coming from Leeds I know oh too well how great a job David Wagner has done at Huddersfield and of the promoted sides I’ve been most impressed with their recruitment this summer. Undoubtedly one of the best pieces of business this summer was Huddersfield signing Aaron Mooy on a permanent transfer, the Australian international was one of the stand out performers in the championship last season thanks to his cultured all action style. With many signings coming in David Wagner will have his work cut out to have his team functioning as a competitive unit but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jürgen Klopp disciple pulls it off.

Leicester

Aug 12(H) March 17(A)

Leicester will be hoping for better season after last years troubles, with the signings of kelechi Iheanacho, Harry Maguire and Victor Iborra among others, everything points to one. There is still big question marks on Riyad Mahrez’ future but survival will still to be the aim for Craig Shakespear’s first full season.

Liverpool

Aug 26(A) Dec 23(H)

Another season on for Jürgen Klopp’s project which has led to differing results so far. The Merseysider’s will be boosted by attacking signings Mohamed Salah and Dominic Solanke. Andrew Robertson joins to finally fill in a problem area at left back although it’s still thought James Milner will still be first choice. Liverpool’s starting 11 looks good but still they lack depth as ever.

Manchester City

Nov 4(A) Feb 24(H)

Pep’s second season and he’s spent near £150 million this summer just on his defence with full backs, Benjamin Mendy, Kyle Walker, Danilo and Keeper Ederson, respectfully. Bernardo Silva will be a big player for City this season I feel after his transfer from AS Monaco, much is expected of this cultured, hard working, right winger. City for me will be the team to beat.

Manchester Utd

Dec 2(H) April 28(A)

A summer where Jose said get me this player and Woodward got him a lesser alternative, with the likes of Lukaku, Matic and Lindelof all joining. Man United look very physical but low on pure skilful players, we’ll have to see how this goes.

Newcastle

Dec 16(H) April 14(A)

Something tells me Rafa won’t be a happy Madridian with the lack of high profile signings. New signing, Centre back Florian Lejeune could have an interesting season after making his name at an impressive Eiber side.

Southampton

Dec 9(A) April 7(H)

The main story so far for Southampton this summer has been the will he won’t he of Virgil Van Dijk, still yet to have a definitive answer whether he’s staying but at this rate Rachel and Ross might have competition for drama. Mauricio Pellegrino could be the name on everyone’s lips by the end of the season if he lives up to the reputation he has garnered for himself in Spain.

Stoke

Aug 19(A) March31(H)

Losing Big Bob Holding’s pal Marko Arnautovic will be a big blow, as will losing the hard working Jonathan Walters but with the signings of Darren Fletcher and Kurt Zouma, Stoke seem to be going a little back to functional players. Some think they may struggle.

Swansea

Oct 28(H) Jan 30(A)

Three sound signings so far this summer including the super talented Roque Mesa from Las Palmas. Swansea fought off stiff competition for the Spanish game dictator who Steve Clarke will be hoping can potentially replace an expected outgoing Gylfi Sigurdsson. Swansea will be needing a few more attacking reinforcements if they are to stay in the Premier League me thinks though.

Tottenham Hotspur

Nov 18(H) Feb 10(A)

What a season they had, “ putting the pressure on”, Spurs might even have a certificate in their trophy cabinet saying they did. So what can we expect from every Arsenal fans’ favourite neighbours? Well Kyle Walker isn’t one thing as he’s gone to City, Clinton N’jie also isn’t around either as he’s joined Marseille. The signings at Spurs so far are non existent which even at this stage is alarming but also hilarious.

Watford

Oct 14(A) March 10(H)

In Marco Silva, Watford have one of the top up and coming managers in Europe and contrary to former Watford managers, his signings have mostly been English. Nathaniel Chalobah, Will Hughes and Tom Cleverly all signed for just over £20 million, which is quite good business in this market. Whether the impressive Silva can make a team of the many players at his disposal remains to be seen.

West Bromwich Albion

Sept 23(H) Dec 30(A)

Tony Pulis’ days at West Brom could be numbered if his team don’t get off to a good start, thanks to his clubs modern new owners itchy trigger finger. Don’t go getting excited about my prediction, just a hunch but to help Pulis, he has Jay Rodriguez, who signed from Southampton and will be a fan favourite in no time I’m sure.

West Ham

Dec 12(A) April 21(H)

How can you not love Slaven Bilic? One had to feel sorry for him last season as West Ham failed to make significant signings. But all is different this time around as Bilic has at least 4 top signings In Hernandez, Arnautovic, Hart and Zabaleta .Striker Javier Hernandez has signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a mere £15 million, which could be one of the signings of the summer. Lets hope Chicharito has his good games away from the Emirates.

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