EPL TABLE PREDICTIONS - PART 1

Sebastian Zucchet

With the new Premier League season on the horizon, it’s time for the official DSN league table predictions. The season kicks off Friday, August 5 with Arsenal paying a visit to Crystal Palace.

This season is set to be as exciting as last year, especially with how the summer transfer window has panned out so far. Here is my predicted league table: starting with the bottom three clubs in the relegation zone.

20. Bournemouth

Bournemouth had an outstanding season and are back in the Premier League after a two year hiatus. They finished second in the EFL Championship, but it seems that Bournemouth’s second stint in the Premier League will be short. They have an incredibly tough month of August with games against Aston Villa, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Wolves. This month could really make or break their season.

They have squad talent, especially in attack, and if Dominic Solanke can repeat what he did last season, they have a great chance at staying up. A semi-experienced manager in Scott Parker is a positive, but their summer window has been abysmal as they've made very minor signings, the only notable one being Ryan Fredericks from West Ham. It will be a struggle for the league’s friendliest club.

19. Leeds United

After last season's second syndrome scare, I fear that Leeds will finally finish in the drop and be relegated. It will be Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, and he has made some very good signings, like American duo Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams but these players are not experienced in the Premier League. Leeds are a massive club and could very well stay up but if things are to continue as they did last season, then it will be another disappointing relegation for the fans.

18. Brentford

Just edging the final relegation spot is Brentford. Second season syndrome could hit them like a train and send the Bees down to the Championship. It looked like that last season at times too until Christian Eriksen came in and turned things around. Since then, Eriksen has left for Manchester United and Brentford are missing that player that can provide service to star striker Ivan Toney. It will definitely be a struggle to retain Premier League status but Brentford won’t go down without a fight.

17. Fulham

Fulham are known as a yo-yo club, a team that goes straight back down right after they come up. This season has a different feel to it though. An experienced manager in Marco Silva, and they are coming off a historic Championship season where they won the title and Aleksander Mitrovic scored 43 goals.

He is known for dipping in form once he hits the Premier League but if the confidence spills over into this season, then Fulham can put up a real fight to stay safe. They have gotten rid of a lot of dead wood and improved in areas by signing Kevin Mbabu, João Palhinha, Manor Solomon, Andreas Pereira, and are on the verge of signing Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Smart business and experience could keep Fulham up for at least one season.

16. Everton

Everton truly looked like they were going down last season until a miracle happened and the Toffee’s managed to stay up. With Frank Lampard still in charge, Everton are expected to struggle once more, especially with the blow of losing star striker Richarlison-and so far not being able to find a suitable replacement. Richarlison was their main source for goals last season and was pretty much the main reason why they were able to stay in the Premier League.

They have added some stability in the back by signing James Tarkowski and some talent upfront with Dwight McNeill, both players coming from Burnley. They looked very poor in preseason, even losing 4-0 to Minnesota United of the MLS and losing 2-0 to Arsenal. Another tough season lies ahead for Everton unless they sign a striker that can keep them afloat.

15. Southampton

A lot of people are tipping the Saints to go down this season, but I think Southampton will keep their Premier League status with minimal issues. Ralph Hasenhüttl has proven on many occasions that he has the squad and the ability to stay up, and this season will be no different.

The addition of Joe Aribo from Rangers is a massive boost in the playmaking and goal scoring department, him and James Ward-Prowse will link up nicely in the midfield and provide great service to Ché Adams and Adam Armstrong. Gavin Bazunu is an incredible loan signing from Manchester City to provide a solid backbone in between the sticks. It will be a boring season for Southampton, but that won’t matter, as long as they stay up.

14. Nottingham Forest

Predicting Nottingham Forest to finish fourteenth in the table in their first Premier League season for 23 years is probably going to turn out horribly, but Forest look like they have the ambition and momentum to comfortably stay up. Winning a playoff final is always going to give the team momentum into the next season, and sufficient funds, as we saw with Brentford last season.

Forest have made a total of twelve signings this summer, including Dean Henderson in goal and star winger Jesse Lingard, both from Manchester United. Steve Cooper has done a great job by turning a sinking ship around and bringing them to new heights, the City Ground will most definitely be rocking this season.

13. Brighton and Hove Albion

Graham Potter and Brighton have done a fantastic job keeping their Premier League status far longer than anyone would have expected, and it should continue this season as well. They have a squad that is mid-table level and plays good football and gets results that keep them up, even if it is boring at times. They may struggle more than last season due to losing Yves Bissouma in the midfield and may suffer another blow as Marc Cucurella’s sale to Chelsea looks all but done. Not many major signings but if the Seagulls stick to their game we will see them in the Premier League in 2023.

12. Crystal Palace

Finishing right above their bitter rivals is Crystal Palace. Palace were tipped to go down last season but Patrick Vieira surprised everyone and steered Palace to an impressive 12th place finish. And with a similar squad, if not better, then who says they can’t repeat that or even better it.

They have a brilliant attack full of talent and experience. Wilfred Zaha will be crucial to their season as he always is, 14 goals last season is criminally underrated. Michael Olise, J-P Mateta, Eberechi Eze, Luke Plange, and Malcolm Ebiowei are all young attackers looking to prove their worth, more than they did last season. They have also bolstered their already strong defence by adding Chris Richards from Bayern Munich and Sam Johnstone in net from West Brom.

11. Leicester City

The golden years for Leicester City seem to be coming to an end. Brenden Rodgers seems to be falling behind, and a squad that continues to age is not something the 2016 Premier League champions want to see. Jamie Vardy can still provide the goals but he is aging and will be 36 by the end of the season.

The sale of star goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is a massive loss, and will definitely need to bring in a suitable replacement. They still have a talented squad yes, but with other teams rapidly improving around them the Foxes are falling behind. They are the only one out of 92 professional teams in England yet to make a summer signing. A bit concerning for Leicester fans.