Premier League 2021/22 Preview: First, Last, and Everything in Between

The Premier League is back underway and in the first match of the season, newly-promoted Brentford defeated Arsenal 2-0 at home in their first match in the top flight since 1946. Before the season gets fully underway (as well as before the close of the transfer window), I’ll be pre-viewing the Premier League and making predictions on their league finish. Each club will have their predicted finish as well as a short explanation as to my thoughts on why they’ll finish in the spots they do.

1. Manchester City

Defending champions Manchester City are many peoples’ odds on favorite to repeat this season. As of today, City are still without a recognized first-team striker, a problem they were able to overcome last year as they won the title at a canter and made the Champions League final. However, this season will be far different from the previous. With Liverpool’s injury crisis, there was no clear challenger to City last season. However, with Thomas Tuchel in charge of Champions League winners Chelsea, Manchester United strengthening their squad with the signings of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane and Liverpool having a fully-fit squad, there will be a number of title challengers this season. If City are able to complete the signing of Tottenham’s Harry Kane, it is hard to look past them as heavy title favorites. City have already added Aston Villa and England star Jack Grealish to a stacked attack and are also building on the league's best quality and depth. If City fail to sign Kane, it could be a difficult season. It will be another year of relying on key goals from midfield, and with key injuries and a tough opening schedule, City could find themselves far off the pace early in the year.

2. Chelsea

Chelsea ended the 2020/21 season in dream fashion, winning the club’s second Champions League against heavy favorites Manchester City. New manager Thomas Tuchel revolutionized a lethargic and leaky Chelsea when he took over in January of 2021 even with personnel issues. Though not confirmed, it looks as though Chelsea have added Belgian star striker Romelu Lukaku to their ranks. Lukaku scored 57 goals in 72 Serie A matches for Inter Milan over the past two seasons and is a proven Premier League scorer. Lukaku raised the level of teammate Lautaro Martinez while at Inter, and Chelsea will hope he has the same effect on German striker Timo Werner. Young star Kai Havertz looks far more comfortable in English football after a year settling in, while starlets Mason Mount and Reece James will be a year older and wiser. With world class N’Golo Kante in midfield and a wealth of attacking talent, Chelsea finally have a complete squad after a few years of turnover. If Chelsea are able to maintain their watertight defense from the back end of last season, they will be a difficult side to beat and will most definitely be title contenders.

3. Manchester United

Manchester United finished last season in second place on 74 points. In isolation, this would be considered a great season. However, with the expectations at Old Trafford being yearly title challenges and the fact that they finished 12 points off rivals and champions Manchester City as well as losing the Europa League final to Villarreal, it was another season of disappointment for the Red Devils. United made clear progress last season; Bruno Fernandes was unbelievable, Paul Pogba had one of his best seasons in red, and Harry Maguire led one of the league’s best defenses. They’ve made major progress in this transfer window as well, adding young English star Jadon Sancho to fill the gap on the right wing in addition to World Cup winner and Real Madrid stalwart Rapahel Varane to play besides Maguire in defense. With a complete squad besides a world class defensive midfielder, the questions surrounding United are no longer about the owners- the pressure will now be fully on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. For Solskjaer, it is time to put up or shut up. A failure to challenge for the title- or at least close the gap from the top- could see Solskjaer’s job in jeopardy.

4. Leicester City

In 2016, Leicester City became the sweethearts of the football world when they won the Premier League against all odds. Today, the Foxes are in a very different situation. For three years, they’ve been building one of the most exciting projects in England. Manager Brendan Rogers has once again proven his quality in the Premier League while Leicester’s recruiting department has shown season on season the ability to find hidden gems in the transfer market. Leicester have fallen just short in the last two years in the race for Champions League qualification with late season capitulations dropping them from fourth spot. However, this will be the year the Foxes make the breakthrough. Though the injury loss of French star center-back Wesley Fofana will hurt, having a fit James Maddison, Ricardo Pereira and Wilfried Ndidi will help the Foxes’ chances. They’ve also added young talents Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumaré, who will serve as cover and great long term investments. Jamie Vardy is a year older, but with the emergence of Kelechi Iheanacho and the signing of Patson Daka, Leicester will have plenty of threat in front of goal. The main concern now is center back depth with just Johnny Evans and Çağlar Söyüncü as of now, but the Foxes have quickly moved to resolve this as they close in on signing Southampton’s towering Dane Jannik Vestergaard. The Foxes will be focused and back to claim the Champions League spot they missed out on for the past two years.

5. Liverpool

Liverpool’s 2020/21 season was a painful one. The Reds lost large parts of their starting XI to injury early in the season including star center back Virgil van Dijk, captain Jordan Henderson, and right back Trent Alexander-Arnold. They also were without squad members Diogo Jota, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Fabinho for portions of last season that combined to make a dire injury crisis at Anfield. If not for a heroic last minute goal from goalkeeper Alisson Becker that earned the Reds three points in a crucial tie against relegated West Brom last season, Liverpool would have missed out on Champions League qualification. However, Liverpool are finally fit and will feel as though their squad gives them a great chance at a title challenge. For the past three years, Liverpool have been Manchester City’s only true title challengers and will want to prove their quality yet again this year. However, they’ve failed to make significant upgrades to their squad in the transfer window. Outside the signing of Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool haven’t made any significant signings this window. As well as this, attackers Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are all a year older and coming off 4 consecutive seasons of intense Klopp football. This squad has seen little turnover and could face the prospect of “Klopp burnout.” The German coach’s system is extremely physically and mentally demanding and has seen his teams suffer from burnout in the past. The Reds will be disappointed once again this season as they not only fail to challenge for the title, but also fail to finish in the coveted Champions League places.

6. Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur have had a nightmare summer window. After sacking manager Jose Mourinho midseason last year, they missed out on upwards of ten targets to replace him. They settled for former Wolverhampton boss Nuno Espirito Santo who was widely praised for his work with Wolves over the past 5 years. Tottenham also face the prospect of losing talisman Harry Kane to Manchester City. Kane became the first player in Premier League history to top the goal scoring and assist charts last season, dragging Tottenham to a 7th place finish. As Kane looks to force a move, chairman Daniel Levy is fighting tooth and nail to keep his star. Tottenham have a good squad, with the main questions surrounding their defense. Spurs will hope that Argentianian defender Christian Romero helps resolve some of the issues in their back line after his big money move from Italian side Atalanta. They’ve also added Spanish winger Bryan Gil to their ranks, a young star hoping to have a breakout season. If Spurs do manage to keep Kane, they will almost definitely secure Europa League football. Their squad has too much talent compared to their competitors and new manager Nuno Espirito Santo has shown his ability to coach a Premier League defense. However, if Tottenham do accept a ₤100 million+ bid for Kane, they will struggle to replace his vital role in the side and could see them plummet down the table.

7. Arsenal

Arsenal football club and its fans have been a tortured group for almost a decade now. The Gunners have fallen further and further down the table in recent years, including an 8th place finish last season. Mikel Arteta is still unproven in the dugout while key members of the Arsenal squad fail to make the impact expected of them year on year. The Gunners have a number of young stars in their side including Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe, and Kieran Tierney but their overreliance on these players could be their downfall. There are clear gaps in their squad, with right back Hector Bellerin still looking for a move and no replacement brought in as well as no natural central defensive midfielder. Questions surround forward options Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang who struggled to find the net last season. New signings Ben White and Albert-Mboyo Sambi Lokonga will hope to make a big impact on their new side, filling holes in central defense and central midfield respectively. On their day, Arsenal are an exciting team with plenty of goals in them. The concern is now whether they can replicate their top performances often enough to snatch a European place.

8. Aston Villa

After narrowly avoiding relegation in 2019/20, Aston Villa made a massive resurgence last season, comfortably finishing mid table in 11th. Signings Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins helped them in their push for top half and had wonderful seasons. Villa have shown their ambition yet again this window with the signings of striker Danny Ings, attacker Emiliano Buendia, and winger Leon Bailey. However, it is the loss of talisman Jack Grealish to Manchester City that will worry the Villains this year. Grealish almost single-handedly kept Villa from relegation in 19/20 and was the main man in their push for top half last season. If the new signings for Villa can replace the output of Grealish, Villa look like a top half side with potential for European qualification. Manager Dean Smith now must find a system to fit all his attacking talent on the pitch that includes Anwar El Ghazi, Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Beundia, Danny Ings, and Leon Bailey.

9. Leeds United

Leeds United played their first season back in the Premier League since 2004 last season and had a wonderful year finishing 9th. Manager Marcelo Bielsa is a top class man in the dugout and has brought his high-pressing system to the Premier League. Striker Patrick Bamford proved many doubters wrong, bagging 17 goals and 7 assists for the Whites in the Premier League last season. However, Leeds’ transfers this window have been widely uninspiring outside the signing of left back Junior Firpo from Barcelona. Midfielder Klavin Phillips is the key man for Leeds and coming off a stupendous Euro this summer with England, he will be hoping to hold down the middle of the pitch for the Peacocks this season. However, without Phillips, Leeds are a much weaker side. Last season, Leeds lost 5 of the 7 matches he missed conceding 2.4 goals a game compared to 1.5 while he was in the side. If Phillips can stay fit, it should be another strong season for Leeds. Without him, Leeds could have a long year and face the prospect of “second season syndrome.”

10. Everton

The loss of world class manager Carlo Ancelotti will be a difficult pill to swallow for Toffees supporters this year. However, his replacement Rafa Benitez is more than capable of maintaining Everton’s standards. The larger concern for the Toffees is their business in the transfer market. Colombian star James Rodriguez wants out and Everton have only signed Andros Townsend, Demari Gray and Asmir Begovic for the first team for under a combined ₤2 million. Gray and Townsend are signings that will most likely fail to make any significant impact for the club, as the former is not up to the standard of the Premier League while the latter is in the last year or so of top flight production. It will be another season of reliance on Dominic Calvert-Lewin in front of net as the club hopes he can replicate his 16 goal tally. The Toffees believe that Benitez can replicate his ability to coach a great defense this season, while also hoping that Brazilian forward Richarlison can take a step up in his production this season. If James Rodriguez stays at the club and stays fit, it could even be an improvement for the club this season.

11. West Ham

In the 2020/21 season, West Ham were one of my favorites for relegation. They instead had one of the best seasons in their history, finishing 6th and qualifying for the Europa League. David Moyes instituted a robust system change from the previous Manuel Pellegrini, utilizing West Ham’s strength in the air to produce a large portion of their goals from set pieces and headers. The loan of Jesse Lingard gave the Hammers the late season boost to grab a hold of European qualification. This season, West Ham will not have the services of Lingard, but will return Michail Antonio from a long term injury. If Antonio can stay fit, he should be able to replace the goals of Lingard. Tomas Soucek will attempt to replicate his wonderful season of last in this new one while signings such as Said Benrahma and Craig Dawson will help bolster the squad. However, as history shows, clubs with small squads who manage to qualify for Europe are often underprepared for the amount of games on their schedule. West Ham will finish comfortably mid-table, but I doubt they will be able to replicate their top half finish from last year while contending in Europe.

12. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Many supporters and pundits are concerned about Wolves this season. They’ve lost manager Nuno Espirito Santo and replaced him with the unproven Bruno Lage while also failing to make signings that fill the gaps in their squad. Despite this, they are still one of the most talented sides in the Premier League outside the top 6. Key goal-getter Raul Jimenez returns after a horrific skull fracture and wing talents Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence will finally have an outlet for their creativity. Fabio Silva will have another year of experience and development while new signing Francisco Trincao will bring even more attacking options. Meanwhile, Joao Moutinho grows a year older and his legs grow even weaker and Wolves persist with out-of-position Leander Dendoncker in defensive midfield. If Wolves do lose Rueben Neves, they will have one of the weakest and thinnest midfields in the league. They will be safe from a relegation fight, but won’t threaten the top half for yet another season.

13. Burnley

Bunrley are the Premier League’s enigma club. They seem to operate in a different universe from the rest of the Premier League. Sean Dyche and his men keep plugging along in the top flight with a brand of football that barely resembles the Championship. They’ve made only one big addition in the transfer market in the form of center back Nathan Collins from Stoke City and lost Ben Gibson to Norwich, a swap that Dyche will hope is an upgrade. With a solid system, a squad familiar with each other and the Premier League, and one of the best goalkeepers in the league in Nick Pope, it’ll be another year of mid-table mediocrity for the Clarets.

14. Brighton and Hove Albion

Brighton and Graham Potter had an odd season last year. They finished 16th and were never safe from the relegation scrap. However, they were expected to do far better. They underperformed their xG (expected goals) by 13, a trend that can’t continue for another season. Had they performed to expectations in front of net, they’d have finished in 10th. Visually, it is easy to see why Brighton racked up expected goals; Graham Potter’s tactics were often spot on and highlighted by high tempo passing play. They lost defender Ben White to Arsenal in a big money move, but Potter’s system will compensate well. If defensive midfielder Yves Bissouma can stay fit and Brighton can find somebody to finish their chances, they will be plenty safe from the drop. Neal Maupay will be vital for the Gulls in his third season in the top flight; if he can’t find some goal-scoring form, it could be a relegation battle for the Seagulls of the south coast.

15. Norwich

After a year’s absence, Norwich have returned to the Premier League this season. They’ve retained much of the squad that was relegated two years ago, but are far more experienced and prepared for the top flight this time around. They’ve made a number of additions to the squad as well, bringing in winger Milot Rashica, young American forward Josh Sargent and experienced Premier League center back Ben Gibson. These signings will supplement Teemu Pukki in attack as well as work to replace creative forward Emiliano Buendia. Todd Cantwell will be the key man in the midfield for the Canaries; a year older and now with a season of Premier League experience, Cantwell could be in for a breakout year. Norwich have also added Greeks Christos Tzolis and Dimitrios Giannoulis from PAOK as well as French midfielder Pierre Lees Melou who they hope will be good long term investments and possibly bolster the first team this season. Daniel Farke remains in charge for his 5th season at the club after earning his second promotion in three years. They showed flashes of potential two years ago in the top flight and this will be the year they are finally able to cement themselves as Premier League quality.

16. Brentford

Brentford have been watched carefully over the past few years as they progressed through the Championship, and with victories in the Championship Playoffs, they’ve earned their first promotion into the top flight since 1946 this season. In terms of player quality, they have few names to speak of with proven Premier League quality. However, their smart business off the pitch combined with a clear tactical approach on it will serve them well in the top flight. Ivan Toney will be the key man for the Bees if they hope to stay up. Toney bagged 33 goals and 10 assists in 48 matches in the Championship last year, breaking the goalscoring record in the division. This will be his first season of Premier League football, but with his performances last year, it is safe to say he may have already proven his quality. If Toney can produce half the amount of goals he scored last season in the Premier League, the Bees will find themselves in for another year of top flight football after this one.

17. Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have been a Premier League club for 9 years now, finishing safely mid-table in all of them. There have been signs and struggles in years past, but the steady hand of manager Roy Hodgson kept a below-average squad far from the drop zone. With Hodgson gone and 12 player departures, this is a season of unknowns for Palace. The Eagles have appointed Premier League legend Patrick Veiera as new manager, his first job in management in England. He has had spells at OGC Nice in France and in the MLS in the past, with the results being nothing more than indifferent. Palace, however, have made some shrewd signings in this window. They’ve added Marc Guehi from Chelsea and Joachim Andersen from Fulham to fill the gaps left by departing Gary Cahill and Scott Dann in central defense as well as young Michael Olise from Reading to bolster the midfield. They’ve yet again managed to keep hold of star Wilfried Zaha and return Eberechi Eze from injury this season, but have lost Andros Townsend and Patrick van Aanholt on free transfers. I predict Palace to stay up by the skin of their teeth this season, and anything more can only be seen as a success. Whatever happens to the South London club, it’ll be one of the most interesting storylines in the league this season.

18. Newcastle United

Oh Newcastle. This time a year ago, it seemed as though Newcastle was on the brink of being taken over by a Saudi Arabian consortium with plans to inject massive sums into the club, a total 180 from the days of Mike Ashley pinching pennies. Instead, they face the prospect of another season with Steve Bruce at the helm and the prudent Mike Ashley refusing to invest into the club. Newcastle were one of the favorites to go down last year but managed to grab a 12th place finish on the back of great end-of-season form. They won’t get as lucky this year. They’ve added Joe Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal (check out my thoughts on the deal in my article “Joe Willock to Tyneside: The Next Mike Ashley-era Newcastle Flop”), but don’t look to be adding any more big signings to the squad. They’re thin at every position and the brand of football Bruce plays is dreadful. They’ll be relying on goals from striker Callum Wilson and new addition Joe Willock to keep them up, but it won’t be enough. Willock is unlikely to reproduce his numbers from his short time at the club last season and there is no viable backup to Wilson up front. If Wilson goes down with injury, it’s hard to see how the Magpies score goals. Alan Saint-Maximin is a wonderful creative winger, but is restricted by Bruce’s style, while pacey Paraguayan Miguel Alimiron could have a breakout year in his second season in the top flight. But, if the Magpies hope to stay up, everything will have to come together perfectly. Sadly for the Toon Army, it’s likely to be another relegation scrap this year, and I see them losing out this time around.

19. Southampton

Southampton are a disaster at the moment. They just lost goal-scorer Danny Ings to rivals Aston Villa for a small fee as well as key fullback and center back Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard to Leicester City. The club has been 9-0’d twice in the past two seasons, an embarrassment they’re likely to live down anytime soon. They haven’t replaced the goals of Danny Ings; instead, they seem to be looking to Scotsman Che Adams to find the net. Adams has never scored more than 9 goals in the Premier League and has struggled mightily in the top flight. They’ve also added Adam Armstrong from Championship side Blackburn to help out, but with the history of Championship strikers in the Premier League, it is unlikely he will score more than 10. Key midfielder James Ward-Prowse also seems to want a move from St. Mary’s, confirming the fact that Southampton is a sinking ship. Manager Ralph Hassenhuttl has done well to keep the Saints from the drop zone for two years without major investments, but this is the year it all falls apart. If Ward-Prowse does leave, it’s likely Hassenhuttl will be out of a job by Christmas and Southampton will be pinned in the relegation zone. This could be a very long season for Saints supporters.

20. Watford

Watford are back! But it won’t be for long. Outside Ismaila Sarr, their squad is mostly Championship quality. There won’t be a Troy Deeney to fall back on this time around as the striker has aged out of the starting XI. They’ve replaced him with Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis from Belgian side Club Brugge, who, even after scoring in his first Premier League match, is completely unproven in a top league. Stalwart Craig Dawson has left the club and the Hornets’ only big addition outside Dennis is center midfielder Imran Louza from French side Nantes. Manager Xisco is impressively unproven at any level with his only previous head coaching job at Georgian side Dinamo Tbilisi. This is a side that screams Championship quality, and with the Pozzo’s in charge, it is likely the Hornets will face some sort of mid-season upheaval. If Watford are stuck in the relegation zone in January, star winger Ismaila Sarr could find a new home and the Hornet’s will be condemned to another season back in the Championship.