The next stage of my Premier League 2019/20 predictions is looking at who I think could be challenging for that 7th placed spot (which could earn that team a place in Europe).
11th – Everton:
To be honest, I think this could be quite a disappointing finish for Everton, considering that they always seemed to be the number one contender for seventh place. They’ve lost a very good defensive midfielder in Idrissa Gueye, it will be a big loss, losing a player of his calibre – although they have found a replacement fairly quickly. There have been links previously this summer that Everton may be the destination for Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, but those rumours have gone cold recently, which is a shame for the club, as he would definitely be a strong addition to their squad.
They have managed to get Andre Gomes back on a permanent deal though, which is a good thing for them since he provides a great physical presence within their squad. They’ve also retained some good players in their squad – the likes of Richarlison, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Lucas Digne, who performed so well last season. I’m not convinced though, to me there is something missing in comparison with the other clubs that will be mentioned here, so I think they will miss out.
10th – Watford:
To be as short as possible, they haven’t really signed anyone. In all honesty, they didn’t really need to considering the fact they made FA Cup final last year (even though they got absolutely hammered by Man City), but I think a few aspects could’ve been strengthened. There are still talks for Ismaila Sarr, who would definitely be a good addition and would challenge or play alongside Gerard Deulofeu – who was great last season. I’m very confident in Javi Gracia as a manager, and what he can do with this Watford team, so I hope they don’t do a typical Watford thing by sacking him, especially since he took them from being on the cusp of relegation to beating Chelsea and co., and reaching an FA Cup final. However, there could be a struggle due to the overbearing expectations after reaching that final, although I expect them to still do reasonably well.
9th – Wolves:
The reason that Wolves are in 9th is because of the Europa League. You have to ask the question will it take its toll, as it has done on many other teams in recent history? I’m not too sure yet, but I do know that Nuno is an incredible manager and would’ve definitely won Manager of the Season last year if it was up to me. They’ve also managed to permanently secure the services of Raul Jimenez and Leander Dendoncker; and have also confirmed the signings of Jesus Vallejo on loan from Real Madrid and Patrick Cutrone from AC Milan, which add to the depth that they have in their squad (which is unbelievable considering they’re only in their second season back in the top flight). I think they’ll be okay in both competitions, because they’ve made enough signings to be able to rotate the squad accordingly, and it will be an interesting point to see which team Nuno believes is his strongest.
8th – Leicester:
I think that Leicester are very much dark horses going into this season, with or without Harry Maguire. I think he will be a significant loss to the club, but if you take the fee into account, they will definitely be able to find a replacement. It’s not necessarily the worst thing that could’ve happened, as if he did not want to remain at the club, it is better to sell him than to allow a negative atmosphere to develop. Leicester already still have a good enough squad without Maguire, especially when you look towards their midfield and attack. James Maddison (who created the most chances in the Premier League last season) and the permanent signing of Youri Tielemans boosts their midfield into one of the best outside the top 6, and I think both Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton add to this combination quite well. We all know how prolific Jamie Vardy can be, and he’s also got good back up, since they’ve signed Ayoze Perez from Newcastle, who was in good form towards the back end of last season. I think there is definitely a clear opportunity for Leicester to get into the Europa League, whether it be through league position or a cup competition (if they start taking those seriously).
7th – West Ham United:
West Ham are one of those hit or miss teams, considering their past few transfer windows you’d have expected them to be up there fighting for this position, but it has not been the case because they have started the season so poorly. However, I am backing them this season. They’ve managed to sell Arnautovic to Shanghai SIPG, which seems to have been the best thing for everyone involved. His alleged toxic behaviour may have been the thing that was holding the club and players back, but now that he is gone we will be able to see how they cope without their former star man. As for the current squad, I see very few weaknesses in it. Fabianski has drastically improved as a player since he was at Arsenal, Balbuena and Diop have the potential to form a strong partnership at the back, and their midfield looks so strong. You have to look at players like Declan Rice, Felipe Anderson and their new signing, Pablo Fornals, who impressed during the Spanish U21 Euro triumph. There’s also Manuel Lanzini, a fit Jack Wilshere could fight for his place in this team, Robert Snodgrass and of course, Mr West Ham himself, Mark Noble. They’ve also signed Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt, who’s goal involvement tally last season was only beaten in the Bundesliga by Robert Lewandowski. I’d be very excited at the prospects within this West Ham squad if I was a supporter of the club, and they also have a manager who’s won many trophies at different clubs, so I think they are in a perfect place to steal the 7th spot if they remain consistent throughout the whole season.
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