How will the Premier League’s top sides perform this season?
The 2015/16 Premier League season got underway this weekend and there were a number of shock results in the opening round of fixtures. While Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United scraped a 1-0 victory at home against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea both dropped home points against West Ham United and Swansea City respectively. We take a look at how the Premier League’s major players could perform this season.
Chelsea
Last season’s champions got off to a disappointing start as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. However, there were plenty of positives to take out of the contest and the Blues will almost certainly finish in the top two this season. The instrumental Eden Hazard will score plenty of goals in Chelsea’s attack, with Bookies suggesting that he could even finish as the division’s top scorer this season. Meanwhile, the likes of Diego Costa, Willian and Radamel Falcao will also hit the back of the net and contribute going forward. Defensively, the Blues have the best unit in England’s top flight and will be incredibly difficult to beat, particularly at home.
Manchester City
Manchester City have finished in the Premier League’s top two in each of the past four seasons and Manuel Pellegrini’s side will be looking to claim their third title success this term. Sergio Aguero is one of the best strikers on the planet and City will rely on him to net a hatful of goals if they are to compete with Chelsea and Arsenal. Some have questioned City’s chances after a quiet transfer window but, with Kevin de Bruyne reportedly on his way to the Etihad Stadium, there is still time to strengthen the squad.
Arsenal
The Gunners are one of the most consistent sides in the top flight and have finished in the Champions League places every year since 1997. Arsene Wenger’s side were well tipped prior to the start of the season but a home defeat in their opening clash with West Ham has left people thinking twice about Arsenal’s chances. If they are to seriously challenge for the title, they must invest in a world class striker. Olivier Giroud is a good player but he isn’t a great one. The Gunners need somebody like Karim Benzema if they are to win the Premier League this season.
Manchester United
Louis van Gaal’s side finished fourth last season but, after heavy investment in the summer transfer window, will be expecting to challenge for the Premier League title this campaign. The evergreen Wayne Rooney remains a potent threat in United’s attack while the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin have added some toughness to the midfield. There are still question marks over United’s defence, however, and the Red Devils may need to sign another central defender if they are to keep pace with Chelsea and Manchester City at the top of the table.