Premier League 2016-17 preview

Of course, the current Premier League season is not even over yet, and there is still plenty left to play for. But what we have seen so far bodes very well for the 2016/17 season.

So, here are just a few reasons why next season’s Premier League campaign could be the best yet.

The New Kids on the Block

With Leicester City gunning for their debut top-flight title, and Tottenham Hotspur ready to claim their first crown in 55 years should the Foxes slip-up – there is a good chance that we may have a brand new name on the Premier League trophy this season.

Whatever happens in the final weeks, the success of those clubs demonstrates how dramatically the landscape has changed in the elite tier of English football.

In addition, we also have the likes of West Ham United, with their shiny new stadium; and Southampton, knocking on the door of the top four, meaning that established names like Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal are no longer dead certs for the prime positions in the league.

Whether this unpredictability will continue next year, or whether normal order will be resumed, remains to be seen, but it should make for compelling viewing.

The Cream of European Coaching

There is a strong possibility that nest season the Premier League management roster could consist of such illustrious names as Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez, Antonio Conte, Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klopp.

With Claudio Ranieri, Mauricio Pochettino, Slaven Bilic, Ronald Koeman, Quique Sanchez Flores, Eddie Howe and Francesco Guidolin also likely to be featuring, the list reads like a who’s who of the most established names in the business, combined with some of the most promising up-and-coming young Coaches.

Just the prospect of watching Guardiola, Conte, Mourinho and Klopp going head-to-head is mouth-watering enough, but there are plenty of other names on that list that could make a real impact next season.

This represents a real changing of the guard with just a few of the old familiar British names such as Alan Pardew, Tony Pulis, Mark Hughes and Sam Allardyce still knocking around. So, can those guys still cut it with the cream of European Coaching? And how will the promoted managers fare in such decorated company? Only time will tell.

Best-Case Scenario

The best we can hope for in the unpredictable nature of this season combined with an extra level of competitiveness. That could provide the perfect environment for English teams to once again make a significant impact on the European stage.

Early predictions

Manchester City should improve under Pep Guardiola but much will depend on whether the Spaniard can get his hands on the right players to suit his system. Expect a few players to follow him from Bayern Munich.

Jose Mourinho is rumoured to be taking over at Manchester United, but can the Portuguese Coach restore the Red Devils to their former state of glory? Or will it end in more tears for Jose? There is no doubt that he can make an impact in the short-term but the former Chelsea boss has yet to retain a healthy long-term relationship with any club. There is no reason to expect any different from his proposed spell at Old Trafford.

Jurgen Klopp has made himself comfortable at Anfield and is now very familiar with the English game. The German will now get a chance to make his mark in the transfer market, and there is no doubt that Liverpool should be a stronger force next season under the German, but how far can they go?

Leicester City may find it tough to emulate the exploits of this season but whatever happens, they have proved that, with the right formula, anything is possible. They will fully deserve their chance to shine on the European stage and could well become and established Premier League presence.

Arsenal will carry on being Arsenal – often flattering to deceive but ultimately coming up short. However, that coveted top-four place could be even harder to grab next year.

Tottenham Hotspur could be the team to take away the Gunner’s top four residence. They have a strong squad and great young coach who seems to know exactly what direction he is headed.

Chelsea could have a tough time breaking back into the top four after their season of disappointment. And yet another managerial change could mean a season of transition for the Blues.

West Ham look to be on the verge of becoming a major force in English football – however, their success next season could depend on how long it takes them to settle in their new Stratford home.

The bookies already have Man City as favourites for next season. If you feel like making an early prediction, keep an eye on for the best odds at Betfair.

Look out for our full Premier League 2016-17 preview before the start of next season.

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