Way-too-early “Top 6” predictions

With just under two weeks left until the first Premier League fixture of the 2017-18 season, it’s time for some almost-irrelevant predictions for the upcoming term. Much has transpired in the League this summer in terms of personnel changes, so let’s dive in to some way-too-early picks.

Preseason speculation is theoretically infinite. We could speculate endlessly about the most improved team, who got the best striker, or the Champions League possibilities for the 5 Premier League clubs competing in the tournament this year.

So, let’s get down to brass tacks. This is a unique season, as the Champions League limit of 5 clubs per league will be met by the Premier League. Arsenal is the only English juggernaut that is excluded from the European contest in 2017-18 ( if you exclude Everton from that group).

I think this drastically improves Arsenal’s odds for the domestic competition this year, even though they will play in the Europa League. Currently, Bet365 shows Arsenal at 11-1 odds to win the title. I think this is relatively low, considering they picked up French forward Alexandre Lacazette and look to be holding on to Alexis through this last year of his contract.

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Here are the Top 6 odds from ESPNFC and Bet365:

Manchester City 15-8

Manchester United 10-3

Chelsea 7-2

Tottenham 9-1

Arsenal 11-1

Liverpool 12-1

I wouldn’t say this particular set of odds are extremely outlandish, but they are very surprising. Manchester City have clearly improved after a very expensive summer, spending more on defence than the United States government. I don’t think they will win the title, however.

The Pride of London are my pick to repeat their dominance. I think they will battle it out with City throughout the season, as Manchester City’s lethal offense will ensure them many points to keep up with the Blues. I think the Blues made an improvement at striker with the addition of Morata and exit of Diego Costa.

After Chelsea and City, I think the Spurs will round out the top 3. They have been the most consistent side for the past couple of seasons, and have a blooming set of young, promising players. Harry Kane also continues to prove he is arguably the best striker in the league.

I think Arsenal will finish fourth at their worst. Without having to play in the Champions League, they can focus almost completely on regular season fixtures. Arsenal will give the Spurs a run for their money for 3rd, and could very well take the spot with a late season push.

The Red Devils are a much improved side with the addition of 29-year-old winger Perisic, Nemanja Matic from Chelsea, Victor Lindelof to help out on defense, and of course their blockbuster addition of Lukaku from Everton. Mourinho is settling in as the second-year manager at Old Trafford, but I think United are still developing. I think they finish outside the top 4 this year, but have a successful Champions League campaign.

To wrap it up, I’m going with my gut on a bold pick. I think Everton finish 6th overall this year, pushing Liverpool out of the top 6. The Reds started very strong last term, but fizzled out as glaring personnel problems persisted all season. Klopp and company are on the verge of losing superstar Brazilian Coutinho to Barcelona as well.

Everton have arguably had the best offseason of any Premier League side. With the return of club legend Wayne Rooney, Ronald Koeman also added Davy Klaassen, Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford, Sandro Ramirez, and Henry Onyekuru this summer. The Toffees will have to be on top of their game and in form for most of the season, and even the slightest misstep will see them back in 7th at the end of next term.

Top 6 picks:

Chelsea

Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal

Manchester United

Everton

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