The 2015/16 season was one of great surprises. Chelsea finished a lowly 10th, having been crowned champions just a year before.
Tottenham Hotspur came third – their highest ever position in the Premier League. Manchester United failed to reach the top four on goal difference to Manchester City. Yet undoubtedly the biggest shock of the season was the rise of Leicester City.
Having escaped relegation by a whisker the season before, the Foxes won the league for the first time in their history. The Premier League top four has largely been the preserve of the big money clubs: Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Yet the impressive standings of Leicester and Spurs, as well as the lacklustre displays of United (5th) and Chelsea (10th) bucked this trend. And whereas the likes of Bournemouth (16th) and Watford (13th) were thought to be in line for the drop last season, these relative minnows did very well.
So will there be any shocks in 2016/17?
Despite being reigning champions, we don’t think Leicester City will repeat the feat. Despite the departure of N'Golo Kante, the club still looks likely to retain the core of the team; with PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy staying on – which is great news for Foxes’ fans.
While Leicester are just too good to fade back into obscurity any time soon, they still need reinforcements to compete with the likes of United for the title. While they still have a great deal of quality, we don’t think they will overcome the likes of United, Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal. In fact, we think that Leicester will come 6th behind Spurs. For more insight throughout the season, look out for our weekly predictions.
We also think that Bournemouth and Watford will avoid the drop. With Burnley, Middlesbrough and Hull City now in the Premier League, there are clearly weaker teams in the top flight. Last season may have full of surprises; but they are shocks for a reason – they’re unlikely.
While Leicester City showed what is possible with team spirit and a bit of luck, their chances of repeating the impossible are very slim. Kante often proved to be the engine of the side last year. So while his transfer to Chelsea won’t prove a fatal blow for the Foxes, it will hurt them.
Bet on our Premier League predictions with a £200 bet365 sign-up bonus:
1. Click this link to bet365 and register
2. Claim a £200 deposit bonus
3. Bet on the 2016/17 Premier League season
Thatsagoal.com Team
Latest posts by Thatsagoal.com Team (see all)
- Boxing Day Competition to Win A Share of £772.40 from thatsagaol and bet365 - December 22, 2016
- Boxing Day Enhanced Odds Offers for Betting on the Premier League - December 22, 2016
- Everton vs Liverpool Enhanced Odds Bets for New and Existing Customers - December 19, 2016
- Premier League Football Accumulator for Tonight to win £180 from £10 - December 14, 2016
Follow us