Burnley

Key Players: Burnley’s key men are the same crop who have been consistent and kept them in the league for several seasons now. Pope in goal is a huge player especially when they aim to keep their defence strong. Meanwhile, a key man to ensure the defence is organised and resolute is Tarkowski, a player who arguably could have pushed for moves up the league, but is well respected and a solid part of the side. Finally, the third key man for me in the Burnley side has to be Chris Wood. Their no.9 is their main goal threat with 12 last season, getting a run of goals is what they will need to nab the goals and get points on the board, as unfortunately the defence can’t do much more points-wise.

Transfers: Burnley’s window has been very… Burnley. Bringing in Cornet, Roberts and Collins, it’s a case of fleshing out their side. Cornet is an exciting arrival from Lyon where he has been a feature of the first team for some time. With 31 goals in 184 games for the French side, the wing-back may just give Burnley a new dimension of pushing forward and playing wide as a new attacking threat. Not huge signings to be fair, but this is Burnley and they are sensible and I trust Dyche has done what he needed, but perhaps fans would be more convinced with the arrival of a goalscorer.

Opening Fixture: It’s Burnley vs Brighton in the opening fixture, and in my previous post I put out that it could be a very tight matchup, however I do expect Brighton to break down the Burnley defence and grab a 1-0 or 2-1 win, leaving Burnley with defeat on the opening day. It won’t be an easy game for either side, and will likely be an attacking minded side in Brighton trying to break down the resolute defence of Burnley. Whichever was this one goes, I expect it to be close, and likely low down on the MOTD pecking order.

Predictions: This season will not be fun for Burnley I’m afraid, however they will stay in the league in my prediction. I am expecting a 15th placed finish, and they will be in the relegation battle with Watford, Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford and maybe even Palace, however the key factor is that Burnley are so difficult to score against, and in the lower half of the table, that’s the key factor. No team in the bottom half is free-scoring and thus gaining points by not conceding has worked well for Burnley so far, and will for the coming season in my opinion, but don’t expect fireworks Burnley fans.

Chelsea

Key Players: Where to begin with this squad. For me, it’s the spine of the side that will be so crucial, with Mendy looking strong in goal, the evergreen Thiago Silva in defence, Kante and Jorginho just in front, Mount playing the 10 role and Lukaku up top. The wide players are given freedom to get forward like James and Chilwell so often do, while pressure will be taken off Werner and Havertz after they have Lukaku leading the line and expected to be the ‘main’ outlet.

Transfers: Chelsea have done some blinding business to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge, as his time in Italy has truly developed him into a massive threat. Going from a player misused in Manchester, he is proven in the Premier League with Everton and even at West Brom, and now with some quality providers, he will be guaranteed 20+ goals each season. Additionally, the late move for Saul from Atletico was another steal from some of Europe’s top sides who had their eyes on the midfielder, and fleshes out the midfield for a long campaign ahead.

Opening Fixture: Chelsea take on Palace in the opener, and with Viera on the touchline, Palace are a bit of an unknown, whereas Chelsea are coming off of the back of an incredible end to the season last year. I expect Chelsea to win maybe 2-1 or 3-1, as goals come easy for the Blues, especially with the quality in attack they have, however Palace themselves are capable of grabbing a goal or two, so again it will be very very close, but Chelsea full of confidence will win this and get their title charge up and running.

Predictions: I simply cannot look past the quality shown by Chelsea and Tuchel towards the end of last season, and how they were solid against lower opposition, while the bigger sides were matched in almost tailor made tactics which worked a dream, and led them to become Champions League winners for the second time in their history. Therefore, I am predicting with the huge improvement from Lukaku’s arrival along with a gelling side of young and exciting players, Chelsea will get over the line, and outdo a Liverpool side still without too much depth and protection, particularly in a AFCON year with Covid and a busy summer having a huge impact also. Meanwhile, possibly the closest rivals City are still without a striker at time of writing aside from Jesus, and although this has been enough with the likes of Sterling, Mahrez and Foden, Chelsea have all the pieces to win here and now. So, my money is on Chelsea to claim the no.1 spot and take home more silverware in the Premier League trophy, if not a domestic cup or two also. A big prediction perhaps, but that’s where my money is for the coming season.

Crystal Palace

Key Players: The key players for Viera’s side has to be the new front 3, Zaha, Eze and Edouard. There are goals and excitement in this front 3, and it will be a scary prospect for the opposition. Having these flair players who give a real dangerous attacking threat will allow Viera to move away the solidity of Hodgson’s era, and instead instigate a new style that will be effective and arguably more exciting at Selhurst Park.

Transfers: Palace have done exceptional business in my opinion, however realistically, they should have and could have gone further to really flesh out their squad, and Viera will instead settled in the most part for what he has got at his disposal. The biggest move for me is brining former Celtic striker Edouard to the club. With a potential front 3 of Zaha, Edouard and Eke, they have some serious talent up top, however it’s the rest of the side that may cause concern. Other arrivals include young Conor Gallagher on loan from Chelsea and Andersen and Guehi at the back.

Opening Fixture: See previous.

Predictions: Palace are entering new territory, as they enter a season without Hodgson in charge, the man who has kept them so secure in the league despite a mediocre side in comparison to those around them. I do expect Viera to come in and do enough to keep them in the league, and looking on paper, with the attacking talent Palace have at their disposal, I am predicting a 14th spot for the London side. They may get sucked into a relegation scrap, however I honestly think they’ve got enough about them, and are potentially beginning an exciting era with a young, modern coach on the touchline.

Everton

Key Players: Everton’s key men are their two front force, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin. There is potentially anywhere between 30-40 goals with these 2, and they bring excitement and ultimately points with their goals, if they can get firing and spark up a partnership, Everton could exceed my expectations and really push on. In goal, I think Pickford will also be a key man, after an impressive Euros campaign, he has answered critics and will be a key part of the machine under Benitez.

Transfers: Everton’s biggest business is arguably keeping Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin in the side. They did bring in 2 players in the form of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend. Gray is a great bargain buy and will be a useful addition, while Townsend is capable of putting in decent performances at this level. It’s not huge spending, however Everton have proven that high-spending hasn’t brought success previously, and now must be thoughtful and considered in their transfer activity.

Opening Fixture: Everton are at home to Southampton in their opener, another close matchup which could go either way. I expect Everton to have just enough to get a win, however it may be a 2-1 to Everton, which could easily end up as a draw. However, I expect the home side to take the W on opening day as the attacking threat Everton can pose is impressive, whereas Southampton are searching for their new talismanic figure and will be adjusting to life without Danny Ings. An Everton win in this one is my prediction, and Rafa will get things up and running, which is exactly what he will need at the start of the season in front of a home crowd wanting to be impressed.

Predictions: Looking at Everton, they are still an unknown quantity, they aren’t in contention for Europe at this stage, however they aren’t at risk of relegation, they are the definition of a 10th placed side, which is where I predict them to finish. They have enough talent to get wins against ‘easier’ opponents, however will struggle to break through to the European places when the clubs occupying those spots are still building.