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| Our SBN writers have given their predictions for the Premier League. Who will reign supreme? |
Rick John Henry says:
Manchester City – 5/2
As a football tipster, it’s never satisfying to plug the favourite. There just seems to be a lack of adventure about the whole process. However, we’re in the business of trying to find the most likely bet at the right price, and in this case Manchester City ticks both boxes. With trophy-machine Pep Guardiola at the helm, City have an uncompromising manager who accepts nothing short of excellence.
Summer signings Ilkay Gundogan and Nolito will provide the perfect foils to an ineffective Jesus Navas and aging Yaya Toure. There is little doubt that City will land at least a couple more marquee signings before the window closes and I feel that the blue side of Manchester will prove incredibly difficult to beat over the course of this season.
Jesse Nagel says:
Manchester United – 33/10
Under Jose Mourinho, Manchester United look like a solid bet to win the league at 33/10. Judging, by their FA Community Shield match, the partnership of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney seemed like nothing special. However, with Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Paul Pogba all in a supporting role, United look absolutely lethal in attack.
Not to mention other attacking talents like, Memphis Depay, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera. It will be a three-horse title race in my opinion, with Chelsea and Arsenal, who are both just a signing or two away from being complete, the likeliest of challengers to the ‘Special One’s’ star-studded side. With that being said, I give Manchester City no chance of winning the title in Pep Guardiola’s first season at the helm. It will be a joy to watch the Premier League again, but from a betting perspective, my money is on the Red Devil’s at a decent price of 33/10.
Chadley Nagel says:
Chelsea – 11/2
Man City haven’t impressed me and although Man United have done the best business, it could take a while for their players to gel together. Chelsea will start the new campaign with a renewed optimism (following a forgettable 2015/16 campaign) under a new manager, Antonio Conte. The Italian has a proven track record of success having won three straight Serie A titles from 2011-2014 while in charge of Juventus.
With no European football to worry about, Conte will get an ample time to work with his players and instil his footballing philosophy and tactics. It is still pretty much the same squad that won the Premier League two years ago and Conte is known for getting the best out of his players. New signing N’Golo Kante will sit in front of the defence and stabilize the midfield while Eden Hazard and Diego Costa will provide the attacking threat up front. After a below par season they are sure to be hungry for success and are well worth a punt at 11/2.
Aaron Crowie says:
Manchester United – 33/10
The Red Devils have arguably made the most effective signings, but none other than Jose Mourinho could prove to be the most important. He has been able to lure some of the biggest names in world football to Manchester; with the likes of Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, not to mention, the potential signing of Paul Pogba.
Those four signings are sure to strengthen the spine of the team, giving Man United that extra bit of power, creativity and sheer class through the centre. The Red Devils are clearly showing early aspirations to get back to the glory days, and with the Special One at the helm, I don’t see why not! Man United are second favourites to win the league at 33/10. Go on, have a punt, and thank me later!
Jason Dewey says:
Manchester City – 5/2
There’s only one team that I see winning the Premier League this season – Manchester City. With Pep Guardiola at the helm and the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Jason Denayer, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Leroy Sane already signed up with the possible arrivals Leonardo Bonucci, John Stones; they look a real force to be reckoned with. Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero form the spine of a side that has been bolstered by some world class additions.
Look around the league, there isn’t really anyone who can challenge them. United can’t match them with the players they have neither can Arsenal. The only team that can maybe mount a bit of a challenge is Chelsea. I think they’ll be more tactically aware under the Italian, and if guys like Eden Hazard, Willian and Diego Costa click again we could be in for an absolute treat of a title race. Big stake on City at 5/2, small to medium strike on Chelsea at 11/2.
Darry Worthington says:
Manchester City – 5/2
So which EPL side will hold England’s most coveted trophy aloft come May 2017? Well, I don’t think any of the London clubs will take it. Spurs are choke artists, Arsenal have lost pivotal centre-half Per Mertesacker for the opening few months and I feel Chelsea will need a transitional period to adapt to Conte’s style.
My money is on City taking home the trophy. Pep is a born winner and he’s got some time to purchase a few more players before the transfer window shuts on August 31st. Manchester United will run them close for the majority of the season but I can see Mourinho losing his cool with a few of the more egocentric members of this United squad which will inevitably lead to a massive fall out and a drop in performance.