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| Our football writers have their say on who will win the 2017/18 English Premier League title! |
Antonio Conte’s side will be looking to go back-to-back league winners, but it will be incredibly difficult as no team has successfully defended their title in seven seasons. Manchester City are favourites to win the Premier League at 18/10, with champions Chelsea and Manchester United level at 7/2. Last season’s runners-up Tottenham are 10/1 to go one better this season, while Community Shield winners Arsenal are 11/1 and Liverpool at 12/1.
This is who our writers predict to win the league:
Benedict Ngwenya says:
Manchester United – 7/2
Ever since his FC Porto days Jose Mourinho has never gone beyond the second season with a club without winning the league title. If the team gels very quickly he wins the league in his first season if it doesn’t he learns from his mistakes and equips the team for a title-winning second season. The arrival of Romelu Lukaku who forms a good partnership with Marcus Rashford upfront has looked promising during pre-season. He has also addressed the midfield problem by buying Nemanja Matic from Chelsea and Victor Lindelof has been roped in to strengthen the defence. The team also has sufficient depth in all departments.
Top Four
1. Manchester United
2. Manchester City
3. Chelsea
4. Tottenham
Chad Nagel says:
Manchester City – 18/10
I’m more than confident that Manchester City will become champions. Pep Guardiola has the best attacking options of any manager in the league and now has a more reliable goalkeeper and infinitely better full-back options. City boast a squad bulging with talent and it’s going to be incredibly difficult to beat them over the course of this season. If they end up signing Alexis Sanchez this month, they’ll be runaway champions. I backed Chelsea to win the league last season so don’t make another mistake of not following me.
Top Four
1. Manchester City
2. Manchester United
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
Jesse Nagel says:
Manchester United – 7/2
A lot can change in the space of a year, but my prediction remains the same. Last season, I was disgracefully let down by Manchester United as I tipped them for success in the 2016/17 campaign. Just my luck, the Red Devils decided to win almost everything but the Premier League title. I’m much more confident than I was last year, especially knowing Jose Mourinho’s record in his second season at a club and his willingness to spend big on players. Romelu Lukaku is a proven goalscorer in this league, and who knows what he’s capable of as a regular at a big team. Their ability to shut down any attack and break down any midfield will also be key to their chances. Mourinho might not be the most adored manager in the league, but one thing is certain: he knows how to win a title.
Top Four
1. Manchester United
2. Manchester City
3. Arsenal
4. Chelsea
Aaron Crowie says:
Manchester United – 7/2
Manchester United are priced up at 7/2 to be crowned champions come next year May and I feel they are well worth a punt to do just that. Jose Mourinho’s team underperformed in the league last season and as a result, finished in a lowly sixth place! The Special One has brought Romelu Lukaku to add to the firepower up front. The big Belgian forward is strong on the ball, quick off the mark and his aerial ability speaks volumes. Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic will sure up the defence and midfield, adding quality to what is already one of the most well-balanced teams in the league. United have one of the most successful and decorated managers in football, combined with a squad that can easily destroy any team on their day. Get on the Red Devils to fire their way back to the good ol’ glory days in “Mourinho’s second season” in charge.
Top Four
1. Manchester United
2. Manchester City
3. Arsenal
4. Chelsea
Lungelo Mdladla says:
Manchester United – 7/2
Manchester United have a different air about them this upcoming season, with the addition of Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian striker brings more character to the offensive line up and is a proven goalscorer. Jesse Lingard also seems to be peaking, along with the more mature Ander Herrera cementing his place in the team. David De Gea will continue with the Red Devils which is a major plus for the team as he’s one of the best keepers on the planet. The Special One has always had tricks up his sleeve and every team he’s managed he’s scooped up some form of silverware. I have a good feeling that the trophy will have the words Manchester United engraved on it.
Top Four
1. Manchester United
2. Manchester City
3. Tottenham
4. Liverpool
Jason Dewey says:
Manchester City – 18/10
City take it for me this season. Pep Guardiola has made some important acquisitions over the summer to bolster what appears to be the strongest squad in the league. Chelsea – without a few more summer arrivals – are likely to slip behind City. I’m also not entirely convinced by the acquisition of Alvaro Morata. The Spaniard has never really been tested in a competitive league, having made all of his appearances for Juventus and Real Madrid. Manchester United have found an able replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the form of Romelu Lukaku while the arrival of Nemanja Matic will free up Paul Pogba a bit. Liverpool edge into fourth spot ahead of Spurs and Arsenal for me. Spurs are two or three injuries away from catastrophe while Arsenal have been on a bit of a downward trend for the last few seasons, a slide that the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette won’t arrest.
Top Four
1. Manchester City
2. Chelsea
3. Manchester United
4. Liverpool