English Premier League First Five Preview 2021–22
In our First Five EPL preview 2021 - 22, we like Manchester City and project them to be the top of the pack in the First Five. After that, it’s Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal. However, each of these teams will be very competitive. Here’s how we envision our First Five teams performing in 2021 - 22.
First Five EPL Preview 2021 - 22
1. Manchester City
The fact is the Citizens have the most fearsome assemblage of players in the league. Our First Five EPL preview 2021 – 22 observes that adding Jack Grealish and Harry Kane makes this team the favorite to finish atop the league. Grealish possesses a wide range of skills. He’s a formidable assist-man, a habitual foul drawer, and breakout runner. Adding Kane to the attack is almost unfair. Even without Kane, Manchester United’s offense, which includes Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez, is loaded.
Plus, Kevin De Bruyne, who started just 23 league games last season, is expected to be back to his old form. Still, despite their riches, it will not be an easy road to the championship, which the City won by 12 points last season. Manager Pep Guardiola has a wealth of talent, but he still needs to keep this team on track and make sure they don’t become complacent. At the same time, Guardiola, who’s noted for heavy-handed micromanagement, also must maintain his balance
2. Liverpool
World-class midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is gone. The big question for the Reds is how will they deal with the loss? Two years ago, Liverpool nailed down the Premier League title. Last season, due to injuries and a tough midseason slump, the Reds ended the season in third place. Despite losing Wijnaldum, there is good news. Centre-back Ibrahima Konate joins the team on a £36m contract and centre-back Virgil Van Dijk returns.
Plus, defenders Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams proved to be solid as last season wore on. It’ll be helpful if both return. If Curtis Jones can step up, replacing Wijnaldum’s contributions, and Liverpool can work through captain Jordan Henderson contract problems, the Reds have the potential to excel, and, possibly, finish first. Manager Jürgen Klopp comes into the season with a lot of optimism. We’ll see how he’s feeling as the season progresses.
3. Chelsea
Manager Thomas Tuchel has a diverse, talented group of players. Our First Five EPL preview 2021 – 22 observes that they possess enough depth to be a threat to Manchester City. Although the Pensioners beat Manchester City last year in the Champions League final, their main issue last season was their inability to score. In 2020 – 21, they were eighth in the EPL in goals.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku comes to Chelsea in order to remedy the scoring issue. Along with possessing skill and talent, Lukaku has plenty of experience. Forward Timo Werner, who came to Chelsea last season from RB Leipzig and recorded just six goals, needs to get back to form and score a lot more.
4. Manchester United
As he was about to start his fourth season as Manchester United’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær got a vote of confidence from the organization as he signed a three-year contract extension, which means he’ll be with the Red Devils through 2024. Upgrades include winger Jadon Sancho who comes to United from Borussia Dortmund and centre-back Raphaël Varane arrives from Real Madrid. The arrival of the highly talented Sancho will hopefully help offset the absence of Marcus Rashford, as Rashford will be out for the first two months due to a shoulder issue.
In back, Varane will team up with Harry Maguire. They have the potential to be a lethal tandem. Midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who seemed to melt away during the Euros, should return rested and ready to perform at a high level. Versatile Paul Pogba, who is primarily a central midfielder, but can also effectively serve as a left winger, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, and deep-lying playmaker, is a wildcard who can exploit opponent weaknesses.
5. Arsenal
Our First Five EPL preview 2021 – 22 finds that the Gunners have added some quality players, including defender Ben White who signed a £50m contract. However, Arsenal needs more from its players to have a real shot at the top spot in the EPL. After all, the Gunners have finished eighth in the league each of the last two seasons. Break through seasons by Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe will help. Saka, who can play winger, left-back, or midfielder, can be lethal, while talented Rowe has the skills to play attacking midfielder or winger.
Finally, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang must find his form again as a goal producer. Manager Mikel Arteta, who came to Arsenal in 2019, is at a point in his contract where results are expected. This is his first gig as a manager after spending three seasons as an assistant for Manchester City. Will he last the season?
Final Thoughts – First Five EPL Preview 2021 - 22
As we’ve noted, the Citizens certainly are the best of the best going into the season. However, a lot can happen from September through May. Liverpool is dangerous and Chelsea possesses potential. Our First Five EPL preview 2021 – 22 notes that the Red Devils are always dangerous. Finally, the Gunners can go either way. We think they’ll improve with age and work their way up the table.
