English Premier League Third Five Preview 2021–22
In our Third Five EPL preview 2021 – 22, you’ll definitely find some middle-of-the-road teams as well as those that could possibly slip into the bottom tier. Those last five football clubs will most likely find themselves in a battle to stay in the EPL and not be relegated. Still, the Third Five teams we’ve designated should be able to keep their heads above water.
Third Five EPL Preview 2021 -22 - Teams
11. Brighton & Hove Albion
Last season, Brighton managed to survive and play again in the EPL by finishing 16th. This year, we expect the Seagulls to do a bit better. One reason is their manager Graham Potter. Potter, who’s admired by many other league managers, is a solid coach who knows how to get key performances from his players. Someone, or perhaps it might be better to say more than one player, must make up for the loss of premium center-back Ben White who went to the Gunners.
Although there have been few new signings by Brighton, the addition of versatile and rangy box-to-box midfielder Enock Mwepu, formerly with Red Bull Salzburg, is essential to ensuring this team stays competitive. He joins midfielder Yves Bissouma. Bissouma is considered to be one of the best players on this team. Plus, the Brighton defense is deep, as Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, and Dan Burn offer quality play. There are issues on the wings, and scoring could be a challenge for the Seagulls.
12. Crystal Palace
After finishing in 14th place last season, it was clear that the Glaziers desperately needed to rebuild. Manager Roy Hodgson’s contract was not renewed, and Patrick Vieira was brought in to transform the Eagles. Most of the dozen players whose contracts had expired will not return. Although, star forward Wilfried Zaha and reinvigorated striker Christian Benteke were retained. Plus, the club added two fine defenders, Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi, and young midfielder Michael Olise, a natural playmaker. Andersen and Guehi should help improve what was a weak defense last season, while Olise is part of the Glaziers’ youth movement dedicated to attacking with quickness and speed.
Veteran central midfielder James McArthur, the captain, should be a stabilizing force. As part of recreating this football club, Vieira is charged with bringing along bring academy players such as David Omilabu, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, and Malachi Boateng quickly. Success in that area will be contingent upon how the young talents progress under new development coach, Saïd Aïgoun. All in all, it’s a new day for the Eagles.
13. Everton
The Toffees have a few issues. First are the expectations of owner Farhad Moshiri who has stated that he wants this team to be winning trophies. However, Everton sees its fifth manager in five years arrive, as Carlo Ancelotti, who left to manage Real Madrid, is replaced by Rafa Benitez. Another issue is the lack of cash Moshiri is willing to spend. Previously, he did spend a hefty amount of cash on talent. However, several highly paid players have been let go, including Theo Walcott, Yannick Bolasie, and Bernard.
Another issue is that Benitez arrives to coach a team he once called a "small club." He said that when with Liverpool 14 years ago. Although the comment is more than a decade old, many Everton fans have issues with the manager. Everton’s ranks are thin, especially at all-important midfield where tides can turn quickly. The addition of wingers Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend is promising but it does not address the midfield issue. As it was last season when the Blues finished 10th, this group is thin. The concern is when Everton pushes the ball up field, opponents can easily turn their attack around, making the Toffees exceptionally vulnerable. Our Third Five EPL preview 2021 – 22 notes at least that’s what happened last year.
14. Leeds United
The Peacocks are solid, as coach Marcelo Bielsa sees an experienced and talented squad return. Leeds looked promising last year, making their way up the table and finishing ninth. Might they climb even higher this season? They could. However, when we consider the clubs in our First Five and Second Five groupings, we think the Whites will have a difficult time moving up. In fact, they may even move down in the standings.
Still, improvements have been made and include 24-year-old left-back Junior Firpo. Firpo should help fill the hole left by the departure of Ezgjan Alioski’s departure for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli. Firpo can play centre-half and right-back. The attack looks good as fast moving and elusive right winger Raphinha and talented left winger Jack Harrison team up to create a dynamic duo. Forward Patrick Bamford has the potential to be a scoring machine. Plus, central midfielder Kalvin Phillips is an able anchor, while utility player Stuart Dallas can cover almost any position.
15. Aston Villa
The loss of winger and attacking midfielder Jack Grealish to Manchester City is huge. Manager Dean Smith has added scoring talent that includes Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, and Emi Buendia. Plus, the experienced Ashley Young is back. However, with Grealish gone, there’s less here than there was last season when the Villa finished 11th. This year, the Villans could end up 11th again. However, Aston Villa could finish even further down the table than they did last season.
Final Word – Third Five EPL Preview 2021 – 22
Our Third Five EPL preview 2021 – 22 notes that with the Glaziers and Toffees bringing in new managers both teams are surrounded by uncertainty. However, our sense is they will finish in the lower half of the EPL standings. Along with possessing a promising roster of players, Brighton manager Graham Potter, one of the best in the business, offers the club stability as he returns for his third season. Although we’ve ranked Leeds United fourth in this group of five, they could certainly surprise and finish higher on the table. The Villa is more likely to sink lower than rise higher than our projection.
