Year 6 - Division 1 Season Preview
Arsenal
Arsenal had a good Year 5 season and are looking to build on this good form.
They are a well run club looking for better things, especially after achieving a top 3 finish last year. They do not have many places to go higher and will want to fight a bit harder after losing an FA Cup semi-final.
Predicted Finish: 2nd /12
Chelsea
It was a surprise to some when Chelsea won the Division 1 title – but they have become a major force thanks to a large investment.
They rode their luck by snatching a draw with Manchester United to seal the title, but may just come up short this year – although a good Cup run may be on the cards.
Predicted Finish: 3rd /12
Everton
It was a relegation battle for Everton last year, as they struggled to find good form. They did get to an FA Cup semi-final, where they were expected to make the final, but came up short.
It looks like another challenging season for Everton, as they may struggle against some larger rivals.
Predicted Finish: 9th /12
Liverpool
After winning the European Cup in spectacular fashion, Liverpool found afterwards that the only way was down.
They have found it hard to retain the form that won them so many trophies, but they are a team that should never be underestimated.
Predicted Finish: 4th /12
Manchester United
Manchester United have missed the Division 1 Championship on a few occasions now and last year was the closest yet. They were only a few minutes away, but a late Chelsea goal put paid to the celebrations.
Nothing but the top prize will be enough for them this year and with other teams in a transition phase, it could well just be their year for success.
Predicted Finish: 1st /12
Newcastle United
Despite Newcastle losing the League Cup last season, they showed they have enough talent to win promotion and beat a lot of Division 1 sides.
Although they did not win the Division 2 title last year, they look like the most likely of the promoted teams to do well this year. A top-4 finish may be a little too much for their first season back in the top league, but they should be a team to watch.
Predicted Finish: 5th /12
Norwich City
Norwich City are one of the teams that have always been in Division 1, but they are finding it harder to be competitive.
They struggled last year before finding a bit of form which allowed them a mid-table finish. A place in the FA Cup final was a surprise but they could not convert it into a trophy.
They may find this another difficult year but should have enough in the tank to retain their place in Division 1.
Predicted Finish: 10th /12
Nottingham Forest
At one point last year, Nottingham Forest looked like they were favourites for relegation.
But the old timers were not ready to give up and fought for their place. Not only that, but they proved to be a club with not only history but stamina, as they went all the way to an incredible FA Cup win.
With a place in the European Cup in the bag, this could be a turning point for Forest.
Predicted Finish: 8th /12
Southampton
Although history shows that Southampton have been Division 1 runners-up for two consecutive seasons, it also shows that they have been relegated to Division 2.
It is going to be a very hard season for Southampton, who just do not have the funds to compete with the bigger teams. With two teams guaranteed to be relegated this year, it will be hard for them to avoid the drop.
Predicted Finish: 11th /12
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have always been a Cup team and this year appears to be no different.
They find it difficult to compete in the league against better teams and do not have the squad to mount a genuine title challenge.
But on their day, Spurs can take on any team and this is why the Cup format is their best chance for a trophy.
Predicted Finish: 7th /12
Watford
Division 2 Champions Watford cannot wait to begin their first season in the top Division.
This is an incredible achievement for a smaller team, especially as only two years ago they were in Division 3.
They should enjoy their time playing some of the best teams in the country, as a reward for their success, but it may be a short-lived time for them.
Predicted Finish: 12th /12
West Ham United
It was an enjoyable season for West Ham as they not only challenged for the Division 1 title last year, but also won the League Cup.
The question is whether they can continue to build or if they reached their ceiling last year? With other teams investing more, another top-4 may be a step too far for the Hammers this season.
Predicted Finish: 6th