By Asad Bisati

Selected images courtesy of iStock by Getty Images

The 2017-2018 English Premier League season is upon us, with the biggest signing of the year bagged by Manchester United. All the major clubs have strengthened their sides apart from the Spurs who, to everyone’s astonishment, haven’t been active on the transfer market.

Our ILQ sports pundits predict the title to come at the end of the season will be in Manchester – although which side, we can’t be sure. What we can promise, is that it’s looking like it will surely be a year where once again Pep will be slogging it out with Jose for the title.

Let’s see how all teams might fare, in what will be another nail-biting season of enthralling football!

Arsenal

The Arsenal faithful will take pride from the community shield victory against champions Chelsea. With no Champions League action this season in over two decades, Arsenal fans have their full attention on the league. With inclusions like Lacazette,Arsenal look to be fighting again for a top-four finish. With Welbeck back to fitness, and Sanchez going nowhere, the club is set to push for the top four. Is league glory theirs to taste – as Arsenal have lost their way in the second half of the season more than once.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Chelsea

What have Chelsea done? Well, the club and the manager are looking for Champions League glory and have put all their efforts into finding the right combination. But with the departure of Matic and Begovic, and the Costa drama, I cant see them winning the Premier League – or progressing further in the Champions League. Morata still has to find his feet, and the question is –mwhere will the goals come from?

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United

United seem to be the top contenders for winning the league this season. With amazing signings, (notably Lukaku and Matic), Jose has plugged up all the holes in the United team. They look like a well-drilled scoring machine with Lukaku bringing in goals and Matic giving the back four the shield that they were lacking. United will be amongst the top-two teams of the season.

(Photo credit: PA Press Association)

Manchester City

Moving to the blue side of Manchester. Manager Pep Guardiola has gone on a shopping spree like United, strengthening his defenses and bringing in the likes of Kyle Walker, and Danilo to inject some much-needed pace into the team’s defense and attack.

Man City will look to win the Premier League, as well the Champions League later this season. Pep is aiming for the double, and we think he can accomplish it. We have a gut feeling this year’s Premier League title will be decided in Manchester. Our only fear with Man City is if Pep fails again, we’re not sure if he’ll stay for the next season…

(Photo credit: www.thfc.com)

Tottenham

From rags to riches, the Spurs had one of the best seasons in recent history this last year before, comprehensively beating arch-rivals Arsenal to the second spot. Yet with no movement in the transfer market, it’s likely they’ll find it hard to keep to their style of play with the Champions League knocking every week.

(Photo credit: PA Press Association)

Everton

Everton have also been buying players in bulk this season. With the Lukaku transfer fee, the team have gone and bought anyone they could put their hands on. And no notable replacement for Lukaku has materialized yet, even though Rooney has returned back to his childhood club. They’ll not be scoring the goals that they got used to last season without Lukaku.

(Photo credit: www.soccerway.com)

Crystal Palace

Palace will be without Big Sam but have the same squad as last season. They’ve also managed to keep Zaha and Bentake at the club – but we have a feeling Palace will be fighting to get into the Top 10.

(Photo credit: ESPNFC)

Bournemouth

With Begovic, Akhe, and Defoe. Bournemouth have got some fire-power with this line-up. They stand to entertain again with much of their squad intact, and will push all the teams around in the hopes of getting into the top-half of the table.

(Photo credit: Premier League)

Brighton

The new boys make it to the Premier League after an absence of 34 years. Brighton will look to keep their season alive by playing the style of football that got them promoted – even though it looks tough for them to stay in the league due to lack of experienced and talented players. They look like a one-season wonder.

(Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Burnley

Burnley will have it tough this season. Keane’s departure from the club, and a lack of signings will see them fighting it out for survival. The manager has to pull out something special for them to stay afloat.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Huddersfield

Another club that makes it way up to the top flight. Apart from Mooney, I don’t see any player that has the spark or capability to help them stay in the league. They might see themselves playing in league one next season.

(Photo credit: Birmingham Mail)

West Brom

Tony Pulis has worked his magic again with West Brom. With no new signings to the squad, and a similar defensive mindset, West Brom will show the same grit as the previous season. Phillips and Brunt will be the key, as Rondon will be alone to lead the attack. Nothing fancy – just football and a lower-half table finish this season.

(Photo credit: ESPNFC)

West Ham

Last season was a rollercoaster for the Hammers – and nothing to write home about. But with two great signings – England keeper Joe Hart, and Javier Hernandez, the Hammers are over the moon.Don’t be surprised if they crack the Top 8 this season. Bilic will fancy his side (to create some problems for all the clubs) and make a mark this season.

(Photo credit: Stoke City FC)

Stoke City

Manager Mark Hughes has let four first-team players depart, and Kurt Zouma the only notable signing. The Potters will have a tough season fighting to stay afloat. The trade of Arnautovic and Walters wasn’t a smart move for Stoke City.

(Photo credit: www.thisisanfield.com)

Liverpool

All Liverpool have had to talk about for the past decade is history. The Champions League will be something exciting for Liverpool fans and will (hopefully!) give them something else to talk about. With smart signings like Mohamed Salah, Liverpool will hope to press for the title. While still not hot favourites, they’ll surely stay to play Champions League next season.

(Photo credit: Premier League)

Southampton

The Saints have a new manager and a team that hasn’t changed. With star player and Captain Virgil van Dijk looking for a move out of Saint Mary’s, the club will hit turbulence. We don’t see them finishing in the top half of the table, and while Mauricio Pellegrino may be looking over his shoulder at times – we don’t see him being dragged into relegation.

(Photo credit: Reuters)

Leicester City

A fairy-tale finish for the fans as Leicester rounded out a league-winning 2015/2016 season. But it was a ride from hell the season after. Even though Leicester managed to get a grip by seasons’ end, it doesn’t seem they’ll be any where near being able to trail the top teams. No relegation though for them, as new arrival Kelechi Iheanacho’s partnership with Jamie Vardy will be worth watching.

(Photo credit: Watford FC)

Watford

Watford haven’t made any changes to their squad, and they look like a side destined for failure. It doesn’t seem as though they’ll be able to hold the fort this season. They might pull a great escape, but expect it likely to see them go out.

(Photo credit: www.chroniclelive.co.uk)

Newcastle

The Toons will stay in the league this season. With Benetiz at the helm, he’ll surely cruise them to safety and a decent finish at the end of the season. Newcastle’s one year hiatus from Premier League football might have done them some good, as young talent is given a chance to prove their mettle. Expect some exciting football come the season-opener.

(Photo credit: www.walesonline.co.uk)

Swansea

If Swansea let Gyfil go, then they’re set for relegation, with no players to talk about apart from their talisman. His departure would be a shot they’ll not recover from. If they manage to keep him at the club, they just actually might stay stay in the league…but it seems unlikely, and we might see them playing league one football next season.

So, that’s our ILQ round-up of the expected highs, lows, and everything in between for the English Premier League teams this season. It will be tight as always – but let’s hope the 2017 season brings the excitement and entertainment promises. See you on the pitch!

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