Premier League shaping up for incredible season
After one of the most surprising seasons in living memory saw Leicester City win their first Premier League title – just one year after fighting off relegation – it will take a lot to top that, but the 2016/17 season is beginning to look like extremely fiercely fought. With the fixture list for the new season having just been released, fans can now plot their club’s route to the ultimate glory in May 2017.
One major feature will be the number of world class manager that will be in England’s top division. Antonio Conte will take over at Chelsea after an impressive campaign with Italy at Euro 2016, looking to turn their fortunes around having had a dreadful season defending their title – missing out on any European football.
Jurgen Klopp will have settled in at Liverpool, and is likely to have a big transfer budget as he looks to reshape his side into challengers for the Champions League places. On Merseyside he will face Ronald Koeman, who is working under new ownership at Everton, who are also expected to spend big to build on last season’s unsatisfactory campaign.
Most intriguing of all will be the battle taking place in Manchester. Pep Guardiola is Manchester City’s new manager, and will be expected to deliver the club’s first Champions League title in their history. This is likely to be achieved by his world-renowned style of attacking, possession-based football. On the red half of the city at United, old foe Jose Mourinho will be in charge. He has the task of making the club great again after struggling since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
For fans who enjoy taking part in football betting, Coral offer some of the best options ahead of the new season. They offer odds on every match day, with options ahead of the match and in-play as well. Under the tutelage of Mourinho, United are rated as 9/2 to win their first Premier League title since 2013 – second favourites behind City – which is no surprise as the Portuguese manager was successful at Chelsea as recently as 2015. Top four finishes and the relegation places are also available to bet on at Coral.
With Leicester City winning the 2015/16 title in such surprising and impressive fashion, no dark horse in the title race can ever be ruled out ever again. The Foxes themselves may struggle to replicate their winning formula domestically as their success has meant that they will be playing midweek fixtures in Europe. However, teams such as Liverpool and Tottenham should not be ruled out, particularly with the young and eager squad that has been assembled by Mauricio Pochettino.
With the new television deal kicking in, clubs will also have bigger transfer budgets than ever, and clubs have already been busy in the window. Manchester United have reinforced their defence with Eric Bailly, whilst City have signed Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund. Both clubs have been linked with squad overhauls, and with all these variables considered, it is shaping up to be an exhilarating season.