Premier League Preview 2020/21 – Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley, Chelsea

With the Premier League season just around the corner, Prost International looks into what we can expect from the sides in the top flight.

Arsenal

It was a season of two halves for Arsenal. A poor start to the season virtually saw their Champions League hopes tarnished by November, and saw Unai Emery lose his job. There were many issues within the squad in the opening months, Granit Xhaka lost the captaincy after an outburst at the fans, there were rumours of mutiny by the players and the most significant, they just didn’t look like a team. They were defensively woeful and struggled to create anything going forward.

But under new boss Mikel Arteta, there have been improvements. They look sturdier at the back and are now looking more of a threat when they are on the front foot. On top of that they are playing a much more attractive brand of football – something they struggled to do in Emery’s final weeks of his short lived reign.

Arsenal did recover from their appualing start to finish a respected eight, but nonetheless it has gone down as their worst League finish in 25 years. On a positive note they did end their season a high, they defeated Chelsea in the FA Cup Final which clinched the Gunners a record 14th FA Cup, as well as a place in the Europa League for the upcoming season.

An extremely difficult start awaits Arteta’s side though, following their opening matches against London neighbours Fulham and West Ham, they face away games at the Champions Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs, with home fixtures against Leicester City and last year’s surprise package Sheffield United sandwiched inbetween.

Transfers

The Gunners’ first signing of the window was Willian, who arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea. Though there are questions about his age (32) the fans will be hoping the Brazilian will add flare and quality to Arsenal’s attack. They also completed the signing of Willian’s countryman, Gabriel Maghales, the central defender has joined from French side Lille for £27 Million. Dani Ceballos has also returned to the Emirates on another season-long loan from Real Madrid.

Key Players

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang will be crucial to how the Gunners get on in 2020/21. The former Borussia Dortmund striker scored a grand total of 29 goals for Arsenal last season, 22 of which came in the League. His devasting pace has always caused problems for defences in England and across Europe, and he is of course one of the best finishers in the game.

Nicholas Pepe could also be pivital to Arsenal’s attacking play too. The Ivorian struggled at first following his big money move from Lille last Summer, but he began to find his feet in the second part of the season and came out with a reasonable return of eight goals and ten assists. The Arsenal fans will be hoping that Pepe really kicks on this season as the club aims to improve on their 8th placed finish.

Kieran Tierney could also play a huge part for the North London side. Injuries including a dislocated shoulder restricted the Former Celtic man to just 15 appearances in the Premier League, however the Scottish International found impressed in the restart under Arteta, and like Pepe will be hoping makes a greater impact in 2020/21.

Youth Prospects

Bukayo Saka was undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s rising stars last season. The then 18 year old made a huge impact in his debut season, scoring four goals and picking up 12 assists. He proved himself as versatile player for the Gunners, excelling as both a left-back and a left-winger.

Gabriel Martinelli was another shining light at the Emirates last year. He bagged ten goals in his debut season, which for an 18 year old is an excellent return. Though he won’t be fit until October, many will be hoping the Brazillian can pick up where he left off from last season.

Eddie Nketiah should also be one to watch. He was recalled by his parent club in January after he struggled for game time at Leeds United. Nketiah had a good end to the season, he notched up four goals in all competitions and earned himself and FA Cup and Championship winners medal.

Prediction

Europe is undoubtedly the aim for the North London side and that is what most will be expecting, but what the Arsenal fans really want is a place in the Champions League. This will be the club’s fourth season without being at Europe’s top table and many are hoping this is the year they return. It’ll be a struggle to make the top four this season considering they’ll be up against the likes of Manchester United and North London rivals Tottenham, but suppose their league season doesn’t go well, they have the Europa League to fall back on – a competition which they will fancy their chances in.

 

Aston Villa

 

Having been promoted to the Premier League via the Championship Play Offs, Aston Villa really struggled in their first season back in the top flight. With four games to go Dean Smith’s men found themselves seven points adrift from safety and were looking like they were heading back to the Football League.

Most people had written off the Second City side, apart from the adoring Villa faithful, and they were right to. Victories over Crystal Palace and Arsenal, as well as draws away at Everton and West Ham on the final day, helped Aston Villa pull off the great escape.

They were expected to face Manchester City on the opening day, but with Pep Guardiola’s side given extra-time off following their European Cup campaign, Villa’s opening game will be on September 19, against Sheffield United at Villa Park. This fixture was also Villa’s first game of project restart which they got a huge slice of luck in. Goal-Line technology was not working during the match, which denied the Blades a clear goal, Smith’s side went on to a vital point in their survival bid.

Villa will then travel to newly promoted Fulham on September 25, before a tricky October with Liverpool, Leicester and fellow newboys Leeds to come. They also have a tough end to the season, with Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea to come in their last four fixtures.

Transfers

Villa have let a number of players go this Summer, including James Chester who has gone to Stoke City, Callum O’Hare who has moved to Coventry, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy who has left for Pafos in Cyprus and also Andre Green.

There has been two arrivals at Villa Park so far this Summer, they are attacking full-back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest, and the Championship’s top goalscorer Ollie Watkins, who has joined from Dean Smith’s old club Brentford for a club record £28 Million.

Key Players

There’s no doubt who you would expect Aston Villa’s key player to be this season and that’s Jack Grealish, he was by the far their best player in the 2019/20 campaign. He scored eight goals and made six assists, and created 184 chances for his team in 2019/20, a record which was only bettered by Kevin De Bruyne .  However, he has become a target for many Premier League sides, and the club will be desprate to keep hold of him when the Transfer Window shuts on October 5.

Tom Heaton will also be key for his side next season. The England Keeper was a important part of the Villa squad last year, keeping four clean sheets, before picking up an knee injury at former side Burnley on New Year’s Day, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Another who could be one to look out of for is new signing Matty Cash. The 23-year-old was converted from a winger to a full-back last season and he excelled in that role. He scored three goals, made five assists and won 84 tackles, the most in the Championship. Cash maybe making the step up of course, but if he can find his feet, he could be a real asset to the Aston Villa squad.

Youth Prospect

Ezri Konsa could be the Villa youngster too look out for this season. The Villa centre-half was more of a fringe player at the start of last campaign, but eventually cemented his place in Dean Smith’s starting 11 and formed a partnership with Tyrone Mings at centre-back. He helped Villa keep five clean sheets last season and scored once  in the league..

Jacob Ramsey could be the youngster to make his name at Villa Park in 2020/21. The youngster begun last season in the U21 squad, scoring six goals and making four assists. Ramsey was then sent out on loan to League One side Doncaster Rovers and was equally impressive, scoring three goals in the seven matches he played before their division was curtailed.

Prediction

After they secured Premier League safety on the final day last season, Villa’s next target will be to re-establish themselves in the top flight. But it could be another difficult season for the club, who sees them in another relegation dogfight. But with the squad they have on paper – especially with the core of Heaton, Mings, McGinn, Grealish, they are more than capable of beating the drop. Scoring goals will be their biggest factor behind this, but if they can get their newboy Watkins to quickly adapt to life in the top flight and get him firing, then Villa will put themselves in a strong position for survival.

 

Brighton and Hove Albion

 

It was a tough first season for manager Graham Potter, but regardless still a very successful one. Three wins and three draws after the restart helped Brighton to a respectable 15th placed finish, as well as a fourth consecutive season in the Premier League. Equalling that of their only previous stint in the top flight between 1979 and 1983.

It will be a difficult opening month to the Premier League season for the Seagulls. They welcome Chelsea to the AMEX Stadium on the first Monday Night Football of the campaign, with the visit of Manchester United two weeks later. That’s then followed by the likes of Everton, West Bromwich Albion and their bitter rivals Crystal Palace.

Transfers

The likes of Anthony Knockaert, Beram Kayal and Ezequiel Schelotto have all departured the club this Summer, but their acquisitions have been very impressive. They have lured Adam Lallana back to the South Coast, following his release from Liverpool, as well as the Ajax right-back Joel Veltman for a fee of just £900k.

Key Players

Neal Maupay had a decent first season at Brighton following his move from Championship side Brentford. He was the Sussex side’s top goalscorer last year, netting on ten occassions, which is a respectable return for a team in a relegation dogfight. The French Striker’s ten goals also proved to be a quarter of the club’s Premier League goals last season.

Adam Lallana could also prove vital for his side next season. Not only does he bring creativity, but he also brings plenty of experience, having been a European Cup and Premier League Winner. The same could also be said for Joel Veltman who was part of Ajax’s Champions winning side of 2018/19, which also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League that year.

The Dutchman will add to a already solid backline which includes the likes of the centre-back pairing of Adam Webster and of course captain Lewis Dunk, who recently signed a new contract and helped Brighton to nine clean sheets in the League last season.

Youth Prospects

Aaron Connolly was the Seagull’s rising star last, season, netting three goals in 24 appearances. Could the 20 year old Irishman improve on that total?

Alexis Mac Allister could also be one to look out for in the forthcoming season. The Argentinian has only played seven times for Brighton, but could make a huge impact for his club. He is a player who is known for his passing ability and his movement on and off the ball.

Ben White could also be someone who impresses this season. He had an outstanding season for Leeds United last year, he played every game in a side which kept a exceptional 22 clean sheets and won the Sky Bet Championship. He has been the subject of three bids from Leeds, but Albion have stood firm and have seen their centre-back put pen-to-paper on a new deal.

Prediction

With the arrivals of Lallana and Veltman as well as the likes of White potentially returning to the Amex, Brighton could be one of the dark horses of the season. But that will ultimately depend on how they are infront of goal. Their 39 goals last season was the fourth lowest in the Premier League, something which would have concerned Graham Potter. Regardless, you would expect Brighton to avoid relegation.

Burnley

 

The 2019/20 Campiagn was a successful one for Burnley, they finished 10th in the Premier League, and were just five points off a Europa League spot. Sean Dyche’s picked up a remarkable 30 points at the turn of 2020 and lost just four games, two of which came in January.

Burnley will be hoping to bring their confidence into the new season. Like their Claret and Blue counterparts, Aston Villa, they too won’t be playing on the opening weekend of the season. They were due to play Manchester United, but like their rivals City, have had an extended break due to European commitments.

Instead their first match will be a visit to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City. Then they will host Southampton at Turf Moor, which will be followed up with away games at Newcastle United at at West Bromwich Albion.

Transfers

Wolves’ keeper Will Norris is the club’s first signing of the Window, he has come in for Joe Hart who departed for Tottenham Hotspur. Jeff Hendrick and Aaron Lennon were also released by the East Lancashire side with the former moving to Newcastle United.

Key Players

Nick Pope will undoubtedly be an important player for Burnley in the new season. The goalkeeper played all of Burnley’s League fixtures last season, keeping 15 clean sheets and also making 120 saves, the fourth highest in the entire division. With the European Championships next Summer, Pope will be hoping his performances for the Clarets can help him secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad as their No.1.

James Tarkowski and skipper Ben Mee will also have a huge role in how Burnley fare in the 2020/21 season. The centre-back pair were a key factor in why Burnley were so solid defensively last season, they kept a combined 608 clearances in the division and also won 358 of their aerial battles.

Dwight McNeill will also be very important for the Clarets going forward . The winger assisted on six occassions last season while notching up two goals of his own. He is one of the first names of Sean Dyche’s teamsheets and at just 20 years of age, there is still so much to come from McNeill.

Youth Prospect

Josh Benson could be a youngster who features for Burnley in 2020/21. The 20-year-old midfielder spent the second half of last season out on at loan at Grimsby Town, doing reasonably well for the League Two side. In the 11 matches he played, Benson scored two goals and made two assists.

Prediction

It will been interesting to see how Burnley do this season. They are still seen as one of the favourites for the drop this season and of course need to bring in a few new faces. But with the squad that Dyche already, you would expect them to steer away from relegation and potential cause some more surprises.

Chelsea

Despite Chelsea’s season finishing with a second-leg hiding at eventual European Champions, Bayern Munich and a defeat in the FA Cup Final, it can still be regarded as a good first season for Frank Lampard. To think they were unable to bring in any transfers last Summer, lost their best player in Eden Hazard, had to rely on their youngsters and were still able to get Champions League football can be seen as massive achievement by the club.

But when you a man like Lampard, who endured so much success during his 13 year as a Chelsea player, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a European Cup, fourth place isn’t enough. As he stated following his team’s defeat at Bayern last month: “We want more…. We can improve…”

Transfers

With Chelsea’s transfer ban being lifted, it meets this statement made by their manager. The Blues have spent big in the window, spending over £100 Million. Their signings are proven quality too, these are the Ajax winger, Hakim Ziyech, Leicester City and England left-back Ben Chilwell, the Veteran Brazilan centre-back Thiago Silva on a free from Paris Saint-Germain, Malang Sarr on a free from Nice, Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen and Timo Werner, RB Leipzig and Germany’s pacy and proven goalscorer. The outgoings at Stamford Bridge this Summer were Pedro who has gone to Roma and Willian, who of course has joined Arsenal.

Key Players

Werner will be a crucial player for Chelsea next season. Though Tammy Abraham managed to grab 15 Premier League goals last season, which is still a good return from the youngster, 12 of those goals came in the first half of the campaign. Werner scored 95 goals in 159 appearances for Leipzig, and the German will be looking to continue his trade in West London by brining consistency upfront.

Christian Pulisic will also be key. The American had a slow start to his Chelsea career following his move from Borussia Dortmund, but eventually found his feet. Pulisic found the net nine times last season, which included a hattrick against Burnley in late October.

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Mason Mount should also have a vital part to play for Lampard’s side. The attacking midfielder was a peripheral part of the Chelsea squad last season. He picked up five assists, and also grabbed seven goals including a stunning free-kick against Wolves on the final day, securing the Blues’ place in the top four. Though Mount could have competition to get into the squad, he is not a player who cannot be left on the bench.

Youth Prospect

It will be interesting to see how Callum Hudson-Odoi does this season. He missed the first half of last season with an injury to his achillies tendon, but was still able to make an impact when he returned to full fitness, he assisted five times, and picked up a solitary goal.

Billy Gilmour also impressed when he featured for Chelsea last season, but with the Scotsman picking up a knee injury in their match against Crystal Palace in July, he’ll miss a huge chunk of the upcoming campaign. Regardless he is someone who brings quality whenever he is on the pitch and adds to the Blues’ array of attacking options.

Predictions

With the heavy investments made by Roman Abramovich, there is no excuse for Chelsea not to make the Champions League this season. Their vast amount of attacking quality within the squad will definitely cause problems for many sides in the League and of course in Europe. There’s still questions about their defence however, especially with their goalkeeper Kepa, who is prone to making mistakes and was left out a lot towards the end of last season, but its still an exceptionally strong squad.

Lampard’s men go to the Amex on the first Monday night of the season, which is followed by Premier League Champions, Liverpool at Stamford Bridge – a real opportuniy for the Blues to show to the rest of the league what they are capable of doing.

Top four will be expected for the West London side, but they could have a side which has the potential to challenge City and Liverpool for the title.

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