So the season is now gone!
And what a season that was. Well, nothing exciting really happened with City claiming the title since the winter, but some records were broken. Could not be happier that City did NOT go unbeaten (what a game at the Etihad). Oh wait! I could be happier... Thanks Karius!
So was I being a bit psychic before the start of the season? Let's have a look:
REVIEW OF THE SEASON
1. Manchester City (My prediction: 2nd)
I must tell you I did NOT expect that! After season before how Pep's team played I could not see them winning the title by this margin. But the players turned up in most games. When you're reading through their line-up it's like looking at the class of '92. Talents everywhere. Sane, De Bruyne, Sterling, Jesus, Aguero... I could go on.
But to win it with such a style, nobody saw that coming.When I saw them live, they didn't thrill me as record-breaking team, but I guess they deserved it 100%. I went for them to be second anyway so there wasn't such a big difference to my prediction.
2. Manchester United (My prediction: 1st)
With Jose Mourinho's history I could see him coming with a title in his second season. The way he played proved me otherwise. Europa League winners were far from City's masterclass. With Sanchez boost in the winter I could still see the things turning in the right direction for them, but he turned out to be a waste of a player.
After all they did not do too badly. It's the way they play. That's certainly not the 'United way'.
3. Tottenham Hotspur (My prediction: 8th)
One thing that defined their season. Wembley. It wasn't only me who had few doubts about Spurs playing away from home. Their record there wasn't good and for the first few games I got it quite right. Away they were still pretty decent and later they even managed to take over the England's national home ground. Kane, Ali, Eriksen & Son begun to sparkle and Spurs were making their way upwards. My prediction was 5 places off and seriously, I did not see them succeeding. Their team spirit did amazing things though and finished in the bronze position. Very well done I must say. But now even the last Spurs' fan is pretty excited about the new stadium. So am I.
4. Liverpool (My prediction: 5th)
Never ever has one seen such an impact on a team than one man and one man only. Salah was a nightmare for the defenders of the opposite teams. Scoring week in week out I don't know where he was hiding until now. And to do that in such shit team is quite remarkable. After Coutinho left I did not see very bright future for the scousers but they beat unbeatable City. THREE times. I must applaud Liverpool for their season. Even making it into UCL final is something i didn't see coming in million years. Klopp is a man who can make miracles but would they be where they are without Salah? You know the answer. Everyone does. There would be no Champions league for them next season.
5. Chelsea (My prediction: 3rd)
This just wasn't Antonio Conte's season. His men worked hard, but not hard enough. FA Cup was some consolation, but with that performance? I suppose they take any silverware. Morata was a good buy but slowly faded in the end of the season. I think it is a huge disappointment not to play Champions League next season, bit they can blame no one but themselves.
6. Arsenal (My prediction: 4th)
Wenger in. Wenger out. Merci Arsene. MAKE UP YOUR FCKN MIND! Like their fans the whole season for Arsenal had been unstable. Shambolic football away from home however they turned up at the half-empty Emirates. Europa League was quite a surprise when beating Milan, but then Arsenal ain't big enough to face Athletico. I think they did alright. No Champions League for them, but they might get as well used to that. now that Arsene is gone. He was great, but a looser. If I knew this was going to be his last season, my prediction would still stand. The master of the fourth place. God! They are even worse than I thought they were. Unbelievable!
7. Burnley (My prediction: 17th)
I got this club wrong by the biggest margin. 10 positions between my vision and reality. And no wonder either. They were by far the biggest surprise in the league. I have to say I underestimated Sean Dyche. The man who some people rate as manager of the season. It won't take long until you see why. Little town called Burnley playing Europe? It is a dream. Some of the players called up for the World Cup as well. What an achievement by them and the whole team. I don't think they will have another season like this. Ever. Well lads, enjoy it while it lasts.
8. Everton (My prediction: 6th)
With all the new signings (including Rooney) I saw a big success ahead of them. But it was not to be. After struggling against Ruzomberok (no, really) their start to the season wasn't as planned. If you'd asked me if I wanted to change my prediction after first 10 games I would do so immediately. But they bounced back and big Sam deserves a credit. Well, most Evertonians will not agree, but he did a good job. And finishing eighth is a great achievement for Everton in my opinion.
9. Leicester (My prediction: 14th)
Who would say that former champions were just a one-season-wonder. Sacking managers every fortnight and unhappy players wanting to leave. The atmosphere is not right, but football is still enjoyable. And that's the main thing. They were even chasing Burnley for Europe but last couple of games saw them fall. But up to that point their season was pretty good. I don't think Leicester will ever repeat their greatest achievement and therefore they can be more than happy with the position this season.
10. Newcastle (My prediction: 7th)
I always liked Newcastle. Always wanted to visit and always enjoyed watching the magpies. That's why I knew that when they won the Championship they would be a real challenge for most Premier League teams. The strikers failed on a couple of occasions, but overall they were doing amazing things all season. The crucial point came when Martin Dubravka stepped in the goal. What a keeper he is. Thanks to him Northerners can celebrate the top half finish, but only just. Regardless where Newcastle would finish this season, their greatest achievement must be Sunderland dropping to League one. What a shocker.
11. Crystal Palace (My prediction: 18th)
It's safe to say that there wasn't a soul who saw that coming after seventh round of matches. No points, no goals scored, manager sacked, and good old Roy Hodgson took on the toughest task in the Prem this season. He got the most out of Zaha, the Palace star man, and was winning game after game. Selhurst park started singing about the glory again and Palace were going up and up. Truly magnificent turnaround. Before the season I did not see further than those 7 games and how glad I am I was wrong. I'm glad all over.
12. Bournemouth (My prediction: 13th)
The Bournemouth's finish turned out to be quite as I thought it would be. The season itself however had a different tune. There were serious worries about the relegation. Experienced successful manager, Eddie Howe pulled it together and calmed things down. Well done boss. Your Bournemouth future is long and bright.
13. West Ham (My prediction: 12th)
Hammers' season was one to forget. Angry, nervous and unstable atmosphere around the London stadium reflected their season. It was not satisfactory for really anyone. But when I look at that number 13 before their name, I just wonder how they got there. Things needs to change and fast. Moyes started the change with his departure, but the club needs more hammering than that to polish their good old days.
14. Watford (My prediction: 20th)
After sacking their manager for not speaking English I thought it was going to backfire. Mauricio Pochetino didn't speak English at Southampton and look where he's now. Little did I know that Marco Silva will step in his shoes. Although Watford did not play most exciting football this season, The Hornets earned a honorable place in the table. I thought they are going to do much much worse.
15. Brighton (My prediction: 10th)
Hard to know what to expect from newly promoted fresh teams in top flight. But I saw that Brigton are the team to fight hard and that they are capable of big things. They kept their cool and wouldn't get frightened or scared by any big Premier League games. They kept their dignity and showed everyone that they really belong here. I was maybe hoping for a bit of more shocking season. Anyway it turned out well for them.
16. Huddersfield (Reading) (My prediction: 19th)
Well, the first thing I got wrong was the Championship play-off final. I couldn't se Huddersfield to go through without even scoring a goal. Well, but that's football and even though if I knew it was Huddersfield to go up, I would have say the same thing. The German boss showed some class and had enough trouble to deal with towards the end of the season. No big drama, but they did a lot lot better than I expected. Well done on them.
17. Southampton (My prediction: 9th)
I misjudged this one a lot. I remember Southampton challenging European spots not so long ago. This season it was a different ball game. Lot of people writing them off with few games to spare, but Saints fought back. Although they were fighting until the last breath, they are saved and secure for another season. They can only hope, it won't be their last one for a while.
18. Swansea (My prediction: 16th)
The Welsh team was never a record-breaking giant, but they usually did well. It just wasn't good enough this year. And to be honest I can't see them succeed in the Championship either. We will need to wait long and patiently until we see them back up.
19. Stoke (My prediction: 15th)
This was perhaps the biggest shock for me. I could see them anywhere in the table. Challenging for Europe or fighting for relegation. In the end I always saw them in the league for a very long time. I like Stoke a lot, but changing from manager to manager and blaming all of them is not the type of attitude that is going to keep you up. It got out of hand and horribly!
20. West Brom (My prediction: 11th)
I think everyone shed a tear over Darren Moore at the end of the season. Before him though, there were a lot of tears but of different sorts. Baggies crying out loud and hoping to avoid the worst. They didn't. But kept fighting until the last day. If only they showed this fighting spirit earlier in the season. To be honest I can't see them fighting back soon. But who knows, if Darren will keep doing the great amazing work, maybe they'll be back in no time.
In the Fa Cup I went for Man City where I was quite far from reality although the Citizens won two other trophies. Did not really see Chelsea winning, but there you go.
Regarding EFL Cup I was expecting a surprise but Premier League champions didn't let it happen. My tip for Newcastle celebrating at Wembley was far from true.
Community shield is only one game, two teams, 50% chance. And I got THAT wrong. It only showed me what was coming. Arsenal ruined my predicted start of the season by beating my favourites in that game - Chelsea.
In Champions League I could have a thousand guesses but I would have never ever gone for Liverpool to get into the final. Chelsea in semis wasn't a bad guess though. It's always hard in cup games.
Europa League was straight forward for me and I could see Arsenal in the final easily. that wasn't to be, but only one game separated them from my fantasy.
I went for three particular teams to be promoted from Championship. Fulham was the only team I got right to be promoted. Although I saw them winning the league rather than having to go through the struggle of play-offs. I am so glad that they made it all the way through.
My second guess was Hull, which disappointed me a bit. There is a different orange replacement for them. And I must say I am excited about Wolves kicking the ball in the highest division.
For the play-offs I could see Sheffield United going through and for the first half of the season it seemed like I might be wrong. It seemed like they will get an automatic promotion. They were even occupying the golden throne for a few weeks but the second half turned sour. There is no doubt that it was quite a season for them anyway, beating Leeds & Wednesday at their own soil. Third team going up is indeed Cardiff which I do not like at all, however I wish all the best to Neil Warnock (even though he's a bit of a wanker, but we owe him).
So let's have a look at the two tables in total:
Final table:
1. Man City
2. Man Utd
3. Spurs
4. Liverpool
5. Chelsea
6. Arsenal
7. Burnley
8. Everton
9. Leicester
10. Newcastle
11. Crystal Palace
12. Bournemouth
13. West ham
14. Watford
15. Brighton
16. Huddersfield
17. Southampton
18. Swansea
19. Stoke
20. WBA
My prediction:
1. Manchester United +1
2. Manchester City -1
3. Chelsea +2
4. Arsenal +2
5. Liverpool -1
6. Everton +2
7. Newcastle +3
8. Spurs -5
9. Southampton +8
10. Brighton +5
11. WBA +9
12. West Ham +1
13. Bournemouth -1
14. Leicester -5
15. Stoke +4
16. Swansea +2
17. Burnley -10
18. Crystal Palace -7
19. Reading (Huddersfield) -3
20. Watford -6
Difference 78!!!
Shocking, right? Didn't get one team right. I can't believe it myself. I did not do well at all. Let's hope my next season's prediction will be much better. There you go:
PREDICTION 18/19
1. Tottenham Hotspur
Laugh however you want, but I can't help it. Their team is ridiculously great now and to add an excitement from the new ground will be enough to clinch the title. Playing at Wembley where they struggled for so long and still finishing second? If Poch and all the big names stay I can easily see them winning it and humiliating rivals Arsenal.
2. Liverpool
As much as I hate to say this, they are going through the league like a knife. Frustration from loosing UCL will drive them enough to beat the shit out of the most teams, but with uncertainty in goal, it will take a couple of games to get the defense right. This will lose them some points in the early stages what will become crucial in a long run. I just don't like to see them winning the league again. They are cocky enough as they are, so God help me to get this right.
3. Manchester City
After what turned out to be a record-breaking stunning season, there will be sky high expectations from the players in sky-blue shirts. With the arsenal of players they will be very difficult to beat, but their opponents will find a way through in the end. I'm sure they will keep playing beautiful football, but everyone else is watching and knows how to overcome their class.
4. Chelsea
After quite bittersweet season (finishing outside top 4/winning the FA cup), they will get back on tracks, but will fall too short for the top 3 teams. They will be lucky to win a fight for Champions League, but their nails will remain untouched. I don't see a big drama, but this will most certainly not be a season to remember. However it depends who will take charge in August.
5. Manchester United
I only see this as Jose's last season at Old Trafford. Three years is more than enough for him and it was only going downhill. So will be this season. Not qualifying for Champions League (again), and not winning much. With a star players like they have at United it's real shame what are they doing to this club. Hopefully someone reasonable replaces the Portuguese manager and turns things back around to the good old days.
6. Newcastle
I think I'm going to get this one really wrong, but I just can't choose anyone else to be there. Newcastle are playing some fine football and Rafa Benitez is not that inexperienced manager. I can easily see this happening and see Newcastle battling abroad as a reward of their hard-work.
7. Fulham
The club with such a great history, such a great ground and such a great players. Fulham WILL BE a success in the Premier League. They have a massive potential a will cause a lot of trouble to a lot of teams. Just wait and see, because these Londoners have something to bring and show you. I am really excited to see them play.
8. Crystal Palace
This prediction only stands if everyone at Serhurst will manage to keep their star man - Zaha, He is an unbelievable player and drags his team through the hard times. After Benteke's off-season, the striker will find his striking boots again.Anyway this will be an enjoyment to watch the Eagles this season. Roy Hogdson has done magnificent things with Palace and I'm sure he will continue to do so.
9. Arsenal
When I look at it from every angle I just can't see Arsenal going forward. They were actually quite shocking under Arsene Wenger and now he's gone there will be a highway down for them. Lots of players will leave I'm sure and Arsenal will become just an average team with no fans and as I said before, they will be relegated in the next 10 seasons. Starting the nightmare - now!
10. West Ham
Quite a story West Ham is writing isn't it? Angry fans hating what they watch, hating where they're sat, hating being a West Ham fans. Well it has come to an end. I think there is quite an exciting season waiting for them. Perhaps they won't make a history in football world, but maybe they will finally enjoy watching their own team under a new manager.
11. Brighton
What can I say? Brighton have been doing great and will keep on going in the right direction. It's quite remarkable that a club with such small budget and history can make such a big achievements. Winning the bottom half of the table will be satisfying enough for the seagulls.
12. Wolves
I must confess I wasn't very much happy when Wolves got promoted, but with each passing day I just cannot wait to see them in the Premier League. Some great players are waiting to earn a lot of points for fantasy managers. First season back and I'm sure they'll come up with more than few surprises.
13. Southamton
After a disappointing finish, only just dodging the bullet, Saints will kick themselves and get it together. Making a good signing or two will flashback and do them some good, I'm sure. If they stay with one manager for most of the season I'm sure they'll be alright and have rapidly less wrinkles on their faces this time.
14. Bournemouth
Eddie Howe's men never disappoint. I wonder what would happen to the club if anyone else was in charge. Having said that The Cherries became sort of predictable. Sort of mid-table team with either off-chance of Europe positions or an occasional battle for relegation. They are now a part of Premier League and that's where they belong and that's where they should be.
15. Burnley
Worm-eating manager did wonders with his players throughout last year. But I think Europe participation is going to have its effect on the league. Even though I believe they are going to do extraordinary well abroad, it's not going to be a pleasure to watch at home Turf. In the league they will need to focus to the end of the season where they will face a possibility of going down, however they are going to manage to play Premier League football one more year. In Europe they are going to do wonders and their fans will be well happy.
16. Everton
Big Sam is gone. And it will cost them. Unhappy fans will be even unhappier and the whole of England will be laughing at Everton. But in the end they will try their best and only last couple of games will decide weather they stay up, or go on to be forgotten.This story will have sweet ending though. But things will start turning after sacking Marco Silva. Don't get me wrong. He's a great manager and all but his record is not so jaw-dropping. And to control the chaos and egos at Everton is one big job and shoes too big for Marco to fill. When the Everton board realize this, it will be late, but not too late of course.
17. Leicester
Once a Champion, Leicester is going to have a nightmare of the season. I am sorry Leicester fans, but you will spend most of the season in the red part of the table. But don't worry. You'll do enough worrying in the season. You will manage to save yourselves. on the last day when you smash someone with high scoring parade and stay up on goal difference. What a story that would be!
18. Watford
I'm sorry Mr. Elton John. I did it last year and I failed. I'm doing it again and probably will fail again, but let's just wait and see. I don't know what it is that tells me you will spend playing 46 games next season. I just feel this way for the second year predicting and I can't help it. You can only hope that I will be able to put you in the bottom three next prediction again.
19. Cardiff
Welshmen will cut their stay short. Premier League will be too big for them. I'm not saying it's going to be tragic, but it's not going to be enough. They will go down with their heads up high anyway. But there isn't a place for you in my final table.
20. Huddersfield
After rather astonishing year David Wagner's team will find it a bit too difficult this time. Still giving some trouble to some of the opponents, but too much. Huddersfield will be confirm as first to go down in early days. And I'm talking March/early April. I am so terribly sorry for your fucked-up season.
So there it is. I'm sure the final table is going to look nothing like this, but one never knows. Cupwise anything can happen but I'll have a go anyway:
FA Cup - Liverpool
After a long wait they are going to celebrate after all. Beating another big name, Liverpool will add another trophy to their cabinet. Not much to celebrate apart from that I reckon.
EFL Cup - Manchester United
I suppose it's going to be another one of those horrible seasons for Man United, but Mr Mourinho will have another excuse to call it a success. Winning a Micky-Mouse cup will be enough reasons to defend his season, but resignation at the end will be the only option for him. I might get that completely wrong though.
Community Shield - Chelsea
This is a one-game-cup and a 50/50 chance. I got it wrong last time and I don't want to get it wrong again. But it's quite possible I will. But I can see Chelsea at their peak again and starting the season by beating the champions. They won it last year, so they can win it again. And make the right start for the new manager.
Champions league:
Spurs - Semi-final
Spurs can cause a lot of problems for the foreign teams as they've shown previously. But to get it all the way to the final is a bit too much I think. Especially if my prediction of them winning the league will become true. If that happens they might not even reach the semis. Quarter final might be their last stop.
Liverpool - Q-final
After a surprise visit to Kiev, their luck is now gone. They will go through the group easily, but that'll be it. They will face a world-class team who will be a bit too much to handle.
Man Utd - group stage (3rd)
I can't help it, but the whole of Man United's season will be a failure.Beginning in the Champions league where they won't even qualify from the group. But to be honest I've got a feeling they are going to face a group of death and face Europa League in the next stages. There they will make it as far as quarter-finals.
Man City - winners
I know, another shocker isn't it? Although I hate if this would happen and hope for this to happen at the same time, There has got to be an English team winning the UCL at last. With the squad City's got it's not that impossible is it? Especially when they have no records to break in the league this time according to my table. Why not win it for the first time in their short and lame history?
Europa League
Chelsea - Semi-final
As I mentioned above, Chelsea is going to enjoy the season this time. Not winning the Europa league of course, but going furthest will be enough satisfaction for them. Especially after they'll screw up the league. But the Blues will qualify for the Champions League from the table position anyway so big things await for them. .
Arsenal - 1/16-final
The bad season continues on the European front. It's just not the same without their legendary manager. Getting knocked out by underdogs, Arsenal fans will go to hiding.
Burnley - 1/8-final
This is a story to tell your kids. Burnley will surprise you with a few shockers and you can just sit back and enjoy their history-making.
Championship promotions:
1. Derby
Frankie is a legend and will stay a legend. Appointing him as a manager was a right move, which will pay off for sure. Even though he hasn't got any managerial experience, Lampard is such a inspirational personality, all the Gods will wish him the best of luck to succeed. Only to make him face his former team, Chelsea, in the Premier League. What a story that would be. All that could be done. Could be done if Vydra won't leave. But really. Why would he? Rams are going to experience another glory days they haven't seen since sir Brian Clough.
2. Stoke
There is a question who will go and who will stay, Because at the moment they have such a great team I only wonder how they got relegated. Crouchy, Shaquiri, Shawcross... I will really miss them and really wish they will be back soon. Much sooner than everybody expects.
Play-offs - Leeds
Everything can't go as you wish. I pray every minute that this fucking club and town and people will burn and die and will be wiped off the Earth forever, I have a dusgusting feeling that I'll banging my head over this. I really really wish they would get relegated, but something tells me a different story. If that happens, at least I can say I was saying it already before the season. I hope I'm wrong!!
So that's it folks! My predictions are done and dusted. If I'm right or wrong doesn't really matter. I'm sure this season will have a lot of twists and turns and shocks and debates and beautiful goals and amazing games and breathtaking stories.
So just open a beer, sing your favorite chant, and support your club!
To make it more dramatic I'm gonna guess the lower league tables too:
CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Derby County
2. Stoke City
3. Middlesborough
4. Wigan Athletic
5. Leeds United
6. Sheffield United
7. Hull City
8. Blackburn Rovers
9. Birmingham City
10. Sheffield Wednesday
11. Aston Villa
12. Swansea
13. Brentford
14. Rotherham
15. WBA
16. Bristol City
17. Ipswich
18. Nottingham Forest
19. Reading
20. Millwall
21. Norwich
22. Bolton
23. Preston
24. QPR
League One
1. Sunderland
2. Portsmouth
3. Charlton
4. Peterborough
5. Plymouth
6. Blackpool
7. Wimbledon
8. Coventry
9. Accrington
10. Walsall
11. Southend
12. Bradford
13. Wycombe
14. Rochdale
15. Luton
16. Burton
17. Shrewsbury
18. Barnsley
19. Oxford
20. Bristol Rovers
21. Gillingham
22. Fleetwood
23. Doncaster
24. Scuntorphe
League Two
1. Notts County
2. Swindon
3. Oldham
4. Exeter
5. Lincoln
6. Yeovil
7. Stevenage
8. Northampton
9. Tranmere
10. Carlisle
11. Grimsby
12. MK Dons
13. Cambridge
14. Newport
15. Colchester
16. Mansfield
17. Crewe
18. Cheltenham
19. Morecambe
20. Bury
21. Macclesfield
22. Crawley
23. Forest Green
24. Port Vale
So there you have it. ENJOY!
