Burnley (Currently 20th)
Burnley is currently the worst standing team in the Premier League, with only 12 points and their one and only win coming against Brentford in late October. They started off the season poorly, taking nine games to win as a result of their lack of goal threat. Their usual goal threat, Chris Wood has only managed to score three goals this season, before recently being picked up by fellow relegation rivals Newcastle United, a huge blow for the Clarets.
The other five forwards have embarrassingly only combined for eight goals, six of them coming from star signing Maxwell Cornet who joined from Lyon in the summer. Unfortunately for Burnley, he is the only recognisable signing of the season as they continue to struggle to achieve positive results in matches due to stagnant team style and lack of quality in players.
The Clarets have also been knocked out of both cup competitions to Spurs and Huddersfield respectively putting even more of a dampener on their season.
A positive spark for them however is that they have managed to only lose nine games while also having played two games less than 19th place Watford and remaining only four points off safety with still 18 games for them left to play. Their January transfers have been quiet however they are looking to bring in formidable striker Wout Weghorst who recently had a solid campaign with both Netherlands and VFL Wolfsburg. Whilst it is not completely over for Burnley’s season due to their negative play style as well as their lacklustre squad and transfers it is very likely for their time in the Premier League to end.
Predicted finish: 19th
Chelsea (Currently 3rd)
Chelsea’s season started off in the best way for them, as they started off being heavily tipped for both the Premier League and Champions League title due to manager Thomas Tuchels’s heavily positive style of play. The signings of high pedigree players such as Romelu Lukaku and Saul Niguez from Italian and Spanish giants did not diminish their chances of a major trophy either. They also managed to keep most of their young core players that helped them secure the Champions League last season with players such as Reece James, Mason Mount, and Kai Havertz.
By early December the Blues were flying, top of their Champions League group and the Premier League having only lost two games all season.
However, after the great string of results, it all started to crumble for the Blues, with a number of injuries coming to key players including both wingbacks, as well as a questionable public statement from marquee signing Lukaku stating that he didn’t plan to stay with Chelsea for very long. The decreased morale from these events has resulted in Chelsea dropping to third, nine points behind high flying Manchester City, only managing to win three of their last 10 premier league games.
Regardless they are still in both cup competitions, most importantly the Carabao Cup where they will compete in the final against Liverpool in February. Despite a string of blemished results they have recently picked up form and look on course for a successful end to Tuchel’s first full season.
Predicted finish: 3rd
Crystal Palace (Currently 13th)
The Eagles season started off with exciting news, with former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira taking over the managerial reins from well-respected and revered Roy Hodgson. Palace seemed to make their intentions clear for the season with some strong signings including Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi, Odsonne Edouard, and Joachim Andersen. Their season did not start off well, only winning two of their fast 10 games, however, they were both against Manchester City, and Tottenham, showing they had what it took against top sides. They have only been able to win three more since then, however, they have also impressed, with their attacking intent and progressive style of play, looking much better than last season.
While the attacking side for the Eagles has improved, the defensive side has been underwhelming, with three new defensive additions perhaps not yet used to the style of play or working together. Despite the difficult new shift of players and managers, there have been a few standouts for Palace including Gallagher and Edouard who have combined for 13 goals and six assists together, almost half of the goals they have amassed this season. With young growing players under their belt, such as Gallagher, Tyrick Mitchell, and Michael Olise as well as only having to face 4 of the top 6 in the remainder of the Premier League games this season, it looks to be a secure and good finish for the Eagles in Vieira’s first season.
Predicted finish: 12th
Everton (Currently 16th)
This season has been genuinely dismal for Everton, even by their usual standards. For a side that is normally expected to finish at least mid-table, this season has been nothing but painful for the Toffees and their supporters. Although the season did start off well with three wins from five, mostly due to brilliance from players such as Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, it has quickly spiraled downhill, being knocked out of the EFL Cup by Championship side Queens Park Rangers, losing 11 of the 20 games in the Premier League, including to fellow relegation battlers Brentford, Norwich and Watford, embarrassing for a side with Everton’s pedigree.
There have also been issues with managers and players, a perfect example being Lucas Digne who fell out with manager Rafa Benitez and was recently sold to Aston Villa.
Benitez was recently sacked and replaced with former Chelsea manager and all-time leading goal scorer Frank Lampard who looks to guide the Toffees to at least a decent position this season before his inevitable sacking next season. The Toffees do have some positives including a seemingly young core that is passionate for the badge such as Anthony Gordon, Ben Godfrey, Calvert-Lewin, and new signing Donny Van De Beek who can possibly provide hope and stability for the remainder and upcoming season until they are most likely sold to a top-six club.
While it is unlikely Everton will get relegated they really do need to start figuring out what kind of system they want to play as well and which managers and players would work for that, and stick to it at least for the duration of a season.
Predicted finish: 13th
Where do you think Burnley, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, or Everton will finish the 2021/22 Premier League season? Let us know in the comments below.
Pioneer Australia 