Assessing the Premier League title favourites

Barring another Leicester scenario, six clubs are realistically in the running for the Premier League title this season – sorry, Everton fans. Let’s have a look at factors both in their favour and what could count against them.

Manchester United

Why they won’t win the title: They have been challenging for the top four, rather than the title, every year since Sir Alex Ferguson left despite heavy investment, so work must be done to find the right chemistry. They have lost last season’s top scorer and do not get enough goals from midfield, a problem which led to far too many home draws last term.

Why they will: Jose Mourinho has won the domestic title in his second season everywhere he has been. Victor Lindelof’s ball-playing ability makes him the perfect partner for Eric Bailly while Ivan Perisic, if he signs, adds dynamism on the left. Romelu Lukaku is a natural goalscorer and could be the man to put last season’s missed chances away.

Manchester City

Why they won’t: The Citizens looked vulnerable to breakaways last term, not helped by a suspect defence with Yaya Toure in an unnaturally circumspect role. Questions remain over the future of Sergio Aguero while Gabriel Jesus is recovering from injury. A squad imbalanced with attacking midfielders highlights Pep Guardiola’s loyalty to possession play, which may prove out of sync with modern football’s latest direction.

Why they will: Guardiola’s arrival saw City improve by 12 points on their previous campaign and a repeat of that theme will surely see them win the main domestic prize. Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva have adapted seamlessly to ‘false eight’ roles, threading through balls for speedsters Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling. The Premier League free bets on offer make the Citizens favourites, so if Ederson proves an upgrade on Claudio Bravo and new full-backs add energy, they could be a force.

Chelsea

Why they won’t: Slow summer business looks eerily similar to 2015, when there was apparent friction between board and management. Friction also exists between Diego Costa and Antonio Conte, but the former has not left, nor has another striker been brought in, leaving the conflict to fester. N’Golo Kante may not sustain his turbo-charged displays for 50 games while last year’s wing-backs could prove one-season wonders.

Why they will: None of last season’s first eleven has departed, which could allow the West Londoners to maintain momentum. Tiemoue Bakayoko adds much needed depth in midfield while Antonio Rudiger should slot into the three at the back system with relative comfort. No speculation has surrounded Eden Hazard, who has made the PFA Team of the Year in four of his last five seasons in England.

Tottenham

Why they won’t: We saw at West Ham last season that moving stadium can lead to a period of transition, as fans and the club takes time to rediscover it’s sense of identity. The change has also put recruitment onto the back-burner, with no first teamers signed, while right-back Kyle Walker has left for Tottenham. How much longer Spurs can stay at the top without investing remains to be seen.

Why they will: Although Daniel Levy has not invested big in the playing squad, he should be given some credit for keeping hold of the players there. No speculation has surrounded Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld or indeed any of last season’s best performers. That includes Mauricio Pochettino, who has shown creditable loyalty to this exciting project.

Arsenal

Why they won’t: When previous title-winners have been such a united camp, it is hard to see Arsenal replicating that feat with a manager that divides opinion so starkly. Arsene Wenger’s quest to add power to this Gunners side has led to a lack of flexibility and unpredictability, with the only player providing this, Alexis Sanchez, seemingly in limbo.

Why they will: Alexandre Lacazette has proved a consistent goalscorer at Lyon and should give the Gunners pace up top, which can be lacking when Olivier Giroud starts. Arsenal’s midfield looked more flexible in the latter stages of last season, when Wenger switched to a three-at-the-back system. Wing-backs Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac have energy, Rob Holding has shown promise while Granit Xhaka could step up in his second season.

Liverpool

Why they won’t: The Reds have had a few close-shaves since their last top flight title in the early 90s, but history goes against them. They operate financially in a different market to some of their competitors and have not yet added a centre-back. Their left-back options meanwhile, could be someone with no positional awareness, a midfielder by trade and a man relegated with Hull City.

Why they will: Mohamed Salah offers them pace, a commodity they missed in the absence of Sadio Mane last season and the duo could cause problems. Salah’s arrival also gives Klopp the option to use Philippe Coutinho in place of Sadio Mane, while Naby Keita could sign to add tenacity and drive in midfield. Liverpool retain the quality they had last season but no longer depend on the availability of individuals.