Premier League season 2016/2017 title race preview
There are less than two weeks to go before the Barclays Premier League returns for the start of a new campaign. After one of the most surprising and unpredictable seasons in recent memory, many clubs will be looking to launch an assault on the title believing their chances are better than ever. With pre-season winding up and players raring to go, who will be the teams to look out for?
All eyes will be on Claudio Ranieri's reigning champions, Leicester City. His side will look to start well and prove they are not just one-season wonders. The supporters will expect the players to remain motivated and driven after their unexpected success. The Foxes have brought in five new recruits to reinforce the side. Leicester will need strength in depth with the new challenge of Champions League football on top of a defence of their league crown.
Manchester City's new boss, Pep Guardiola has spent nearly £100 million on new signings. Leroy Sane, Nolito and Ikay Gundogan are amongst the influx of talent. Prolific Brazillian forward Gabriel Jesus is the latest recruit after scoring 19 goals in 30 games for Palmeiras. After signing for £27 million, Jesus sees his new club as being amongst the "best" sides "in the world". Guardiola's reputation will bring high expectations, but supporters may need to give their team time to flourish.
On Merseyside, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has won many plaudits despite a poor league campaign last term. The summer has seen a period of transition, with Klopp selling numerous players to make way for new faces who better fit the the German's mould. This season will be the time to gauge whether the Reds have truly progressed. They need to strengthen defensively - an area which left them exposed at times in the past. A lack of European football may benefit them, allowing more time between games and less distractions.
Chelsea had a term to forget last season, finishing in 10th place. Their new boss, Antonio Conte will be looking to return the Blues to the top. They will need to find some defensive consistency. Striker Michy Batsuayi and midfielder N'Golo Kante are big name new signings to freshen the squad. Conte will need to get the best from a group of underachieving but talented players.
At Old Trafford 'The Special One' will be confident of returning Manchester United to the glory days. An imminent signing of French midfielder Paul Pogba for £100 million proves that former Chelsea man Jose Mourinho has the full financial backing of the owners. They have strong attacking options with Rashford, Martial, Mata, Mkhitaryan and Ibrahimovic vying for forward berths. After a midfield role in Euro 2016, will Wayne Rooney see his talents deployed deeper for his club as well? The Red Devils are surely in the ascendency.
After finishing third in a two-horse race last time round, Tottenham Hotspur will need to address why they faded away so dramatically at the end of last season. Mauricio Pochettino has brought in Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen to address weaknesses in the squad. Will Champions League football divide their attentions too much?
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