The Premier League remains one of the toughest leagues in the world to predict.
After a season of some shock struggles that forced Tottenham Hotspur to survive on the final day and Liverpool to limp into the top five, a number of managerial changes over the summer made things even tougher to call.
So we’ve called in a little help from the supercomputer to give us weekly predictions on how the rest of the season will pan out. Here’s how it stands after gameweek 1.
20
Hull City
Unfortunately for Hull City, AI believes that it’ll be a short return to the Premier League. Even after the Tigers mauled Manchester United on the opening day, AI has predicted them to hit just 24 points and end with a shocking goal difference of -45.
Only time will tell whether Hull can prove many doubters wrong just like they did on the opening day. Of course, should they fail, then they will join a long list of promoted sides to head straight back down.
19
Ipswich Town
It’s the same fate for Ipswich Town. Fresh from promotion and under a new manager in Gary O’Neil, the Tractor Boys spent big in the summer, but it seems like that may not be enough.
After spending more than £100m to welcome the likes of Daizen Maeda and Emersonn, Ipswich are predicted to finish 19th and on 29 points with a goal difference of -32.
18
Coventry City
It looks like it could be a ruthless campaign for the newly-promoted sides. In at 18th and on 32 points, AI believes that Coventry City will suffer instant relegation back to the Championship.
It was a tough welcome back for Frank Lampard in the Sky Blues’ first game of the season, as champions Arsenal swept them aside. If the predictions are anything to go by, though, things are not set to get any better.
17
Fulham
With the Marco Silva era over, Alvaro Arbeloa has the tough task of picking up where the Portuguese left off. That, however, is easier said than done as far as AI is concerned. Like many, it has predicted the Cottagers to struggle and just about keep their necks above the water in an incredibly tight relegation battle.
Finishing on 35 points, it is predicted that just three points will separate the West London club and the bottom three by the time the season concludes.
16
Crystal Palace
According to AI, it’s going to be a tough season for new managers with Arbeloa not alone in his struggles. Joining him is Pierre Sage. The new Crystal Palace boss is predicted to struggle as the Eagles get dragged into a relegation scrap.
|
Crystal Palace signings 26/27 |
Position |
Signed from |
Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Oscar Mingueza |
Right-back / centre-back |
Celta Vigo |
Free transfer |
|
Dwight McNeil |
Winger |
Everton |
Player swap |
|
Axel Disasi |
Centre-back |
Chelsea |
Season-long loan |
With European football to balance alongside domestic action, the South London club are predicted to finish 16th and earn just 38 points fresh from winning the Europa Conference League last time out.
15
Nottingham Forest
The trend doesn’t end there, either. In 15th, Nottingham Forest and new manager Oliver Glasner are also predicted to struggle. Whether Evangelos Marinakis accepts such disappointment is the big question. The Greek owner has sacked four managers in the space of 12 months.
AI believes the Midlands club are in for another tough campaign, finishing on 41 points and a world away from the European places they so desperately want to head towards.
14
Sunderland
Whilst Jamie Carragher has predicted Sunderland to be relegated just one season after they qualified for the Europa League, AI has them in a comfortable 14th. It’s neither spectacular or disastrous for Regis Le Bris, who will have to get the balance of his squad perfect amid so many fixtures.
In a campaign which features a European tour and the threat of second-season syndrome, 14th and 43 points would be respectable for the Black Cats.
13
Newcastle United
After losing Eddie Howe, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the same summer, Newcastle United are absolutely the toughest team to predict in the Premier League this season.
New manager Matthias Jaissle has one of the toughest jobs and AI has predicted the 38-year-old to settle for mid-table in his first season in charge. The good news for the Magpies is at least they’ll be back above Sunderland on 45 points.
12
Leeds United
Ever since a genius tactical change from Daniel Farke last season, Leeds United have been a completely different side. Now, they face the prospect of enjoying a campaign away from the relegation zone.
|
Nationality |
Previous Club |
Fee |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
James Trafford |
England |
Manchester City |
£40m |
|
Tarik Muharemovic |
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Sassuolo |
£34m |
|
Nico Elvedi |
Switzerland |
Borussia Mönchengladbach |
£8.5m |
|
Harry Wilson |
Wales |
Fulham |
Free |
The 49ers have certainly backed their manager too, welcoming signings such as Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic. AI now thinks they’ll reap the rewards with a 12th-place, albeit on the same points as last season (47).
11
Brentford
After thumping Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 on the opening day, any concerns that Brentford are a one-season wonder seem to be evaporating. The Bees have made the Gtech an incredibly tough place to go and that will set them up for more impressive results, according to AI.
Keith Andrews’ side are predicted to finish 11th and just two points outside the top half. As far as second seasons go, the Irishman should be happy with that.
