The 2019/20 Premier League season promises to be an intriguing one. Sheffield United and Norwich City are returning to the top flight for the first time since 2006-07 and 2015-16 respectively and Manchester United are in a period of uncertain transition, while their rivals Liverpool and Man City keep going from strength to strength.
The title race is usually fought out between the same predictable few but in 2016 Leicester City conquered odds of 5000/1 to win the Premier League and, in doing so, gave hope to every other side in the top flight.
It is unlikely that this will happen again given the strength of the current top two but there is nothing wrong with daring to dream. With that in mind, we take a look at five sides that are most likely to pull ‘a Leicester’ in 2019/20.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves fans are probably still pinching themselves after finishing in the top half of the Premier League this season. They have been building something for a couple of years and it proves that planning for the longer term will be more successful than the kind of short-termism that has become common place.
They are expected to continue spending in order to build on an excellent season in which they have beaten the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal proving they can mix it with the big boys.
West Ham United
The Hammers started 2018/19 really badly but have since recovered to have a comfortable season in the top flight. Problems with the new stadium aside, West Ham should be a club looking to progress to the very top of the English game. Their supporters have been long-suffering and expect to watch a team playing entertaining football.
Manuel Pellegrini has certainly got the pedigree to take them further but a lot will depend on a solid recruitment spree over the summer.
Norwich City
WE ARE @premierleague! 😁🙌 #ncfc pic.twitter.com/zSVfM3idkm
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 27, 2019
The Championship title winners come into the Premier League in a similar manner to how Wolves did a season ago. Full of confidence after romping to the second tier title, Norwich will be looking to make sure they avoid the drop first and foremost but they have an exciting front line that could be in their element in the Premier League.
They would be massive outsiders with football betting markets having them at 10/1 to finish in the top half but the Canaries may surprise even themselves under the superb Daniel Farke.
Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth are another side that have had a very good 2019/20. They have some good players and with one or two additions they could challenge higher in the division. In Eddie Howe, the Cherries have an excellent boss who won the Manager of the Decade Award back in 2015 and he has utilised the likes of Ryan Fraser, Callum Wilson and David Brooks to perfection.
Leicester City
The Foxes could be the side to repeat their own feat. They have had an excellent finish to the 2018-19 campaign and with Brendan Rodgers in charge, they will only get better. The Northern Irish manager has certainly made a good impression and if he recruits the right players over the summer next season will be another exciting campaign.
The potential is there for the English football landscape to be turned on its head once again – stay tuned and see if any of these teams can do it.
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