The Premier League gets underway this Saturday, which is exciting new for everybody in the world apart from most Americans. But whether you’re a soccer junkie or just a newcomer trying to a learn-up, here’s a quick power ranking of all the teams before the first ball is kicked.
20. Watford
The 2006/07 season was the team’s most recent in the Premier League, so succeeding in a relegation dog fight is made even tougher considering this team has never experienced one.
19. Norwich
The side that squeaked into the Premier League last year has made some solid signings, but they’ll still do hugely well just to survive in the division.
18. Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s attacking philosophy will win them some games (and the affection of neutrals) but ultimately it’s tough, gritty defense that keeps underdogs like this in the Premier league.
17. Sunderland
Sunderland just avoided relegation last season, but it’s been a while since the club signed a player that makes you think anything more is possible.
16. Aston Villa
Losing their two key players, Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke, in one summer is a bitter blow, but Villa should have enough talent remaining to avoid the drop.
15. Leicester City
It’s tough to predict what’s going to happen with Claudio Ranieri, the team’s new manager, but no major departures combined with clever signings like Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs should be enough to keep them up.
14. West Brom
Manager Tony Pulis is a pro at making his teams fundamentally sound and tough to beat. It would take uncharacteristic disaster to drag them into the relegation zone.
13. West Ham
Another recently-installed manager has the reigns now. It could backfire, but ultimately, the core of the team is strong enough for a mid-table finish.
12. Swansea City
No major departures and a good manager at the helm, Swansea should coast to a mid-table finish and might even target a victory in one of the cup competitions.
11. Crystal Palace
The trusty core of the team is aging, which is a concern, but Palace is fortifying its position in the Premier League with notable signings like Yohan Cabaye and Connor Wickham.
10. Stoke City
Stoke don’t really have that much to play for this season, to be honest. They’re too good to get relegated, and not good enough to challenge those above them. Cup competitions will be key this season.
9. Newcastle
Having woefully underperformed in recent years, new manager Steve McClaren and $22 million signing Georginio Wijnaldum should jolt them up the table.
8. Southampton
The ‘moneyball’ team of the Premier League finished 7th last season, and are likely on-course for something similar again this time.
7. Everton
Everton crashed down to 11th last season after finishing fifth the season before, but the team were neither as good nor bad as those last two seasons suggest. Expect something in the middle.
6. Tottenham
He won’t be able to rely on the hot hand of Harry Kane as much again this year, but manager Mauricio Pochettino finally seems to have brought some stability to the club. It should serve them well.
5. Liverpool
Liverpool has spent lots of money perfecting an imbalanced squad. The holes in the team’s defense will haunt them throughout the season, but its expensive attack will guarantee goals.
4. Manchester United
Another over-powered offense with a paper-thin defense, but unlike Liverpool, Manchester United has simply thrown so much money at the problem that a top-four finish should be ensured.
3. Arsenal
Arsenal look more threatening this year than, arguably, in any of the previous 10 seasons. But, unlike the two teams ahead of them, when an injury crises inevitably hits they’ll probably be left short-handed.
2. Chelsea
A well-balanced team that should challenge for the title, but Jose Mourinho’s counter-attacking sides sometimes struggle to unlock teams that sit back and defend.
1. Manchester City
Coasting under the radar a little going into the season amid the success of Chelsea last year, but the addition of Raheem Sterling — probably the best young English player — to the right wing and with Kevin De Bruyne likely on the way, Man City will be the team to catch this year.