While there are still two games left to play in the Premier League this season, we’re already looking ahead to next term and we believe there could well be some clubs that could certainly spring a surprise.
This term has obviously had a number of shocks and, there will be many a neutral that will feel sorry for Nottingham Forest if (as it looks like), the club doesn’t get Champions League (or even European) football, having spent most of the season in the top four.
A topic that always poses interesting questions, we have seen some shocks over the years in the Premier League and it really is an intriguing market – indeed, most betting sites from this list feature odds for Nottingham Forest to finish in the top four next season, though it will probably be a tough ask.
With that said, we have reviewed a few clubs who could spring a surprise in the Premier League next season.
Crystal Palace
There has been somewhat of a feel-good factor around Selhurst Park over the last few weeks – aided by the fact that they are heading to Wembley to play Manchester City in the FA Cup final. It is a game where most neutrals will probably want to see the Eagles win and they have been impressive in the competition this season.
A victory could give them the momentum they need to kick on and embark on a top four challenge next term – as well as qualifying them for Europe. If they are able to keep their talented squad together and add strategically, they certainly could be one to watch next term.
Manchester United
Many of you may think there is an element of jest in there, though, the fact is, they simply are not the club they once were. A top four finish next season would be a remarkable achievment and demonstrate an incredible turnaround and job done by Ruben Amorim (assuming he would still be there). They need a good summer of wise recruitment, going back to basics and rebuilding.
If they can start the season well and put some results together, then confidence will breed and we could be having a completely different conversation about the club this time next year.
Leeds United
The club’s first season back in the Premier League last time probably saw the club earn the title of ‘everyone’s second favourite to watch’, with maverick manager, Marcelo Bielsa steering them to an incredible ninth place finish.
It looks like they’re going to stick by Daniel Farke, who has been relegated in the Premier League already with Norwich City, though the club will have money to spend and a chance to continue playing the blistering type of football they won the Championship title with. However, they need to heed caution and recruit sensibly. Based on the last two seasons, anything above 16th place for a promoted club next season would render them a ‘surprise package’ probably for them to then kick on.
Everton
Having narrowly avoided relegation two seasons running and more than comfortably it will turn out, this term, Everton finally appear to be a club ‘on the up’ again. Their takeover at the end of last year, in addition to plans finally being put in place for a new stadium and then bringing back former manager David Moyes has seen the club experience a period of much-needed stability.
Moyes has shown with West Ham United (and previously with Everton), how astute he is in the transfer window and this summer could turn out to be a productive one for the Toffees, which could easily lead to them finishing in the top half of the table next season.