The Premier League returns this weekend with the marquee matchup of the opening round of fixtures being Arsenal vs Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London. Without waxing too lyrical, it’s an encounter between the most aesthetically pleasing side in the division and a club desperate to return to that echelon.
Manchester United will not win the Premier League title this season. The Red Devils have grown to be the antithesis of their former "Pride of England" moniker under Jose Mourinho. Not only has the Portuguese "Chosen One" flooded Old Trafford with boredom, the 2017-18 season was also an indicator of false glory despite a second place finish behind Manchester City.
Managers are being scrutinised more than ever, and with good reason. The fans and owners expect results from their teams, no matter who their players are. Whether it’s Huddersfield Town or Manchester City, every manager knows that their owners can pull the plug at any time.
The World Cup is still fresh on our minds but the European club season is already here. So of course it’s time for some 2018-19 Premier League predictions.
Croatia shocked most of the soccer world with its run to the World Cup final, although we here at The18 saw it coming. In order to prove that was no fluke, I'm doubling down on my bold World Cup predictions, this time four years in advance of the tournament instead of one. If you're wondering who the Croatia of the 2022 World Cup will be, you don't need to look any further than their neighbor (and historical rival) to the east.
You thought Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus would be the biggest transfer of the summer? You were wrong.
Two of Italy’s biggest clubs have been busy cooking up something far more interesting and — because this is Serie A — something infinitely more complicated. Juventus and Milan have decided to lock themselves into a three-player exchange deal involving loans, buy-outs and big, big wages. So, what’s actually happening?
This scenario is like Football Manager once you get deep enough into the game — eventually, all the top players start to become managers. Some experience considerable success and bounce around the top teams in the world, while others are stuck meddling around with teams in the lower divisions of various leagues.
Steven Gerrard at Rangers
Frank Lampard at Derby
Kevin Nolan at Notts County
Harry Kewell at Crawley Town
For those who grew up watching the Champions League in the early 2000s, the extended absence of 2009-10 champions Inter Milan has certainly been felt. Between 2002 and 2012 there was a 10-season period in which Inter always had a seat at club football’s most prestigious banquet, but the 2018-19 campaign will mark Inter's first appearance in seven years.
We are nearing what promises to be an absolute roller-coaster of a Premier League season. There are plenty of storylines surrounding it: can Pep Guardiola go back-to-back? Will Jose Mourinho break his third-season syndrome? Who will win the league within the Premier League and finish seventh? We answer all of those questions in our Premier League predictions for the upcoming season.
Agree? Disagree? Let us know where you think these teams will finish.
1st - Manchester City
Are you in a Fantasy Premier League competition with your friends? Do you want to kick their ass this season? If your answer is “yes” to both of those questions (and it should be), then we are here to help you.
Everyone needs a top bargain buy in Fantasy Premier League — a cheap player who'll get you points is absolutely phenomenal. Who will be the best players available on the cheap in Fantasy Premier League this season? We’ve compiled our top five players that will deliver plenty of points for your team.