Everton
Fixtures – October 4 (A), February 27 (H)
Strengths – They have a strong starting eleven which, if fit, is more than capable of challenging towards the top end of the table. The core of their team: Howard-Jagielka-McCarthy-Barkley-Lukaku is very strong and if they all perform to the level which they can then we’re going to get some very interesting Merseyside derbies this season.
Weaknesses – They lack the strength in depth to sustain a top four challenge. Their summer spending has, again, been extremely limited. They’ve signed Tom Cleverley from Manchester United and Gerard Deulofeu is back from Barcelona, which should help them, but otherwise their options across the pitch are a little under-par.
Danger man – Romelu Lukaku had a disappointing season last time around, netting just ten Premier League goals. he must do better than that if he’s to prove value for money and start working his way back up towards the big time, which is clearly where he wants to be. His top flight goal record is still good and he can be a real danger.
How to beat them – Their ageing back-line can really be got at. Sylvain Distin has gone, but the likes of Jagielka and Baines have surely only got a couple more good years left in them. There isn’t a tremendous amount of pace in that team and if you can attack them at speed then you’re going to reap the rewards.
Leicester City
Fixtures – December 26 (H), February 2 (A)
Strengths – It will be interesting to see whether that fighting spirit that saw them to safety last season still remains following the exit of manager Nigel Pearson. They’ve freshened up their defensive options during the summer break and that should make them harder to play against, while Andrej Kramaric has huge potential up front.
Weaknesses – There aren’t many star names in their team that are going to get them out of trouble. Esteban Cambiasso will be a big miss for them and new manager Claudio Ranieri must find someone else to solidify that midfield. If Leonardo Ulloa doesn’t fire for them, as he did at the start of last season, they might struggle.
Danger man – Jamie Vardy is now an England international – although we’re not quite sure how or why – so he will naturally be the one they look to in their moments of need. He only scored five goals last season and will probably need to do better than that this time around if they’re going to have a shot at staying up.
How to beat them – Without Cambiasso breaking up the play, the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino should have a field day here. If they can get in between the defence and the midfield then they can cause plenty of problems, while also creating chances for those ahead of them.
Manchester City
Fixtures – November 21 (A), March 1 (H)
Strengths – Up front. Sergio Aguero is, when fit, comfortably the best striker in the Premier League. He also has Wilfried Bony and the newly acquired Raheem Sterling to help him out top, while having the likes of David Silva and Yaya Toure playing just behind you will always ensure that plenty of chances are coming your way.
Weaknesses – They look a little unsure of themselves at the back. Vincent Kompany finished last season poorly while last year’s major acquisition, Eliaquim Mangala, has struggled to live up to expectations. There isn’t much in the way of back-up for them either, so a major injury to either player could leave them with a mountain to climb.
Danger man – Sergio Aguero is almost impossible to contain when he’s on top form. Watching him run at Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren is certainly going to make the average Liverpool fan feel very uncomfortable.
How to beat them – They can definitely be got at down the flanks and particularly on left, where neither Gael Clichy nor Aleksandar Kolarov have ever filled many with confidence. That central partnership also needs to be tested, so if Coutinho or Sturridge can pick up the ball and run at them, then they should start to crumble.
