Sun, 22 Dec, 2024

Premier league 2016-17: Battle of the Heavyweights

By Mahan Adhikari

Photo Courtesy: Google.com

The Premier League Season: 2015-2016 was a surprise for all football enthusiasts, pundits, fans and the world as Leicester City, defied all odds and won the premier league title. They left everyone chasing their tails. Chelsea, Man city, Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, the "Heavyweights" of English football could only watch and admire as Leicester City Football Club proved to the world that football is not just about big players and rich clubs but it is about teamwork and taking one step at a time. Although many football fans all around the world are unhappy that their club couldn't win but I think it's evident that Leicester winning the title has made many people happy and fall in love with the magic of football all over again. It has provided a platform for the next season to be one of the most anticipated ones ever. Will Leicester repeat the unexpected? Or will the big clubs swallow them up and reclaim the crown?

Premier League 2016-17 is expected to be the most competitive season of all times as England will welcome some big managerial changes. Managers like Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola will make their way to the English Premier League for the very first time. Conte will be in charge of Chelsea and is expected to bring Chelsea back to the summit of the Premier League whereas the talk of the town has really been the entry of Pep Guardiola in the PL with Manchester City. Pep has major titles throughout his glittering career for Barcelona and Bayern Munich. With his entry, the Man city side will be looking to challenge on all fronts, especially the Champions League. Not only that, the well-known charismatic figure, Jose Mourinho will return again as the manager of Manchester United. After being sacked by Chelsea last season, he will have a point to prove. The fierce rivalry between Jose and Pep will be very interesting to watch. With so many managers regarded as one of the bests in the world, and with new players, new staffs and a new environment, the Premier League 16/17 season will undoubtedly be one to remember.

With big clubs giving all they have to win the title, it will be difficult for Leicester to retain the Premier league, however, after witnessing a miracle last season, it would take a very brave man to count them out of the picture.