We’re going to start this off by admitting that this article is not going to please the vast majority of London football fans. Our city has an excellent choice of clubs to choose from, covering all levels of the English pyramid.
If you like to keep up with your online sportsbook reviews and football markets you will also know that the Premier League title is not expected to find its way to the capital next season. But even if that is not the case (and we think it is a very big ‘if’) there is always the unofficial London Premier League to win. Here is how we see that race going.
#5 – Crystal Palace
There are high hopes for the Eagles next season. After Patrick Viera took over managerial duties due to Roy Hodgson’s retirement, Crystal Palace went from strength to strength. Viera brought in some very interesting players throughout the campaign and was rewarded with a 12th place finish.
There is still no news on whether Conor Gallagher will return for another loan spell. But the addition of Malcolm Ebiowei and Cheick Doucoure is a boost to the midfield. That should mean that Wilfried Zaha will get the help from his teammates that improved the side so well last year.
#4 – West Ham United
It was a season of ‘almosts’ for West Ham last season. David Moyes overhauled his squad and got rid of a few big names as he looked to qualify for Europe again. The Europa Conference semi-final exit was heartbreaking, but there is now a lot of hope for the season domestically – and in Europe – this year.
There hasn’t been a lot of activity on the transfer front so far. But Moyes will be looking at the players he has already brought through in the last few years to do the job. The only worry is that it did look as though the Hammers had caught up with Arsenal – but they may have missed their best chance now.
#3 – Arsenal
There is always a sense of drama at the Emirates. Whether it is the fans questioning the manager, or the supposed top players not performing, Arsenal have flattered to deceive in recent years. But Mikel Arteta had seemed to turn the corner towards the end of the last season.
The Gunners missed out on European football for the first time since 1996 the season before last but will challenge for the Europa League again in 2022/23. Fans are already excited about the arrival of Fabio Viera from Porto, Marquinhos from Sao Paulo, and the prospect of goals from £45 million pound striker Gabriel Jesus.
#2 – Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal fans won’t like this, but we think that Spurs will continue to win the battle of North London again this season. After something of a blip in the middle of the campaign, Tottenham claimed a Champions League spot – beating their bitter rivals 3-0 towards the end of the season to finish two points ahead.
Last summer saw the confusion over the future of talisman Harry Kane. But he looks like staying now – along with Antonio Conte, who had looked tempted to move back to Italy or even PSG. A raft of exciting new signings has also pleased the Spurs faithful and they will believe that they can overhaul Chelsea at the very least.
#1 – Chelsea
But it is the Stamford Bridge outfit that we think will be London’s best chance of bringing the Premier League trophy to the capital for the first time in six years. The ownership drama has now been resolved and Thomas Tuchel has been able to plan for the upcoming campaign – although without some of the big names that had already left.
The signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City will add a very exciting new foil to the Chelsea attack. There have been rumours of Ronaldo also moving to West London. But Tuchel may be better off without the ageing star – and concentrate on developing his own team.
