The Premier League season is almost upon us and time is running out for clubs to strengthen, shift the dead-wood, or stand completely still and hope for the best (which is what an unusual amount of clubs are doing).
The Pre-season Premier League Crisis Table takes into account a club's off-season moves, signings, departures, and pre-season fixtures to determine just how deep in trouble they are. Here are things as it stands:
West Ham and Leicester look to be in serious trouble. The Hammers had a rough season last year with the fans voicing their displeasure at the style of play, and this year nothing seems to have changed. Two new signings in Kouyate and Zarate will have to have an immediate impact or it will be the same again for Big Sam, who's side have yet to win in pre-season. Leicester have one single player in their squad who played in the Premier League last season, and that is Marc Albrighton. If thats not a crisis then I don't know what is.
Burnley, West Brom, and Southampton are right on the verge. Burnley are in a similar situation to Leicester, as in they just haven't strengthened enough, but they do have promising striker Danny Ings. West Brom have made no major additions to the squad, and unless they bring in a marquee name soon they look set to be in another relegation dogfight. Southampton have won all of their pre-season games so far, but they have sold the heart, actually damn near every organ, of their team from last season so they need players with no Premier League experience to hit the ground running.
Man United definitely need to sign another defender and midfielder, but Louis Van Gaal has United fans thinking they are going to win the league. Liverpool have brought in a lot of players, but its a mixed bag when it comes to making an impact on the first team, and the loss of Luis Suarez's star power has sort of just been ignored. Queens Park Rangers have signed some big name players, but a bad start could set up a nervy season.
The "Crisis-free zone" contains title favourites Chelsea, City and Arsenal, all of whom look to be in very good shape. They are joined by Crystal Palace, who are perfectly happy to continue as they finished last season, and Stoke, who just signed Bojan, and he used to play for Barca so everyone is delighted.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move into the early stages of the season.
