Welcome to the first Sweet FA podcast of the 2016-17 season. Regular panellists, Robert Mitchell and Hugo Jennings, look forward to the Premier League season.
First, we discuss the potential title challengers. Will Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho be able to work their magic at the Manchester clubs? Can Antonio Conte turn Chelsea back into the champions they once were? Will Arsène Wenger finally bring another league title to Arsenal? Can Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs build on last season’s success? Plus, Hugo talks about how Eric Bailly could be United’s most important signing.
Next come the challengers for Europe; particularly the Europa League. How will the new stadium affect West Ham? Will Jürgen Klopp get Liverpool back into Europe? Can new manager Ronald Koeman put Everton’s disastrous last season to rest? How will Southampton cope without Koeman, Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mané?
After that, Rob and Hugo discuss the relegation candidates. Can newly-promoted Burnley, Middlesbrough and Hull City cope in the top flight? Will Walter Mazzarri keep Watford clear of the Championship? Is Tony Pulis‘ defensive style worth it for West Brom? After years of great escapes, can David Moyes help Sunderland move further up the table? How can Eddie Howe build on his fine work at Bournemouth?
And finally, champions Leicester City. Having produced one of the great shocks in sporting history last year by winning the league, from how much of a hangover will they suffer? Many are predicting a fall from grace due in no small part to the added pressure of Champions League participation.
Robert Mitchell covers a range of sports for Lastwordonsports.com, including the NFL, Rugby, Formula 1 and the Premier League. Author of the Co$t of Winning column focused on the business of sport, he is also the host of Last Word Radio’s Rugby show Absolute Flanker and an analyst on Sweet FA.
Hugo is the Editor-in-Chief of LWOS World, a regular on Sweet FA and occasional panellist on Treble Radio. He mostly writes about Arsenal, Spanish football and cricket. He is a season-ticket holder at Arsenal.
