The Year of the Overdog: Sports Colm Previews The Premier League Season

One of last season’s most funny, honest and heartfelt moments arrived on coronation day for the champions. One-club man Andy King was about to become the first player to win League 1, Championship and Premier League medals, having played a unique part in football’s most unique story. With just over 30 minutes gone he poked the ball past Joel Robles in the Everton goal, and the King Power faithful erupted; when the cacophony died down, the Leicester City faithful broke into a charming chorus of “He was here when we were shit.”

And though it might be a tad sensationalist to suggest similar choruses will be ringing around Stamford Bridge, the Etihad or Old Trafford this season, the sentiment wouldn’t be completely misplaced. While the romantic – and when it comes to sport, we’re all that way inclined – would characterise last season as the Year Of The Underdog, that’s to gloss over the fact that the superpowers of English football were dramatically below par.

For some, like Chelsea, it was a spectacular collapse; for others, both Manchester clubs included, it was a demonstration of a somewhat more sustained decline. Of the bigger sides, only a Spurs team that over-achieved with their best finish in 25 years can rightfully claim a successful season – and even that wasn’t enough to inch ahead of local rivals Arsenal, who, in now-traditional fashion, suffered a one-two blow of untimely injuries and debilitating inconsistency to send their title challenge up in smoke.

Reaction has been swift. The much-maligned Louis Van Gaal was unceremoniously ejected to make way for the long-promised saviour Jose Mourinho. Across town, Manuel Pellegrini was subjected to an even less dignified end, with his replacement Pep Guardiola crowned months in advance. Neither smacks of hitting the panic button, though. In fact, Europe’s most successful coaches of the past decade arrive at their respective posts with a sense that they might well be perfect for their new tasks.

A shortage of flair is unlikely to impede United’s master-pragmatist, with his love of clear-cut systems mitigating against the youthful inexperience that occasionally shone through last term. City’s star-studded attacking options look ready-made for the man who brought tiki-taka to the masses. Their shared approach of autocratic, take-no-shit leadership will suit both situations. And perhaps most notably, both red and blue will see a shift in mentality; playing for fourth place won’t be an option.

Neither will it be for Antonio Conte – or, perhaps more pertinently, his board. Chelsea’s managerial appointment speaks volumes of their belief that substance far outweighs style; Roman Abramovich and co. would likely point out that ‘Won in entertaining fashion’ won’t be engraved on trophies come May. That said, the former Italian boss isn’t a one-trick pony – well demonstrated at Euro 2016 – and inherits a talented group. The addition of N’Golo Kante can’t be overlooked either; Chelsea have always been at their best with a disruptive midfield presence – The Makelele Role and all that – and the tireless French midfielder should provide plenty of possession and cover for Hazard and co. to do their worst.

Liverpool enter the season with renewed hope under Jurgen Klopp, but then again unbridled pre-season optimism is as much a Merseyside staple as the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign. His unlikely personality has won many fans, but there’s a hint of the cool teacher about him; the students might be energised, but the thicks down the back aren’t about to become A+ candidates. Philippe Coutinho’s late-season form suggested he’ll be a Player of the Year contender come May, but his supporting cast lacks the magic to see a title land on Merseyside.

There’s little to indicate the North London clubs can expect victory either; Arsenal’s typically stoic transfer policy, and the nagging feeling that Spurs lack the top gear commonly found in traditional champions, means the transition from title-chasers to title-winners will take at least another year.

Of course, any time a side is written off is likely to be countered by reference to last term, and the Miracle of Leicester City. Now, I’m not in the business of raining on parades. Believe me, as a Sunderland fan, nothing warms my heart more than a minnow coming out on top. But the hyperbole streaming from pundits’ mouths in May – “anything is possible”, “heart wins championships”, etc – would make a Hallmark writer vomit.

A side valued at the PL equivalent of chump change, led by a manager last seen driven from the Greek post after defeat to Faroe Islands, pulled off the most incredible triumph in sporting history. It can’t be branded a fluke, because a 38-match season doesn’t allow for that – and because their run-in was particularly cool and calm – but it’s undeniable that the stars aligned. Calculate the Pythagorean expectations for last year, and Leicester are nowhere near lifting the trophy. By any measure, in fact, the likelihood of their triumph is low enough to be almost non-existent.

This year will see normality restored; the rule to prove the exception. European football is the very most Claudio Ranieri can target in a season where the underdog goes hungry.

As for the relegation places? A Hull side in turmoil following Steve Bruce’s departure look vulnerable; so too do their fellow newcomers Burnley and Boro. Watford were in severe danger last term and little suggests that will change this time around, while West Brom might be the most worried of the PL’s more seasoned campaigners. David Moyes might well be the man Sunderland need – and while his goal of a top-8 finish seems a little beyond them now, a move towards the solidity of mid-table should be within their grasp.

Of course, all this is being written before the madness of the transfer window has closed, so things could change dramatically by the time a ball is kicked in anger. But the heftiest chequebooks will have most effect, and the heaviest artillery will be assembled by the major powers. Romance will make way for realism this season; the big dogs are poised to strike.