2015/16 Season Preview: Part One

Manager: Eddie Howe 

Stadium: Goldsands Stadium (11,700) 

Last Season: 1st (Championship) 

Top Scorer: Callum Wilson (20 goals) 

Eddie Howe’s free scoring Cherries took the Championship by storm last season, plundering an astonishing 98 goals en route to a deserved title victory on the final day, having already secured promotion.

It’s those goals that Howe’s men hope will keep them afloat this season, and if they can maintain that swashbuckling style of play, they will be sure to cause their fair share of upsets in the coming season. 

The Cherries have already been busy in the transfer market having secured the services of goalkeepers Artur Boruc and Adam Federici along with the strike pairing of Christian Atsu and Josh King. 

Star Man: Having scored 20 league goals for Bournemouth in his debut season, all eyes will be on Callum Wilson as he attempts to translate that fine form into the Premier League. The 23-year-old has all the attributes to make a go of it in the top-flight, especially if can be clinical with the chances he gets. 

City Fixtures: 29 August (A), 2 January (H)

Arsenal 

Manager: Arsene Wenger 

Stadium: Emirates Stadium (60,432) 

Last Season: 3rd 

Top Scorer: Alexis Sanchez (16 goals) 

Another march into the Champions League group stages and an emphatic defence of the FA Cup made it a successful season for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. 

At Wembley last month, the Gunners swept aside Aston Villa with a 4-0 victory to claim the famous old trophy once again – a result that came on the back of a fine second half of the season. 

But for a number of injuries the Gunners would surely have pushed Chelsea closer in the title race, and their supporters will be hungry to build on that with a serious title charge this time around. 

Star Man: Signed for a reported £35 million, Chile international Alexis Sanchez was arguably the most exciting new addition to the Premier League last season. His 16 league goals were full of quality and underpinned by an exciting and all-action style of play. 

City Fixtures: 26 September (H), 13 February (A)

Aston Villa 

Manager: Tim Sherwood 

Stadium: Villa Park (42,785) 

Last Season: 17th 

Top Scorer: Christian Benteke (13 goals) 

While a run to the FA Cup Final, during which they beat Leicester City, was the highlight for Aston Villa fans, the team spent much of the campaign battling against relegation. 

It was a promising start to the season under Paul Lambert, but the side soon struggled for goals until the arrival of new boss Tim Sherwood in February kick-started the campaign and eventually secured safety. 

The Midlands side will want to build on the promise of Sherwood’s early reign with a push towards mid-table. They’ve already begun recruitment too, with the signing of winger Scott Sinclair from Manchester City but have missed out on influential midfield Tom Cleverley, who has joined Everton after a loan spell at Villa Park last term. 

Star Man: Getting the best out of striker Christian Benteke is key for Villa, as when on form, the Belgian is simply unstoppable in attack. His 13 league strikes last term were crucial and as one of the best headers of the ball in the league, he’ll be a formidable weapon. 

City Fixtures: 12 September (H), 16 January (A)

Chelsea 

Manager: Jose Mourinho 

Stadium: Stamford Bridge (41.623) 

Last Season: 1st 

Top Scorer: Diego Costa (20 goals) 

From early on last season, Chelsea looked odds-on to secure the title, which they did eventually do with a huge gap of eight points between themselves and second placed Manchester City. 

New signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas lit up the league with a series of unstoppable displays, while Eden Hazard continued to go from strength-to-strength in Jose Mourinho’s new-look side. 

They also clinched the League Cup with a win over Tottenham Hotspur, but Champions League success eluded them as they lost to Paris St Germain in the last 16. Whatever happens this summer though, they’re certain to start as favourites to retain the title. 

Star Man: Signed from Liile in 2012, Belgian star Eden Hazard has proven himself to be arguably the best player in the Premier League. Mesmerising dribbling skills and a deadly eye for goal stand him out as a star, and Chelsea will want him to step it up a level yet again in 2015/16. 

City Fixtures: 12 December (H), 15 May (A)

Crystal Palace 

Manager: Alan Pardew 

Stadium: Selhurst Park (26,309) 

Last Season: 10th 

Top Scorer: Glenn Murray (7 goals) 

Crystal Palace’s season really took off with the arrival of manager Alan Pardew from Newcastle in January to replace the outgoing Neil Warnock. 

Pardew went on to lift the Eagles from the relegation mire to the lofty heights of 10th place in a season in which they did the double over the Foxes – 2-0 at Selhurst Park and 1-0 at King Power Stadium. 

The Eagles will again look to strengthen this summer as they seek to build on their success during a third consecutive season of top-flight football. 

Star Man: Having come through the ranks at Crystal Palace before a big money transfer to Manchester United, Wilfried Zaha made a successful return to Selhurst Park last term, scoring four goals. With huge potential, the 22-year-old’s form could well be key to Palace’s fortunes next term.

City Fixtures: 24 October (H), 19 March (A)