Preview

The 2018-19 Premier League season promises to be one for the ages. Liverpool looks set to really give Manchester City a run for its money, while the mid-table battle is going to be too close to call.

For some players, this season is their time to shine. Whether it be composure at the back, working hard in the midfield or plundering in the goals, there are going to be players that take the division by storm. Here are our top five picks for the biggest breakout stars of the 2018-19 Premier League season.

Manchester United will not win the Premier League title this season. The Red Devils have grown to be the antithesis of their former "Pride of England" moniker under Jose Mourinho. Not only has the Portuguese "Chosen One" flooded Old Trafford with boredom, the 2017-18 season was also an indicator of false glory despite a second place finish behind Manchester City.

Managers are being scrutinised more than ever, and with good reason. The fans and owners expect results from their teams, no matter who their players are. Whether it’s Huddersfield Town or Manchester City, every manager knows that their owners can pull the plug at any time.

Croatia shocked most of the soccer world with its run to the World Cup final, although we here at The18 saw it coming. In order to prove that was no fluke, I'm doubling down on my bold World Cup predictions, this time four years in advance of the tournament instead of one. If you're wondering who the Croatia of the 2022 World Cup will be, you don't need to look any further than their neighbor (and historical rival) to the east.

This scenario is like Football Manager once you get deep enough into the game — eventually, all the top players start to become managers. Some experience considerable success and bounce around the top teams in the world, while others are stuck meddling around with teams in the lower divisions of various leagues.

We are nearing what promises to be an absolute roller-coaster of a Premier League season. There are plenty of storylines surrounding it: can Pep Guardiola go back-to-back? Will Jose Mourinho break his third-season syndrome? Who will win the league within the Premier League and finish seventh? We answer all of those questions in our Premier League predictions for the upcoming season.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know where you think these teams will finish.

2018-19 Premier League Predictions

1st - Manchester City

Are you in a Fantasy Premier League competition with your friends? Do you want to kick their ass this season? If your answer is “yes” to both of those questions (and it should be), then we are here to help you. 

Everyone needs a top bargain buy in Fantasy Premier League — a cheap player who'll get you points is absolutely phenomenal. Who will be the best players available on the cheap in Fantasy Premier League this season? We’ve compiled our top five players that will deliver plenty of points for your team.