Premier League Fan Hope Rankings ahead of the 2020/21 season

The Premier League Fan Hope Rankings have been revealed by Sky Bet ahead of the 2020/21 season, which starts later in September.

What is this all about I hear you ask? Well this summer, supporters have been asked how they are feeling about their club’s chances in the upcoming campaign.

Sky Bet’s Fan Hope Survey – compiled in partnership with YouGov – asked 2,108 football fans of all clubs about their thoughts and expectations ahead of the new campaign.

This was based on a scale of 1-10 (1 being not optimistic at all, 10 being very optimistic) for a variety of questions, to then give an average score which is then compiled into a table.

Without further ado, take a look Premier League Fan Hope Rankings ahead of the 2020/21 season below…

1) MAN CITY

The average rating that Manchester City fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 9.24 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Could that majority been boosted because of the potential incoming of Lionel Messi? Pep Guardiola’s side are the current favourites with most bookmakers to reclaim the Premier League trophy.

Even without him, they have an exciting squad, keeping most of their star players, and the regular starter Phil Foden is bound to be the one to watch, flourishing towards the end of last season.

2) LIVERPOOL

The average rating that Liverpool fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 9.04 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been rather quite when it’s come to the summer transfer window. Again, they have managed to not lose any members of their title winning squad. They should go on to cause problems again this season, then again, this is Liverpool we’re talking about. The unpredictable. A clean slate once the new season starts again.

3) WOLVES

The average rating that Wolverhampton Wanderers fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 8.59 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

This comes after the surprise departure of defender Matt Doherty, who opted for a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore was also linked with moves elsewhere, yet they still remain at Molineux, a boost in fans’ faith ahead of the new season. Plus, it’s welcome news seeing Conor Coady getting a much deserved call up to the England team.

Unrest had reportedly been growing amongst the fanbase due to the lack of signings being made, yet they continue to try get deals over the line this summer.

There are claims that manager Nuno Espirito Santo is yet to sign a new contract with the club due to his concerns over spending. Make of that what you will, but we’d be very surprised if he left.

4) CHELSEA

The average rating that Chelsea fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 8.26 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

What a job Frank Lampard did in his debut season, especially with the youngsters, who certainly lit up the season, the likes of Mason Mount getting called up to the England team for his impressive performances.

Now they really could turn themselves into title contenders if you take into account their recent signings, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Thiago Silva just to name a few.

5) MAN UTD

The average rating that Manchester United fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 7.90 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Finally back on the up? Reds fans have got every right to be optimism for the new season following last season’s resurgence. Bruno Fernandes was the game changer in their season, contributing to eight goals and seven assists in 14 league games.

Mason Greenwood (18) also had a cracking season, becoming the third highest top scorer for Man Utd last season with 10 goals, following up another youngster in Marcus Rashford (22) who contributed to 17 goals.

There were questions whether they could sign elite players this summer, and that looks set to be answered with the impressive signing of Donny van de Beek from Ajax.

Faith is restored in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who at one point last season saw his team sit 14th in the Premier League table, before ending up 3rd.

6) LEICESTER

The average rating that Leicester City fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 7.84 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Late last season saw them crack under pressure and go from being as high as 2nd to fall down to 5th.

Nonetheless, Brendan Rodgers has come in and got the Foxes back to an impressive finish, notably with help by Jamie Vardy, who won the Golden Boot last season, shipping in 23 goals, incredibly 15 more than Leicester’s second highest score Ayoze Perez.

The fans’ opinion toward the manager is still ‘pretty positive’, however there is work to be done. They lacked a Plan B, recruitment has been a slight concern, and they will really need to turn up for the big games if they want to better their finish of 5th.

7) SHEFFIELD UTD

The average rating that Sheffield United fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 7.82 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

What a season they had. What a job manager Chris Wilder has done. everyone had them down as a team to be relegated this time last year. Then they went a very nearly secured European qualification, something they could have done, had they not slipped up towards the end of the season.

The Blades won’t be taken lightly by opposition teams this new season, however they will have to adapt differently themselves if they want to push for Europe again.

They wouldn’t be relegation candidates for 2020/21, but there are some putting them more at a likely finish of mid-table, something Sheffield United fans would have definitely took last season.

8) SOUTHAMPTON

The average rating that Southampton fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 7.47 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

The Saints have gone from being completely embarrassed with a 9-0 defeat against Leicester City, to climbing away from the relegation zone and finishing a decent 11th considering their worrying start up until the halfway mark, when form really start to change for the better.

Danny Ings came to life, scoring a total of 22 goals last season, yet was 200-1 to win the Golden Boot, something he was one goal away from claiming.

Ralph Hassenhuttl can surely do more with this team, he’s got the team, the fans right behind him, and it’s hard to see how he won’t improve this side.

9) LEEDS

The average rating that Leeds United fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 7.36 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Marcelo Bielsa has got the Whites back in the big time following a 16 year absence, and they are ready to make sure they are back for good and not just a flying visit.

They’ve already splashed the cash to bring in the likes of Rodrigo, Robin Koch and Helder Costa (permanently) and they aren’t looking to stop there with many more stars linked.

Will Bielsa-ball work in the Premier League? They played without pressure and made it hard work for Arsenal in the FA CUp last season, though there will be a lot for the boss to get used to.

Not only has he ‘despaired’ the press coverage whilst in the Championship, but also the top flight’s media and sponsor requirements which are a potential minefield for the Argentinian.

The return of big matches and the reminder of previous heated moments such as with Frank Lampard will only be of an advantage to Leeds, who won’t forget what happened in a hurry, a look for revenge.

10) BURNLEY

The average rating that Burnley fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 7.29 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

10th is more than a decent finish for Burnley, but they know they could potentially go further, and even get a European place, that’s if Sean Dyche is backed up with a decent spending budget and the loss a few stars because of contract issues.

That has been the subject much of the last few months, he isn’t scared to express his frustration, and it has seen him linked with manager jobs at other top flight sides.

They certainly aren’t among the relegation candidates, they will be expected to press on for their fifth Premier League season, it’s just that lack of cash that could stop them getting them the higher finish they so want.

11) ARSENAL

The average rating that Arsenal fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 6.90 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Is Mikel Arteta the Gunners’ own Guardiola? Time will truly tell, but despite last season being their worst league finish in many a year, they are winning some sort of trophy.

He will need the funds to really make sure they can gain European qualification at least from the league finish this time and not just relying on the FA Cup.

They have an elite young coach with a clear vision, and surely will be focused on fixing their leaky defence.

Fans won’t be happy until the club’s project progresses to a point where their side have a clear identity on the pitch, as they have been in trasition for 10 years now.

12) TOTTENHAM

The average rating that Tottenham Hotspur fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 6.89 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

The question we all ask right now is are Spurs and Jose Mourinho really suited for each other? He came in quick following the departure of Poch, and hasn’t exactly got the fans on his side.

That is something that has got better more recently after a strong finish to the season before, and if they want to finish higher than 6th, they will need to spend, build a proper midfield base, get a right back, get a sporting director and have an on-pitch strategy. Work to do on and off the pitch.

13) FULHAM

The average rating that Fulham fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 6.81 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

They are back, and this time not spending huge amounts of money, learning from their last mistake, and could potentially have a much better chance of surviving this season.

Is it different enough however? They will need to manage matches smartly, get rid of the flops, share the load up front, find Michael Hector a mate and avoid late deals.

14) BRIGHTON

The average rating that Brighton & Hove Albion fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 6.76 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Survival again will be the aim for Graham Potter’s side after finishing 15th last season, but the project is to eventually be top half.

That is boosted with getting Ben White under a new contract, though they will have to also offload the misfits, settle on a defence, look to the future, keep VAR onside and pray the kit isn’t cursed as it is a nod to the only previous time they played four consecutive top flight seasons; they celebrated final season in 82-83, which saw them finish bottom of the league.

15) ASTON VILLA

The average rating that Aston Villa fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 6.35 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Can they avoid yet another relegation scrap following the dramatics of last season? Their plan will be to ignore any calls from Manchester for Grealish of course, snaffle a scorer, change the record and fix defensive leaks.

This season is going to be surely tougher than the last, so they will need to take what they learned from last season and improve on that 17th place finish.

16) WEST BROM

The average rating that West Bromwich Albion fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 5.96 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

As soon as Slaven Bilic was appointed, they looked like serious candidates for promotion to the Premier League, which they achieved, now can he keep the Baggies there?

To do so, they should plan on filling the void upfront, challenge the number 1, keep on keeping on, pick up smart loans and make tough calls.

They are favourites to go down according to most bookmakers.

17) WEST HAM

The average rating that West Ham United fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 5.65 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Well that was a nervy finish last season. Now the Hammers need to punch their weight in a bid to not be dragged into yet another relegation battle.

There is a lack of transfer funds to reshape the squad, with fans continuing to protest against the owners.

They will need to decide on Lanzini’s situation, reverse the aging process, get more exciting youngsters in, stop being generous, especially when it comes to xGA in the league, something they were third worst with.

Keeping Declan Rice is a must even if advanced stats aren’t sure what to make of him just yet, yet his importance to David Moyes’ side in undeniable.

The club also needs modernising, no, we’re certainly not talking about the unpopular new-ish club crest. Moyes spoke with incredulity at being asked to scout using YouTube clips last time around. Sullivan promised a huge new analysis system and delivered nothing. Moyes expressed an interest in the Red Bull model, but will have to wrestle with the bosses to get what he wants.

18) EVERTON

The average rating that Everton fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 5.52 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

Well that score don’t read well does it? Will Carlo Ancelotti’s side every turn up is something we’re all questioning? Fans can pray for miracles from the manager, who has been given assurances about strengthening the squad before joining. It’s all about bringing in the right players too.

They need to get rid of the fear factor, make Goodison roar once ffans can finally return again, shake up the midfield, create an identity and at least aim for something, they haven’t won a trophy since 1995!

19) CRYSTAL PALACE

The average rating that Crystal Palace fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 5.14 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

How do they solve their scoring woes? Only Norwich scored fewer than the Eagles last season, so they will need to visit the fountain of youth, let Wilf go, dip into the transfer market, switch up the system and inject so flair!

20) NEWCASTLE

The average rating that Newcastle fans gave out of 10 based on hope/optimism ahead of the new season was 3.71 according to a Sky Bet / YouGov survey.

What the hell happens to them next? The takeover – or lack of – steals much of the talk. They are in store for much of the same next season and the one prior as frustration continues in the North East.

The fans need communication from Mike Ashley, good luck with that one, find a lethal frontman, strengthen in midfield, and give the Mags so hope at least.

Fair play to Steve Bruce for coping with what he is dealt with from those above him. Who would have thought they could finish 13th last season?!