On the other hand, Aston Villa under Unai Emery this season will make it difficult for their opponents, but the trophy will still be difficult to pursue.
I will not expect too much from Chelsea and Aston Villa. However, if they want to pursue 4th position at the end of the standings, they can achieve it.
I agree that Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool will be the top 3, the order is uncertain. But let’s remember, if the PL teams do well in Europe this season then top 5 will be good enough to get a CL place for next season.
In that scenario, excluding Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool, there would be an extra two CL qualification places.