Although much has already been written about the return of the Premier League, I thought it would be interesting to try and predict where each team will finish this season.
Arsenal: The arrival of Alexis Sanchez has sparked optimism, but familiar concerns remain about defensive frailties and the lack of a tough tackling midfielder.
Prediction: 4th
Aston Villa: Paul Lambert faces another difficult season but his young charges will have just about enough quality to survive.
Prediction: 15th
Burnley: There will be enjoyable afternoons at Turf Moor this season but The Clarets’ lack of top quality players means they will make an immediate return to the Championship.
Prediction: 20th
Chelsea: After Abramovich wielded the chequebook once again this summer, Chelsea look well set to reclaim the title they last won in 2010.
Prediction: Champions
Crystal Palace: Two weeks ago it appeared that Tony Pulis was ready to build on last season’s great escape but now he is gone and his former club’s top flight future must be in doubt.
Prediction: 17th
Everton: Almost doubling their record transfer outlay to sign Romelu Lukaku was a signal of intent but I am not sure it will be enough.
Prediction: 7th
Hull: Signing Jake Livermore, Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass represent shrewd business but as yet Shane Long has not been replaced.
Prediction: 14th
Leicester: The Championship’s stand out side last season has been bolstered by the arrival of Leonardo Ulloa and Mathew Upson but I fear their stay in the Premiership will only last twelve months.
Prediction: 19th
Liverpool: Unlike those who predict that Brendan Rodgers will be unable to integrate a raft of new signings, I think Liverpool will remain strong and finish in the top four.
Prediction: 3rd
Manchester City: A quiet summer interspersed with some expensive acquisitions, City will go close but Pellegrini will be edged out by Mourinho once again.
Prediction: 2nd
Manchester United: Louis Van Gaal will restore order at Old Trafford but an immediate return to the Champions League is unrealistic.
Prediction: 5th
Newcastle United: Good signings will ensure a slight improvement on last season.
Prediction: 8th
Queens Park Rangers: Harry Redknapp has recruited well this summer and his side will be the only promoted team to survive.
Prediction: 16th
Southampton: The Saints’ fire sale has been well documented but the early signs look more promising than anticipated.
Prediction: 9th
Stoke City: Although Mark Hughes has changed their style, the Potters remain hard to beat.
Prediction: 10th
Sunderland: Gus Poyet will oversee a calmer season with an ultimately similar result to last year.
Prediction: 13th
Swansea City: Wilfried Bony’s goals will be crucial in allowing the Swans’ fans to enjoy another season in the top flight.
Prediction: 11th
Tottenham Hotspur: I expect this to be the season when many of last summer’s signings come good, that said the top four will be a bridge too far.
Prediction: 6th
West Bromwich Albion: The yo-yo club could well return to the Championship this year as I am not sure Irvine’s new recruits have really improved the overall quality of the squad.
Prediction: 18th
West Ham United: The Hammers have signed a trio of strikers to fill the void left by the injured Andy Carroll and I think the goals they provide will keep West Ham in mid table.
Prediction: 12th
Final table:
- Chelsea
- Man City
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Manchester United
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Everton
- Newcastle
- Southampton
- Stoke City
- Swansea City
- West Ham United
- Sunderland
- Hull
- Aston Villa
- Queens Park Rangers
- Crystal Palace
- West Bromwich Albion
- Leicester
- Burnley