Barclays Premier League: Twenty seasons in twenty sentences

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: 4^th

Aston Villa: Paul Lambert faces another difficult season but his young charges will have just about enough quality to survive.

Prediction: 15^th

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: 20^th

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: 17^th

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: 7^th

Hull: Signing Jake Livermore, Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass represent shrewd business but as yet Shane Long has not been replaced.

Prediction: 14^th

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: 19^th

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: 3^rd

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: 2^nd

Manchester United: Louis Van Gaal will restore order at Old Trafford but an immediate return to the Champions League is unrealistic.

Prediction: 5^th

Newcastle United: Good signings will ensure a slight improvement on last season.

Prediction: 8^th

Queens Park Rangers: Harry Redknapp has recruited well this summer and his side will be the only promoted team to survive.

Prediction: 16^th

Southampton: The Saints’ fire sale has been well documented but the early signs look more promising than anticipated.

Prediction: 9^th

Stoke City: Although Mark Hughes has changed their style, the Potters remain hard to beat.

Prediction: 10^th

Sunderland: Gus Poyet will oversee a calmer season with an ultimately similar result to last year.

Prediction: 13^th

Swansea City: Wilfried Bony’s goals will be crucial in allowing the Swans’ fans to enjoy another season in the top flight.

Prediction: 11^th

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: 6^th

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: 18^th

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: 12^th

Final table:

1. Chelsea
2. Man City
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal
5. Manchester United
6. Tottenham Hotspur
7. Everton
8. Newcastle
9. Southampton
10. Stoke City
11. Swansea City
12. West Ham United
13. Sunderland
14. Hull
15. Aston Villa
16. Queens Park Rangers
17. Crystal Palace
18. West Bromwich Albion
19. Leicester
20. Burnley