A look ahead to this seasons Premier League

With the Premier League season just around the corner, where will each teams finish this year around?

Arsenal

Arsenal have kept hold of all their important players this summer unlike previous years and whilst some may see Gallas as a big lost I do not. He has been far from his best for some while at the attitude of the French squad at the world cup is indicative of him, his move may be a blessing in disguise. If Arsenal can ensure they get a new goalkeeper they will be strong this year.

Prediction 2nd.


Aston Villa
Villa did well to finish in 6th place last year however I don’t feel they will be able to keep the standards as high this year, they are yet to strengthen their squad, Milner is on his way out and the untimely departure of Martin O’Neil does not bode well for next. The teams that finished below them this year such as Everton and Liverpool are bound to have better seasons that last time out. 
Prediction 8th
 

Birmingham

Birmingham had a great season last year however I do not feel that this season will match up to expectations, they haven’t spent lots of money and they have lost a very good goalkeeper in Joe Hart admittedly Ben Foster will feel he can fill those gloves but he’s not had much football in the last few seasons, having said that he has a lot to prove to fulfil his early promise.

Prediction 12th


Blackburn

Blackburn have a very good home record and don’t tend to concede too many goals at Ewood Park, they are not so good on the travels but I suspect they will have another steady season, only one loan signing to date can be a bit worrying as if you’re not moving forward in the premier league you tend to be moving backwards. Having said that with big Sam at the helm another strong season should be expected.

Prediction 10th


Blackpool

The Premiership new boys look set to struggle, they are finding signing players hard and are one of the smallest clubs ever to have entered the division, whilst Holloway will add entertainment and they will fight hard, I believe that this is a bridge too far for Blackpool at the moment.

Prediction 20th

Bolton
Bolton have made one very good signing in the shape of Martin Petrov on a free from Manchester City and if they can keep him fit all season then Bolton will in turn have a strong season, Petrov and Davies should link up to good effect and Coyle will continue to lead them in the right direction.

Prediction 11th



Chelsea

Chelsea have always had one of the stronger squads in the Premier league but after the departures of J Cole, Ballack and Deco, their bench looks nowhere near as strong, and although you can argue these players may be past their best they certainly wouldn’t do any harm to your team. They had lots of players at the world cup and looked to be struggling against Man United in Sundays Community Shield match which could in turn give them a slow start to the season. With no real improvements I can’t see them doing as well this year. 
Prediction 3rd




Everton

For the last few seasons Everton have always started slowly and improved as the season has wore on. If they can make a good start to the season then I feel this team can push on and be high achieves this season, they have a mean defence and lots of strong midfield options, if and when Fellaini gets back to fitness Everton are in a strong position they will be able to push on because he is a very important player for them.
Prediction 7th


Fulham

Without the pressure of European competition this year and Mark Hughes contacts Fulham will be a strong team this year and will no doubt finish higher than they did last year. Mark Hughes is a good manager and will make some strong signings, his record with Craig Bellamy makes that option a good chance, and he may be just the type of lively front man that will work will be Zamora.

Prediction 9th


Liverpool

Liverpool have once again held on to their important assets and although Javier Mascherano looks set to leave, he may be no great loss if Poulson replaces him or Lucas can step up into his place. Hodgson is a good manager and looks to be settling and trimming his squad down, a few more signings and Gerrard and Torres fit all season Liverpool won’t be outside the top four.

Prediction 4th


Man City

Man City have a very good squad but will suffer if they do not offload some players before the end of the transfer window. Every player will have their own opinion about the starting line up and with some of the players unlikely to be happy on the bench, keeping the squad happy will be difficult and will only negatively affect their performances if it is not achieved. With Ireland , Wright-Phillips, Johnson, Barry, Silva, Vieira, De Jong, Weiss, Toure, Bellamy, Robinho all perhaps vying for positions in midfield or attacking midfield, not only will it be hard to keep them happy, it’s hard to choose who to play. It could take Mancini a long time before he figures out his best starting line up rather than his best players, Manchester City fans will have to hope it doesn’t take too long.

Prediction 5th


Man Utd

Not many of Manchester United’s players went globetrotting to South Africa and this could give them a quicker start at the beginning of the season and a strong finish towards the end. They looked fresh and lively against Chelsea and Hernandez looks to be a very bright young player. With a good blend of youth and experience Manchester United should be the team to beat this year, with a slightly bigger squad and more forward options than Chelsea, Manchester United will regain their title this year. 
Prediction 1st




Newcastle

Newcastle appear to have more of a goal threat than the other teams that came up and their extra support should see them good. A bright start and a strong home record should see them through to another season, but any complacency could see them punished.
Prediction 17th


Stoke City

Stoke will again be hard to beat at home and this should leave them in a strong position to stay up again this season. They haven’t made too many signings but are always strong at the back and have a very good goalkeeper. Teams won’t look forward to away days there, however don’t expect anything different from them this season, Pulis likes his players to work hard over ability Tuncays constant warming of the bench is testament to that. Stoke should be fine for another season in the top flight.

Prediction 13th


Sunderland

I don’t think Sunderland will be surprising anyone once again this season, they easily have enough to stay in the league, but some of their signings lack ambition. Lee Cattermole should be their driving force if he can stay fit this season, which could guide them into an even higher place. However in Bent is not bagging the goals Sunderland will look short of them, in short if Bent fires so will they.

Prediction 14th


Tottenham

Tottenham did very well to finish 4th last season but have found it hard improving their squad this summer. They have one of the brightest young talents in Gareth Bale and he should set the league alight on the left hand side this season, so long as he is played further forward which is where he will shine with his blistering pace and crossing ability. Spurs have a very good squad without having a great one, I can’t quite put my finger on why but Spurs don’t seem likely to improve on last year, whereas teams around them may just have.

Prediction 6th


WBA 
The yoyo team of the Premier League, West Brom never over spend and thus never get themselves into difficulty; it does however mean that they resign themselves to almost an instant return to the championship. They do however look stronger than recent years and Dorrans looks to be a very good player and if he has a good season it could well be his last at the club. If West Brom sign a good goal scorer they have a chance, if not, its back down again. 

Prediction 18th


West Ham Utd

West Ham have made some strange signings, which could be their undoing, however Grant has a good record and looks to be a good manager, the board may need to show unprecedented patience though as West Ham take a while to find their feet. Could do with some extra defence cover too.

Prediction 16th


Wigan Athletic

Wigan were poor last season and had a tendency to capitulate when things weren’t going their way, a strong indication that the players are losing heart to quickly and perhaps don’t back the boss. I would like to see them have a stronger spine to their squad and a bit more belief, they have a few flair players that will create chances and goals, but if they leak goals again this season, the future looks very gloomy for Wigan.

Prediction 19th


Wolves

Wolves may be some peoples favourite to be relegated this year, however they did well last season and put together a very strong run at the end. I fully expect Wolves to continue in that vein, Hunt and Fletcher are good strong signings and will improve the side, they should do well and continue in the Premiership into the following season.
Prediction 15th