So once again the Premier League is about to get underway, and as per usual it doesn’t seem five minutes since the previous season ended. A lot has happened though since May, whether it be with managerial shifts, takeovers or transfer turmoil. All 20 clubs have been busy in the transfer window, attempting to strengthen their squads or hold onto their star players. I’m sure we are yet to here the end of the Rooney, Bale and Suarez sagas, whilst in the form of Cardiff, Hull and Crystal Palace we have three new teams all capable of causing a shock. A number of the perennial mid-lower teams have strengthened, and I expect the league to be tighter than ever before, with an intriguing battle to see who can avoid relegation. At the other end we have new managers at the top three clubs, and the ‘Special One’ will be hoping for a special season to derail the dominance of the Manchester clubs. An enthralling nine months of football lie in store, and after all of that the world cup is just around the corner. Take a look at my predictions and previews ahead of this year’s season, and let me know whether you agree…
Arsenal
Last Year: 4th
Key Signing: Yayo Sanogo (Auxerre) Free
Player Watch: Jack Wilshere
Vision’s Prediction: 4th
Finishing fourth constituted a successful season last year for the Gunners, but another season bereft of silverware will see the pressure mount on Arsene Wenger. With Ferguson gone he is by far the longest serving manager in England, and the sole survivor from what seems a bygone era. The only signing to date is Yayo Sanogo, whilst the protracted affair concerning the transfer of Luis Suarez drags on. On a more positive note, Arsenal have held on to all of their best players, and removed weaker members of their squad, freeing up the cash for some notable acquisitions. If Arsenal are to finish any higher than fourth then such signings will surely be required, and much will be expected of the key trio of Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott. If those three impress then Arsenal may well thrive over the next twelve months.
Aston Villa
Last Year: 15th
Key Signing: Leandro Bacuna (Groningen) Undisclosed
Player Watch: Christian Benteke
Vision’s Prediction: 18th
Villa teetered on the brink of relegation last year, before a good late run secured their survival for another season. The days of pushing for European qualification seem to be long gone, and instead Villa may well face another tough season, with a group of young and largely unknown players added to an already youthful squad. The biggest coup for Paul Lambert’s side was keeping hold of Christian Benteke, and fans will be hoping that he can replicate such form this year to fire his side towards mid-table security. Defensively Villa struggled last year, with clean sheets being a rarity, but if they can tighten up their defence, then the quality is there to potentially mount a challenge for a top half finish. A poor start though and they may well be looking at another long and hard season, scrapping for their survival, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see another battle against relegation being on the cards.
Cardiff
Last Year: 1st (Championship)
Key Signing: Gary Medel (Sevilla) up to £11m
Player Watch: Steven Caulker
Vision’s Prediction: 16th
After years of near misses, Cardiff finally secured their promotion to the Premier League last year, finishing the season as champions to eradicate the previous years of hurt and despair. The Malaysian millions of owner Vincent Tan have seen Cardiff spash the cash, with the latest acquisition of Chilean midfielder Gary Medel arguably being the most eye-catching. Steven Caulker has taken a big gamble by leaving one of the top clubs for a newly promoted side, but Cardiff appear to be the best prepared of the promoted trio for life in the top flight. The key is that they’ve added quality rather than quantity to their squad, and they have the makings of a solid premier league club, with plans to also increase the capacity of their ground. Survival is the first target, but they may well be aiming higher than that after this summer’s spending.
Chelsea
Last Year: 3rd
Key Signing: Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen) £18m
Player Watch: Eden Hazard
Vision’s Prediction: 2nd
The Special One has returned, that is the news at Stamford Bridge over the summer, well and Chelsea have been trying to sign someone called Wayne Rooney, and Mourinho will be hoping to make the same impact as he did during his first spell at the club. The squad is largely similar to last year’s with the only notable addition being German Andre Schurrle. Rooney or another big name may yet follow in the coming weeks, and with the guile of Mourinho, Chelsea must start as one of the favourites for this year’s title. In the shape of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard, Chelsea possess individuals capable of unlocking even the tightest of defences, and I’m confident they’ll be closer to the two Manchester clubs this year, but the question is will they be able to leapfrog them? In truth only time will tell, but I’d be surprised if Chelsea aren’t pushing for the title come May.
Crystal Palace
Last Year: Championship Playoff Winners
Key Signing: Dwight Gayle (Peterborough) Undisclosed
Player Watch: Marouane Chamakh
Vision’s Prediction: 20th
So Crystal Palace and the enigmatic Ian Holloway are back in the Premier League, and in their first season back in the Premier League, Palace will surely settle for 17th place and avoiding relegation. Last year Wilfred Zaha was one of their most influential performers, but he has departed for Manchester United where he looks set to feature in the first team squad, denting the London club’s chances. Glenn Murray’s goals helped to fire them to promotion, but he is a long term absentee through injury, so much may depend on the partnership new signings Dwight Gayle and Marouane Chamakh form. Palace though have not made any marquee signings, and a difficult season may well lie in store, with their defence looking particularly vulnerbale. The experience of manager Ian Holloway could be crucial, and a good start is vital is the newcomers are to avoid a long and hard season at the foot of the table.
Everton
Last Year: 6th
Key Signing: Arouna Kone (Wigan) £6m
Player Watch: Gerard Deulefou
Vision’s Prediction: 7th
The managerial roundabout continues, as Everton have a new man at the helm, after long serving boss David Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has stepped into the hotseat, and brought with him Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz. To date Everton have held on to key individuals such as Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, but the duo might yet be subject to an irresistible transfer bid. Barcelona loanee Gerard Deulefou looks like an exciting prospect, but the key for Martinez will be turning eye catching, free flowing football into results. If he can achieve that he’ll be a resounding success, if not then the pressure will soon build, as David Moyes’ shoes are biog ones to fill.
Fulham
Last Year: 12th
Key Signing: Maarten Steklenberg (Roma) Undisclosed
Player Watch: Darren Bent
Vision’s Prediction: 9th
At times last year there were signs that Martin Jol’s side could be dragged into a relegation battle, but they eventually cruised to safety finishing 12th, with their form varying from month to month. Inconsistency was their main problem, and that was partly due to the heavy reliance on the talismanic Dimitar Berbatov, whose goals and all round play were crucial for the side. The loan signing of Darren bent should significantly help to solve that problem, and Jol will have pulled off one of the signings of the summer if he can recapture past form. Defensively Fulham are relatively solid, even if they lack a bit of pace, and they have added a world class keeper in the form of Maarten Skeklenberg, not that Mark Schwarzer was bad. The biggest news over the summer, has been the takeover of the club by Shahid Khan, who also owns NFL outfit the Jacksonville Jaguars. Another solid season looks in the offering, and it’ll be interesting to see if Jol can extract the best from enigmatic loanee Adel Taarabt. The Moroccan has the ability, but there are clear doubts about his temperament, which to date has prevented him from thriving at this level.
Hull City
Last Year: 2nd (Championship)
Key Signing: Danny Graham (Sunderland) Loan
Player Watch: Tom Huddlestone
Vision’s Prediction: 19th
Unlike fellow newcomers Cardiff, it hasn’t been a matter of splash the cash for Hull City, or should I say Tigers, boss Steve Bruce. The budget has not been overly stretched, and Bruce may well have made some shrewd acquisitions in the shape of Maynor Figueroa, Allan McGregor and Yannick Sagbo. Tom Huddlestone will be looking to revive his career in the middle of the park, and Hull will look to him to dictate play as Jimmy Bullard did in the past. Scoring goals will be key in Hull’s battle for survival, and Bruce will be hoping that Danny Graham recaptures his form from his Swansea days, after a troubled spell at Sunderland. At the other end of the pitch, it will be interesting to see whether Curtis Davies can fulfil his potential, and become an established centre half of genuine Premier League quality. Arguably the biggest news has been the fiasco about the rebranding of the club to the Hull City Tigers, but the concerns will be about how the club fares on the pitch, as they look to establish themselves as a genuine top division side. Let’s just say it won’t be easy.
Liverpool
Last Year: 7th
Key Signing: Simon Mignolet (Sunderland) £9m
Player Watch: Raheem Sterling
Vision’s Prediction: 6th
What do you do with Luis Suarez? That’s been the story of the summer for Brendan Rogers and Liverpool, who stuck with the player marred by acrimony after he bit Branislav Ivanovic last year. Suarez wants to move away from Liverpool, but now he’s decided to stay…for now. Aside from the Suarez affair Liverpool have made some shrewd acquisitions, but the question is whether they will be able to make a big enough impact to lift the club any higher than last year’s seventh place finish. Simon Mignolet has big boots to fill in the place of Pepe Reina, but the Belgian is evidently an excellent talent,. Whilst Liverpool are in search of a marquee signing to really help their progression. With Jamie Carragher retired, and Steven Gerrard nearing the end of his career, Liverpool will be hoping that youngsters such as Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe continue their development, and that one of their youngsters turns into the next big star at Anfield.
Manchester City
Last Year: 2nd
Key Signing: Steven Jovetic (Fiorentina) £22m
Player Watch: Jesus Navas
Vision’s Prediction: 1st
Last year Manchester City were unable to defend their Premier League title, being convincingly brushed aside by their local rivals, but with Sir Alex gone and new man Manuel Pellegrini at the helm, there is renewed optimism that the club can win their second Premier League title this year, and enjoy a more successful Champions League campaign. The club has once more splashed the cash, with high profile acquisitions of forwards Steven Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo as well as midfielders Jesus Navas and Fernandinho. Some of the fees may be rather extortionate, but they are all good players with the ability to propel City to the next level. The form of Navas will be especially interesting, and with him, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri, the club are blessed with creative talent. Defensively there are still concerns, and Pellegrini remains in search for another centre-half, after seemingly missing out on Real Madrid target Pepe, but all in all City surely have a squad capable of challenging for the title.
Manchester United
Last Year: Champions
Key Signing: Guillermo Varela (Athletico Penarol) Undisclosed
Player Watch: Adnan Januzaj
Vision’s Prediction: 3rd
So Sir Alex Ferguson has finally retired, and United have a new man at the helm in the shape of former Everton boss and fellow Scot David Moyes. Despite all the plaudits he has won for his time at Everton, Moyes has never won a trophy, and the pressure will be on to deliver silverware from word go at United. The backroom staff may have undergone an overhaul, but the playing staff has barely changed. Paul Scholes has retired for the second time, and the only signing to date has been full back Guillermo Varela. The pursuit of Cesc Fabregas continues, whilst Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines are also targets, whilst despite his protestations it looks as if Wayne Rooney will remain a United player come the 1st September. A happy and fit Rooney is just what Moyes needs, but it United aren’t careful they could have a disruptive element hindering the unity of the team. Man City and Chelsea seem to have strengthened, but to date United have not. Will that show, I fancy so?
Newcastle United
Last Year: 16th
Key Signing: Loic Remy (QPR) Loan
Player Watch: Yohann Cabaye
Vision’s Prediction: 10th
To put it bluntly, Newcastle were dreadful last year. However good they were two years ago, they were equally terrible last year, and in the end only narrowly escaped relegation. Their squad though has the capability to at least finish in the top half, and a stronger season looks in prospect without the burden of European football. The loan signing of Loic Remy not only adds to the French contingent on Tyneside, but also adds much needed quality up front, and another striker may yet follow before the transfer window has closed. Joe Kinnear is also back, although unsurprisingly it is not an overwhelmingly popular return. Injuries devastated their campaign last year, but if Newcastle can keep key players such as Yohann Cabaye and Steven Taylor fit then they should improve dramatically. Hatem Ben Arfa has the ability to be one of the best players in the Premier League, but the key for Alan Pardew is to unlock his potential, and find a way to accommodate such a talent within this Newcastle side.
Norwich City
Last Year: 11th
Key Signing: Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon) £8.5m
Player Watch: Sebastian Bassong
Vision’s Prediction: 8th
11th place was an excellent result for Norwich last year, and this year they appear to have the potential to go even further up the table. At times over the past twelve months they flirted with relegation, but the early season form of Chris Hughton’s side secured their survival for another year, whilst their final position was boosted by a good finish to the campaign. Sebastian Bassong was exceptional at the back last year, whilst Robert Snodgrass was highly impressive in midfield. At times though goals were lacking, but that problem should be eradicated by the arrival of Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper. Both are genuine goalscorers, and the presence of these two should more than make amends for the departure of Grant Holt. Norwich have been busy in the transfer window, and I believe Hughton has made some excellent signings, with Nathan Redmond, Leroy Fer and Martin Olsson also joining the club. Survival will once more be the first requirement, but a top ten finish could well be on the cards. My dark horse for the season.
Southampton
Last Year: 14th
Key Signing: Victor Wanyama (Celtic) £12.5m
Player Watch: Luke Shaw
Vision’s Prediction: 12th
Despite parting company with Nigel Adkins half way though last season, Southampton managed to comfortably secure their survival, thanks predominantly to their superior goalscoring ability in comparison to other struggling teams. In Ricky Lambert and Jay Rodriguez, Southampton have players who can pose genuine threats to even the steeliest of defences, whilst with Adam Lallana and new signing Victor Wanyame they possess individuals of high calibre. Many people have tipped Southampton to be one of the dark horses this season, and I can understand why, as their squad has the makings of an established top flight club. In Nathaniel Clyne and Luke Shaw, Southampton possess talented youngsters, and there is a positive vibe reverberating throughout the club currently. A top half finish might be out of their reach, but they should have the firepower and creativity to stave off the threat of relegation, which for this season surely remains their primary goal.
Stoke City
Last Year: 13th
Key Signing: Eric Pieters (PSV Eindhoven) £3m
Player Watch: Wilson Palacios
Vision’s Prediction: 17th
The managerial roundabout continues with Mark Hughes replacing long standing Tony Pulis at the helm, with owner Peter Coates deciding that it was time for a change. Stoke have long been criticised for their negative, lump it long, style, and fans have got fed up of the unattractive football. Hughes has promised to try and rectify that, but it will take time, and there are doubts as to whether some of Stoke’s players have the ability to adapt to a passing game. Defensively they look strong, and the addition of Dutch International Eric Pieters and Barcelona youngster Marc Muniesca should strengthen them further in that department. Wilson Palacios and Charlie Adam look set to feature more under Hughes, whilst Jermaine Pennant will be looking to rediscover past form after being given a reprieve at the club. The main problem though is scoring goals, and a quality striker is required for Stoke to really progress. USA international Juan Agudelo is set to join in January, but they really need someone in this window, or else they could find themselves dragged into trouble.
Sunderland
Last Year: 17th
Key Signing: Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus) £6.5
Player Watch: Jozy Altidore
Vision’s Prediction: 15th
What fun we’ll have watching Paulo Di Canio this season, it certainly won’t be dull. After a miserable campaign last year, Sunderland scraped their way to survival in 17th, but much better will be expected this year. No fewer than ten new faces have arrived over the summer, with the most high profile being Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini and former Hull City striker Jozy Altidore. Sunderland relied on Steven Fletcher for goals last year, and Di Canio will hope that new signing Altidore relieves some of that burden. The question is how will all of the new signings, most of whom will be tasting Premier League football for the first time, will settle in. If it takes time and results are hard to come by, the pressure will quickly build on Di Canio. Survival will be the first target, but another 17th place finish would surely be deemed unacceptable. What we’ll get from Sunderland though this season is one of the biggest mysteries…
Swansea
Last Year: 9th
Key Signing: Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem) £12m
Player Watch: Michu
Vision’s Prediction: 13th
Michael Laudrup’s first season as Swansea can be classified as a major success, as a highly respectable ninth placed finish was boosted by silverware in the shape of the League Cup, after the Welsh side thumped Bradford City in the final. Spaniard Michu was one of the signings of the season, and most certainly the best bargain the Premier League has seen for a number of years. Laudrup has strengthened further this summer, with striker Wilfried Bony being the most prominent acquisition. A proven goalscorer, the Ivorian should allow Michu to play in his preferred role behind the striker, and if those two can form a ruthless partnership, then Swansea fans will be in for a treat. Ashley Williams still remains a Swansea player for now, but he could be the most high profile departure before the transfer window has closed. It will be hard to better last year, and the presence of European football could hinder Swansea as it has hampered clubs such as Newcastle and Everton over past years.
Tottenham
Last Year: 5th
Key Signing: Roberto Soldado (Valencia) £26m
Player Watch: Paulinho
Vision’s Prediction: 5th
The Premier League season may be about to kick off, but a sense of uncertainty looms over White Hart Lane, with the protracted transfer including Gareth Bale. The Welshman clearly wants to leave for Real Madrid, and in truth you can’t blame him, with the allure of Champions League football and playing for the biggest club in the world. If Bale leaves he’ll be a massive loss, but an unhappy Bale could be more damaging to Spurs than no Bale at all. The Welsh star would bring in a huge fee to reinvest in new players, and add to a squad which was so close to the top four again last year. The acquisition of Roberto Soldado provides Spurs with the world class forward they have been missing, but the most exciting signing could well be Brazilian Paulinho, who many have tipped to light up the Premier League. Tottenham have a strong squad, but events over the next two weeks will be crucial in defining their season.
West Brom
Last Year: 8th
Key Signing: Nicholas Anelka (Juventus) Free
Player Watch: Matej Vydra
Vision’s Prediction: 14th
A dream campaign saw Steve Clarke’s side finish a lofty eighth in the Premier League, well away from the danger of relegation. Romelu Lukaku’s goals were a major factor in their success, and it’s a blow to the club that the young Belgian will not be returning for a second loan spell this year. In his place, Clarke has brought in the experience ofd Nicholas Anelka, the journeyman striker who has declared that he will see out his career in the midlands, and Matej Vydra who starred for Watford in the Championship last year. The majority of last year’s squad remains in tact, but it would be a tremendous feat to replicate last year’s achievements. For years the Baggies had bounced between the top two divisions, but after last year’s campaign they can finally harbour ambitions of becoming an established top flight side.
West Ham
Last Year: 10th
Key Signing: Andy Carroll (Liverpool) 15m
Player Watch: Stewart Downing
Vision’s Prediction: 11th
The Hammers enjoyed a strong first season back in the top flight, finishing as the highest of the three promoted teams in the top half of the table. Over the summer Sam Allardyce has completed some shrewd signings, most notably Andy Carroll, a player who perfectly fits West Ham’s style. Stewart Downing has also been brought in from Liverpool and the duo will be looking to resurrect their careers after troubled times on Merseyside. The key will be providing adequate supply to Carroll, and with Downing and Matt Jarvis, West Ham have wingers capable of stretching the game and delivering pinpoint deliveries. You would imagine that the London based club will be too strong to be dragged into a relegation battle, but at the same time it will be challenging to improve upon last year’s 10th place finish.