Season Preview

Season Preview

Everyone is doing it so why should we be any different, so here we go with our view of how the Premier League table will look come May 2014. It is looking like being the closest competition at both ends of the table for many a year.

1. Chelsea – The obvious return of their former manager and to be honest, he will not have an awful lot to do. If they secure another striker like they appear to be trying to do then it will hard to stop them.
2. Man Utd – Little action in the transfer market for the Champions and with a new man at the helm. But Sir Alex is only a call away and in Zaha they have something that they have not seen at Old Trafford since Ronaldo.
3. Man City – Another new manager and expect that it will take him a season to settle into Premier League life. Plenty of big signings could see them close but just miss out.
4. Arsenal – Like United, short on signings this summer but they will be there or there abouts even if they are not in touching distance. Who they sign in this transfer window will go a long way to deciding if they will challenge.
5. Tottenham – Obvious loss on opening day, but that apart, much depends on whether Bale will play for them again. In saying that, a natural goal-scorer in Soldado is a great signing and could soften the blow.
6. Liverpool – Selling seems to be their aim this summer and with the Suarez affair rumbling on it could be another nothing season for the Anfield faithful to look forward to.
7. Swansea – Surpassed all expectations last season and look well set to continue the same trend. Splashed out on Bony but a worthy addition to an already talented squad.
8. Everton – It will take Martinez time to settle but a few decent additions should get them a top ten finish as the backbone of the team remain unless United’s Moyes has other ideas.
9. West Ham – This one was difficult which is why they are placed in mid-table obscurity. Hard to know what we can expect from them this season but don’t see them challenging anywhere else.
10. Fulham – Suspect Jol has enough knowhow to keep them away from the drop zone but they have to address their poor away form. If they do then this is where they will finish.
11. West Brom – Without Lukaku a top ten finish was out of their reach but with the likely addition of Vydra they may have something entirely different. On the cusp of the top ten as a result.
12. Norwich – Spent an awful lot this summer and they need to be able to justify that which they may struggle to do but likely to just keep their head above water.
13. Aston Villa – Don’t see them doing much better than last season but should do just enough but whether Lambert will still be there come the end of the season is perhaps questionable.
14. Newcastle – One of many teams that will come close to relegation this season as the longer Pardew gets to mould a team the more likely he is to take them down.
15. Southampton – Hard to tell how they will fair this season. They could have done the hard work last season but they may be shocked how much harder a second season can be.
16. Stoke – Another side with a new manager who does not have great form in the top division.
17. Cardiff – Unlike QPR their spending power may just see them keep their Premier League status.
18. Crystal Palace – Rose tinted spectacles may have placed us in 17^th but have to be a realist and suggest a return to the Championship but it will be tight.
19. Sunderland – The hard work starts now for Di Canio and only see it going one way. Relegation.
20. Hull – New boys will struggle in the top flight this season and the renamed Tigers just pip bottom spot.