Arsenal:
Last Season - 3rd. Struggled at the start of the season, but the goals of Van Persie kept them within touching distance of Champions League qualification. A strong end to the season saw them over haul a 12 point gap on North London rivals Tottenham for automatic qualification.
Ins and Outs - Juxtaposed to last season's transfer dealings, Arsene Wenger has acted quickly and spent considerable money on some of Europe's hottest prospects. Santi Cazorla, the most expensive signing, will increase the creative options in midfield. German international Lukas Podolski and Ligue 1 top scorer Olivier Giroud provide better quality, variety and goalscoring options to Arsenal's attack, and suitable replacements for the probable departure of club captain Van Persie.
Prediction - Always seem to prove the doubters wrong. 4th.
Aston Villa:
Last Season - 16th. Underachieved under their "blue-nose" manager, who has consequently been sacked. Bent failed to show his Premier League goalscoring prowess that had merited his £18 (rising to 24) million move. It was the poor quality of chances created and the defensive tactics employed by McLeish which also led to the lack of goals.
Ins and Outs - Lambert from Norwich is the most notable, Villa being at the top of summers managerial food chain. Since his arrival he has looked to strengthen in all areas making more than one venture in to the Erdevise. The biggest name of those ventures, Ron Vlaar, has replaced the ageing James Collins. After Collins' departure the net fee for Vlaar is just £0.7 million. Holman and El Ahmadi have also joined from AZ Alkmaar and Feyernoord respectively. Lowton has joined from Sheffield United to replace the departing Cuellar.
Prediction - Much more comfortable campaign than last year, potential for a cup run. 11th.
Chelsea:
Last Season - 6th. But that doesn't quite reflect arguably the greatest season in the clubs history to date. The most extraordinary season too; for almost exactly 8 months the season offered nothing but disappointment. But a brilliant turnaround against Napoli at a raucous Stamford Bridge sparked a remarkable cup run, beating Benfica, Barcelona and finally Bayern Munich in the Final (in Munich) to be crowned the Champions of Europe. The FA Cup triumph seemed comparable to a pre-season tournament victory in the context of the Champions League miracle, especially considering previous unfortunate events encountered in Europe.
Ins and Outs - Di Matteo, the interim manager forced Full-Time due to his incredible achievements. The other hero of the Champions League win, Didier Drogba left on a free after finally fulfilling the seemingly ever distant dream of European glory. Kalou and Bosingwa also left on a free. Chelsea did not let that night in Munich mask an extremely poor season, by their standards. They have splashed the cash in midfield, £32 million on Hazard, £25 million on Oscar and £7 million on Marin. They are also expected to bring in 2 or 3 more players.
Prediction - A more consistent season than last, but one which may end with no silverware to show for it. 2nd.
Everton:
Last Season - 7th. Yet again Moyes over achieves with a small transfer budget. As per usual they finished the season strongly and above arch rivals Liverpool. Astute January signings in Jelavic and Pienaar allowed for their good season. Jelavic's goals and Pienaar's assists will need to continue to emulate the performance of 11/12.
Ins and Outs - Pienaar has signed on a permanent deal. Following Rangers' turmoil, Everton have been quick to captalise snapping Naismith up on a free. Tim Cahill had left after a difficult 18 months on Merseyside. Meanwhile Rodwell has left for a fee of £15 million, Moyes may use this to reinvest in other positions, already having youngster Ross Barkley chomping at the bit for a first team regular place.
Prediction - They will undoubtedly over achieve again, a good start as well as a good finish may see them challenge Champions League qualification. 7th.
Fulham:
Last Season - 9th. A good season under Martin Jol has left expectations growing as potential candidates for Europe, similarly the number of quality teams all capable of competing in Europe is growing at an exponential rate. Fulham were reasonably quiet last season, a compliment for a club of their stature, as it suggests they were untroubled.
Ins and Outs - Petric on a free from Hamburg and Rodellaga ona free from Wigan go some way to replacing the void left by Johnson and Zamora up front. Jol may look to strengthen in midfield as Danny Murphy has left the club.
Prediction - Will be hard to keep up to the standards set from last season, don't get your hopes up. 13th
Liverpool:
Last Season - 8th. Similar to Chelsea (on a slightly different scale) Liverpool's Carling Cup triumph, if it can be described as that, and an FA Cup final did not distort the minds of the Anfield hierarchy from the reality of a poor season in the Premier League. They proved this by bravely dismissing icon Kenny Dalgleish.
Ins and Outs - Brendan Rogers, Dalgleish's successor, has acted quickly in strengthening the squad. He has brought in Joe Allen for £15 Million from former club Swansea in a hope he can help to replicate the same footballing philosophy Rogers flaunted in south Wales. Fabio Borini, another former Swansea player, has joined from Roma for £11 million, he is likely to partner Suarez up front, leaving Carroll's future in doubt. Bellamy, Aquilani and Rodriguez head a long list of departures, suggesting more incomings in the near future.
Prediction - An improvement, but little to show for it. More money needed for Champions League qualification. 6th.
Manchester City:
Last Season - 1st. A result few would have expected before last season, Mancini surprised everyone in gelling a team of talented individuals. Although, as City fans ironically brag, it wasn't until 93:20 that the title was finally won. It was a fabulous way to snatch the title from Manchester United and prove they are more than just 'noisy neighbours.' Nevertheless I am sure every City fan and Mancini especially will want the title wrapped well before then this time around.
Ins and Outs - Rodwell is the only signing so far, more speculation has been regarding departures but they have not come to fruition. Mancini admitted he was "frustrated" with the transfer situation. More signings should be expected but no bank breaking deals this summer.
Prediction - Their strength in depth is immense, England may not be all they are looking to conquer this season. 1st.
Manchester United:
Last Season - 2nd. They narrowly missed out on the title, narrowly is an understatement, but still failed to pick up any silverware, a disappointing season by that account. Group Stage elimination from the Champions League would have hurt as much as the title defeat to neighbours City. United will be keen to rescind the set backs suffered last year. The partnership of Welbeck and Rooney will excite United fans, it has the precedents to be of the same calibre as Cole and Yorke. They must continue in similar fashion for success at Old Trafford this term.
Ins and Outs - Kagawa appears to be good business at £12 million after he scored an impressive 17 goals in a German League and Cup double winning Dortmund side. League 2 sensation Nick Powell has also been signed, but he seems one for the future, £4 million could prove to be a great price though. Berbatov is yet to leave, but it would be surprising to see him stay at the club. Trusted midfielder and big-game player, Ji Sung Park has left the club to join QPR.
Prediction - Could finally slip out of their previously pre-assigned top two finish. A second trophy-less season is unlikely though. 3rd.
Newcastle United:
Last Season - 5th. Another of the surprise teams, the Toon made a late charge for Champions League football, but fell short at the final hurdle. The goals of Senegales striker Demba Ba up until the Africa Cup of Nations, and the goals of compatriot Papiss Cisse after the tournament led Newcastle in to a brilliant position coming in to the final weeks, they will consider themselves unlucky.
Ins and Outs - Vernon Anita has joined from the Netherlands to add another option to an already strong midfield. France international Matieu Debuchy looked set to join at one stage, but for differences in valuation, the deal seems to have broken down. Although the Lille right back would be a good addition to the squad and certainly state their intentions for the coming season.
Prediction - A good attempt at breaking in to the Champions League initially, eventually failing to sustain a challenge. 9th.
Norwich City:
Last Season - 12th. They by far surpassed expectations under Paul Lambert, finishing in a highly respectable position for a team tipped to go straight back down. Their style of football was similar to one seen in the Eighties; get the ball out wide and cross it in with quality. A very effective style as well, with Morrison and Holt up front they scored a vast number of headed goals, and were always a threat.
Ins and Outs - Chris Hughton has replaced the Villa bound Paul Lambert at the helm. Having failed to keep a clean sheet for much of the season it is the arrivals of experienced centre-backs Turner and Whittaker that will excite fans most. Snodgrass has also joined, to add to the Leeds United contingent at Norwich. Striker Grant Holt, who was tipped for Euro 2012 but narrowly missed out even after scoring 15 vital goals for the Canaries, is set to be their biggest transfer dealing this summer. Despite handing in a transfer request in June, Holt has now agreed to stay and will be at the forefront of any success this season.
QPR:
Last Season - 17th. A season that saw them stay up by the skin of their teeth. Despite the big moves to the club they we unable to put together a good run of results, even under the new management of Hughes. More spending will see expectations grow, a near mid-table finish is a bear minimum.
Ins and Outs - QPR have acted quickly in strengthening their squad with the arrivals Green, Nelsen, Diakite and Johnson through the spine of the side. Green has replaced Paddy Kenny who has gone to Leeds United to reunite with former manager Neil Warnock. Fabio has joined on loan from Manchester United, Park has made the same move but on a permanent deal. Whilst much sought after winger Junior Hoilett has joined from Blackburn.
Prediction - They still lack Premier League quality in some areas, but will expect to stay up regardless. Their defence is a key issue, if they can keep out goals they should be fine but do not expect any fireworks. 15th.
Reading:
Last Season - Championship Winners. After being well off the pace in the early months of the season it took an astonishing unbeaten run from Brian McDermott's side to eventually win them the league.
Ins and Outs - Under new ownership Reading have been able to strengthen the squad with some big signings. Guthrie and Shorey have plenty of Premier League experience, whilst Pavel Pogrebnyak scored 6 goals in the Premier League after joining Fulham on loan in January. Mariappa, one of the Championships most solid defenders has joined from Watford.
Prediction - Could top the promoted clubs mini league, although the champions often fail to do so. Nevertheless, they should have enough quality to avoid the drop. 12th.
Southampton:
Last Season - Championship Runner-Ups. The Saints joined a small group of teams who have been able to achieve back to back promotions in to the Premier League, and will now hope to avoid the drop.
Ins and Outs - Young right back Nathaniel Clyne has joined from Crystal Palace. Southampton also spent £7 million on Jay Rodriguez from Championship side Burnley. They will want to strengthen further before the window is shut.
Prediction - A season that may look to offer no joy, they may not have strengthened quite enough. 19th.
Stoke City:
Last Season - 14th. A solid season which saw Stoke safe for another year, quite remarkably the season included no goals direct from a throw-in, as they seem to have shaken off the "rugby team" tag.
Ins and Outs - Stoke have had little activity in the transfer market, they were linked with Michael Owen but he is yet to sign. Although they have net spent £60 million in the last three years and will want to avoid spending more if possible.
Prediction - Their time might have come, an unexpected relegation may be in store. 18th.
Sunderland:
Last Season - 13th. Martin O'Neil saved a team flirting with relegation and went on to secure a mid-table finish. They also mounted a good cup challenge. They failed to find the net too often and will need to correct that this year.
Ins and Outs - Turner has left the club with Cuellar his replacement. Sunderland are still in the hunt for a striker as Bendtner's loan has expired.
Prediction - The motivational and tactical attributes of O'Neil were clear to see last season and with him in charge they will be fine again this year. 10th.
Swansea:
Last Season - 11th. Brendan Rogers' side were the 5th best passers in Europe last season. They played attractive football and kept the ball on the ground. They were unfairly compared to Blackpool; after a strong start many thought they would be found out towards the end of the season - this never happened. They have had some forced changes at the club but will look to build on the success of last season.
Ins and Outs - Manager Brendan Rogers has left to join Liverpool, taking midfielder Joe Allen with him for a healthy £15 million sum. Michael Laudrup has replaced Rogers, and Allen with the loan of De Guzman from second tier Spanish side Villarreal. Sigurdsson, who scored 7 and assisted 5 in his short loan spell at the club has not been signed on a permanent deal, Laudrup has brought in Michu, who incidentally scored 17 goals last season from Rayo Vallecano's midfield, to replace him. Chico, a defender has also been signed.
Prediction - Laudrup is an experienced manage who will continue the attractive football of Swansea. Another successful season, although this may just be a stepping stone for Laudrup. 14th.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Last Season - 4th. As Jermain Defoe slid in at the back post, it seemed in that instance Harry Redknapp may be on the way to achieving one of the greatest upsets in Premier League history. Defoe was inches away from getting a touch on the ball and beating Manchester City and putting them level on points at the top of the league. Manchester City went down the other end, scored and ultimately destroyed those hopes of glory. The result saw Spurs slide down the table, 2-0 up at Arsenal ended 5-2 epitomised their decline. They finished 4th, but to add insult to injury they missed out on Champions League football as Chelsea shocked Europe. Harry Redknapp was sacked at the end of the season, in consequence.
Ins and Outs - Redknapp out, AVB in. The man who almost ruined Chelsea's Champions League hopes, but by getting sacked he allowed Di Matteo to save the 3-1 deficit to Napoli and to go on to win the Champions League and qualify them for next season. Their qualification was instead of Spurs and ultimately condemned Spurs to Europa League football. So yes, Spurs fans, AVB was at fault for missing out on Champions League football. On the tranfer front: Corluka, Kranjcar and Pienaar have all been sold by the club, Modric looks likely to follow. Gylfi Sigurdsson has been signed to be a potential replacement for Modric. Jan Vertonghen, the highly rated centre back has been signed and will more than replace injury ridden, non trainer, now retired, and former club captain Ledley King. Spurs need to sign a Striker as Adebayor's loan has yet been made permanent.
Prediction - A mediocre season in store, they have made few additions and the loss of Redknapp may be felt in the dressing room. Will be expected to challenge for the Champions League, but may not have enough goals. 8th.
West Brom:
Last Season - 10th. New England manager Roy Hodgson did a superb job at West Brom, as they avoided relegation and the headlines, finishing in a highly respectable position.
Ins and Outs - Steve Clarke has replaced Roy Hodgson, and many see this as a risk due to Clarke's lack of managerial experience. Although he has been the assistant under the "Special One," Jose Mourninho and Kenny Dalgleish - invaluable experience. Clarke has signed Rosenberg and brought Lukaku in on loan to increase his options up front.
Prediction - They may just have enough to avoid the drop, but will be no where near as safe as last season. 16th.
West Ham:
Last Season - Championship 3rd - Play-Off Winners. They were expected to bounce straight back, it is never that easy and despite not playing "West Ham style" football (whatever that is) Big Sam Allardyce was extremely successful in achieving promotion, all be it via the play-offs.
Ins and Outs - Jussi Jaaskaleinen has replaced Robert Green. Mohammed Diame has signed on a free from Wigan, a coup considering Liverpool were interested at one stage. Modibo Maiga, Newcastle target in January has also joined from Sochaux. George McCartney and James Collins will strengthen the defence. Whilst French international Alou Diarra has joined from Marseilles and will be a classy addition to the midfield.
Prediction - They will be a good Premier League team, and should comfortably stay up with the strength in depth at their disposal. 13th.
Wigan:
Last Season - 15th. Yet again Martinez's men defied the odds by staying up in the Premier League. For much of the season they were sure to go down, but managed to produce another great escape.
Ins and Outs - Ramis and Kone have joined from La Liga, Arsenal youngster Ryo Miyachi has joined on a season long loan. Rodallega and Diame have left on free transfers, whilst Moses is expected to join Chelsea in a deal worth £10 million.
Prediction - It will be hard for them to produce enough quality to stay up for yet another season, They will undoubtedly be among the favourites to go down. 20th.
Thank you for reading. I hope I have given you a good insight in to the upcoming Premier League season.
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