Premier League Prediction

1. Chelsea

At this point, despite their lack of movement in the transfer window, Chelsea still have the best squad in the Premier League. Question marks over Costa does put their title chance in doubt and any other injury to a key player could hinder their title chances but adding in the Mourinho factor, Chelsea seem the logical choice to win the title again.

2. Arsenal

Only just pipped to the post by Chelsea. The team that beat Chelsea in the Community shield and went on the rampage towards the end of last season will win the league if they all stay fit. History dictates that Arsenal can't make it through a season with out some problem so I think that they might just miss out again. 

3. Manchester United

Another risk for me. Manchester United definitely have the attacking squad to compete but have a weak defence. The defence will be helped by the arrivals of their defensive midfielders but with their injury problems Manchester United could struggle at times this season. 

4. Manchester City

I have stated before that I am not Pellegrini's biggest fan and at this point I am not sure he has done enough in the transfer window. Their squad on it's day is title winning worthy but the players are ageing and they rely too heavily on Aguero. I don't see Pellegrini getting the best out of them or making the important signings they need.

5. Tottenham

Tottenham are a top side and I foresee their season being similar to the last. They won't really be knocking on the door of the top four but will provide performances of quality through out the season that set them apart from the teams below them. However, their notoriety for mistakes will always come back to haunt them.

6. Liverpool

Too much change for Liverpool. I think Liverpool could really struggle but they probably have the players to keep them from completely capitulating. I like their midfield, if they deploy them correctly, but I think Brendan Rodgers has just bought players who are available with out an after thought for how they work as a team. Perhaps they will gel together but I think it is unlikely. 

7. Stoke

Mark Hughes has done a brilliant job at Stoke. Shawcross being out is a massive blow for Stoke but their signings have been good and they have a good chance to be even better than last season. If they keep key players fit I see them having a great season. N'Zonzi could be a big miss for them but Van Ginkel should prove to be a worthy replacement. 

8. Southampton

Ronald Koemen has also done a fantastic job at Southampton. They have lost Schneiderlin which a lot of people think is a huge blow but I think the squad as a whole along with the new additions are very strong and they will no doubt finish in the top half.

9. Crystal Palace

Another great job by a manager. This time Alan Pardew, he is starting to go a little crazy with his signings but Crystal Palace became an exciting team under Pardew last season and look to be even more so this year. A lot of people are excited to see the development of Bolasie and Zaha with that introduction of Cabaye. 

10. Swansea

Perhaps they slightly over achieved last season, they are a decent team and I think they will perform similarly to last season with the teams around them improving as opposed to themselves actually declining. 

11. Everton

Everton are living off the glory of two seasons ago. McCarthy signing is a big move for them as he was supposedly unsettled at the club. They need to keep John Stones and buy a few more players. Lukaku needs a better season, Delefeou needs to pass more, Mirallas needs to be less selfish and McCarthy's midfield partner needs to be improved. These are a lot of things that need to happen and I am not sure they all will. I am not sure Martinez is the manager to take them to next level.

12. Newcastle

I think Steve Mclaren will steady the ship at Tynside but not vastly improve them. Over the last two seasons Newcastle proved they are capable of competing by effectively making themselves safe from relegation by February. However, their form then dipped and questions were asked. At this point I think Newcastle would be happy with this position.

13. West Ham

They are out of the Europa league which is a bonus but I don't think they will improve at all on last season. There will be the odd game of quality but ultimately they will stay comfortably safe through out the season.

14. West Brom

Similar to West Ham. You don't expect a Tony Pulis side to be relegated or be in danger of being relegated but I think it is too early to expect them to start climbing the table. 

15. Sunderland

From here I think teams will be dicing with the drop. Sunderland have been very close to relegation for the last three seasons and I don't think this season will be any different. Dick Advocaate has done a similar job to Gus Poyet and simply doesn't have a good enough squad of players to keep them feeling safe.

16. Bournemouth

They played an exciting brand of football in the Championship last season and many are predicting a similar season to that of Blackpool's two years ago in which they played attractive football but eventually failed to remain in the league. I think Bournemouth will be similar but will stay in the league due to other teams shortcomings.

17. Norwich

Another contender for relegation. It is always difficult to stay in the Premier League for a newly promoted side and it Norwich will definitely struggle. They have an experienced team though that I think will find a way to just stay up this season.

18. Aston Villa

Aston Villa did prove they can hack it in the Premier League in the first ten games of last season and their FA cup run.  However, it was other teams results that kept them up at the end of last season rather than their own results. They have lost their two best players and 19 of their 31 goals. I don't think Sherwood is the manager to take Villa on, I think his tactics and management skill do not match up with his passion or media bravado.

19. Leicester

While they managed to complete the great escape last season, they have failed to really improve their squad this season and have lost their manager and best player, Esteban Cambiasso. Plus let's not forget that Leicester needed the great escape because they were bottom of the Premier League. Claudio Ranieri, their new manager, does not have the best record in management in recent years and they will be in trouble this year.

20. Watford

Perhaps Watford could work out but it will be nothing short of a fluke if they do. They have a new manager who has never managed in the Premier League with a whole host of unproven players from around the globe. It has the makings of a total shambles.