The Gunners, once a team that went unbeaten in an entire season and filled with quality, have now become a team 'for the future'. The problem the Gunners have always had has been that 'a team for the future' is all they have been over the past 5 seasons. Arsene Wenger's often stubborn insistence in a youth policy hasn't paid off, and in recent times, they have been forced to react.
However, this season could signal a new beginning for Wenger’s Gunners. The fresh young face of Oxlade-Chamberlain impressed solidly at Euro 2012 and is likely to become one of England's best wingers based on current progress. Instead of being possession orientated like the rest of the squad “The Ox” prefers to drive on at the opponents wing back and swinging in crosses.
Wenger has spent money this transfer window on Olivier Giroud (Ligue 1’s top scorer 2011/12) and Lucas Podolski (long term target of Wenger). Both are incredible players and solid goal scorers. In addition, the signing of midfield livewire Santi Cazorla is a good one.
Transfers
In - Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud, Santi Cazorla
Out - Manuel Almunia, Gavin Hoyte, Carlos Vela, Pedro Botelho, Robin Van Persie, Ryo Miyaichi (loan)
First Team
Szczesny, Gibbs, Koscielny, Vermaelen (C), Sagna, Arteta, Song, Cazorla, Podolski, Chamberlain, Giroud.
With the money gained from selling, new signings could be made before the start of the season, they will more than likely come into the team. Jack Wilshere will be likely to replace Santi Cazorla in the side. when he is fit. If rumours are to be believed, Alex Song could also leave, he would be likely to be replaced by Tomas Rosicky or Aaron Ramsey. Theo Walcott may start a few games, however, could be used in a 'super sub' role. Abou Diaby's return from injury will also provide a much needed antidote to the possible loss of Song.
Key Player - Thomas Vermaelen
The Belgian Centre Half is key to Arsenal’s success this season, he will also be the new captain, if he can stay fit then Arsenal will keep clean sheets this season. This is something they failed to do on regular occasions last season.
Predicted Finish - 6th
Arsenal have quality players there is no doubt about that, however with teams like Chelsea spending bags of cash, they will have to fight some serious competition for Champions League places this term, expect Newcastle and Tottenham to also be in the mix.
Overall I believe Arsenal will have quite a successful season and may even challenge for a domestic trophy, but they are a few seasons or at least a few good transfers away from true glory.
Last season was tough for the Birmingham based side, finishing 16th, they often looked in real danger and in the end, beat the drop by just two points. Alex McLeish's arrival at the begining of the season caused a bit of unrest, fans were undecided and this may have been shown in their on field performances. Added to this, a speight of injuries and the untimely illness of their loyal captain Stilyan Petrov meant the Villans were scraping a side together on occasion and youngsters became regular starters.
A new manager, can often bring a change in fortunes, and Paul Lambert, arriving from Norwich, may be just that. His good record at Norwich means he is a prove Premier League manager, and should his players stay fit, they could endure a more successful season this term. They had too many drawn games last season, they will need to improve this to gain a better league finish.
Transfers
In - Brett Holman, Matthew Lowton, Karim El Ahmadi, Ron Vlaar
Out - Emile Heskey, Andy Marshall, Carlos Cuellar, James Collins
First Team
Given, Hutton, Vlaar, Dunne (C), Warnock, N'Zogbia, Ireland, Bannan, Albrighton, Agbonlahor, Bent
Stilyan Petrov in unlikely to play much of a part this season, if at all as he continues his recovery from illness. We think young Ciaran Clark will make his impact on the side this season, probably getting some game time from starting. Barry Bannan starts in central midfield, while the likes of Jean Makoun, Eric Lichaj, Nathan Baker, Karim El Ahmadi and Nathan Delfouneso will start on the bench.
Key Player - Darren Bent
Should he stay fit, Bent has the clinical ability to finish off most passes to him. His goals could be vital to a good season for the Villans as Agbonlahor made little impact last season.
A new manager, can often bring a change in fortunes, and Paul Lambert, arriving from Norwich, may be just that. His good record at Norwich means he is a prove Premier League manager, and should his players stay fit, they could endure a more successful season this term. They had too many drawn games last season, they will need to improve this to gain a better league finish.
Transfers
In - Brett Holman, Matthew Lowton, Karim El Ahmadi, Ron Vlaar
Out - Emile Heskey, Andy Marshall, Carlos Cuellar, James Collins
First Team
Given, Hutton, Vlaar, Dunne (C), Warnock, N'Zogbia, Ireland, Bannan, Albrighton, Agbonlahor, Bent
Stilyan Petrov in unlikely to play much of a part this season, if at all as he continues his recovery from illness. We think young Ciaran Clark will make his impact on the side this season, probably getting some game time from starting. Barry Bannan starts in central midfield, while the likes of Jean Makoun, Eric Lichaj, Nathan Baker, Karim El Ahmadi and Nathan Delfouneso will start on the bench.
Key Player - Darren Bent
Should he stay fit, Bent has the clinical ability to finish off most passes to him. His goals could be vital to a good season for the Villans as Agbonlahor made little impact last season.
Predicted Finish - 15th
Early season form could be the key as players look to make their impact on the new manager, they will probably find themselves winning a few more games this season, therefore their league position will reflect that. An injury crisis on the same level as previously experienced is highly unlikely, therefore their squad won't be stretched as far. There are poorer teams in the Premier League this year and Aston Villa have some star quality. A mid table finish is probably the best they can hope for.
Chelsea, the original fat cats of the Premier League, when Roman Abramovich took over there was a huge wave of support and hope for a team that had started to falter under Claudio Ranieri. All of a sudden, a blank cheque was issued to any Chelsea manager at the helm, the changes came thick and fast, none more brilliant than ‘the special one’. Jose Mourinho guided Chelsea to their League title and came agonisingly close to the Champions League. No manager had managed that feat until Roberto Di Matteo guided Chelsea to the most coveted prize in European Football.
After a series of relatively poor seasons with somewhat unsuccessful managers Chelsea may have found the man to lead them to the glory that the ‘Special One’ delivered so many years ago. This transfer window, Chelski made a huge signal of intent towards glory by signing the exciting young Belgian Eden Hazard. An incredible talent and a star for the future, Hazard is expected to thrill Premier League audiences all season.
Chelsea haven’t remained quiet this transfer window either, they have brought in the young Belgian Hazard, Marko Marin, and Brazilian talent in Oscar in adddition to Eden Hazard's younger brother Thorgan. If rumours are to be believed then Di Matteo has approximately £60m available or 2 more new signings this window. This will cause a great amount of change in the dressing room at Stamford Bridge. Their life without Drogba may depend on just how Fernando Torres performs.
Transfers
In - Eden Hazard, Oscar, Thorgan Hazard, Marko Marin
Out - Jose Bosingwa, Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba, Ulises Davila (loan), Matej Delac (loan), Kevin de Bruyne (loan), Romelu Lukaku (loan), Thibaut Courtois (loan)
First Team
Cech, Cole, Cahill, Terry (C), Ivanovic, Essien, Oscar, Ramires, Hazard, Mata, Torres
The Chelsea squad appears to have fantastic strength in depth this season, you can clearly see that by the sheer number of midfielders they have and the fact they appear to have a solid back up player in most positions. Leaving out players such as Bertrand, Luiz, Lampard, Marin, Sturridge, Mikel and Meireles will be tough for Di Matteo. Keeping morale high amongst the whole squad and getting them to perform together may be a kep factor in success this season.
Key Player - Essien
Chelsea have enough attacking flair going forward to not have to rely on just one so therefore if Essien stays fit then he adds a steel to the Chelsea back-line that won’t be unnoticed and will add a lot of clean sheets to the Chelsea season
Predicted finish - 3rd
Chelsea now have an incredibly capable side and can cause every team problems now, but there is still always the possibility that the old Chelsea inconsistency will come into play and cost them some significant results. However I predict Chelsea will have a good season and be in the running for a domestic trophy again.
After spending years as 'the second team in Liverpool' things on Merseyside changed last year as the Toffees finished above their big city rivals for the first time in years. Could this be the start of something good for the blues? A troublesome summer has followed, little money is available, as ever, for new players and they have been forced to sell two of their well established players in Cahill and Rodwell to bring in Pienaar again.
Their start to the campaign this year could be easier, they face an angry United side looking to regain their title after losing it to their own 'City' rivals and Everton's typical slow start to the season could reappear at a bad time.
Transfers
In - Steven Naismith, Steven Pienaar
Out - Tim Cahill, Jack Rodwell, Marcus Hahnemann, James McFadden, Denis Stracqualursi (end of loan), Royston Drenthe (end of loan)
First Team
Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Neville (C), Hibbert, Fellaini, Gibson, Pienaar, Osman, Naismith, Jelavic
Everton have a solid starting lineup with a central defensive partnershp that could be tricky to break down. Players such as Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman, Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga provide decent backups. However, if injuries strike, their squad is small and could struggle under pressure.
Key Player- Marouane Fellaini
The charismatic Belgian midfielder is a rock for Everton, providing defensive solidarity but also a real aerial threat in the box. When he performs, so do the team and he often reflects the overall performance of the side.
Predicted Finish- 8th
Everton have a solid starting lineup with a central defensive partnershp that could be tricky to break down. Players such as Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman, Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga provide decent backups. However, if injuries strike, their squad is small and could struggle under pressure.
Key Player- Marouane Fellaini
The charismatic Belgian midfielder is a rock for Everton, providing defensive solidarity but also a real aerial threat in the box. When he performs, so do the team and he often reflects the overall performance of the side.
Predicted Finish- 8th
Another solid season is in the offing for the Toffees, however, with their losses, I dont see them challenging the better sides this year. They will continue to be niggly at home, and will maybe upset a few sides at Goodison Park however, away from home against the bigger sides, they will struggle.
Martin Jol's Fulham side could be in for a tricky season this year. They have lost a number of decent players in the off season, and replaced them with largely unknown qualities. Hugo Rodallega will have to prove himself after a lacklustre season with Wigan. It is looking increasingly likely that their star player Clint Dempsey may also leave and if rumours are to be believed, Moussa Dembele could follow him.
Last Season was a good one for the Cottagers, finishing ninth in a season in which Clint Dempsey was fantastic and well supported by those around him. That feat will be tough to replicate this year.
Transfers
In - Hugo Rodallega, Mladen Petric, Sascha Riether
Out - Danny Murphy, Andy Johnson, Orlando Sa, Marcel Gecov, Dickson Etuhu, Bjorn Riise, Pavel Pogrebnyak (end of loan)
First Team
Schwarzer, Riise, Hangeland (C), Senderos, Baird, Diarra, Sidwell, Duff, Dembele, Rodallega
We expect Fulham to lose Clint Dempsey this summer, therefore their team will have to adapt. Diarra looked solid in midfield last year and is a good, experienced passer of the ball. Rodallega may start upfront but will face some compteition for his place from Petric and Bryan Ruiz. Youngsters such as Kasami and Frei will see action in domestic cup competitions and there is good back up in defence from Senderos and Hughes.
Key Player- Moussa Dembele
Another key Belgian, should he stay, he is the link between midfield and the forward(s) and can score goals and create them in many passages of play. If he stays, we see a brighter outcome for the Cottagers this season.
Predicted Finish- 10th
A season of ups and downs is ahead for Fulham. They may find it hard against the bigger sides, as then tend to every year, and home form will be vital yet again for them as theyre not so good away from home.
Transfers
In - Fabio Borini, Joe Allen, Oussama Assaidi
Out - Fabio Aurelio, Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez, Alberto Aquilani, Craig Bellamy
First Team
Reina, Enrique, Agger, Skrtel, Johnson, Lucas, Gerrard (C), Adam, Allen, Downing, Suarez
The defence is fairly solid and can be expected for most games this season. Carragher is older now and seems to make more mistakes, as shown last term. Manchester City have been linked with Skrtel, but we expect him to stay. In midfield, we can expect to see some rotation with Joe Allen starting some games and Jordan Henderson, Jonjo Shelvey, Jay Spearing and maybe Joe Cole being given chances. It is expected, as said already by Brendan Rodgers, that Andy Carroll won't be at Liverpool this season. Therefore, Suarez will be likely to take the sole striking role. Look out for defenders Martin Kelly, John Flanagan and Jack Robinson making occasional appearances in the lineup, expecially in the cups.
Key Player- Luis Suarez
Should he keep himself available and free from controversy, he will be the key man this year. He has the ability to convert the chances into goals, something Liverpool struggled with last year. Closing out more matches with more goals could mean a stronger finish.
Predicted Finish- 7th
Last season's finish below Everton will not be repeated , however I feel they still lack the firepower to challenge for a top four place. Again, a domestic cup may be the best they can hope for this season. The additional Champions League campaign may mean that the squad tires towards the end of the season.
Transfers
In - Jack Rodwell
Out - Gai Assulin, Owen Hargreaves, Stuart Taylor, Andrea Mancini, Wayne Bridge (loan)
First Team
Hart, Richards, Lescott, Kompany (C), Zabaleta, Y.Toure, Barry, Nasri, Silva, Tevez, Aguero
There are doubts about just who will start the games for City this season. Micah Richards is the vice-captain, therefore we expect him to play. However, he could easily be replaced in the side by Kolarov as a wing-back. Gael Clichy is likely to start on the bench, even though he might walk into most first teams!
Gareh Barry is a fitness doubt, if so he will be replaced by Nigel De Jong. However, epect to see that kind of lineup for most games in a 4-3-1-2 formation. Dzeko, Rodwell, Balotelli and Milner will see opportunities and Emmanuel Adebayor may see some action if he stays at the Etihad.
Key Player- Yaya Toure
When he plays, City can expect to win the game, that is how influential we feel he is. City looked a different side without him on occasion last season.
Predicted Finish- 2nd
This will be another fantastic season for City and having already won the Charity Shield, have the first Silverware of the season. However, we see Manchester United just pipping them to the title. City will qualify for the knockout stages in the Champions League and may progress towards the Quarter Final. The FA Cup can be a possible expectation for this season.
The Red Devils, pipped to the title by their bitter 'City' rivals last season, will be likely to return with a bigger hunger than ever before to regain the Premier League trophy. They have made a statement of intent, spending over the summer to secure Shinji Kagawa and Robin Van Persie and now have possibly the best overall strikeforce in Europe.
Transfers
In - Shinji Kagawa, Robin Van Persie, Nick Powell, Angelo Henriquez
Out - Tomasz Kuszczak, Michael Owen, Richie De Laet, Oliver Norwood, Ji Sung Park, Paul Pogba, Fabio (loan), Ben Amos (loan), John Cofie (loan)
First Team
De Gea, Rafael, Vidic (C), Ferdinand, Evra, Valencia, Scholes, Kagawa, Nani, Rooney, Van Persie
With Kagawa likely to play an attacking role, Nani may be swapped for the likes of Carrick or Cleverley on occasion. Valencia, as shown last season, is a key part of the team, providing assists and key goals. De Gea will be likely to have a stronger season and more clean sheets can be expected from this solid side. Expect to see Ryan Giggs also feature in important games,
Key Player- Paul Scholes
So much will be made of the talent in the side, however, the cog that holds it together with his experience and passing skill is Paul Scholes. When he plays well, United tend to make the game look easy.
Predicted Finish- 1st
They will have a massive desire to regain the title tis season, made all the more poignant by the fact their City rivals beat them to it last time. The title fight will be a very close one, possibly between three sides, but we think United will just have the quality and drive to find success this year. Their Champions League campaign will need to improve should they wish to progress in the competition. The new Capital One trophy could also be a target, with the fringe players looking to make an impact here.
A fantastic season in the North East finished last year with slight disappointment as after all their grind and fight, Newcastle missed out on 4th place. This year they're back in European competition and we believe this could be another good season. The relatively new squad gelled together last year quickly, and will have a great understanding after a long pre-season. Look out for a full season of goalscoring from Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba (who looks likely to stay)
Alan Pardew has built a fantastic side who can challenge anyone at home and that has a number of fantastic players.
Transfers
In - Gael Bigirimana, Romain Amalfitano, Curtis Good, Vurnon Anita
Out - Danny Guthrie, Peter Lovenkrands, Alan Smith, Leon Best, Fraser Forster, Tamas Kadar
First Team
Krul, Simpson, Coloccini (C), S.Taylor, R.Taylor, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Ba, Cisse
The starting lineup will be very similar to that of last season with one or two changes. However, on the bench is where there are changes. Amalfitano, Anita an Bigirimana will probably see game time off the bench. This means their squad strength in depth is stronger this year, possibly allowing more of a challenge for silverware.
Key Player- Hatem Ben Arfa
The creative mind in the Newcastle midfield, he passes the ball well and creates a lot of goalscoring oportunities. His link between the midfield and the strikers is vital.
Predicted Finish- 4th
We believe Newcastle are in for a fantastic season, after a year to gel as a team, they will be a tight knit unit. This will make them tough to beat agin, as proven last season and their home form is good. We think they are in line for a Champions League place this season.
The Canaries has a good season last year under the tutilage of Paul Lambert. However, Lambert has now gone, and the players they have brought in are a largely unproven force at this level. They may have to rely on the same home form shown last season in order to stay away from the drop zone this season as the 'Second season syndrome' could strike.
Transfers
In - Stephen Whitaker, Robert Snodgrass, Michael Turner, Jacob Butterfield
Out - Adam Drury, Aaron Wilbraham, Zak Whitbread, Daniel Ayala (loan)
First Team
Ruddy, Garrido, Turner, Whitaker, Ward, Johnson, Snodgrass, Bennett, Surman, Holt, Pilkington
This is a team that may suffer if injuries strike, they don't have a huge strength in depth in the squad. John Ruddy may be vital to a good season, the England keeper had a good season last time and will need to again.
Key Player- Grant Holt
His goals last season contributed to a good season and a lot if their wins. Should this happen again this year, he will need to perform again.
Predicted Finish- 19th
Unfortunately, we don't think their squad is strong enough to survive this season in what is likely to be the most competitive yet. Teams that finished lower last term have strengthened where Norwich have stayed similar. We see the second season syndrome striking at Carrow Road.
Transfers
In - Jose Bosingwa, Rob Green, Ryan Nelsen, Andy Johnson, Samba Diakite, Ji Sung Park, Junior Hoilett, Fabio (loan)
Out - Danny Gabbidon, Danny Shittu, Fitz Hall, Akos Buszaky, Rowan Vine, Heidar Helguson, Taye Taiwo (end of loan)
First Team
Green, Fabio, Ferdinand, Nelsen, Bosingwa, Derry, Park Ji Sung, Taarabt, Diakite, Johnson, Cisse
Their first team is tough to select, leaving a few players on the bench will be tricky for Mark Hughes as we see the likes of Zamora, Hoilett, Traore, Clint Hill and Onuoha missing out. This gives them a good looking bench should they need to change things in a game, therefore we see a more promising season ahead. We expect, as rumoured, that Joey Barton will go out on loan after being banned for the beginning of the season.
Key Player- Djibril Cisse
If he is able to stay on the pitch and score goals at the same time, he will provide goals that could win close games this season. Therefore the '6 point games' with sides around them in the table could be won.
Predicted Finish- 13th
A good season is ahead for Rangers as they see a better table position as last year. They will be able to win more games and a better defensive quarter will allow them to concede less in the tight matches.
After getting promoted from the Championship, Reading have prepared for their life in the Premier League. They have made a number of signings, most notably that of Pavel Pogrebnyak who proved he is a goalscorer last season at Fulham. They will ned all the help they can get to survive a tough first season in the top league.
Transfers
In - Garath McCleary, Pavel Porgebnyak, Adrian Mariappa, Danny Guthrie, Chris Gunter, Nicky Shorey
Out - Tomasz Cywka, Andy Griffin, Brian Howard, Mathieu Manset
First Team
Federici, Shorey, Mariappa, Gorkss, Pearce, McAnuff (C), Guthrie, Karacan, Kebe, Porgebnyak, Hunt
The Reading team has been strengthened, but not to the level that might challenge in the Premier League. Pogrebnyak can score the goals, but he needs the service and there is no standout provider of them in the side. Jem Karacan is a good player, but may struggle to adapt to the higher level.
Key Player- Jobi McAnuff
The Captain will need to pull the side together if they end up in a relegation fight, he is a rock in the midfield for the Royals and will continue to be this season.
Predicted Finish- 20th
Unfortunately, we can't see Reading surviving this season. They will find the step up tough and as shown when they have promoted before, struggle to cope in the top flight. Their season won't be an unmitigated disaster similar to that seen in the past but they could find themselves in the relegation zone.
Transfers
In - Jay Rodriguez, Nathaniel Clyne, Paulo Gazzaniga, Steven Davis
Out - Radhi Jaidi, David Connolly, Aaron Martin
First Team
Davis (C), Clyne, Fonte, Hooiveld, Fox, Guly, Lallana, Cork, Davis, Lambert, Rodriguez
The Southampton team looks decent on paper, the biggest worry will be their defence and its relative lack of experience. Rickie Lambery will look to have another successful season in the striking role and Rodriguez could be a good signing for a club record fee. If rumours are to be believed, thy are close to breaking the bank once again to sign Uruguayan internatioal Gaston Ramirez. He would be a major coup for the South Coast side.
Key Player- Rickie Lambert
He could be the man to score the goals that keep the Saints in the Premier League. If he fires this year, this would releae pressure on the entire team.
Predicted Finish- 18th
We think they may come up just short in the end as the pains of a long season may impact on the squad. They will probably be close to the drop zone throughout the season, however they could stay up should they get a good start or a run of solid results.
The Potters have spent seasons in the Premier League playing a defensive style of Football. They have made a living out of being stubborn and griding out results at the Brittania Stadium while being unspectacular away from home. Tony Pulis hasn't seen much rebuliding over the summer with only a couple of names coming into the club and a few leaving. This season could be a struggle for Pulis' men.
Transfers
In - Jamie Ness, Geoff Cameron, Michael Kightly, Goran Popov
Out - Ricardo Fuller, Mamady Sidibe, Salif Diao, Michael Tonge, Jonathan Woodgate, Florent Cuvelier (loan), Danny Collins
First Team
Begovic, Higginbotham, Huth, Upson, Shawcross, Palacios, Delap, Kightly, Etherington, Crouch, Jones
The Stoke side is a paradox, it is one that has attacking talent, but rarely uses it well. They play a defensive, physical style of Football. Michael Kightly will play in the midfield and provide a bigger attacking threat than in previous years. A good attacking season for Crouch and Kenwyne Jones may be the key to a reasonable finish. A good run would do the side the world of good in sustaining a league challenge.
Key Players- Peter Crouch
Capable of genius on occasions, as shown last season, Crouch could be a high goalscorer if he is given the service. He might get this from Kightly and Etherington but will need it consistently in order to fire Stoke to a few vital wins.
Predicted Finish- 15th
We see a tough season ahead for the Potters, despite their good side, their defensive style doesn't help them and with a league full of attacking teams and talent, it is likely they may find their dependance on home form not good enough.
The Black Cats suffered at the start of last season however a strong finish meant that their finish was solid if not outstanding. Martin O'Neill will reinvent his squad again without the Asamoah Gyan saga and may see a better spirit and effort this time around.
Sunderland have been the least active in the market, only bringing in Carlos Cuellar from Aston Villa, however, their losses aren't so bad for them to be concerned.
Transfers
In - Carlos Cuellar
Out - Craig Gordon, George McCartney, Cristian Riveros, Asamoah Gyan, Michael Turner
First Team
Mignolet, Bardsley, Cuellar, Brown, O'Shea, Cattermole (C), Larsson, Gardner, Sessegnon, Saha, Campbell
This Sunderland side is packed full of the potential to build a solid run of results. Whether they can do that, is another thing. They often find themselves in winning positions only to go on and draw the game. In a very competitive league this season they need to find this winning formula. Sessegnon will play behind the front two, he is a good link up man and will score goals. Simon Mignolet looks to have been given the pass to tne No.1 shirt after Craig Gordon was released over the summer.
Key Player- Sebastian Larsson
Larsson is a very creative player and his ability to take a quality free-kick marks him out as a danger. If he performs well this season, Sunderand can expect a fairly high table placing.
Predicted Finish- 9th
A solid season is ahead for the Black Cats, with Martin O'Neill pulling the strings once more, we feel this could be a good season for them. A good cup run is possibly the best they can hope for, but their squad is enough that they won't be dragged into the bottom half.
With success comes negatives however, as their star players hav been courted by the big clubs around England. As a result, Swansea have needed to do a little bit of rejigging. Brendan Rodgers, their mastermind manager, has moved on and so in comes Michael Laudrup, an unplayed hand in the Premier League.
Losing their two best players from last season won't have helped their cause for this season either; the loss of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Joe Allen will leave a dent in the side.
Transfers
In - Chico, Jonathan de Guzman, Michu, Itay Shechter (loan)
Out - Joe Allen, Ferrie Bodde, Jose Moreira, Gylfi Sigurdsson (end of loan)
First Team
Vorm, N.Taylor, Williams, Monk (C), Tate, Dyer, Britton, De Guzman, Sinclair, Graham, Shechter
Everpresent Michel Vorm will have to be on top form again in order to ensure Swansea keep out goalscoring opportunities. The midfiel has lost a passing maestro in Joe Allen who formed a great partnership with Leon Britton. However, De Guzman is an accomplished player who may prove an astute signing. Itay Shechter is likely to partner Danny Graham upfront should Laudrup decide on a 4-4-2 formation.
Key Player- Leon Britton
With Joe Allen, he ran the games for Swansea last season, he can be a vital part of the team again this year. He is the most capped member of the side and will give experience to the side while creating chances for the front two.
Predicted Finish- 14th
We cant see Swansea climbing to the heady hights of where they were last year. However, they're a decent enough side to not be worried about the drop. Second season syndrome won't strike for the Swans, but they may wish for a better opening day, as they have failed to win in their last 6 openers.
After battling for the entirety of last season, Spurs came up just short to their rivals Arsenal, despite the Arsenal having a relatively scratchy season in parts.
This season they're back and are yet again among a Luka Modric transfer saga, we expect him to leave White Hart Lane before the end of the transfer window. He could possibly leave a large hole in the side.
Harry Redknapp, the old head, has departed and in comes Chelsea 'reject' Andre Villas-Boas. Will he have more success there than he did at Stamford Bridge?
Transfers
In - Gylfi Sigurdsson, Jan Vertonghen
Out - Ryan Nelsen, Niko Kranjcar, Louis Saha, Ledley King, Vedran Corluka, Steven Pienaar, Bongani Khumalo (loan), Ben Alnwick, Emmanuel Adebayor (end of loan)
First Team
Friedel, Assou-Ekotto, Vertonghen, Dawson (C), Walker, Parker, Sigurdsson, Sandro, Bale, Van der Vaart, Defoe
Brad Friedel, despite being into his 40's will continue as No.1, no doubt keeping Heurelho Gomes twiddling his thumbs on the bench. Michael Dawson will return to captain the side, and hope to stay clear on injury this season, alongside new signing Jan Vertonghen. Sigurdsson will probably slot into the midfield making a very strong quartet in the middle of the park. Rafael Van der Vaart will continue to play behind a lone striker, this time that man is Jermain Defoe.
Key Player- Michael Dawson
When he is fit, Tottenham's defence looks stronger. The replacements are often unsure in their performances and so Tottenham will be hoping he can stay fit this time aroud.
Predicted Finish- 5th We think Tottenham will manage again to perform to their potential this season, despite the new manager. They will also, just about, manage to overtake their old foes Arsenal. Their side is good enough to challenge in the Leagues elite, however, they seem to have problems against 'the big 4' clubs, therefore need to rectify this issue.
Transfers
In - Ben Foster, Yacine El Ghanassy (loan), Romelu Lukaku (loan), Markus Rosenberg, Claudio Yacob
Out - Paul Scharner, Nicky Shorey, Somen Tchoyi, Keith Andrews, Marton Fulop, Simon Cox
First Team
Foster, Ridgewell, Olsson, Reid, Jara, Brunt (C), Morrison, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Odemwingie, Lukaku
We think the West Brom side has a good balance to it, and an element of grit in the midfield with the battling Chris Brunt captain this season. Ben Foster is a fantastic signing and will no doubt make some good saves this season. Shane Long may just miss out in favour of the powerful Romelu Lukaku however, expect to see him as substitute.
Key Player- Chris Brunt
The Captain is the main cog in the side and controls the game well. He can bring the side together and isn't afraid to make himself heard when it is needed, while also contributing a few goals.
Predicted Finish- 12th
Maybe the heady hights of where they finished last season is a step to far this time around under the new manager, however, a good finish can be expected and their home form will be good.
Transfers
In - Mohamed Diame, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Stephen Henderson, George McCartney, Raphael Spiegel, Modibo Maiga, Alou Diarra, James Collins
Out - Rob Green, Frank Nouble, Papa Bouba Diop, Abdoulaye Faye, John Carew, Julian Faubert, Freddie Sears, Pablo Barrera, Marek Stech, Ravel Morrison (loan)
First Team
Jaaskelainen, Reid, Tomkins, Collins, McCartney, Nolan (C), Noble, Diame, Diarra, Cole, Maiga
This has the makings of a good Premier League side on paper, with a very agressive midfield who will be tough to overcome. Their defence is where they look in danger and the capture of Jussi Jaaskelainen, with is experience, may be key. Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz Te can provide attacking threat off the bench.
Key Player- Kevin Nolan
The Captain and the midfield battler, Nolan has a sketchy discipline record however, if he can keep that under wraps, he is a good player and can contribute vital goals at good times. Motivation is something he has lots of and so giving his players a rocket when they're 'slacking off' won't be a problem.
Predicted Finish- 11th
We think they will arive this season with a determination to stay in the League and not to return to another season of fighting for Promotion. Therefore coupled with their good signings, a mid table finish could be realistic under a manager who knows his stuff.
Last but not least in this Premier League dogfight, the perennial survivers, Wigan. Under Roberto Martinez, they appear to be able to pull performances out of the bag when they need to, but are far from consistent and often pick up their points in the latter weeks of the season. Drawing comments that fans may aswell not turn up for the first half of the season and then buy a ticket for the second half can't be good for team morale.
This season, they may find it tougher than ever in a more competitive Premier League,acould go to the wire for the Latics once more.
Transfers
In - Fraser Fyvie, Arouna Kone, Ivan Ramis, Ryo Miyaichi (loan)
Out - Mohamed Diame, Chris Kirkland, Hendry Thomas, Hugo Rodallega
First Team
Al-Habsi, Figueroa, Caldwell (C), Ramis, Alcaraz, Watson, McCarthy, Maloney, Gomez, Moses, Kone
Wigan are an attacking side, but their defence often looks shaky and poor. This works against them in many games when they concede after being on the attack. Their attacking players are of a decent standard and we believe Victor Moses will eventually stay this Summer. Arouna Kone is a powerful striker who is good in the air, therefore if he gets service, there could be quite a few goals!
Key Player- Victor Moses
If he stays, Wigan will create lots of chances as he is a good player and will contribute a few goals aswell. If he leaves, Wigan will have lost a few star players, any may find it tough to survive.
Predicted Finish- 17th
We think that old resiliance to the drop will appear again but another season of battling beckons for Martinez's men. A finish around 14/15th may be the best they can hope for realistically.
Nothing is certain in the Premier League however, we are sure a thrilling season full or drama and twists and turns lies ahead.
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