By Stephen Holcroft
Manchester City
Blasted by Sir Alex for their ‘’kamikaze’’ spending, effectively no transfer this summer was complete without City’s interest. They’re rapidly becoming England’s most hated club, simply because they’re now very much a feared team. Roberto Mancini has strengthened his books even further this summer with Yaya Toure, James Milner and David Silva arriving, amongst others. Joe Hart has returned from his Birmingham loan spell, and looks a real formidable goalkeeper. There’s a lot of talk that money can’t buy success, but with the players at Mancini’s disposal, City will be a strong side. Yet, it’ll be interesting to see the togetherness and spirit in the squad if the going gets tough. Prediction: 4th
Manchester United
Possibly The Godfathers last campaign, and I say ‘possibly’ because Sir Alex Ferguson will only leave United if he’s reclaimed a lucrative 19th Premiership title. Chelsea performed consistently better last term , and it’s up to Fergie to change that. Barring the odd exception, Ferguson has placed his faith in last year’s squad, and they must deliver. Javier Hernandez looks a fine acquisition and will relieve the goal-scoring burden placed on Wayne Rooney, and will perhaps take the increased limelight away from Dimitar Berbatov. A lack of creativity in central midfield is the only question mark though- will a ‘stubborn’ Fergie regret not buying Mesut Ozil? Prediction: 1st
Newcastle
The Geordies are back in Toon and they’re hoping to be here for the long haul. Chris Hughton done a fantastic job in guiding a demoralised club to the Championship title last year, but the real test will begin here. Unlike 2008/2009, Newcastle have an element of youth in their play which will suit them. Andy Carroll, although still learning, gives the club a real physical presence upfront which has been missed sorely since Alan Shearer’s departure. And in Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton they have dog-fighters keen to avoid the drop second time around. The fans must be patient though, and not expect an easy ride. Prediction: 16th
Stoke
They’ve defied the odds in their previous two seasons in the top flight, and they may do it again. Kenwyne Jones will make their first-time line-up more straightforward, but not for teams visiting the Britannia Stadium. Tony Pulis’ side are capable of giving any team a battle with their sheer physical presence, and Jones will enhance this further. He lived in Darren Bent’s shadow in his final season at Sunderland, and now wants minutes. Stoke have to be careful though; they do rely heavily on strength, size and Rory Delap’s throw-ins, but they are becoming more predictable as seasons progress. It may be their downfall. Prediction: 15th
Sunderland
With the return of their bitter arch-rivals, passion will be as high as ever amongst the Mackems. An over-reliance on Darren Bent last term, who hauled in 23 goals led to a slightly disappointing finish at 13th. But Steve Bruce has improved the ranks over the summer, sealing a club record deal with the deadline day capture of Asamoah Gyan. Arguably the best African player of the World Cup, Gyan has the pace and strength to combine with Bent and be a hand-full. John Mensah, who also impressed at the finals has been signed for an additional year, and will hope to earn some shutouts for Craig Gordon along the way. Much alike to the potential situation at Tyneside, the Wearsiders must be realistic on their travels if the club are to have a successful campaign. Prediction: 9th
Tottenham
They’ll again challenge for that fourth Champions League place, but I doubt they’ll exercise Harry Redknapp’s wisdom words of Premiership contenders. That said, finishing fourth will be even tougher given Man City’s staggering spending spree. Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart was brought in and typifies the beautiful game with his delicate left foot and imagination. Whether he fits the bill at Spurs though is an open dilemma. Redknapp favours a 4-4-2 formation, and with key influential figure Gareth Bale occupying the left midfield slot, a fully-fit Aaron Lennon occupying the other flank, it’s hard to see whether he’ll merit a first team place. Defensive injuries particularly Michael Dawson’s could be a hindrance, and City have the advantage in this area. Prediction: 6th
West Brom
A team too strong for the Championship but maybe a little vulnerable for this league. West Brom are the Premiership’s yo-yo club – amazingly they’ve been promoted four times in nine years! Their attacking style has certainly improved, and they’re able to score goals more evenly through the team. Midfielders Chris Brunt and Graham Dorrans are capable of gaining respectability at this level, but they’re restricted by a lack of forward prowess. Previous years have seen the Baggies fall guilty to the Premiership’s unforgiving nature. Also, they’ve only picked up a miserly five points from thirty two Premiership away games. Di Matteo has captured Nicky Shorey and Boaz Myhill to enhance their chances, but lack of substantial investment will wind the club down to the Championship again. Prediction: 19th
West Ham
It’s tough to predict how the Hammers will fare this campaign. They’re not a relegation battling club in their peak, and could easily finish anywhere from 10th to 17th. Goals won’t come shy in their side with Carlton Cole up top, and some shrewd buys by Avram Grant, particularly Thomas Hitzlsberger, who often pile-drived goals in for Aston Villa will aid their cause. Defensive lapses are often their downfall, and they can count themselves lucky to beat the drop on 35 points. The spine of the side – Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Cole are influential and will be vying to achieve whatever David Gold and Sullivan’s aspirations are. Prediction: 14th
Wigan
They’ll be safe, but only just. I say that with caution because Wigan really are an unpredictable team dating from the 9-1 demolition by Spurs to the famous 3-2 comeback over Arsenal, and beyond. A horrid start to the campaign signals worrying times, simply because the club doesn’t have the fan base to guide them through difficult times. Martinez managed to keep Charles N’Zogbia in his ranks, and it could be vital. He’s got lightening pace, and will be a threat. Estudiantes top scorer Mauro Boselli was brought in and also should add quality to the attacking element, which will effectively keep them up. Prediction: 17th
Wolves
The Wanderers work ethic is up there with the league’s best, but their quality is debateable. They achieved premiership survival last season, when most wrote them off. However, much rested on the dire form of other teams, ensuring Wolves stayed up on less than the usual required 40 points. No key departures have been witnessed over the summer, and they’ve strengthened with the two Steve’s – Hunt and Fletcher. I still though this team lacks talent, and there won’t be enough in that Yorkshire Teapot of Mick McCarthy second time around to get them by. Prediction: 18th