By Stephen Holcroft
Arsenal
As big a club as they are, it’s now time for Arsene Wenger to bring Arsenal trophies. Wenger has blended together a group of young players who unquestionably play the most attractive football in the league. However, perhaps it’s time for Wenger to stop hiding behind the excuse that he’s no longer nurturing a group of talented players together. Personally, William Gallas’ departure could be a blessing in disguise. They’ve replaced him with Lauren Koscielny who seems a breath of fresh air at the back, and will form a more solid, disciplined partnership with Thomas Vermaelen. The immediate future of Fabregas is a massive boost for the team, and so could be Marouane Chamakh’s capture. If Arsenal keep Robin Van Persie and Fabregas injury-free, turn Theo Walcott into a genuine threat and grind out those ugly results away from home, they do have a chance for the title. Prediction: 3rd
Aston Villa
I only need to refer to Paul Merson’s comments that Villa could come ninth this season as I wouldn’t be shocked to sum the club’s current fortune’s up. Martin O’Neill’s resignation and James Milner’s departure dominated the club’s summer break, meanwhile, incoming’s weren’t notable. After enduring another frustrating Premiership campaign, and witnessing the club’s two prized assets leave, fans have a right to question their club’s vision. Nevertheless, youngster Marc Albrighton, much the same mould as James Milner has the potential to go far, and with old-timers like Dunne, Friedel, Carew, and Petrov they are still easily capable of a top ten finish. Prediction: 8th
Birmingham
A superb season last term, finishing over 20 points adrift of the relegation places, Alex Mcleish really did out do the bookies. Such is the professionalism of Alex McLeish, I wouldn’t bet against The Blues finishing in the top half second time around. The heavy investment means tough expectations, but McLeish is proving very wise. He’s ironically replaced Joe Hart with international colleague Ben Foster, both of whom jump at the chance of regular football. There’s also the deadline day capture of a certain Alyaksandr Hleb from Barcelona, not the player he was, but still has the flair. Without lavish spending, McLeish’s men will once again be in safe hands. Prediction: 10th
Blackburn
Big Sam will be renowned for the often negative footballing legacy in his time at Bolton, and it remains much the same at Blackburn. The side has a number of experienced heads, and their physical aspect will create problems for teams at Ewood Park. More goals are required from the frontmen instead of (at times) too much reliance on defender Christopher Samba to rescue them. Mame Diouf looks a decent signing, and will be desperate to prove his case to Sir Alex Ferguson. Below mid-table looks a realistic possibility. Prediction: 13th
Blackpool
They turned on the illuminations three weeks early with a hammering of Wigan on the opening day, strolling fanatically to the top of Big One in the process. No doubt it all changed the following week, but Blackpool’s stay in this league will be memorable. Ian Holloway has spent sensibly, and he will relish the prospect of keeping Blackpool in the division. They’ll give their all, to the end, but it wont be enough. Still, it’ll always be a place for donkeys! Prediction: 20th
Bolton
I’m a fan of Owen Coyle’s management style, and he’ll do a decent job for Bolton. A coach who favours attractive passing instead of Bolton’s traditional route one approach, this could be a new era for The Trotters. They won’t be bordering near the relegation zone, and their play will certainly be more pleasing for the neutral. Captain Kevin Davies will perhaps again remain the epitome of Bolton’s play, but with the enforcement of Robbie Blake and especially Martin Petrov, there will be a more exciting side to their play. Tamir Cohen and Le Chung-Yong also impressed last term despite difficult circumstances. Prediction: 12th
Chelsea
The champions have proved the appetite is again there setting off the fireworks once more this season. Albeit games they were expected to win, Chelsea still are producing sparkling displays. Whether they can go the marathon this year however, I’m not too sure. They’ve still got the spine of the team together, and goals won’t be a problem. Carlo Ancelotti also managed to fork out older, big-name players over the summer. But he didn’t bring in any significant reinforcements, and it could be a problem in such a demanding league. I think they will come very close, but not have the legs to win it. Prediction: 2nd
Everton
A smaller budget than their rivals, Everton are nevertheless a well run club. The Toffees were hampered badly by injuries last campaign, but a good run of late form saw them finish 8th. With star playmaker, Mikel Arteta back in the fold, and youngsters like Jack Rodwell hoping to make a mark, they will be hoping of pushing further this term. Unfortunately, the Premiership is a league where money is becoming more important, and so the potential for David Moyes’ men to challenge for Champions League football is perhaps out of their reach. Prediction: 7th
Fulham
Roy Hodgson left a huge path of success when he left Craven Cottage in the summer. Mark Hughes was brought back into management, this time is avoid of Sheikh Mansour’s billions, but again a huge pressure job facing him. It’s hard to see The Cottagers ever returning to the heights of Europe last year, but building on their Premiership position of 12th is a possibility. Hughes was able to fend off interest for key assets like Mark Schwarzer and Bobby Zamora, and will be hopeful of a promising season, even if it involves mid-table mediocrity. Prediction: 11th
Liverpool
Champions League qualification seems more realistic than the title this season. It’s a time of transition for Liverpool and fans need to be patient. Yet, Hodgson seems a good appointment – he’s a calm, tactically blessed man who has great continental football knowledge to crack it here. The recent signings of Paul Konchesky and Raul Meireles aren’t exactly world-beaters, but they will improve squad depth which has been lacked. And if Torres can regain form and combine again with Gerrard, they will prove tough opposition. Prediction: 5th