1. Liverpool

2. Chelsea

3. Manchester United

4. Manchester City

5. Arsenal

6. Tottenham Hotspur

7. Aston Villa

8. Everton

9. West Ham

10. Fulham

11. Wigan

12. Birmingham

13. Sunderland

14. Bolton

15. Blackburn

16. Wolverhampton Wanderers

17. Portsmouth

18. Hull City

19. Burnley

20. Stoke City

 

I'll start off near the bottom. I think Stoke will struggle this season. They play route one football, and whilst it's effective and they got stronger as the season went on I believe this is because the players got more confident and had more fight in them. This season i'm expecting managers to know how to counter Stoke a lot more, and even bully them out of the game. I'm expecting the bottom half to be very close again throughout the season. Hull idk. I actually think they might stay up, but judging them on last seasons form and a poor manager I think they'll go down. I expect Burnley to struggle as well.

 

Near the top half of the table I think Liverpool will win the league. Maybe a bit of bias on my behalf, and yes we've lost Alonso but I don't think he's irreplaceable. And I am 99.9% sure we're still going to sign a big attacking player. Manchester United have lost the player that made them tick. He was massively influential for them, Fergie has even said they're going to have to change the way they play because the way they used to play full depended on him. Over the past 2/3 seasons when Man Utd have not had Ronaldo playing through injury or suspension they've looked very inconsistant imo. Not sure how well they'll adapt to playing with Ronaldo but we'll soon see. Chelsea as well, i'm not sure what they'll be like. I'm expecting them to be very technical and tactical next season. But their team is collectively no spring chickens, but if Essien stays fit they'll be very hard to beat. And I think Man City will beat Arsenal to the 4th spot. They've lost a lot of key experienced players and they've yet to replace them. Yes Wilshere looks good, but playing him consistantly would be the worst thing possible for the lad, as he's going to be over-hyped because he's English.

 

I'm very much looking forward to a very interesting season. Hope its as good as last year was!

1 Man Utd

2 Chelsea

3 Arsenal

4 Liverpool

5 Man City

6 Everton

7 Spurs

8 Villa

9 West Ham

10 Sunderland

11 Fulham

12 Wigan

13 Stoke

14 Blackburn

15 Wolves

16 Bolton

17 Burnley

18 Portsmouth

19 Birmingham

20 Hull

 

1 Man Utd

I expect them to be the first team to win 4 straight titles, unfortunately. I honestly think Fergie has got it spot on this summer. He sold Ronaldo at exactly the right time, and has said it's time for them to change tactics. I can see him playing a flat 4-4-2 and it'll suit them well. I think after his first pre-season since he was last good Owen will be a revelation. People say he's past it now but he scored 10 times for Newcastle last season. If he can get a 1 in 3 ratio playing when he's never properly fit, getting hapless service from hapless players under 3 pretty hapless managers then I expect he can at least double that at Man Utd. Berbatov has to step his game up and will, Rooney will be freed and Nani and Anderson may well look like paying back some of the £30m that was spent on them.

 

2 Chelsea

Hiddink showed that this squad still has the ability to win trophies. The addition of much needed width through Yuri Zhirkov and the loss of no one key will see them second again.

 

3 Arsenal

The most underestimated team in the world I think.

 

Last season they were comfortably 4th. Here are various reasons why I expect they'll match that at an absolute minimum:

• Adebayor has gone, but Eduardo is capable of scoring the goals they'll miss from Emmanuel. He played about 3 times last season so it will be like signing a new player.
• Toure has gone, it's no great loss at all. He didn't get on with Gallas and had stagnated in the last two years. Vermaelen, whilst unproven, looks a great prospect and to be captain of a team of Ajax's stature at 23 you need to be something special. Could well be the leader they actually need at the back.
• A full season with Arshavin.
• Rosicky is fit. He might not be the player he was, but it's an extra dimension they've not had for the last 18 months.
• Last season Walcott, Fabregas, Van Persie all had 3+ months out injured. Unlikely to happen again and if it does there is a problem at the club far more underlying.
• Bendtner and Adebayor didn't get on. It could now be his chance to shine, especially if the fans get off his back.
• Youth of Gibbs, Vela, Ramsey and Wilshire will all get more time and will improve with experience.
• I fully expect Arsene Wenger to make at least two more signings, even if they aren't big names and don't cost much. He'll also learn from his mistakes of too many captains and dressing room disharmony.
• No African players to miss 6 weeks for the first time in a while.
• No one expects anything at all. The last time that happened they could've won the league had it not been for an afternoon at St. Andrews which caused a lot of problems. They're playing without any pressure of winning anything at all and they'll relish that. Wenger will also be as keen as ever to prove doubters wrong and to actually win something this year.

4 Liverpool

Last season was their big chance and they didn't take it. I can't see them improving that much more either. Glen Johnson is an improvement but isn't the answer. And no matter what Liverpool fans say they badly need another striker. Torres is fantastic, yes, but last season he looked as injury prone as Michael Owen. They coped last season but I can't see them being as lucky again with the likes of N'Gog, Voronin, Babel and Kuyt.

 

5 Man City

Lots of money spent and big Premiership players have joined. But most are some of the worlds most overrated players. They'll be a team most want to beat and the pressure will get to them.

 

6 Everton

They still have enough quality to manage a top 6 finish but I think 6th-8th will be very close. Even if they lost Lescott I'd have 100% faith in Moyes to spend the money on 2-3 able players.

 

7 Spurs

I can see them being overrated again. I don't rate their strikeforce that much and all four will want to play all the time. An overrated and lethargic midfield and Ledley King won't last.

 

8 Villa

They definitely need players and Martin Laursen needs to be replaced badly.

 

9 West Ham

Steady improvement once more for Zola's boys. Some very exciting youth there, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they really came on this year.

 

10 Sunderland

I think they have the players for a decent finish and now have the right manager.

 

11 Fulham

Another decent showing but a very thin squad which a European campaign will effect.

 

12 Wigan

Promising signings and a promising young manager. They've a good squad and can easily match last seasons finish.

 

13 Blackburn

Allardyce will improve them, but I just don;t think they're good enough to get to the heights he took Bolton. Interested to see how Di Santo does though...

 

14 Stoke

I think they get a lot of unfair criticism to be honest. They have a very tall and strong team but they can play some stuff too. Etherington and Lawrence on the wing is more skill and ability than anyone else in last seasons bottom half could manage. Beattie and Fuller can play a bit too.

 

15 Bolton

Unfortunately once again Megson will do enough for Bolton to pull up no trees and to be just about comfortable of a place in the next seasons Premiership.

 

16 Wolves

Decent signings but a very young team. I think McCarthy will have learnt from past mistakes though and they should survive.

 

17 Burnley

A very good side who I rate highly. Owen Coyle is a fantastic manager and he's made very good additions to an already impressive group of players which should just see them survive.

 

18 Birmingham

This team of Granddads will go straight back down. Christian Benitez will be another addition to list of expensive Premiership flops. No where near enough goals in them.

 

19 Portsmouth

Poor players, average manager and no money. Their time is up.

 

20 Hull

Awful manager and they were found out last season. They've tried to sign loads of players and have only managed an American teenager who could well be all hype and someone who was a complete flop at Stoke and I can see no other outcome.

1. Arsenal

2. Man City

3. Liverpool

4. Chelsea

5. Man Utd

6. Everton

7. Spurs

8. Sunderland

9. West Ham

10. Villa

11. Fulham

12. Blackburn

13. Bolton

14. Stoke

15. Burnley

16. Birmingham

17. Wigan

18. Portsmouth

19. Hull

20. Wolves

 

 

 

Arsenal - Much as I hate the bast*rds I think this could be their year especially if they buy a centre back, they have players like Eduardo, Van Persie, Arshavin who are all capable of 15 goals or more and the likes of Walcott who will chip in with a few too

 

Man City - Not quite there but are a defender or two away from being champions IMHO

 

Liverpool - Will miss Alonso but the likes of Gerrard and Torres will score enough goals to have them right at the sharp end

 

Chelsea - Ancelotti is a world class manager but I think he needs a season to take them back to title contenders again

 

Man Utd - I really don't see them as challengers this year, Ronaldo's goals won't be replaced by Berabatov and Rooney and Rooney bound to miss a few games with injury and suspension and Berbatov is a lazy f***er so I can see friction with Rooney there too, great defence but I don't see enough firepower from them this year unless they buy a predator before deadline day, I discount Owen as he will be injured most of the time

 

Everton - Moyes is an incredible manager the job he has done with limited resources and no galactico's and I think a solid upper table finish is on the cards again

 

Spurs - As long as we can start well this year I think we are good enough for at least Top 7, Crouch and Defoe had a formidable partnership at Pompey so they should hit the ground running

 

Sunderland - I think Bent will get enough goals to ensure a top half finish and they have some brutality in the form of Cana who I think could be one of the players of the season

 

West Ham - Hate them even though I like Zola but he has built a decent outfit there and for sure they willl be top half

 

Villa - The loss of Barry and in particular Laursen will harm them this season I think, the purchase of the quite brilliant Fabian Delph was one of the inspired buys of the summer but I think the loss of their 2 leaders will harm them

Edited August 6, 200915 yr by B.A Baracus

I disagree that Liverpool need another striker. Don't get me wrong i'd like to see another come in, but it's not going to happen. Who in a World Cup year is gonna want to come and play 2nd fiddle to Torres? No-one. Voronin, whilst OK he is no world beater, he's unfairly criticised sometimes. Babel could be a good player, but he needs to play with confidence. I saw him playing with confidence in a pre-season friendly yesterday, looked good. He wasn't just using his pace for once, he was trying to engage his brain too. And N'Gog is as good as any young striker in the Premier League. If he's improved his finising this season he'll be more than a class act in the near future.

1. Manchester United

2. Arsenal

3. Chelsea

4. Liverpool

5. Everton

6. Manchester City

7. Tottenham Hotspur

8. West Ham

9. Sunderland

10. Aston Villa

11. Fulham

12. Blackburn

13. Bolton

14. Stoke City

15. Wolverhampton Wanderers

16. Wigan

17. Portsmouth

18. Birmingham

19. Burnley

20. Hull City

 

Last year was the first time that when I predicted we'd win the title we actually won it :lol: (well I deliberately said otherwise thinking it was a curse) but yeah this time I can see us doing it again. As Mark said Ronaldo probably left at the right time and now we can change our style before we become TOO predictable and everyone can pull off what Reading and Chelsea did in the past. Writing Arsenal off is almost as stupid as writing us off, Arshavin, Eduardo, Van Persie, Walcott, Fabregas and Rosicky is quite scary... I may be biased but people are over-hyping how good City and I don't think they'll be as close to the top four as some people think they might be. Sunderland have a good manager now who has bought some decent players in the transfer market and I can see them pushing for the top ten personally, Blackburn have bought well too and should at least be away from the relegation zone. Wolves already have a decent young squad and will at least be the best performing promoted team. Wigan I think will struggle and compete in a very close relegation fight. Burnley if they can keep Coyle will go straight back up IF they go down.

1 Manchester United

They've lost Ronaldo and Tevez but the bastards will still win it. As per.

 

2 Chelsea

Two horse race again this season.

 

3 Liverpool

Can't for the life of me see them having a repeat of last season.

 

4 Arsenal

Same old same old. Can see them winning a cup this season though.

 

5 Man City

They'll have an improved season but their defence will hamper them.

 

6 Everton

Can't see them finishing in the top 5 again but would prefer them to over City for football's sake.

 

7 Aston Villa

If they go on the sort of run they did last season they'll be up there among them but they'll fall short of the top 5 imo.

 

8 Tottenham Hotspur

Nothing special.

 

9 Fulham

Another good, consistent season under Roy Hodgson. No Europa though.

 

10 West Ham

Nothing special from them this season.

 

11 Sunderland

Right manager, right blend of players, will be interesting to see how we do. So long as we're not battling against relegation the fans don't care.

 

12 Blackburn

Slight improvement on last season, but can't see them finishing in the top half.

 

13 Bolton

Another average season for Bolton.

 

14 Portsmouth

Can see them struggling under Paul Hart, I reckon he'll be the first manager to get given the sack. Results in the second half of the season will see them pull away from the strugglers.

 

15 Wigan

Similar to Portsmouth really, can't see Martinez lasting the full term.

 

16 Stoke

I think they'll struggle again, especially away from home. They'll do just enough to keep their heads above water. Unfortunately.

 

17 Birmingham

I can see a long season of struggle for them, but they'll just about save themselves.

 

18 Wolves

Could well come down to the last day between Birmingham, Wolves and possibly Stoke. It'll be another tight season among the bottom few teams methinks.

 

19 Hull

Really can't see them finishing higher than 19th, they'll pick up where they left off last season and struggle for form. Wouldn't be surprised to see Phil Brown leave/get sacked either.

 

20 Burnley

This season's Derby, their squad is neither experienced enough, quality enough nor big enough to be able to compete. They may spring a few surprise results but they got promoted too early imo.

P.S. can't believe the FA muppets have decided to play a friendly 3 days before the season kicks off!

1. Chelsea

2. Arsenal

3. Manchester United

4. Liverpool

5. Manchester City

6. Tottenham

7. Everton

8. Aston Villa

9. Blackburn

10. West Ham

11. Fulham

12. Sunderland

13. Wigan

14. Stoke

15. Birmingham

16. Bolton

17. Wolves

18. Portsmouth

19. Burnley

20. Hull

 

Chelsea are still a bit of an unknown quantity for me atm under Ancelotti, but with the addition of Yuri Zhirkov on the left I can see them having a very good season, I think a 4-4-2 will suit them well this season, even though they do have 4/5 very good central midfielders, so it'll probably prove hard to leave the likes of Ballack, Mikel and Deco out for any length of time without them wanting to leave. All in all i'm clueless as to how they'll line up :lol:

 

I've gone for Arsenal in 2nd, which is lower than I normally put them, normally have them in 1st every season but lets face it, it's unlikely to happen. Think we have a decent shot at 2nd though, our first 11 is a match for any other team in the league imo, it's just the backups in a couple of areas that are weak.

 

Man Utd in 3rd simply because i'm unsure how they'll do without Ronaldo, and Liverpool in 4th because they have the weakest squad out of the top 4 imo, could finish higher though depending on how injury free the likes of Gerrard and Torres can stay.

 

Man City look good, but don't think they'll make it this season although I can't see them being any more than about 5/6 points off 4th though. Then Everton and Tottenham, both pretty self-explanatory tbh. It got tough after this, had to go for Villa in 8th simply because while they are weaker this season, I don't think any of the teams below have improved enough to pass them. Blackburn in 9th because with a whole season under Allardyce I think they can push on from last season and make the top 10, with West Ham rounding off the top 10, despite looking weak upfront and seemingly having no money.

 

The bottom half starts off with Fulham, who are likely to suffer a bit this season due to having European games, but not enough to have any real struggles. Then it's Sunderland in 12th, will be interesting to see how they do under Steve Bruce who did a good job at Wigan, although tbh I had them down to do slightly better than they did last season, so not sure if he can take them top 10 this season. I've got Wigan in 13th, which is a slight drop on last season, but I hope they do well as they do have some good players and a good manager. Stoke in 14th, also a bit lower than last season, then "new" boys Birmingham in 15th, think they've got enough in their squad to avoid the drop again.

 

Bolton kick off the bottom 5, don't think they're anything special but should have enough to survive, followed by Wolves, who I did think would go down, but with a mixture of a few decent signings and the seemingly never ending player departures at Portsmouth, Wolves look like they may have enough to stay up. Portsmouth look like going down this season tbh, they only have 22 players, of which 4 are goalies, and a strike force of Kanu, Nugent and Utaka, the pressure looks like it'll be on new boy Piquionne to get the goals to keep them up unless any more signings arrive. Then Burnley in 19th, they still don't look strong enough to survive, a few decent signings but overall they don't look like they have enough to survive. And Hull in last, because they looked terrible in the 2nd half of last season and haven't been able to make the signings to improve their squad.

1. Chelsea

2. Manchester United

3. Liverpool

4. Arsenal

5. Manchester City

6. Tottenham Hotspur

7. Everton

8. Aston Villa

9. Fulham

10. West Ham

11. Sunderland

12. Blackburn

13. Bolton

14. Stoke City

15. Wigan

16. Wolverhampton Wanderers

17. Portsmouth

18. Birmingham

19. Hull City

20. Burnley

 

1. Manchester United

2. Chelsea

3. Liverpool

4. Arsenal

5. Everton

6. Aston Villa

7. Manchester City

8. Fulham

9. West Ham

10. Tottenham Hotspur

11. Bolton

12. Stoke City

13. Blackburn

14. Sunderland

15. Wigan

16. Wolverhampton Wanderers

17. Birmingham

18. Portsmouth

19. Hull City

20. Burnley

01 Manchester United

02 Chelsea

03 Arsenal

04 Liverpool

05 Manchester City

06 Tottenham

07 Aston Villa

08 Everton

09 West Ham

10 Sunderland

11 Fulham

12 Blackburn

13 Wigan

14 Stoke

15 Bolton

16 Wolves

17 Portsmouth

----------------------------------

18 Burnley

19 Hull City

20 Birmingham