Premiership Predictions 2011/2012

So, having been away sailing the seven seas, spending more time suspended in front of the television kept in suspense by the occasional slam dunk or skating sensation rather than a bit of silky skill, I have finally returned to assess the starting situation for Premiership teams participating in the greatest sport in the world – soccer. Sorry, I mean football.

Arsenal appear to be in a similar position as they were at the start of last season. Fabregas is still being hankered after by Barcelona, only this time Wenger seems resigned to the fact that his club captain may need to be pushed out of the door for the good of the club. The only signing of any significance is a striker from Ligue 1 in France. If Gervinho becomes another Chamakh then the Ivory Coast player may find himself facing the game from the bench for prolonged periods.

Wenger has spent the rest of summer pruning an already thin squad. Clichy and Denilson will both not be wearing an Arsenal shirt next season whilst many other fringe players have been discarded. Nasri may be convinced to stay but Wilshere is now insisting cash be spent. Yet with offers for Phil Jagielka being rejected and new big shots Spurs in the hunt to snatch Valencia’s Mata from the Gunner’s grasps, life is not looking all that rosy for the London outfit.

Aston Villa finished a disappointing 9th last season. It had been a tough year which ended with manager Gerard Houllier departing due to ill health. However, the new season has brought fresh life to Villa Park, snatching Alex McLeish from their dearest rivals to lead the charge. The Glaswegian has been exceptionally busy in the transfer market reshaping the squad with a departing eight that included first team regulars Brad Friedel (free), John Carew (released), Nigel Reo-Coker (free), Ashley Young (£16mill) and Stewart Downing (£20mill).

The loss of Downing and Young is evidentially a huge blow but then again Villa received a huge price for the pair. A small £9.5million of that money has been gambled on the magical feet yet somewhat erratic head of French winger Charles N’Zogbia. Everyone knows he is a class act it is just a case of whether he can produce more moments of magic than madness for the villans. The capture of out of favour Shay Given for a mere £3.5 may prove vital in their bid to reclaim a European spot.

Since the extraordinary sacking of Sam Allardyce last December Blackburn Rovers has been tantalisingly close to the relegation zone. Steve Kean failed to reach the new Indian owners expectation of silverware and with the first game of the season approaching rapidly does not look like he will even provide hope of such unrealistic ambitions. Instead, Kean has seen the departure of talented young centre-back Phil Jones whilst allowing one of the few players who could create magic in the side, striker Nico Kalinic, become disinterested in the club.

Kalinic’s eminent departure from Ewood Park will create space for the arrival of David Goodwillie from Dundee United who will be looked upon to score the majority of the goals. The Scottish striker will no doubt play alongside a re-signed Benjani who scored a whopping 3 times in the Premier League last season. The Lancashire club are also close to signing Serbian midfielder Radosav Petrovic. Yet, with Steve Kean suggesting that India may source an oasis of talented footballers that he would be daft not to look into, I suspect this may be a challenging year for the Rovers faithful.

Owen Coyle had a decent first season with Bolton Wanderers finishing a comfortable 14th. Once more Coyle has raided his previous club Burnley in order to strengthen his squad. Tyrone Mears and Chris Eagles have both made the switch to rejoin their former manager. The only surprise is that Eagles was not snatched up sooner. Nigel Reo-Coker has also been brought into the side to add experience to a well-rounded squad.

Slightly worrying is the departure of on-loan dynamo Daniel Sturridge, who has retuned back to his father club Chelsea. Matt Taylor, Ali Al Habsi, J Lloyd Samuel and Johan Elmander have also parted company with the Trotters. And with creative winger Lee Chung-yong breaking his leg in a friendly this week Coyle may be looking to do some last minute deals to add more sustenance to a side that should once more be comfortable with a low mid-table finish.

Chelsea have reverted to a Mourinho-esk management outfit by employing young 33-year-old Andre Villas-Boas from none other than Porto in order to overcome the atrocity that Carlo Ancelotti provided in only achieving second in the league table last season. Villas-Boas in fact was chief opposition scout for Chelsea in the Mourinho era, moving to Inter when the man himself was taken to Serie A before becoming Porto manager after a successful stint at Academica.

Youth and the future appear to be main priorities for Villas-Boas who inherited one of the oldest squads in the league, one which many have been saying for a few years now needs rejuvenating. Villas-Boas clearly believes this goes for the management too, bringing club legend and highly successful young manager in his own right, Roberto Di Matteo alongside to assist in management duties.

Chelsea have brought in a couple of new players - Lucas Piazon and Thibaud Courtois – and are still keen to purchase Luka Modric but apparently it is the clubs teenagers that are going to be given a rare opportunity to jump up a level. So expect to see the likes of 18-year-old midfielder Josh McEachran, 16-year-old centre back Nathaniel Chalobah and 17-year-old goalkeeper Jamal Blackman gracing your screen. With the aid of a returning Daniel Sturridge from on loan maybe this could be an exciting new era for the Blues.

Everton once more defied all odds to finish a very respectable 7th place last year. Injuries had once more hampered the start of the campaign for David Moyes’ men but once they were all fit a steady rise up the table commenced. The Toffee’s consistently lack a transfer budget resulting in an embarrassing outbidding from Leeds United for ex-Preston goalkeeper Lonergan – he went for £150,000.

Unsurprisingly therefore Everton have been somewhat quiet in the transfer market with Eric Dier the only addition so far and even he came in on loan. Sylvain Distin believes a couple more players need to be added to strengthen the squad; it is just unclear where these players will come from. Keeping influential centre-half Phil Jagielka away from Arsenal is an absolute must. Yet, even with all the hurdles it is nothing Moyes and his side have not cleared before so expect another solid season that will probably see them in a similar position to where they are now.

Fulham had another competent season under the leadership of Mark Hughes. The Welsh ex-international had a hard task to follow after his predecessor, Roy Hodgson, had performed so well with the London outfit. However, 8th in the Premier League was clearly not enough for Sparky who resigned making way for the return to English football for popular Dutchmen Martin Jol.

One of Jol’s first moves has been to bring John Arne Riise back to the Premier League. The Norwegian’s decision to join The Cottagers may have been made simpler due to the fact his brother Bjorn Helga Riise also plays for them. Jol’s other signing, 19-year-old Pajtim Kasami, should add energy to the heart of the midfield. Whether the young Swiss player can help retain Fulham’s high Premier League finish after the departure of Jonathan Greening, Zoltan Gera, Eddie Johnson, Diomansy Kamara, Kagisho Dikgacoi and John Paintsil is yet to be seen.

There is no hiding it, King Kenny came and conquered, revitalising a dejected Anfield side in a season that witnessed far too many atrocious performances under Roy Hodgson. An underperforming Torres made way for one of the most exciting partnerships the Premier League has ever witnessed, Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. The only question now was how Liverpool was going to create opportunities for these formidable front-men to dispatch. Cue midfield spending spree.

English midfielder Stuart Downing can whip balls in from the left wing or control games in the middle, creating and finishing off attacking moves. 21-year-old Jordan Henderson arrives from Sunderland having raised eyebrows from all the top English clubs, receiving his first international call up in November. He also can play out on the wing, this time the right, but if otherwise needed, can adapt his game for a central role. If all else fails Charlie Adam has also been purchased. Gerrard may be injured at the start of the season but Liverpool no longer rely solely on their talisman it seems. Expect a serious title challenge this year from an attacking, hardworking outfit.

Manchester City achieved what they threatened to do and broke into the elusive top three last year. Mancini’s money has paid dividends in creating a formidable squad full of international superstars none of whom want to be there. Influential club captain Carlos Tevez wants out and now trouble maker Balotelli says he does not like the city. It begs to wonder how United’s side of Manchester is so appealing. It appears you cannot buy a legacy.

To compensate this therefore City have bought what they can buy, players. Gael Clichy comes in from Arsenal amidst mockery that he has never seen a tackle before in a training environment. Sergio Aguero has also arrived from Atletico Madrid with the 23-year-old striker stating his love for both City and the city. I wonder how long it will be before this Argentinean wants out?

Aguero will be looking to score goals this season but one already heated battle may become more intriguing as fierce rivals, Manchester United, replaced retired ex-keeper Edwin van der Sar, with Aguero’s ex-Atletico teammate David de Gea. The 20-year-old is another exceptionally talented Spanish goalkeeper and could make Manchester his home for a prolonged period after arriving so young. Other new arrivals include centre-half Phil Jones and winger Ashley Young.

Sir Alex Ferguson would clearly be delighted if the Red Devils can retain the Premier League title. Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar – both retired – will be a huge loss and outgoing men, Wes Brown and John O'Shea, were good utility players however looking at who has arrived at Old Trafford one can only assume that this half of Manchester will be odds on favourites to be sitting pretty at the top of the table come May.

Newcastle are looking to consolidate their position in the top flight of English football after finishing a respectable 12th in their first season back in the Premier League. Alan Pardew is the current manager having replaced Chris Hughton back in December. The toon army are renowned for voicing their feelings on the lack of money owner Mike Ashley makes available to spend on players and this season shall be no different. Only £4.3million has so far been spent on Yohan Cabaye, with Sylvain Marveaux, Mehdi Abeid and Demba Ba all arriving on free transfers.

More ominous for the Magpies may be the exit of talisman Kevin Nolan to a Championship side and the departure of winger Wayne Routledge to newcomers Swansea. Now disruptive Joey Barton has been placed on the transfer list with an asking price of £0 and you have to begin to wonder which direction the black and white stripes are heading. Admittedly, Barton may not be the best player to have in the dressing room but on the pitch his aggression, energy and natural ability will be a loss hard to replace. Plus, it’s kind of fitting that he is in black and white stripes.

Carrow Road has been the setting for many a memorable moment in the Premiership’s relatively short lifespan, not all football related thanks to Delia Smith, and Norwich City have one more season to add to these memories. For relatively short lifespan may apply to their stay in the top flight. Paul Lambert has worked wonders for the East Anglian side, creating goal grabbing attacking dynamos in Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan. Whether the pair can weigh in when it really matters is the question.

Lambert has brought in many new signings, mostly Championship or fringe players mind. Steve Morrison joins from Millwall after scoring an impressive 35 goals in 83 games for the Lions. James Vaughan has also been snatched up from Everton, with the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer failing to break into Moyes’ team on a regular basis. Ritchie De Laet (Man U) and Kyle Naughton (Spurs) – both on loan – should help sure up the defence. But with many new faces appearing at Norwich, can the team gel well enough to stand a fighting chance of surviving this league? I think not.

Trying to emulate last season by finishing above the Canaries is Queens Park Rangers. It has been 15 years since the side last stepped foot in the Premier League although many of their key figures have played here before. Manager Neil Warnock is certainly no newcomer. His feisty attitude should inspire his side to battle hard throughout the season. Keeper Paddy Kenny was part of Warnock’s Sheffield United side that brushed the Premier League, his experience and influence from the back will be vital.

Jay Bothroyd and Kieran Dyer have both been snapped up on free transfers to strengthen the squad. Bothroyd has failed to set the top flight alight before but his countless scoring for Cardiff City has created another opportunity. Dyer has also been floundering of late, but the ex-England international still has the ability to excite. DJ Campbell has also arrived from Blackpool having netted 13 times in the league last season for the Seasiders. All in all though, Warnock’s spirit is their best chance of survival. Adopt their manager’s attitude and QPR may sneak as high as 14th come May.

Stoke City have been somewhat inactive in the transfer market so far this summer. Tony Pulis appears either content with his squad or simply unable to acquire funds to bring in new players. Injury prone Jonathon Woodgate has been brought in for free on a “pay-as-you-play” basis, suiting both parties rather well. Other than that Abdoulaye Faye, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Ibrahima Sonko have all parted with the Trotters but that is about all.

Stoke finished 13th last season which was slightly disappointing for a side with so much physical presence. The Britannia Stadium crowd will no doubt be a weapon used to intimidate the opposite allowing the Trotters to pick up enough points at home to be easily above the relegation zone. If they can used their physical prowess away from home then a top ten finish could be realistic.

In stark contrast to their red and white striped matching army, Sunderland have been extremely pro-active in the summer months. The Black Cats were touted last season as an emerging side that could break into the top ten. Steve Bruce’s men succeeded, finishing in 10th position and will this year look to build on this solid performance. Jordan Henderson’s £16million price tag has provided capital that has been happily spent on a plethora of players.

Sebastian Larsson and Craig Gardner have been acquired from relegated Birmingham, whilst Wes Brown and John O'Shea have been drawn away from Bruce’s old boss with the prospect of weekly football. Ahmed Elmohamady has been made a permanent fixture of the side after being at the Stadium of Light on loan last season. Also Ji Dong-won and Keiren Westwood have been added to an expanding squad.

The bulk of Henderson’s money however has been spent on exciting young prodigy Connor Wickham. The 18-year-old striker arrives from Ipswich Town where he scored 13 times in 65 matches, which for a young striker who probably made a fair few substitute appearances is not an overly poor return. The Englishmen should play alongside Asamoah Gyan up front which could ignite a powerful partnership that many defences may struggle to contain.

Swansea City have become the first ever Welsh team to play in the top flight of English football since the creation of the Premier League in 1992. Their strong, organised defence has enabled them to win multiple points without scoring highly. Manager Brendan Rodgers is surely not confident enough to believe this strategy will withstand the might of the Premier League’s top firepower?

Danny Graham has therefore been bought from Watford, with the striker netting 27 times last season. Partnering Graham could be another new signing, premiership old boy, Leroy Lita. Winger Wayne Routledge will attempt to swing balls into the box having made the Liberty Stadium his home. New keeper Jose Moreira will be charged with the task of keeping scorelines to a minimum as on loan centre-back Steven Caulker arrives from Spurs to sure up a defence that is solid in the Championship but may well be exposed in the Premier League.

Spurs failed to retain their fourth spot finish from the previous season, finishing just out of a Champions League spot in 5th. However, their strength and depth of squad should enable another rally from Harry Redknapp’s men. The Londoners have been relatively quiet so far on the transfer front bringing in youngsters Souleymane Coulibaly and Cristian Ceballos, along with a back-up keeper in Brad Friedel. Yet, Redknapp is renowned for late swoops so Spurs fans should not be sweating just now.

One concern may be the increased interest from Chelsea for Croatian play-maker Luka Modric. Although, influential as the midfielder has been, Spurs probably have enough quality competition in the middle of the park from Huddlestone, Jenas, Pienaar, Palacious, Kranjcar and van der Vaart that will mean his absence goes unnoticed. If all else fails expect Redknapp’s interest in Valencia’s pacy left-wing Juan Mata to intensify. Although, knowing Tottenham, even if Modric fails to go, they will probably buy Mata anyway.

After becoming a dismal failure at Liverpool, Roy Hodgson produced his usual magic in the latter half of the season as manager at the Hawthorns – West Brom finished a remarkable 11th place. The few signings Hodgson has made suggests he wants to stay there. Quality shot-stopper Ben Foster has come in on loan from Birmingham and former club favourite Zoltan Gera has followed his former manager for the second time to create sparks down the other end of the field.

Also being linked with the Baggies is one of England’s best defensive midfielders. Whether Owen Hargreaves will sign is one issue, whether he can prove his fitness is another. However, if Hargreaves’ injury days are behind him then this could be quite a coup. Hodgson will be performing miracles if he can keep West Brom so high up the table, yet realistically, expect them to be nearer the relegation zone then mid-table safety for a prolonged period of the season.

Wigan is a club that has risen in meteoric proportions through the past 15 years. Their days in the fourth tier of English football appear to be behind them as they have become an established team in the Premier League. However, with a nail biting 16th place finish and with little change coming at the DW Stadium, this may well be another squeaky-bum year for Latic fans.

Roberto Martinez at times can get his players producing wonders (1-0 away at Spurs), yet on other occasions they are truly dismal (0-4 at home to Blackpool). If they remain inconsistent relegation beckons especially now that N’Zogbia has left for Villa. Hopefully some of the £9.5million can be spent on new blood but with players like Max Gradel intimating they would rather stay in the Championship with Leeds, who is going to move to Wigan?

Mick McCarthy’s men start with the biggest uphill climb as Wolves kick-off the season in 20th position. The midland team scraped through last year finishing just one place above the relegation zone in 17th, a feat they will be looking to emulate. Defender Roger Johnson has been brought in to sure up a questionable defence. With Jamie O’Hara providing new bite in the centre of the park.

Otherwise, Wolves will be relying on Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle to find the back of the net often enough to secure some points for the West Midlands team. Veteran Stephen Carr could be a possible target for McCarthy, with the Irish right-back now in the Championship having been relegated with Birmingham City. Whether Wolves can cling onto Premier League status will be an intriguing contest.

So, that is all 20 Premier League teams assessed, with still just under two weeks before the season commences. Although many of the overall positions these teams will be fighting for will probably not change within that period the next few days will be crucial in finding that one player who could make your club’s task that little bit easier. Either way though, we should be in for another real cracker!