Arsenal
Last season: The club's 125th anniversary season got off to a poor start with four defeats from the first seven games, including a highly embarrasing 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford. Manager Arsene Wenger was supposedly a man under pressure, but form improved and another season of Champions League football was guarenteed. The turn around was largely thanks to the return of striker Robin van Persie, who enjoyed the form of his career. He won the Premier League Golden Boot with 30 goals and often won games single handedly throughout the season. RVP's future at the Emirates is now uncertain after failing to agree a new contract and is expected to leave this summer. Two new strikers, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, have been added, but it's asking a lot for them to replace van Persie's goals in their debut seasons. Midfielder Santi Cazorla is also an exciting season to a team who will be desperate to end their drought of eight years without a trophy.
Transfers. In: Santi Cazorla (£16.5m from Malaga), Olivier Giroud (£12.8m from Montpellier), Lukas Podolski (£10.9m from Cologne)
Out: Carlos Vela (£6m to Real Sociedad), Oguzhan Ozyakup (£400,000 to Besiktas), Denilson (Loan to Sao Paulo), Joel Campbell (Loan to Real Betis), Benik Afobe (Loan to Bolton Wanderers), Rhys Murphy (Free to Telstar), Jeffrey Monakana (Free to Preston North End), Ben Glasgow (Free to Stoke City), Alban Bunjaku (Free to Sevilla), James Campbell (Free to Dundee United), Gavin Hoyte (Free to Dagenham & Redbridge), Pedro Botelho (Free to Atletico Paranaense), Manuel Almunia (Free to Watford), George Brislen-Hall, Sean McDermott (Both released).
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| Giroud was Ligue 1 top goalscorer last season. |
Prediction: Won't challenge for the title, but should make the top four even if van Persie does leave. 4th
Aston Villa
Last season: It was always likely to end in tears. The appointment of former Birmingham manager Alex McLeish to the Villa Park dugout was greeted with protests last summer. Fans gave him some time, but by the end of the season after a 16th place finish, the club's lowest ever points total in the Premier League (38), least wins in a season (7) and worst home record in Villa's 138 year history, there was only going to be one decision. Yes, McLeish was unlucky with injuries, seeing striker Darren Bent pick up a season ending injury in February and captain Stylian Petrov diagnosed with acute leukemia were both huge blows, but the football on show was dull. McLeish was sacked and replaced by former Norwich City manager Paul Lambert, who faces the task of bringing the good times back to Villa Park.
Transfers. In: Ron Vlaar (£3.2m from Feyenoord), Karim El Ahmadi (Undisclosed from Feyenoord), Matthew Lowton (Undisclosed from Sheffield United), Brett Holman (Free transfer from AZ Alkmaar)
Out: James Collins (£2.5m to West Ham United), Carlos Cuellar (Free to Sunderland), Connor Taylor (Free to Walsall), Reece Caira (Free to Western Sydney Australia), Emile Heskey, Ebby Nelson-Addy, Charlie Ward, Richard Bryan, Matthew Coton, Darious Darkin, Seb Jenkins (All released)
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| Bent is looking to bounce back from a serious injury. |
Prediction: Life should be more comfortable for Villa fans this season. 10th
Chelsea
Last season: With the club 5th and still in the FA Cup and Champions League, Andre Villas-Boas was the eigth managerial sacking under Roman Abramovich's nine year tenure as Chelsea owner. AVB's assistant Roberto di Matteo was put in charge for the remainder of the season. Not even the most optimistic of Chelsea fans could've predicted what would happen come May. Firstly, Di Matteo guided the Blues to their fourth FA Cup final win in six years, beating Liverpool 2-1. A dramatic penalty shootout win over Bayern Munich at their own Allianz Arena - after beating Barcelona in the semis - topped off an incredible month and Abramovich's relentless pursuit of winning the Holy Grail, the Champions League, was fulfilled. Di Matteo was given the job on a permanent basis and has been quick to buy, spending over £60 million at the time of writing. The departure of club legend Didier Drogba to Shanghai will be a big void to fill, most probably by Fernando Torres.
Transfers. In: Eden Hazard (£32m from Lille), Oscar (£25m from Internacional), Marko Marin (£6.5m from Werder Bremen), George Brady (£250,000 from Cannes), Thorgan Hazard (Undisclosed from Lens).
Out: Didier Drogba (Free to Shanghai Shenhua), Salomon Kalou (Free to Lille), Marko Mitrovic (Free to Brescia), Rhys Taylor (Free to Southend United), Jeffrey Bruma (Loan to Hamburg), Romelu Lukaku (Loan to West Bromwich Albion), Ben Gordon (Loan to Birmingham City), Patrick van Aanholt, Tomas Kalas (Loan to Vitesse), Thibaut Courtois (Loan to Atletico Madrid), Kevin de Bruyne (Loan to Werder Bremen), Jose Bosingwa (Released)
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| Torres won the Euro 2012 Golden Boot |
Key Player: Fernando Torres. The Spanish striker has been the butt of many jokes since he failed to live up to the £50 million price tag Chelsea paid for him in January 2011, especially after missing an open goal at Old Trafford in September. Under Di Matteo, Torres' confidence rose and consequently, so did the goal return, scoring six goals including a hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers. This summer Torres won the Euro 2012 Golden Boot after scoring three times and one assist, suggesting he may well be back to his best and silencing his critics.
Prediction: New signings may take time to gel, but could be dark horses for the title. 3rd
Everton
Last season: It was a season of two halves for the Toffees. Prior to the January transfer window, Everton got off to yet another slow start, losing eight games and struggling in the bottom half. New additions were needed and manager David Moyes wasted no time, buying Darren Gibson and Nikica Jelavic from Manchester United and Rangers respectively, while adding familiar faces in Steven Pienaar and Landon Donovan on loan. They all played a crucial role in a resurgent end to the season, only losing two of their last 18 games against Arsenal and Liverpool to finish seventh as well as reaching the FA Cup semi final. Pienaar has been added permanently this summer, and Everton fans will be targeting a place in Europe this season. The sale of Jack Rodwell to Manchester City could prove to be a loss.
Transfers. In: Steven Pienaar (£4.5m from Tottenham Hotspur), Steven Naismith (Free from Rangers).
Out: Jack Rodwell (£12m to Manchester City), Tim Cahill (£1m to New York Red Bulls), Joseph Yobo (Undisclosed to Fenerbahce). Joao Silva (Undisclosed to Levski Sofia), James Wallace (Undisclosed to Tranmere Rovers), Adam Forshaw (Undisclosed to Brentford), Aristote Nsiala (Free to Accrington Stanley), Marcus Hanhemann, James McFadden and Femi Orenuga (All released)
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| Jelavic was Everton's top goalscorer last season |
Key Player: Nikica Jelavic. David Moyes rarely spends a lot of money, but the £5.5 million spent for Croatia striker Jelavic already looks like a sound investment. Questions were asked whether Jelavic could be as prolific as he was north of the border with Rangers, but 11 goals in 16 appearances meant he finished as the club's top goalscorer, despite only being on Merseyside for five months. If he can replicate that return this season then European football will return to Goodison Park.
Prediction: If injuries and suspensions are kind to what is still a small squad, they can match or maybe even better last season's finish. 7th
Fulham
Last season: Martin Jol's tenure at Fulham got off to a slow start, winning just two of their first 13 league games, while they were unlucky to exit the Europa League at the group stage. The goals of Clint Dempsey and January loan acquisition Pavel Pogrebnyak saw the Cottagers climb the table, eventually finishing 9th. The duo scored 23 of Fulham's 48 league goals, with Dempsey becoming the first American to score 50 Premier League goals. Pogrebnyak has since joined Reading, although strikers Mladen Petric and Hugo Rodallega have signed. Once again, a top half finish will be a great achievement for Fulham.
Transfers. In: Mladen Petric (Free from Hamburg), Hugo Rodallega (Free from Wigan Athletic), Sascha Riether (Loan from Cologne).
Out: Marcel Gecov (Undisclosed from Gent), Dickson Etuhu (Undisclosed from Blackburn Rovers), Andrew Johnson (Free to Queens Park Rangers), Danny Murphy (Free to Blackburn Rovers), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Free to Reading), Orlando Sa (Free to AEL Limassol), Bjorn Helge Risse (Free to Lillestrom)
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| Dempsey scored 23 goals for Fulham last season. |
Prediction: If Dempsey leaves as expected, the Cottagers may struggle for goals. Should have enough to stay up comfortably though. 13th
Liverpool
Last season: Victory in the Carling Cup - the first trophy in six years at Anfield - and reaching the FA Cup final wasn't enough for club legend Kenny Dalglish to keep his job. A poor league record, ultimately finishing the season in 8th, cost him, as did the way the club handled the racism issue involving Luis Suarez which hung over the club for the majority of the season. Brendan Rodgers was appointed manager this summer after drawing plaudits for the attractive passing football he encouraged while at Swansea and will certainly want to improve on last season's poor finish. The Reds are back in Europe after missing out last season, and a good run in the Europa League or one of the domestic cups again would be welcome. In the league, Champions League qualification remains the aim, but that looks out of reach again this season.
Transfers. In: Joe Allen (£15m from Swansea City), Fabio Borini (£10m from Roma)
Out: Dirk Kuyt (Undisclosed to Fenerbahce), Maxi Rodriguez (Undisclosed to Newell's Old Boys), Alberto Aquilani (Undisclosed to Fiorentina), Craig Bellamy (Undisclosed to Cardiff City), Fabio Aurellio (Free to Gremio), Stephen Darby (Free to Bradford City), David Amoo (Free to Preston North End), Toni Silva (Free to Barnsley)
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| Lucas is a regular starter for Brazil. |
Key Player: Lucas Leiva. The Brazilian took some time to find his feet at Anfield, but the 2010/11 season saw the midfielder play a key role. He picked up the Liverpool Player of the Year in 2010 and looked to carry that form into last season. After some impressive performances, he picked up a season ending injury and proved to be a big miss for Liverpool. Now back from injury, Lucas is hoping to re-establish himself in Liverpool's and Brazil's midfield.
Prediction: Will improve on last season's finish, but not in the top four which the fans and owners want. 6th
Manchester City
Last season: It was an ending which all Manchester City fans will remember for the rest of their lives. 2-1 down to Queens Park Rangers going into stoppage time on the final day of the season, City needed to somehow produce the comeback of all comebacks to win the title from under rivals Manchester United's noses. Edin Dzeko scored an equaliser two minutes into stoppage time, before the final kick of the game saw Sergio Aguero strike home to send City fans into delirium and secure City's first title in 44 years, winning the league on goal difference. The only downside from last season was the performance in the Champions League, exiting at the group stage, albeit from a tough group. Roberto Mancini will be hoping to rectify that this season.
Transfers. In: Jack Rodwell (£12m from Everton)
Out: Vladimir Weiss (£1.3m to Pescara), Greg Cunningham (Undisclosed to Bristol City), Wayne Bridge (Loan to Brighton & Hove Albion), Omar Elabdellaoui (Loan to Feyenoord), Ahmed Benali, Stuart Taylor, Gai Assulin, Owen Hargreaves (All released)
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| Yaya Toure scored 13 goals from midfield last season. |
Key Player: Yaya Toure. His commanding displays and surging runs were a key part of City getting results last season, as is his ability to score crucial goals. After scoring the winners in last season's FA Cup semi final and final, he scored 13 goals last season. They included the two goals that won City the match at Newcastle in the penultimate game of the season, which would have all but handed United the title. He was missed in January when he went to the African Nations Cup, and with the tournament coming around again this season, City will hope they can survive a month without him.
Prediction: Should be as strong as they were last season and will hope to go further in the Champions League as well. 1st
Manchester United
Last season: It was a heartbreaking end to what was ultimately a disappointing season. United crashed out at the Champions League group stage after an embarrasing defeat to Basle, while their subsequent campaign in the Europa League saw them outclassed by Athletic Bilbao. Domestically, they were shocked at Old Trafford by Championship side Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup and lost to Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup Fourth Round. However, they were extremely unlucky in missing out on the Premier League title. Not only for the dramatic way it ended, but the comeback they mounted to get back into contention in the first place. They are a team in transition, with the likes of Phil Jones, David de Gea, Danny Welbeck and Chris Smalling all promising to be big players in years to come as the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand come towards the end of their career. Sir Alex Ferguson will also want to retire on a high by winning a title or the Champions League sooner rather than later.
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| Vidic: Returning from an eight month spell on the sidelines. |
Transfers. In: Shinji Kagawa (Undisclosed from Borussia Dortmund), Nick Powell (Undisclosed from Crewe Alexandra)
Out: Ritchie De Laet and Matt James (Undisclosed to Leicester City), Oliver Norwood (Undisclosed to Huddersfield Town), Park Ji-Sung (Undisclosed to Queens Park Rangers), Paul Pogba (Undisclosed to Juventus), Zeki Fryers (Undisclosed to Tottenham Hotspur), Fabio (Loan to Queens Park Rangers), Ben Amos (Loan to Hull City), Tomasz Kuszczak (Free to Brighton & Hove Albion), Michael Owen (Released)
Key Player: Nemanja Vidic. Not only was the 3-2 defeat in Basle last December see United exit the Champions League, but it also saw a season ending injury to their Serbian defender. The 2010/11 Premier League Player of the Year was certainly a big miss and many United fans point to Vidic's absence as to why they missed out on the title. He's returned to pre-season and providing he can stay injury free, will strengthen United's title credentials this season.
Prediction: New signing Kagawa will add more quality in midfield, but will it be enough? 2nd
Newcastle United
Last season: The Toon were the surprise package of last season, finshing the season in 5th and challenging for a Champions League place right up until the end of the season. After selling key midfielders Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan, many had expected Newcastle to struggle, but Alan Pardew found some real gems to replace them. Yohan Cabaye pulled the strings in midfield and Senegalise strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse fired in the goals, scoring 29 goals between them. Their league position means they have qualified for the Europa League this season, which could provide greater strain on what is a thin squad. Expectations will also be higher on Tyneside than they were last season, and it could be a struggle to keep their star players.
Transfers. In: Gael Bigirimana (Undisclosed from Coventry City), Curtis Good (£500,000 from Melbourne Heart), Romain Amalfitano (Free from Rennes)
Out: Leon Best (£3m to Blackburn Rovers), Fraser Forster (£2m to Celtic), Danny Guthrie (Free to Reading), Alan Smith (Free to MK Dons), Peter Lovenkrands (Free to Birmingham City), Tamas Kadar (Free to Roda).
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| Cabaye signed for Newcastle from Lille last summer. |
Key Player: Yohan Cabaye. His transfer to Newcastle from Lille was one of the signings of last season. The midfielder was lauded for his displays in midfield and was a demon at set pieces, his free kick in the 3-0 win against Manchester United was a particular highlight. He was called up to France's Euro 2012 squad this summer and was one of their best players, scoring against Ukraine. Keep up his form and he could be heavily linked with a move from St James' Park.
Prediction: European distractions mean they won't finish as high as last season, but a top half finish should be achieveable. 8th
Norwich City
Last season: Paul Lambert worked wonders during his time at Carrow Road, guiding Norwich to back to back promotions, followed by a comfortable 12th placed finish in the Premier League last season. His achievements would always attract the interest from a bigger club and when Aston Villa came calling this summer, Norwich were left helpless. Chris Hughton is a very good replacement, himself doing a great job at Birmingham last season and his 18 month spell at Newcastle. Last seasons key players have stayed loyal, including striker Grant Holt who signed a new three year deal this summer. It remains to be seen whether Norwich's squad, largely plucked from the Football League, can stay in the Premier League for a second season without Lambert.
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| Holt was tipped by some to be in England's Euro 2012 squad. |
Key Player: Grant Holt. He was heavily linked to follow Lambert to Villa until he signed a new contract. The club captain scored 15 goals last season and terrorised defenders with his physical presence, leading to some calling for his inclusion in England's Euro 2012 squad. Roy Hodgson decided to leave him out, but an England cap this season won't be out of the question if he can carry on scoring to keep the Canaries in the top flight for another season.
Prediction: The dreaded second-season syndrome could affect the Canaries as they struggle with life after Lambert. 18th
Queens Park Rangers
Last season: By the skin of their teeth, QPR stayed in the top flight on the last day of the season. After sacking Neil Warnock in January, Mark Hughes was given the task of keeping Rangers in the Premier League. They won their last five home league games to give them a chance on the final day at Man City. On one hand, they were unlucky with the dramatic events that happened in the final moments at the Etihad as a win would have seen them stay up. But on the other, some dubious decisions went against relegation rivlas Bolton in their match at Stoke which saw the Trotters ultimately go down to the Championship. Hughes has strengthened his squad, with some signings raising question marks like the injury prone Andrew Johnson, others looking like bargains such as left back Fabio on a season long loan and the acquisition of Park Ji-Sung for an initial £2 million.
Transfers. In: Park Ji-Sung (Undisclosed from Manchester United), Samba Diakte (Undisclosed from Nancy), Ryan Nelsen (Free from Tottenham Hotspur), Andy Johnson (Free from Fulham), Robert Green (Free from West Ham United), Junior Hoilett (Free from Blackburn Rovers), Fabio (Loan from Manchester United)
Out: Paddy Kenny (Undisclosed to Leeds United), Heidar Helguson (Undisclosed to Cardiff City), Peter Ramage (Free to Crystal Palace), Fitz Hall (Free to Watford), Rowan Vine (Free to St Johnstone), Bruno Perone, Danny Shittu, Danny Gabbidon, Gary Borrowdale, Lee Cook, Patrick Agyemang, Akos Buzsaky (All released)
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| Taarabt has scored 29 goals during his time at Loftus Road. |
Key Player: Adel Taarabt. For a player who believes he be playing at Real Madrid, the 2010/11 season was a disappointment. The Moroccan winger has all the tricks in the book but failed to execute them at the right time throughout last season, proving it's one thing doing it in the Championship, but quite another at the top level. This season is the time for Taarabt to show everyone what all the self hype is all about.
Prediction: Should comfortably stave off relegation this season after buying some gems in the transfer market. 11th
Reading
Last season: As always, a late season surge saw Reading rocket up the table, this time seeing them crowned winners of the Championship. They won 14 games from 16 between February and April to pip Southampton and West Ham, both of whom had shared the lead throughout the season. It was all the more remarkable as they had sold their two best players from the previous season. Striker Shane Long joined West Brom and captain Matt Mills left for Leicester. There lies the key to Reading's success - they have no superstars. Team morale is their biggest strength, all willing to run through a brick wall for manager Brian McDermott. The Royals were taken over by a Russian tycoon who have serious cash to splash, but have decided to not go on a spending spree. Some canny free transfers have been made as they look set to keep the spirit that did so well for them last season. If they are struggling by the time the January transfer window comes around, expect them to strengthen.
Transfers. In: Chris Gunter (£2.3m from Nottingham Forest), Adrian Mariappa (Undisclosed from Watford), Gareth McCleary (Free from Nottingham Forest), Danny Guthrie (Free from Newcastle United), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Free from Fulham), Nicky Shorey (Free from West Bromwich Albion)
Out: Mathieu Manset (Undisclosed to Sion), Michail Antonio (Undisclosed to Sheffield Wednesday), Andy Griffin, Brian Howard, Cedric Baseya, Jacob Walcott, Ethan Gage, Jack Mills, Tomasz Cywka and Cameron Edwards (All released)
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| Pogrebnyak scored six goals in 12 games for Fulham last season. |
Key Player: Pavel Pogrebnyak. Reading's capture of the Russian striker ahead of Aston Villa and Fulham - where he spent the last four months on the season on loan and scored six goals in 12 starts - is a real coup. His goals should be enough to secure Reading's Premier League status this season, and signal a real intent by the Royals' Russian owners.
Prediction: Team spirit and wealthy backers if they need it should stand them in good stead. 15th
Southampton
Last season: Back to back promotions was achieved at St Mary's as they finished second in the Championship. The Saints never left the automatic promotion places from beginning to end and were unlucky to miss out on the title to the juggernaut what was Reading. They will now be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Norwich - back to back promotions from League One to the Premier League followed by a comfortable mid table finish. The mastermind behind it was Nigel Adkins. Appointed after the surprise sacking of Alan Pardew in 2010, the former Scunthorpe manager promised promotion and delivered twice. Indeed, the former physio turned manager has achieved four promotions in six seasons. Survival this season will certainly see his stock rise.
Transfers. In: Jay Rodriguez (Undisclosed from Burnley), Steven Davis (Undisclosed from Rangers), Nathaniel Clyne (Undisclosed from Crystal Palace), Paulo Gazzaniga (Undisclosed from Gillingham)
Out: Dan Harding (Undisclosed to Nottingham Forest), Aaron Martin (Loan to Crystal Palace), Tommy Forecast (Loan to Gillingham), Harlee Dean (Free to Brentford), Lee Holmes (Free to Preston North End), Bartosz Bialkowski (Free to Notts County), Ryan Dobie (Free to Shrewsbury Town), David Connolly (Released), Radhi Jaidi (Retired)
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| Lallana has racked up nearly 200 appearances for Southampton |
Key Player: Adam Lallana. Another exciting player from the Southampton youth academy that produced Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale. The midfielder has played nearly 200 times for the Saints and has been named in back-to-back teams of the year - last season scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists. Generally, if Lallana plays well, Southampton play well.
Prediction: The momentum of back to back promotions should see them survive. 17th
Stoke City
Last season: The Potters embarked on their first jaunt into Europe in 37 years and reached the last 32 of the Europa League before falling to Valencia. Although it was a pleasant experience, it affected their league form as they lost the four league games which succeeded their first four group matches. Long travels to Ukraine, Turkey and Israel weren't ideal either as European football took its toll on a small squad They eventually finished the season 14th, their lowest league position since entering the Premier League. Since being promoted to the top flight in 2008 they have more than held their own, and with the distraction of European football out of the way, Tony Pulis can focus on the bread and butter of the league. As they have in the past four seasons, they should comfortably stave off relegation.
Transfers. In: Geoff Cameron (£2.5m from Houston Dynamo), Michael Kightly (Undisclosed from Wolves), Jamie Ness (Free from Rangers)
Out: Danny Collins (Undisclosed to Nottingham Forest), Andrew Davies (Free to Bradford City), Jonathan Woodgate (Free to Middlesbrough), Matthew Lund (Loan to Bristol Rovers), Florent Cuvelier (Loan to Walsall), Ryan Brunt (Loan to Leyton Orient), Tom Soares, Ricardo Fuller, Salif Diao, Louis Molt (All released)
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| Crouch is Stoke's most expensive player. |
Key Player: Peter Crouch. Considering he is a club record transfer at £10 million, you would expect the England international to be an important player for the Potters. In his debut season at the Britannia Stadium, Crouch scored 14 times including a world class goal against Manchester City. He also won Stoke's Player of the Year. If he can continue scoring, then a recall back to the Three Lions squad could happen.
Prediction: Without the distraction of European football, they should pick up a few more points and improve on their position from last season. 12th
Sunderland
Last season: After a woeful start which returned just two wins in 14 games, Steve Bruce was dismissed from Wearside. In came Martin O'Neill and rejuvinated the side, winning eight of their next 14. However, things fizzled out at the end of the season, going winless for the final eight games and finishing 13th, showing that their is still work to be done. Their top goalscorer was loanee Nicklas Bendtner with just eight goals, showing that the Black Cats haven't replaced Darren Bent since he left to join Aston Villa 18 months ago, and need someone more prolific if they're to consistently finish in the top half. This is Sunderland's sixth consecutive season in the Premier League and are now established in the top flight. Under O'Neill, they will hope they can go to the next level and challenge for Europe.
Transfers. In: Carlos Cuellar (Free to Aston Villa)
Out: Asamoah Gyan (£6m to Al Ain), Michael Turner (£1.5m to Norwich City), Cristian Riveros (£240,000 to Kayserispor), George McCartney (Free to West Ham United), Michal Liddle (Free to Accrington Stanley), Marcos Angeleri (Free to Estudiantes), Jordan Cook (Free to Charlton Athletic), Trevor Carson (Free to Bury), Craig Gordon and Oumare Tounkara (Both released)
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| Larsson was Sunderland's joint second top goalscorer last season. |
Prediction: A top half finish under O'Neill is achievable, but European football will remain out of reach. 9th
Swansea City
Last season: Their passing football surprised many and drew plaudits from all around as the Swans finished 11th in their debut season. The Liberty Stadium also proved to be a difficult place to get points from for visiting sides, losing only four games all season and beating the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. Manager Brendan Rodgers was promptly taken from Wales and installed as the new Liverpool chief this summer, a big blow to the Swans. Danish legend Michael Laudrup, himself an advocate of passing the ball on the deck, replaced Rodgers and is now faced with task of keeping them up for a second season and trying to keep hold of their star players such as Michel Vorm and Scott Sinclair. One player who has left is midfielder Joe Allen, following Rodgers to Anfield.
Transfers. In: Chico (£2m from Genoa), Michu (£2m from Rayo Vallecano), Jonathan de Guzman (Loan from Villarreal)
Out: Joe Allen (£15m to Liverpool), Ferrie Bodde, Joe Walsh, Casey Thomas, Jordan Smith, Ryan Donnelly (All released)
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| Graham is a key player for the way Swansea play. |
Prediction: Easy on the eye football should continue under Laudrup, as should their Premier League status. 14th
Tottenham Hotspur
Last season: A fourth placed finish was a great achievement. But Chelsea's Champions League heroics meant that Spurs didn't qualify for Europe's premier competition, instead entering the Europa League for the second consecutive season. Not only is it a blow for the club's finances, but they also run the risk of losing their best players. Luka Modric's future at White Hart Lane is in doubt for a second consecutive summer, with Real Madrid looking a likely destination, while Emmanuel Adebayor looks unlikely to make a permanent move after a successful loan spell last season. The biggest disappointment for Spurs fans this summer was undoubtedly the departure of manager Harry Redknapp. During his four year spell he guided the team to a Champions League quarter final while creating an exciting young team. He was heavily linked with the vacant England managerial post at the start of the year which appeared to affect Spurs' form as they went from serious title challengers to scrapping for a top four finish. Andre Villas-Boas has replaced Redknapp, looking to prove a point after his failed short spell at Chelsea.
Transfers. In: Jan Vertonghen (£9m from Ajax), Gylfi Sigurdsson (£8m from Hoffenheim), Zeki Fryers (Undisclosed from Manchester United).
Out: Niko Kranjcar (£5.5m to Dynamo Kiev), Vedran Corluka (£5.5m to Lokomotiv Moscow), Steven Pienaar (£4.5m to Everton), Ryan Nelsen (Free to Queens Park Rangers), Ben Alnwick (Free to Barnsley), Massimo Luongo (Loan to Ipswich Town), Ryan Fredericks (Loan to Brentford), Bongani Khumalo (Loan to PAOK Salonika), Simon Dawkins (Loan to San Jose Earthquakes), Oscar Jansson, Louis Saha (Both released), Ledley King (Retired)
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| Bale was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year last season. |
Prediction: Replacing Modric, should he leave, will be hard. Still have enough quality to compete for a Champions League spot but could fall short. 5th
West Bromwich Albion
Last season: After getting the reputation of being a yo-yo club, Roy Hodgson guided the Baggies to two mid table finishes during his 18 months at the Hawthorns. Hodgson did a fine job of steering Albion away from the drop zone in his first six months, finishing in 11th. Particular highlights last season included wins against Chelsea and Liverpool and doing the doube over rivals Wolves as they finished 10th, their highest finish in 30 years. England came calling for Hodgson's services which he duly accepted, leaving Albion to call upon former Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham assistant Steve Clarke. There is no doubt Clarke is a fine assistant manager, being Mourinho's right hand man while at Stamford Brdige. But this is Clarke's first managerial job and could find the transition from assistant to manager a challenge.
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| Foster made his move to West Brom permanent this summer. |
Out: Simon Cox (Undisclosed to Nottingham Forest), Keith Andrews (Free to Bolton Wanderers), Joe Mattock (Free to Sheffield Wednesday), Nicky Shorey (Free to Reading), Lateef Elford-Alliyu (Free to Bury), Somen Tchoyi, Paul Downing, Marton Fulop, Paul Scharner (All released)
Key Player: Ben Foster. The former Manchester United goalkeeper played all but one of Albion's games last season, whilst on loan from Birmingham. He kept a total of ten clean sheets and was voted supporters' player and players' player of the year. The move was made permanent this summer for £4 million, and will be a key player for the Baggies. Could also be tempted out of international retirement from former manager Hodgson.
Prediction: The loss of Hodgson could see them become relegation candidates once again. Clarke may face a difficult first job in management. 19th
West Ham United
Last season: The Hammers bounced back from relegation with a playoff final victory over Blackpool, but fans at Upton Park still weren't happy. Sam Allardyce's long ball approach was criticised by fans used to seeing the ball played on the deck in the "West Ham way". Big Sam will point to the fact that they got promoted at the first attempt from what is a very tough league, but a slow start this season will only cause for the groans to become louder. Allardyce has been busy in the transfer market, signing no less than eight players at the time of writing, including former Wigan defender Mohamed Diame on a free transfer. One player who appears not to be joining the Hammers is Andy Carroll, who had been heavily linked with a move this summer.
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| Noble scored eight times for West Ham last season. |
Out: Robert Green (Free to Queens Park Rangers), Abdoulaye Faye (Free to Hull City), Frank Nouble (Free to Wolves), Julien Faubert (Free to Elazigspor), Freddie Sears (Free to Colchester United), Marek Stech (Free to Yeovil Town), Olly Lee (Free to Barnet), Papa Bouba Diop, John Carew and Peter Kurucz (All released)
Key Player: Mark Noble. Another product of the West Ham academy, Noble has played nearly 200 times for the Hammers. Last season Noble scored eight goals and created nine assists and was named in the Championship Team of the Year. Now back in the Premier League, Noble will hope to replicate that form this season.
Prediction: With Allardyce at the helm they should survive. It might not be pretty though. 16th
Wigan Athletic
Last season: Things looked bleak for Wigan for a while last season. A run of eight consecutive defeats in the Autumn left the Latics rooted to the bottom of the table. Things weren't much better by the end of February, with the club well and truly in the middle of yet another relegation dog fight. But once again, manager Roberto Martinez had a plan. A switch to a 3-4-3 formation saw a dramatic turn in performances and results, and not just against the teams around them. Away wins at Liverpool and Arsenal and 1-0 and 4-0 wins against Manchester United and Newcastle respectively steered the team to a 15th place finish and seven points above the relegation zone. Martinez was heavily linked with the vacant managerial posts at Liverpool and Aston Villa but opted to stay at the DW stadium. Some key players have left however, including Hugo Rodallega and Mohamed Diame on free transfers while Victor Moses, arguably Wigan's best player last season, remains a reported target for Chelsea.
Transfers. In: Fraser Fyvie (Undisclosed from Aberdeen), Ivan Ramis (Undisclosed from Real Mallorca), Ryo Miyaichi (Loan from Arsenal)
Out: Chris Kirkland (Free to Sheffield Wednesday), Mohamed Diame (Free to West Ham United), Hugo Rodallega (Free to Fulham), Hendry Thomas and Steve Gohouri (Both released)
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| Al-Habsi was the first Omani to play in the Premier League. |
Key Player: Ali Al-Habsi. After a successful season on loan from Bolton, Al-Habsi made his move to Wigan permanent last summer. He made some crucial saves in Wigan's fight to stay up, including saving a penalty from Charlie Adam in the 0-0 draw against Liverpool, and kept eight clean sheets. The Omani is one of the best shot stoppers in the Premier League, and will be have to be at his best again this season.
Prediction: With them continuing to sell their best players, surely they can't pull off another great escape? 20th
@mattelliott321
All transfers correct at the time of writing.
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