Can Manchester United win the Premier League again, or will City fight back? Is Cardiff back in the best company for good, and will Paul Lamberts new Aston Villa bring them to the top? It's time for a new season, new players and new goals! Here are the Great Dane's predictions on the upcoming Premier League season.









1. Manchester City
  • Last season: 
    • Runners-up
    • Top scorer: Edin Dzeko (14)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Fernandinho (£35.2m) from Shaktar Donetsk, Jesús Navas (£17.6m) from Sevilla FC, Álvaro Negredo (£22m) from Sevilla FC, Stevan Jovetic (£22.88m) from Fiorentina - Total: 4 players, £97.680.000
    • Departures: Carlos Tévez (£7.92m) to Juventus, Kolo Touré (Free transfer) to Liverpool, Roque Santa Cruz (Free transfer) to Málaga, Wayne Bridge (Free transfer) to Reading FC, Karim Rekik (On loan) to PSV Eindhoven, Jérémy Helan (£358.160) to Sheffield Wednesday, Maicon (Free transfer) to AS Roma, Reece Wabara (On loan) to Doncaster - Total: 8 players, £8.278.160

Last season's runners-up have, just like their rivals, changed manager during the summer break. The new man in the hot seat is Manuel Pellegrini, and unlike David Moyes in Manchester United, he has the experience of managing a top European club from his years in Real Madrid. This might be vital in the battle between the two Manchester rivals. On the transfer-side, City said goodbye and farewell to some of the players brought to the club when the money started rolling. Carlos Tévez has left for Juventus and Kolo Touré from Liverpool while some of the back-up players has been free to leave. Instead, they have brought in Stevan Jovetic from Fiorentina and Álvaro Negredo which does not leave much hope for last years top scorer Edin Dzeko. Jesús Navas and Fernandinho have been brought in for the midfield, and overall the City squad looks confident for this season. However, with so many players in the squad, we might see problems that can have an effect on the play.

Keep an eye on: Vincent Kompany. The Manchester City defends was one of the most stable last season, and Kompany is a vital part of it. The Belgian will be one of the profiles for City this season.


2. Chelsea FC

  • Last season:
    • 3rd
    • Top scorer: Frank Lampard (15)
  • Transfers
    • Arrivals: Mark Schwarzer (Free transfer) from Fulham FC, André Schürrle (£19.3m) from Bayer Leverkusen, Marco van Ginkel (£8.2m) from Vitesse, Cristian Cuevas (£1.6m) from O'Higgins, Anjur Osmanovic (End of loan) from Lärje-Angereds, Stipe Perica (£2.1m) from NK Zadar, Tomas Kalas (End of loan) from Vitesse, Ulises Dávila (End of loan) from CE Sabadell, Kevin de Bruyne (End of loan) from Werder Bremen, Michael Essien (End of loan) from Real Madrid, Wallace (End of loan) from Fluminense - Total: 11 players, £31.460.000
    • Departures: Paulo Ferreira (End of career), Yossi Benayoun (Free transfer), Ross Turnbull (Free transfer) to Doncaster, Archange Nkumu (Free transfer), Amin Affane (Free transfer) to Energie Cottbus, Todd Kane (On loan) to Blackburn Rovers, Milan Lalkovic (On loan) to Walsall, George Saville (On loan) to Brentford, Danny Pappoe (On loan) to Colchester, Jeffrey Bruma (£2.5m) to PSV Eindhoven, Marko Marin (On loan) to Sevilla FC, Patrick Bamford (On loan) to MK Dons, Matej Delac (On loan) to Vojvodina, Oriol Romeu (On loan) to Valencia CF, Billy Clifford (On loan) to Yeovil, Sam Walker (On loan) to Colchester, Florent Malouda (Free transfer) to Trabzonspor, Cristian Cuevas (On loan) to Vitesse, Lucas Piazón (On loan) to Vitesse - Total: 19 players, £2.596.000m

The "Special One" is back at Stamford Bridge and ready to bring some tactical discipline to one of the most talented squads in the Premier League. The first signing was the German star André Schürrle, and with Kevin de Bruyne back from his loan spell in Werder Bremen, the attacking midfield seems even stronger than last season. Chelsea has said goodbye to some of the experienced players as Paulo Ferreira and Florent Malouda who have peaked many seasons ago. The Chelsea team is full of talented youth and mixed with some experience from Frank Lampard, John Terry and the new goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer Chelsea will be exiting to follow this season.

Keep an eye on: Frank Lampard might not be playing in every match for Chelsea this season, but his role for the team is not to be underestimated.  


3. Manchester United
  • Last season:
    • Winners
    • Top scorer: Robin van Persie (26)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Guillermo Varela (£1.5m) from Peñarol, Federico Macheda (End of loan) from Stuttgart - Total: 2 players, £1.540.000
    • Departures: Paul Scholes (End of career), John Cofie (Free transfer) to Barnsley, Reece Brown (Free transfer) to Watford, Luke McCullough (Free transfer) to Doncaster, Sean McGinty (Free transfer) to Sheffield United, Reece James (On loan) to Carlisle, Ryan Tunnicliffe (On loan) to Ipswich, Bebé (On loan) to Pacos Ferreira - Total: 8 players, £0

David Moyes has without a doubt the hardest job in football, replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. A lot of people doubt that Moyes has what it takes to make Manchester United champions. I have my doubts as well; at least for this season. United has the squad to become champions, and most of the players know what it takes to make it to the top. While Wayne Rooney seems to have outplayed his role in Manchester the flying Dutchman, Robin van Persie, will unarguably hit the same goal streak as the last two seasons and be a vital part of United. That said, the midfield seems a little weak with Paul Scholes gone, and a Michael Fletcher out for some time. On top of that, United has not managed to get either Thiago or Cesc Fabregas to force the midfield. In the defends, it is time for a change this term as both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic has reached an age where they won't be able to play a full season.

Keep an eye on: Wilfreid Zaha will be playing his first season in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see if he can make it on the highest level.


4. Tottenham Hotspur

  • Last season:
    • 5th
    • Top scorer: Gareth Bale (21)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Paulinho (£17.3m) from Corinthians, Nacer Chadli (£7.1m) from Twente, Roberto Soldado (£26.4m) from Valencia CF, Heurelho Gomes (End of loan) from 1899 Hoffenheim - Total: 4 players, £50.930.000
    • Departures: William Gallas (Free transfer), Jack Barthram (Free transfer) to Swindon, John Bostock (Free transfer) to Royal Antwerp, David Bentley (Free transfer), Jack Munns (Free transfer), Jake Nicholson (Free transfer), Dean Parrett (Free transfer), Massimo Luongo (On loan) to Swindon, Grant Hall (On loan) to Swindon, Alex Pritchard (On loan) to Swindon, Nathan Byrne (Free transfer) to Swindon, Ryan Mason (On loan) to Swindon, Adam Smith (On loan) to Derby, Bongani Khumalo (On loan) to Doncaster, Steven Caulker (£8m) to Cardiff, Clint Dempsey (£5.9m) to Sounders FC - Total: 16 players, £14.036.000

Andre Villas-Boas did well in his first season, in Tottenham, and will be eager to continue the development of the team. Last season's signings of Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele had an instant impact, and with the new faces this season, Spurs looks like to top four contender. The reason why I place them higher than Arsenal, is the fact that Tottenham has managed to bring new faces to the club; players that will improve the team. While Paulinho and Roberto Soldado have joined the club, Clint Dempsey has left after only one season in North London. However, the real danger for Tottenham is that Gareth Bale should head for Madrid. If that happens, Spurs might have to fight even harder for their 4th this season; that's how important Bale is.

Keep an eye on: Gareth Bale is Tottenham Hotspur. The Welshman just seem to keep his development, and if Spurs manage to keep him, he will be vital this season - again!


5. Arsenal
  • Last season:
    • 4th
    • Top scorer: Theo Walcott (14)
  • Transfers
    • Arrivals: Yaya Sanogo (Free transfer) from Auxerre, Wellington Silva (End of loan) from SD Ponferradina, Chu-Young Park (End of loan) from Celta de Vigo, Nicklas Bendtner (End of loan) from Juventus - Total: 4 players, £0
    • Departures: Martin Angha (Free transfer) to 1.FC Nuremburg, Sébastien Squillaci (Free transfer) to Bastia, Kyle Ebecilio (Free transfer) to FC Twente, Graig Eastmond (Free transfer) to Colchester, Jordan Wynter (Free transfer) to Bristol City, Elton Monteiro (Free transfer) to Club Brugge, Samir Bihmoutine (Free transfer), Jernade Meade (Free transfer) to Swansea City, Conor Henderson (Free transfer), Josh Reese (Free transfer), Nigel Nieta (Free transfer), Philip Roberts (Free transfer) to Falkirk FC, Sanchez Watt (Free transfer) to Colchester, James Shea (Free transfer), Reice Charles-Cook (Free transfer) to Bury FC, Denílson (Free transfer) to São Paulo, Andrey Arshavin (Free transfer) to Zenit St Petersburg, Johan Djourou (On loan (£660.000)) to Hamburger SV, Vito Mannone (£2.1m) to Sunderland, Francis Coquelin (On loan) to SC Freiburg, André Santos (Free transfer) to Flamengo, Joel Campbell (On loan) to Olympiacos, Sead Hajrovic (Free transfer) to Grasshoppers, Chuks Aneke (On loan) to Crewe, Gervinho (£7m) to AS Roma, Ignasi Miquel (On loan) to Leicester City, Maruane Chamakh (On loan) to Crystal Palace - Total: 27 players, £9.812.000

It looks like another season without silverware for the Gunners fans. Despite, it looked as Wenger was ready to bring out the chequebook only Yaya Sanogo has joined Arsenal - on a free transfer. The fans are screaming for reinforcements and Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain was for a long time rumoured to Arsenal, but none of them have arrived in North London. Arsenal has, without a doubt, a great squad but the team is still trying to fill the hole that Robin van Persie left. Theo Walcott scored 14 goals last season, but the fans are screaming for a top striker that will score 20+. At the same time, the team needs a more stable goalkeeper than Lukaz Fabianski and the 'Sneeze', but it looks as Wenger is ready to settle with the squad as it is. That said there is still some time left of the transfer window and the  fans can hope that Wenger is plotting a monster transfer behind the scenes.

Keep an eye on: Mikel Arteta is one of the most underestimated midfielders in the Premier League. Last season, his passing was a vital part of Arsenal's build up and if he can keep his stable level throughout this season, Arsenal will be helped well on the way in the PL.

6. Swansea City

  • Last season:
    • 9th
    • Top scorer: Michu (18)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: José Alberto Cañas (Free transfer) from Real Betis, Jernade Meade (Free transfer) from Arsenal, Jordi Amat (£2.5m) from Espanyol, Alejandro Pozuelo (£440.000) from Real Betis, Gregor Zabret (N/A) from NK Domzale, Jonjo Shelvey (£5.1m) from Liverpool, Wilfried Bony (£12.2m) from Vitesse, Alexander Gogic (Free transfer) from Olympiakos U20 - Total: 8 players, £20.416.000
    • Departures: Mark Gower (Free transfer) to Charlton, David Cornell (On loan) to St. Mirren FC, Kyle Bartley (On loan) to Birmingham, Dwight Tiendalli (Free transfer), Alan Tate (On loan) to Yeovil, Kemy Agustein (Free transfer) to Brighton, Itay Shechter (End of loan) to 1.FC Kaiserslautern - Total: 7 players, £0

Michael Laudrup made the bargain of the season last year, signing Michu. For this season,  he has signed Wilfried Bony and together with Michu he creates a dangerous duo. The Swans have brought in some competent Spanish additions to the squad in José Alberto Cañas and Jordi Amat. Especially, Cañas can prove to be very important to the Welsh midfield. It will be a tough season for the Swans, especially upon last years impressive performances. One of the problems for Laudrup is the defends, and despite Jordi Amat looks as a great signing there is still some lack of routine to the back four. That said, the Swans will be one of the teams to watch this year.

Keep an eye on: Michu was on everybody's lips last season and it will be interesting to see if he can keep up the performances from last year. So far, his partnership with Bony has been promising. 

7. Liverpool FC
  • Last season:
    • 7th
    • Top scorer: Luis Suarez (23)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Kolo Touré (Free transfer) from Manchester City, Luis Alberto (£7m) from Sevilla FC, Iago Aspas (£7.2m) from Celta de Vigo, Simon Mignolet (£9.3m) from Sunderland, Dani Pacheco (End of loan) from SD Huesca - Total: 5 players, £23.548.000
    • Departures: Danny Wilson (Free transfer) to Hearts, Jamie Carragher (End of career), Péter Gulássi (Free transfer) to RB Salzburg, Andy Carroll (£15.4m) to West Ham United, Jonjo Shelvey (£5.1m) to Swansea City, Michael Ngoo (On loan) to Yeovil, Suso (On loan) to UD Almería, Pepe Reina (On loan) to Napoli, Krisztián Adorján (On loan) to FC Groningen, Jack Robinson (On loan) to Blackpool, Jay Spearing (£1.4m) to Bolton - Total: 12 players, £22.000.000

Brendan Rodgers January signings Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge was a pleasant addition to a Liverpool squad dependent on Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has been the talk this summer, demanding to be sold and can become a problem for the harmony on the team. However, as mentioned the two January signings is becoming better and better each match they play, and with a Suarez banned for the first six matches, they might find the perfect form. Kolo Touré has joined from Manchester City and will bring some experience to the defends while it will be exciting to see if Sunderland's best player last season - Simon Mignolet - can perform on a better team. Liverpool seems to miss the last 10 per cent to become a top team again, but I believe that if they can develop further on their talents - Andre Wisdom, Jordan Ibe and Raheem Sterling - and keep the key players, they will be back within a season or two.

Keep an eye on: Simon Mignolet, the goalkeeper has knocked Pepe Reina out of Liverpool and looks as a future star in the Premier League.

8. Norwich
  • Last season: 
    • 11th
    • Top scorer: Grant Holt (8)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Ricky van Wolfswinkel (£8.8m) from Sportin Lisbon, Javier Garrido (£1.3m) from Lazio, Martin Olsson (£2.5m) from Blackburn, Carlo Nash (Free transfer) from Stoke City, Nathan Redmond (£2m) from Birmingham, Leroy Fer (£4.8m) from Twente, Semi Ajayi (Free transfer) from Charlton, Gary Hooper (£5.5m) from Celtic - Total: 8 players, £25.080.000
    • Departures: Chris Marin (Free transfer) to Derby, Marc Tierney (Free transfer) to Bolton, Tom Adeyemi (Free transfer) to Birmingham, Elliott Ward (Free transfer) to Bournemouth, Korey Smith (Free transfer) to Oldham, Lee Camp (Free transfer), George Francomb (Free transfer) to Wimbledon, Declan Rudd (On loan) to Preston, Jed Steer (N/A) to Aston Villa, James Vaughan (£765.600) to Huddersfield, Grant Holt (£2.6m) to Wigan, Simeon Jackson (Free transfer) to Eintracht Braunschweig, Andrew Surman (On loan) to Bournemouth, Leon Barnett (N/A) to Wigan - Total: 14 players, £3.405.600

Norwich City is a team on the way to the top! Last season they started on fire (despite a 5-0 loss to Fulham) but lost their breath after Christmas. However, the signings of Leroy Fer, Gary Hooper and Ricky Van Wolfswinkel can only make the fans look forward to this season with confidence. The Canaries has let the "filling" leave the club and seems to have a really sharp squad. Wes Hoolahan will definitely be an important figure feeding van Wolfswinkel with great passes. However, much depends on the Dutch. If he fails, so does the Canaries!

Keep an eye on: The 23-year old Leroy Fer was without a doubt one of the biggest talents in Twente and can he bring some of his play from the Eresdivise to the Premier League it will only be a matter of time before the bigger clubs will be making a bid.

9. Aston Villa
  • Last season:
    • 15th
    • Top scorer: Christian Benteke (19)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Aleksandar Tonev (£2.8m) from Lech Poznan, Jores Okore (£4.1m) from FC Nordsjælland, Leandro Bacuna (£880.000) from FC Groningen, Nicklas Helenius (£1.3m) from Aalborg BK, Antonio Luna (£1.7m) from Sevilla FC, Jed Steer (N/A) from Norwich, Alan Hutton (End of loan) from RCD Mallorca - Total: 7 players, £10.912.000
    • Departures: Jean II Makoun (£2.6m) to Rennes, Richard Dunne (Free transfer) to Queens Park Rangers, Eric Lichaj (Free transfer) to Nottingham Forest, Brett Holman (Free transfer) to Al-Nasr, Derrick Williams (Free transfer) to Bristol City, Andy Marshall (Free transfer) to Millwall, Graham Burke (On loan) to Shrewsbury, Samir Carruthers (On loan) to MK Dons - Total: 8 players, £2.640.000

Aston Villa is going through a revolution started by Paul Lambert. The manager has chosen to get rid of some of the elder and heavy paid players and brought in some young talents. The Danish defender Jores Okore can probably go into the starting XI while the Danish striker Nicklas Helenius might need some time to get used to the tempo. However, the former Aalborg star has done will in the pre-season scoring in his first two matches and created a few assists for Christian Benteke. Luckily for Villa, Benteke decided to sign a new contract, and he will be the most important player this season. Paul Lamberts team will go through a hard season as a number of new players needs time to find the tempo and sharpness it takes to play in the best leagues, in the world.

Keep an eye on: Captain Ron Vlaar will be an decive player for Aston Villa this season. As one of the oldest players on the team he will have to guide his new and younger teammates.

10. Everton
  • Last season: 
    • 6th
    • Top scorer: Marouane Fellaini (11)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Antolín Alcaraz (Free transfer) from Wigan, Arouna Koné (£6.1m) from Wigan, Joel Robles (£3.5m) from Atlético Madrid, Gerard Deulofeu (On loan) from Barcelona, Magaye Gueye (End of loan) from Brest - Total: 5 players, £9.680.000
    • Departures: Phil Neville (End of career), Thomas Hitzlsperger (Free transfer), Ján Mucha (Free transfer) to KS Samara, Jake Bidwell (Free transfer) to Brentford, Conor McAleny (On loan) to Brentford - Total: 5 players, £0

Roberto Martinez has taken over from David Moyes in Everton, and the club looks to go through a transitional season. The manager has brought Alcaraz and Koné with him from Wigan, and along with the stable goalkeeper Tim Howard and the iron defender Phil Jagielka they will help Martinez getting through his first season. David Moyes did well with Everton and managed to bring names as Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas to Merseyside. Fellaini has been mentioned on the transfer mill this summer, but luckily for Everton he seems to stay up north. Everton will not be a threat to the top team this season, but if everything goes well, they can be back within a year.

Keep an eye on: Marouane Fellaini was the clubs top scorer last season, and his importance for Everton can not be underestimated. Hewill be a vital part of the team this season.


11. West Bromwich Albion
  • Last season
    • 8th
    • Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku (17)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Nicolas Anelka (Free transfer) from Juventus, Diego Lugano (Free transfer) from Paris SG, Matej Vydra (On loan) from Udinese - Total: 3 players, £0
    • Departures: Romaine Sawyers (Free transfer) to Walsall, Marc-Antoine Fortuné (Free transfer) to Wigan, Zoltán Gera (Free transfer), Gonzalo Jara (Free transfer) to Nottingham Forest, Jerome Thomas (Free transfer) to Crystal Palace, Scott Alan (On loan) to Birmingham, Shane Lewis (N/A) to Walsall - Total: 7 players, £0

West Bromwich surprised many last year as their rookie manager Steve Clarke brought them to a 8th in the Premier League. However, this season Romelu Lukaku and his 17 goals has returned to Chelsea but have been replaced with a true Premier League legend Nicolas Anelka joining his sixth club in England. WBA's second signing is Diego Lugano who will add some Italian power to the defends. The question is if it is enough to finish on the same position this year. I doubt it!

Keep an eye on: Youssuf Mulumbu is the link between the defends and the attack in West Bromwich. He is probably the most important player in the squad.

12. Newcastle United
  • Last season
    • 16th
    • Top scorer: Demba Ba (13)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Loïc Remy (On loan (£2m)) from Queens Park Rangers - Total: 1 player, £2.024.000
    • Departures: Steve Harper (Free transfer) to Hull, Danny Simpson (Free transfer) to Queens Park Rangers, James Perch (£765.600) to Wigan, James Tavernier (On loan) to Shrewsbury, Mehdi Abeid (On loan) to Panathinaikos (Free transfer), Michael Richardson (On loan) to Accrington, Conor Newton (On loan) to St. Mirren FC - Total: 7 players, £765.600 

The pressure is on Alan Pardew after last years dreadful season, and he might be the first manager to be sacked. So far, the Toons have only brought in Loïc Remy on loan from Queens Park Rangers to add some power to the attack. And power is needed as Papiss Cissé seems to have lost his during the second half of last season. One of the main issues for Alan Pardew is to keep the players focus on the pitch and not on the turbulent surrounding at St James Park. The team has the talent, but lacks the coolness to reach a higher position. In fact, Newcastle could be one of the teams fighting for survival.

Keep an eye on: Hatem Ben Arfa has the ability to create chances out of nothing. The French will be the main player setting up the front runners.

13. Southampton FC

  • Last season:
    • 14th
    • Top scorer: Rickie Lambert (15)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Dejan Lovren (£8.8m) from Lyon, Victor Wanyama (£12.7m) from Celtic, Tadanari Lee (End of loan) from FC Tokyo - Total: 3 players, £21.560.000
    • Departures: Tommy Forecast (Free transfer) to Gillingham, Alberto Seidi (Free transfer), Danny Butterfield (Free transfer), Danny Seaborne (Free transfer) to Yeovil, Sam Hoskins (Free transfer) to Yeovil, Ryan Dickson (Free transfer) to Colchester, Ben Reeves (Free transfer) to MK Dons, Vegard Forren (£1.7m) to Molde FK, Richard Chaplow (Free transfer) to Millwall, Frazer Richardson (Free transfer) to Middlesbrough, Steve de Ridder (Free transfer) to Utrecht - Total: 11 players, £1.760.000

A change of manager half way the last season helped Southampton to stay in the Premier League, this season they will have to build on last years performance. Mauricio Pochettino has brought in Victor Wanyama from Celtic and have some impressing young players in his squad. If Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne, as well as Morgan Schneiderlin, can continue to develop, they will be add to the clubs rise in the Premier League. However, it will be hard to improve on last season, and the Hampshire club shall rather focus on staying in the PL.

Keep an eye on: Luke Shaw has been on Chelsea's radar for some time, but is still to be found in Southampton. If the defender keeps his rise he will be one of the future stars on the national team.

14. Cardiff City
  • Last season:
    • Championship winners
    • Top scorer: Gunnarsson/Helguson/Whittingham (8)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Andreas Cornelius (£7.6m) from FC København, John Brayford (£1.5m) from Derby, Simon Moore (N/A) from Brentford, Steven Caulker (£8m) from Tottenham Hotspur, Gary Medel (£11.4) from Sevilla FC - Total: 5 players, £28.679.200
    • Departures: Stephen McPhail (Free transfer), Jesse Darko (Free transfer) to AO Episkopi, Nathaniel Jarvis (Free transfer), Elliot Parish (Free transfer) to Bristol City, Heidar Helguson (End of career), Ben Nugent (On loan) to Brentford - Total: 6 players, £0

Swansea has gotten a Welsh contender in the Premier League, and they are ready to spend the money it takes to stay!  Danish national Andreas Cornelius and Tottenham defender Steven Caulker are the two most exciting additions to the squad trying to stay in the Premier League. Last season, Gunnarsson, Helguson and Whittingham, scored 8 goals each, making them the clubs top scorers. Cornelius is brought in to change that, and will be helped by the experienced bad boy Graig Bellamy. They might have what it takes and more to it, but it is not going to be pretty. However, the fact that Cardiff has not been in the top league since 1962 might be enough motivation for the players.

Keep an eye on: Graig Bellamy, the winger has the experience that his teammates lack, and will be an important player for the Red Dragons.

15. West Ham United

  • Last season:
    • 10th
    • Top scorer: Kevin Nolan (10)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Razvan Rat (Free transfer) from Shaktar Donetsk, Adrián (Free transfer) from Real Betis, Andy Carroll (£15.4m) from Liverpool, Daniel Whitehead (N/A) from Stockport, Alou Diarra (End of loan) from Rennes, Stewart Downing (£5.1m) from Liverpool - Total: 6 players, £15.400.000
    • Departures: Carlton Cole (Free transfer), Robert Hall (N/A) to Bolton, Declan Hunt (Free transfer) to Histon FC, Gary O'Neill (Free transfer) to Queens Park Rangers, Emanuel Pogatetz (End of loan) to VfL Wolfsburg - Total: 5 players, £0


West Ham's did will last year finishing 10th in the Premier League. Entering the hard second year since their promoting, the fans can look forward with some optimism with Andy Carroll signed on a long term. The former Liverpool and Newcastle striker will be vital for the Hammers, and this season will be all about serving one ball after the other for the tall man. West Ham can prove to be a problem for every team in the Premier League this year, but I fear they will face the 'second season syndrome'.

Keep an eye on: Andy Carroll is everything for West Ham this season, if he plays well so does the team.

16. Fulham FC
  • Last season:
    • 12th
    • Top scorer: Dimitar Berbatov (15)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Sascha Reither (£1.2m) from Cologne, Derek Boateng (Free transfer) from Dnipro, Fernando Amorebieta (Free transfer) from Athletic Club Bilbao, Maarten Stekelenburg (£4.9m) from AS Roma, Adel Taarabt (On loan) from Queens Park Rangers, Pajtim Kasami (End of loan) from FC Luzern - Total: 6 players, £6.160.000m
    • Departures: Dan Burn (On loan) to Birmingham, Simon Davies (Free transfer), Mark Schwarzer (Free transfer) to Chelsea, Mladen Petric (Free transfer), Chris Baird (Free transfer), Corey Gameiro (Free transfer) to Sydney FC, Csaba Somogyi (Free transfer), Richard Peniket (Free transfer) to Tamworth, Alex Smith (Free transfer) to Swindon, Mahamadou Diarra (Free transfer), Ryan Williams (On loan) to Oxford United, Eyong Enoh (End of loan) to Ajax Amsterdam, Stanislav Manolev (End of loan) to PSV Eindhoven, Urby Emanuelson (End of loan) to AC Milan - Total: 14 players, £0

Martin Jol was quick on the transfer market and brought in goalkeeper Martin Stekelenburg and Fernando Amoeribeta earlier this summer. The goalkeeper will replace Mark Schwarzer while Amoeribeta will be a great partner to Brede Hangeland in the defend. However, the Cottagers is missing some firepower in front where Dimitar Berbatov seems to be the only weapon. This can be decisive for Fulham's season and why we might find them in the lower part of the table.

Keep an eye on: Kerim Frei is one of the young talents to keep an eye on during this season. The 19-year old winger can turn out to be a future star for Fulham.


17. Hull City
  • Last season: 
    • Runners-up (Championship)
    • Top scorer: Robert Koren (9)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: George Boyd (Free transfer) from Petersborough, Steve Harper (Free transfer) from Newcastle United, Maynor Figueroa (Free transfer) from Wigan, Curtis Davies (£2.3m) from Birmingham, Ahmed Elmohamady (£2m) from Sunderland, Allan McGregor (£1.5) from Besiktas, Danny Graham (On loan) from Sunderland, Yannick Sagbo (£1.5) from Évian - Total: 8 players, £7.480.000
    • Departures: Jay Simpson (Free transfer), Sonny Bradley (Free transfer) to Portsmouth, Danny East (Free transfer) to Portsmouth, Mark Cullen (Free transfer) to Luton, Andy Dawson (Free transfer) to Scunthorpe, Jamie Devitt (Free transfer) to Chesterfield, Seyi Olofinjana (Free transfer), Francis McCaffrey (Free transfer) to Dundalk FC, Paul McKenna (Free transfer), Mark Oxley (On loan) to Oldham, Jack Hobbs (On loan) to Nottingham Forest, Danny Emerton (Free transfer) to Northampton, Corry Evans (Free transfer) to Blackburn, Tom Cairney (On loan) to Blackburn, Gedo (End of loan) to Ahly - Total: 15 players, £0

The runners-up in the Championship is going in to a tough season in the Premier League. During last season, Steve Bruces men battled their way through the Championship and overcome the hurdles they met. Hull City will need to settle fast in the Premier League, and have brought Danny Graham on a loan-deal to help them on the way. While, Graham will add some strength upfront, it may not be enough for Hull to stay in the best company.However, their 3-5-2 formations will without a doubt surprise teams as it is not a formation normally used in the UK.

Keep an eye on: Sone Aluko, the Nigerian international will be a key player up front; if he can stay fit.

18. Stoke City
  • Last season:
    • 13th
    • Jonathan Walters (8)
  • Transfers: 
    • Arrivals: Erik Pieters (£3.1m) from PSV Eindhoven, Marc Muniesa (Free transfer) from Barcelona B, Maurice Edu (End of loan) from Bursaspor - Total:  3 players, £3.168.000
    • Departures: Michael Owen (End of career), Carlo Nash (Free transfer) to Norwich, Matthew Upson (Free transfer) to Brighton, Dean Whitehead (Free transfer) to Middlesbrough, Matthew Lund (Free transfer) to Rochdale, Mamady Sidibé (Free transfer), Rory Delap (Free transfer) to Burton, Stefan Galinski (Free transfer) to Boston United - Total: 8 players, £0

Mark Hughes is standing in front of his hardest task so far in his career, saving the Potters from relegation. With a couple of elder players, and the lack of some real talents Stoke has brought in Erik Pieters and Marc Muniesa so far this transfer window. 21-year old Muniesa arrived from Barcelona's talent farm and will bring some young blood to the defends. However, he might not be the fighter that Stoke will need. Mark Hughes will be fighting the ghost of Tony Pulis, and without spending money - a tough job and I can't see Stoke staying in the Premier League this season.

Keep an eye on: Charlie Adam arrived from Liverpool last season, and as a playmaker he will be the link between the midfield and the attack. 

19. Sunderland
  • Last season:
    • 17th
    • Steven Fletcher (11)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Modibo Diakité (Free transfer) from Lazio, Cabral (Free transfer) from FC Basel, Duncan Watmore (N/A) from Altrincham, Valentin Roberge (Free transfer) from Marítimo, David Moberg Karlsson (£1.5m) from IFK Göteborg, Vito Mannone (£2.1m) from Arsenal, Jozy Altidore (£8.8m) from AZ Alkmaar, El-Hadji Ba (Free transfer) from AC Le Havre B, Emanuele Giaccherini (£6.6m) from Juventus, Dong-Won Ji (End of loan) from FC Augsburg - Total: 10 players, £19.052.000
    • Departures: Ryan Noble (Free transfer) to Burnley, Titus Bramble (Free transfer), Matthew Kilgallon (Free transfer) to Blackburn, Adam Reed (Free transfer) to Burton, Simon Mignolet (£9.3m) to Liverpool, Ahmed Elmohamady (£2m) to Hull City, Danny Graham (On loan) to Hull City, Alfred N'Diaye (On loan) to Eskisehirspor, Jonny Maddison (Free transfer) to Crawley, Ben Wilson (Free transfer) to Cambridge United, James McClean (£2m) to Wigan, Kader Mangane (End of loan) to Al-Hilal - Total: 12 players, £13.402.400 

The Black Cats's form did pick up under Paolo Di Canio last season. However, the magic might be gone this season, and they will be fighting to stay in the Premier League. Jozy Altidore will be a pleasant addition to the attack, and the fans will hope that the American can bring his 23 goals from last season to Sunderland. However, the club has lost last season's best player in Simon Mignolet and brought in Arsenals Vito Mannone as a replacement. The Italian started well last term for Arsenal but then his level dropped slightly through out the season. My big concern for Sunderland is that the squad, and the manager just may not be good enough to stay in the Premier League.

Keep an eye on: Steven Fletcher is a very important man for Sunderland, and now that he is back in form the Black Cats will hope to have him fit.

20. Crystal Palace
  • Last season:
    • 5th (Championship)
    • Top scorer: Glenn Murray (30)
  • Transfers:
    • Arrivals: Jerome Thomas (Free transfer) from West Bromwich Albion, Stephen Dobbie (£871.200) from Brighton, Dwight Gayle (£4.6m) from Petersborough, José Campaña (£1.7m) from Sevilla FC, Kevin Phillips (Free transfer) from Blackpool, Elliott Grandin (Free transfer) from Blackpool, Osman Sow (Free transfer) from Syrianska FC, Maruane Chamakh (On loan) from Arsenal - Total: 8 players, £7.295.000
    • Departures: Jermaine Easter (Free transfer) to Millwall, Aruna Dindane (Free transfer), Alex Marrow (Free transfer) to Blackburn, Antonio Pedroza (Free transfer) to Cruz Azul, Jason Banton (On loan) to MK Dons, André Moritz (Free transfer) to Bolton - Total: 6 players, £0

This season will be a struggle for Crystal Palace, finding themselves back in the Premier League after years away. While the big star, Wilfried Zaha has left for Manchester United, Palace still has some interesting young attacking players in Yannick Bolasie and Jonny Williams. The best striker in the squad, Glenn Murray will be out for the first part of the season why Ian Holloway has brought in Chamakh from Arsenal. The striker was never a success in Arsenal or West Ham last season, but Crystal Palace might be able to get the best out of him. The club will be under pressure from the start of the season, and with a developing team, the promotion might have come to early.

Keep an eye on: Jose Cañas, the Spanish youngster and captain for the Spanish U20 national team is playing his first season in the Premier League - might be a future star.