PL PREDICTIONS: We can almost taste the drama Its here. Its finally here. After the World Cup and the lull and the endless pre-season friendlies, the football season – the actual season – is upon us. Were sure youve probably read at least 100 previews and guides already, so heres something a tiny bit different. Arsenal Last season in five words: Finally won another bloody trophy This season in five words: Must challenge leaders beyond February Best signing: Alexis Sanchez Player with a point to prove: Yaya Sanogo Managers survival rating (out of 10): 9 - If he leaves, it will be him walking away on his own terms next summer. Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 3 Prediction: 4th - there are still vital holes in the squad but theyre getting closer Aston Villa Last season in five words: Grim football, off-field questions remain. This season in five words: Hope Randy can sell up. Best signing: Would feel generous to give it to any of them Player with a point to prove: Joe Cole Managers survival rating (out of 10): 4 - Hasnt taken the club on since arriving and looked a man under serious pressure in April/May. Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 8 Prediction: 18th - only Christian Bentekes goals can save them Burnley Last season in five words: A wonderful, deserved promotion ride. This season in five words: A brave fight against relegation. Best signing: Lukas Jutkiewicz Player with a point to prove: Danny Ings Managers survival rating (out of 10): 9 - You like to think that even relegation wouldnt cost the Ginger Mourinho his job. Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 2 Prediction: 19th - great togetherness, a talented manager but the squad and recruitment havent been good enough Chelsea Last season in five words: Trophyless little horses fell late on. This season in five words: No excuses for failure now. Best signing: Cesc Fabregas Player with a point to prove: Thibaut Courtois Managers survival rating (out of 10): 7 - Unlikely to go, but another season without glory after spending so much could cost him his job. Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 3 Prediction: 1st Crystal Palace Last season in five words: Tony Pulis saves the day This season in five words: Building on survival, consolidating position Best signing: Fraizer Campbell Player with a point to prove: Dwight Gayle Managers survival rating (out of 10): 9 - It would take a brave man to sack Sir Tony Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 4 Prediction: 13th Everton Last season in five words: Late dip costs Champions League. This season in five words: Another tough top four chase. Best signing: Romelu Lukaku Player with a point to prove: Arouna Kone Managers survival rating (out of 10): 9 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 2 Prediction: 6th - But in the hunt for the top four right until the end Hull City Last season in five words: Easy survival and Cup final This season in five words: Dealing with the extra fixtures Best signing: Jake Livermore Player with a point to prove: Tom Ince Managers survival rating (out of 10): 7 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 6 - Will they cope with the extra workload? Prediction: 16th - The Europa League could be a big drain on resources although theyve bought well Leicester City Last season in five words: A well-deserved Championship promotion season This season in five words: A long, hard top-flight struggle Best signing: Marc Albrighton Player with a point to prove: David Nugent Managers survival rating (out of 10): 5 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 6 Prediction: 20th Liverpool Last season in five words: Slipped at the final hurdle This season in five words: We go again.... without Suarez Best signing: Emre Can Player with a point to prove: Lucas Leiva Managers survival rating (out of 10): 9 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 5 Prediction: 5th - Champions League involvement will stretch squad that will miss Suarezs matchwinning ability Manchester City Last season in five words: Quietly won a league-cup double. This season in five words: Must make impact in Europe. Best signing: Fernando Player with a point to prove: Joe Hart Managers survival rating (out of 10): 8 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 3 Prediction: 2nd Manchester United Last season in five words: David Moyes. Seventh place. Awful. This season in five words: Louis van Gaals Dutch revolution. Best signing: Ander Herrera Player with a point to prove: Juan Mata Managers survival rating (out of 10): 9 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 2 - because it cant get worse than last season Prediction: 3rd - no European games is a massive advantage, and anything but top four would be a massive failure Newcastle United Last season in five words: Sold Cabaye then it ended. This season in five words: Try winning a cup, Alan Best signing: Remy Cabella Player with a point to prove: Facundo Ferreyra Managers survival rating (out of 10): 5 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 7.5 Prediction: 8th Queens Park Rangers Last season in five words: Bobby Zamora in stoppage time. This season in five words: Spend money to stay up. Best signing: Mauricio Isla Player with a point to prove: Rio Ferdinand Managers survival rating (out of 10): 6 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 5 Prediction: 10th - Some impressive business in the transfer market should see them safe Southampton Last season in five words: Lots of good young players. This season in five words: We sold them all now. Best signing: Dusan Tadic Player with a point to prove: Fraser Forster Managers survival rating (out of 10): 6 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 7 Prediction: 12th Stoke City Last season in five words: Top half under the radar. This season in five words: Probably more of the same. Best signing: Bojan Player with a point to prove: Bojan Managers survival rating (out of 10): 7 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 2 Prediction: 9th Sunderland Last season in five words: Bottom at Christmas but survived. This season in five words: Stay away from the drop. Best signing: Jack Rodwell Player with a point to prove: Jack Rodwell Managers survival rating (out of 10): 6 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 6 Prediction: 15th Swansea City Last season in five words: European tour and twelfth place. This season in five words: Is Garry Monk good enough? Best signing: Gylfi Sigurdsson Player with a point to prove: Bafetimbi Gomis Managers survival rating (out of 10): 4 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 6 Prediction: 14th - Assuming Wilfried Bony stays Tottenham Hotspur Last season in five words: Bit of a mess, really This season in five words: New manager but lacking signings Best signing: Ben Davies Player with a point to prove: Erik Lamela Managers survival rating (out of 10): 8 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 3 Prediction: 7th West Bromwich Albion Last season in five words: Stayed up, but only just This season in five words: Alan Irvine: Much to prove Best signing: Joleon Lescott Player with a point to prove: Ideye Brown Managers survival rating (out of 10): 2 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 8 Prediction: 17th West Ham United Last season in five words: Turgid football but easily survived This season in five words: Big promises and power struggles Best signing: Aaron Cresswell Player with a point to prove: Andy Carroll Managers survival rating (out of 10): 4 Likelihood of full-blown crisis (out of 10): 6.5 Prediction: 11th
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 13:55:25 +0000
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