Premier League Predictions

In the time honoured fashion, Headers & Volleys will be joining our blogging brethren in placing our predictions for the coming Premier League season. We will revisit these at the end of the season and take a look at exactly how far off the mark we actually were. Feel free to disagree and give us your Premier League twenty below. Here goes:

1. Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have added to their squad more than most in the top half of the table however their additions are merely plugging the gaps of now departed former club stalwarts. Expect them to have too much strength and know-how though and a record twentieth title is surely within their grasp.

2. Chelsea
Last year’s nearly men from Stamford Bridge will not quite have enough still to see of the challenge United will lay down in defending their crown. If Modric signs, Torres can expect far better service and should get the monkey off his back. Should still be strong enough to see off the surge from City and cling on to second place.

3. Manchester City
Looming large in the title race this year will be the spectre of a now (relatively) stable team from the blue half of Manchester. They will run both United and Chelsea far closer this term and we expect them to take points from both. Still not quite there, but with an extended Champions League run they could firmly establish themselves amongst the elite English clubs.

4. Liverpool
The much improved Kings of the Kop will be looking at a short season, full of promise and without the weight of expectation in European competition to distract them. The money being spent at Anfield has undoubtedly improved the squad and the potential combination of Gerrard, Suarez, Carroll, Downing and Adam should see them clinch the final Champions League place.

5. Arsenal
Excuses will be rife as massive pressure falls squarely on the shoulders of manager Arsene Wenger as his young team miss out on the Champions League spot for the first time in over a decade. The loss of Fabregas, whilst a relief to fans up and down the country, certainly disadvantages what Wenger continues to describe as an inexperienced squad. Europa League place should be expected, but a cup success would certainly aid the Frenchman’s case.

6. Tottenham Hotspur
With an emerging City and a resurgent Liverpool, the boys from White Hart Lane will find their route back to the top four somewhat congested. We expect a frustrated Harry Redknapp to start voicing his disquiet, in advance of the England manager’s job becoming available in September 2012.

7. Everton
Solid unremarkable Everton and their utterly remarkable manager David Moyes will again quietly assume their position in the top half. Without an actual transfer fee paid out in over two years however, the early days of the season will be a bit of a struggle.

8. West Bromwich Albion
Our surprise package of the coming season, the Baggies, under the stewardship of the rejuvenated Roy Hodgson will prove a tough, organised unit for teams to break down. With the flair of the Di Matteo days still firmly residing within the squad, we will certainly see some strong performances from West Brom.
 
9. Sunderland
A raft of signings at the Stadium of Light has seen quality and experience being added to the ranks of the Mackems.
Steve Bruce will find his new strength in depth to his advantage as he secures a top half finish.
 
10. Fulham
Welcoming back Martin Jol to London, Fulham will be hoping for a period of stability after getting through three managers in as many seasons. A top half finish, just, should play out.
 
11. Stoke City
Solid, effiicient, and at times superb at wing play, Tony Pulis’ men will again consolidate their now customary mid-table position early in 2012. Unspectacular as ever, however a more attacking approach may come to the fore as Pulis enters his fourth year, and his first after his initial three year plan of consolidation, to push on to greater heights.
 
12. Bolton Wanderers
A more attractive team under Owen Coyle than under previous managers, much could hinge for Wanderers on whether they keep hold of defensive lynchpin Gary Cahill.
 
13. Newcastle United
Best players being forced out, money from transfers out not being pumped into the club, supporter and player unrest, poor leadership from the manager and board. All adds up to another exhausting season of scandal, intrigue, ridiculousness and head holding for the average Toon Army fan. Should still secure a spot comfortably outside of the relegation mire and much hope is placed on the shoulders of the new French contingent. We expect Demba Ba to shine.
 
14. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Big Mick McCarthy securing the signature of new captain Roger Johnson will stiffen their backline. Should have enough quality to move away from the real relegation dogfight, but will be a close run thing.
 
15. Norwich City
The highest placed of the three promoted clubs, Norwich should escape relegation courtesy of the poor showing from teams below. Key to the Canaries is keeping hold of manager Paul Lambert long term.
 
16. Aston Villa
Alex McLeish to be sacked before Christmas, Darren Bent to be angling for a January move back to Sunderland, and confusion in the boardroom as Randy Lerner takes charge of the team himself all adds up to a season of anguish for the average Villan. Should beat the drop with on the final day of the season.
 
17. Queens Park Rangers
Along with Villa, playing out the final game of the season and working out all the mathematical connotations on the back of the match day programme, Rangers fans should prepare for a long, tough season. Neil Warnock will highly likely come to blows with his board in the opening months of the season so expect him to not receive the requisite funds in January, and walk in February.
 
18. Blackburn Rovers
Christopher Samba will be sold, David Dunn will keep eating the free chicken legs, Junior Hoillett will go to Liverpool in January for £8,000,000 and Rovers will be relegated. Venky’s won’t know what has hit them.
 
19. Wigan Athletic
Roberto Martinez simply won’t be able to postpone the inevitable any longer as Wigan fail in their attempts to sign a replacement for Charles N’Zogbia. Bottom at Christmas, they will claw their way back, but it won’t be enough. Martinez will leave next summer for the Aston Villa job.
 
20. Swansea City
Brendan Rodgers’ team, like Blackpool last term, will start well and collect some scalps in the opening weeks. As injuries take their toll on their small squad however, the Swans will spiral out of control, passing Wigan on the way down and ending up bottom of the pile come May.

Premier League Top Goalscorer:  Luis Suarez