Title odds - 6/1
Relegation odds - 750/1
Last seasons finish - 4th
Last season could be one of the most important in Arsene Wenger's time at Arsenal. A 3-1 home defeat on opening day to Aston Villa. Fans still craving a world class signing, all this cranked the pressure up on him to maximum. With many fans calling for his head, he signed Ozil from Real Madrid for a club record fee £42.5 million. Suddenly there was a feel good factor around, Arsenal went to the top of the league. After leading the title race for many months, and coming through a champions leauge group which included Dortmund and Napoli, Arsenal fans again began dreaming of silverware. But injuries to key players, indifferent form of Ozil, and heavy defeats to Liverpool (5-1) Everton (3-0) and Chelsea (6-0) threatened to not only take Arsenal out of the title race, but also out of the champions league places. Wenger did what Wenger does, he guided Arsenal to 4th place and champions league football for an 18th straight season. On top of that they beat Hull 3-2, and took their 1st trophy into the Emirates trophy cabinet and end a 9 year wait. Could the floodgates now open? A big loss to Arsenal will be Sagna, leaving on a free to title rivals Manchester City. But they have signed a good replacement in Debuchy. Who is keeping Sagna out of the French team. Along with another huge summer signing in Alexis Sanchez. People are taking Arsenal as serious title contenders again for the 1st time since the 'invincibles' squad. With many more big names linked, and money available, expect to see 1 or 2 more signings before the season starts. Along with key players returning to full fitness in Wilshere, Ox and Walcott, Arsenal now seem to have a strong squad which could go the whole distance this time around.
Key players
Alexis Sanchez will take the pressure of Giroud and give Arsenal a different option in attack, with 19 goals and 10 assists for Barcelona last season, Arsenal will look for a similar return this season.
Aaron Ramsey wasn't even sure of a place on the Arsenal bench this time last season. When injuries to other midfielders gave him the chance he took, had he not got injured himself many wonder what could have been last season. 16 goals in 34 games shows how vital he will be.
Mesut Ozil didn't live up to his big price tag last season and seemed to struggle to adapt to Premiership life. But with a season under his belt, this year might show why he led the assists charts through Europe over his last 3 seasons with Real Madrid.
Young player to watch
Joel Campbell proved last season at Olympiakos that he can do a good job and the highest level. He helped Olympiakos to the knockouts of the champions league, scoring a great solo effort against Man United. He then followed this up with a good showing as underdogs Costa Rica went to the World Cup quarter finals. Could he show Wenger that he doesn't need to sign a £30 million forward?
Prediction - 1st
Aston Villa
Title odds - 4000/1
Relegation odds - 5/2
Last seasons finish - 15th
Once upon a time Villa used to be top 7 and have decent cup runs, now they seem to get dragged into relegation fights and have early cup exits. Poor transfer signing give villa a young and inexperienced squad which struggles with the high quality of the league. Bringing in Roy Keane (who turned down the chance to manage Celtic to be Villa assistant) could bring the fear factor to the club forcing the younger players to up their game. But at the same time it could also have the opposite effect. Keane isn't one to mince his words, it will be interesting to see how he deals with the younger players, especially given that with a poor start he may even step up to become manager should Lambert be sacked. This summer Lambert has decided to opt for experience in the transfer market. Kieran Richardson and Philippe Senderos will provide much needed premiership experience, Along with Joe Cole who has been given what must be a last top flight lifeline. If Villa can get the Joe Cole who played for Chelsea then it could prove to be the signing of the season, but that's if. One place they must improve on if up front, with Benteke injured most of last season he still finished top scorer with 11, but for the last 2 seasons they have relied on the big man to get them goals to stay up, and with him looking likely to leave after this season they need to share the goals around more. Nicklas Bendtner has strongly been linked on a free transfer, could he be the 15-20 goal forward that Villa desperately need to avoid another disappointing season? Brad Guzan will again need to be in top form. The big American stopper kept Villa in games with crucial saves last year. With the future of the club still up in the air it looks like it could be another long, hard, nail biting season for the Villa fans.
Key players
Ron Vlaar is the rock at the heart of the Villa defence, and an experienced head in a young Villa back four will be crucial to how the season goes for them. After a solid World Cup for Holland he's been linked to Q.P.R. Southampton and Man United in recent weeks, they must keep him at all costs to keep their top flight status.
Christian Benteke was a man in demand last summer. With his first season in English football ending with a 20 goal plus debut season. Villa gave him a new contract and kept big European clubs away. Injury hampered the start of the season for him and he suffered indifferent form. When he did hit form and looked like firing Villa away from a relegation scrap, he got injured again, which ruled him out of the World Cup. Hopefully Villa can get him fit and firing on all cylinders this season cause when he plays well, the whole team does.
Fabian Delph has been at Villa for 5 seasons after they beat competition to sign the Leeds youngster. He was tipped to be a key England international by now, but has yet to get an England cap. An impressive season last season saw that maybe the one time wonderkid could force himself into the England picture this season. A big season ahead for Delph to prove that he can live up to the hype that surrounded him a few seasons ago.
Young player to watch
Jores Okore the young Danish centre back only managed 3 games before his season was ended by injury, but he looks highly promising. Villa will hope to use him in the centre of defence alongside Vlaar so that he can pick up vital experience from his centre back partner and hopefully go on to lead the line for Villa for many seasons to come
Prediction - 17th
Burnley
Title odds - 10,000/1
Relegation odds - 1/2
Last season finish - 2nd (championship)
When Charlie Austin left for Q.P.R. last season nobody could have imagined that at the end of the season Burnley would be going up as Championship runner ups, in one of Europe's most competitive divisions. Danny Ings and Sam Vokes stepped up to take over from Austin with 21 and 20 goals respectively. A big part of them getting promotion was down to their home form, Every point at Turf Moor could prove vital at the end of the season. Sean Dyche is a young exciting manager who looks to have a good future in the top flight, but lack of experience may be their downfall this season. Steven Reid and Matty Taylor have been brought in to give much needed experience. Marvin Sordell and Lukas Jutkiewicz have been signed to provide competition for Vokes and Ings, but apart from a brief spell for Sordell none of them have Premiership experience. Matt Gilks has been brought in to provide cover for Tom Heaton. Even the most die heart Burnley fan will admit that this season will be a struggle. Burnley need to just enjoy this season, not panic and sack Dyche if results don't go their way. Use this season as a learning period that can hopefully be used to build this team for another crack at championship promotion next season.
Key players
Danny Ings took over as the main goal threat for Burnley after the departure of Charlie Austin to Q.P.R. his goal scoring in the championship was rewarded in an England under 21 call up. His goals will be vital if Burnley are to have an chance of survival. Continue this season as he did the last, and he could follow ex teammate Jay Rodriguez steps and make the England squad.
Steven Reid has agreed to help ex team mate Dyche out and signed a one year deal, his knowledge of playing a decade in the premiership along with his fair share of relegation battles will give Burnley much needed experience. At 33 the ex Republic of Ireland international versatility of playing in defence and midfield will play a big part this season.
Kieran Trippier has been named in the championship team of the year for the past two seasons, it's a big step up from championship to premiership. But the former Man City youth player who has played at the Nou Camp, has a chance to show why a few premiership teams, including Arsenal are keen to sign him. This is a perfect time to shine for him and Burnley.
Young player to watch
Cameron Howieson is already an international with New Zealand. He was part of the London 2012 New Zealand squad, playing in all 3 games. With only 2 substitute appearances to his name, he's more likely to be loaned out this season. But if given a chance, keep an eye out for him.
Prediction - 20th
Chelsea
Title odds - 7/4
Relegation odds - 1500/1
Last seasons position - 3rd
Last season saw the return of the 'happy one' Jose Mourinho. In came Schurrle and Willian to join Oscar and Hazard in one of Europe's most excited midfields. He signed his treble winning forward from his time at Inter Milan in Samuel Eto'o. At 33 his best years might have been behind him, but with 11 goals in 30 games, including a hat trick against Man United he became a fans favourite. But fitness issues with Eto'o and poor form from Demba Ba and Fernando Torres, ultimately cost Chelsea the title. This caused many people to question why he had loaned Lukaku out (something that looks likely to happen again this season). This season should be different with Mourinho acting fast in the transfer market. Selling David Luiz to PSG for £50 million proved a good piece of business given that he wasn't even first choice centre back. Reinvesting that money in Spanish international and ex Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. Along with 3 players who were part of the Atletico Madrid team that beat them in the semi finals of the champions league. Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois (returned from loan) seems to be the final pieces of Mourinhos Chelsea puzzle. Lampard and Cole have moved on, but fans favourite Didier Drogba returns on a one year deal. With 2 good players for each position plus a lot of youth players able to step up, there's no reason why Chelsea won't be fighting in every competition. The only headache Mourinho has is trying to keep every player happy. Nobody seems certain of a place in the starting XI.
Key players
Nemanja Matic was bought back in the January transfer window from Benfica. Chelsea lacked a quality holding midfielder. An unsung hero in the centre of the park, he was badly missed during Chelsea's champions league run. He will be key to Chelsea's success when the likes of Hazard, Oscar, Fabregas and Willian push forward.
Diego Costa was the key reason that Atletico Madrid topped La Liga ahead of Real and Barca and got to the champions league final. But an injury in that final and a poor World Cup has cast doubt over if he is the World Class forward that Chelsea crave. If he is then Chelsea will be hard to beat.
Thibaut Courtois is back at Chelsea after 3 seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid. He comes back as one of the highest regarded keepers in the world at only 22. Set to dislodge Cech as Chelsea number 1 the jersey could be his for the next decade if he wants it.
Young player to watch
Kurt Zouma was bought in January and stayed at St Etienne on loan, rumours still say he could remain there for the coming season. But given the chance in the Chelsea first team I'm sure he'll impress and with Terry and Cahill the only main centre backs he may get that chance.
Prediction - 2nd
Crystal Palace
Title odds - 7500/1
Relegation odds - 9/4
Last seasons position - 11th
Down and out by December with only one win from eleven games and four points, Palace turned to Tony Pulis in December. The man who never had been relegated and many thought that it was a lost cause. But he got the team playing an attractive and effective football. With top scorer Glen Murray injured for most the season, Palace turned to Arsenal flop Marouane Chamakh who helped with 5 goals. Jason Puncheon got 7 goals, along with youngster Dwight Gayle who also had 7 (including 2 in the 3-3 draw against Liverpool, when Palace scored 3 in the last 11 minutes to all but end Liverpool's title hopes). 1 defeat in 8 games towards the end of the season rocketed Palace up the table. Solid home form under Pulis proved to be key in survival. Even beating Chelsea. That will be the same story this season, as Palace hope they don't suffer from second season syndrome. Getting Julian Speroni to sign a 1 year deal is probably Palaces best deal of the summer. The Argentine keeper was key last season and will be this season. With goals hard to come by they have turned to Fraizer Campbell from Cardiff who they hope will fire them to safety.
Key players
Julian Speroni has been at Palace for over a decade. He was there the last time they were in the Premiership, but this time they survived. With a 12 month deal under his belt, he'll be 1 of the main players once more.
Yannick Bolasie ripped teams apart on the wings last season. He has great pace and direct running causes problems for defences. One of the stars for Palaces season was playing conference football 4 years ago. Liverpool were impressed and sounded out a transfer for him this summer. But he remains a Palace player, another good season and it'll be hard to keep hold off the speedy winger.
Fraizer Campbell was Cardiff top scorer last season, but that wasn't enough to keep them up. The 1 cap England man will be hoping that he can get amongst the goals at his new club. With Puncheon and Bolasie on the wings, he will get chances. Get goals and maybe he'll have another England chance.
Young player to watch
Jonathan Williams has already established himself in the centre of midfield. The Welsh international was loaned to Ipswich due to falling out of favour with Pulis. But back and ready to get back into the team, this could be a big season for the Welshman. For club and country.
Prediction - 18th
Burnley
Title odds - 10,000/1
Relegation odds - 1/2
Last season finish - 2nd (championship)
When Charlie Austin left for Q.P.R. last season nobody could have imagined that at the end of the season Burnley would be going up as Championship runner ups, in one of Europe's most competitive divisions. Danny Ings and Sam Vokes stepped up to take over from Austin with 21 and 20 goals respectively. A big part of them getting promotion was down to their home form, Every point at Turf Moor could prove vital at the end of the season. Sean Dyche is a young exciting manager who looks to have a good future in the top flight, but lack of experience may be their downfall this season. Steven Reid and Matty Taylor have been brought in to give much needed experience. Marvin Sordell and Lukas Jutkiewicz have been signed to provide competition for Vokes and Ings, but apart from a brief spell for Sordell none of them have Premiership experience. Matt Gilks has been brought in to provide cover for Tom Heaton. Even the most die heart Burnley fan will admit that this season will be a struggle. Burnley need to just enjoy this season, not panic and sack Dyche if results don't go their way. Use this season as a learning period that can hopefully be used to build this team for another crack at championship promotion next season.
Key players
Danny Ings took over as the main goal threat for Burnley after the departure of Charlie Austin to Q.P.R. his goal scoring in the championship was rewarded in an England under 21 call up. His goals will be vital if Burnley are to have an chance of survival. Continue this season as he did the last, and he could follow ex teammate Jay Rodriguez steps and make the England squad.
Steven Reid has agreed to help ex team mate Dyche out and signed a one year deal, his knowledge of playing a decade in the premiership along with his fair share of relegation battles will give Burnley much needed experience. At 33 the ex Republic of Ireland international versatility of playing in defence and midfield will play a big part this season.
Kieran Trippier has been named in the championship team of the year for the past two seasons, it's a big step up from championship to premiership. But the former Man City youth player who has played at the Nou Camp, has a chance to show why a few premiership teams, including Arsenal are keen to sign him. This is a perfect time to shine for him and Burnley.
Young player to watch
Cameron Howieson is already an international with New Zealand. He was part of the London 2012 New Zealand squad, playing in all 3 games. With only 2 substitute appearances to his name, he's more likely to be loaned out this season. But if given a chance, keep an eye out for him.
Prediction - 20th
Chelsea
Title odds - 7/4
Relegation odds - 1500/1
Last seasons position - 3rd
Last season saw the return of the 'happy one' Jose Mourinho. In came Schurrle and Willian to join Oscar and Hazard in one of Europe's most excited midfields. He signed his treble winning forward from his time at Inter Milan in Samuel Eto'o. At 33 his best years might have been behind him, but with 11 goals in 30 games, including a hat trick against Man United he became a fans favourite. But fitness issues with Eto'o and poor form from Demba Ba and Fernando Torres, ultimately cost Chelsea the title. This caused many people to question why he had loaned Lukaku out (something that looks likely to happen again this season). This season should be different with Mourinho acting fast in the transfer market. Selling David Luiz to PSG for £50 million proved a good piece of business given that he wasn't even first choice centre back. Reinvesting that money in Spanish international and ex Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. Along with 3 players who were part of the Atletico Madrid team that beat them in the semi finals of the champions league. Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois (returned from loan) seems to be the final pieces of Mourinhos Chelsea puzzle. Lampard and Cole have moved on, but fans favourite Didier Drogba returns on a one year deal. With 2 good players for each position plus a lot of youth players able to step up, there's no reason why Chelsea won't be fighting in every competition. The only headache Mourinho has is trying to keep every player happy. Nobody seems certain of a place in the starting XI.
Key players
Nemanja Matic was bought back in the January transfer window from Benfica. Chelsea lacked a quality holding midfielder. An unsung hero in the centre of the park, he was badly missed during Chelsea's champions league run. He will be key to Chelsea's success when the likes of Hazard, Oscar, Fabregas and Willian push forward.
Diego Costa was the key reason that Atletico Madrid topped La Liga ahead of Real and Barca and got to the champions league final. But an injury in that final and a poor World Cup has cast doubt over if he is the World Class forward that Chelsea crave. If he is then Chelsea will be hard to beat.
Thibaut Courtois is back at Chelsea after 3 seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid. He comes back as one of the highest regarded keepers in the world at only 22. Set to dislodge Cech as Chelsea number 1 the jersey could be his for the next decade if he wants it.
Young player to watch
Kurt Zouma was bought in January and stayed at St Etienne on loan, rumours still say he could remain there for the coming season. But given the chance in the Chelsea first team I'm sure he'll impress and with Terry and Cahill the only main centre backs he may get that chance.
Prediction - 2nd
Crystal Palace
Title odds - 7500/1
Relegation odds - 9/4
Last seasons position - 11th
Down and out by December with only one win from eleven games and four points, Palace turned to Tony Pulis in December. The man who never had been relegated and many thought that it was a lost cause. But he got the team playing an attractive and effective football. With top scorer Glen Murray injured for most the season, Palace turned to Arsenal flop Marouane Chamakh who helped with 5 goals. Jason Puncheon got 7 goals, along with youngster Dwight Gayle who also had 7 (including 2 in the 3-3 draw against Liverpool, when Palace scored 3 in the last 11 minutes to all but end Liverpool's title hopes). 1 defeat in 8 games towards the end of the season rocketed Palace up the table. Solid home form under Pulis proved to be key in survival. Even beating Chelsea. That will be the same story this season, as Palace hope they don't suffer from second season syndrome. Getting Julian Speroni to sign a 1 year deal is probably Palaces best deal of the summer. The Argentine keeper was key last season and will be this season. With goals hard to come by they have turned to Fraizer Campbell from Cardiff who they hope will fire them to safety.
Key players
Julian Speroni has been at Palace for over a decade. He was there the last time they were in the Premiership, but this time they survived. With a 12 month deal under his belt, he'll be 1 of the main players once more.
Yannick Bolasie ripped teams apart on the wings last season. He has great pace and direct running causes problems for defences. One of the stars for Palaces season was playing conference football 4 years ago. Liverpool were impressed and sounded out a transfer for him this summer. But he remains a Palace player, another good season and it'll be hard to keep hold off the speedy winger.
Fraizer Campbell was Cardiff top scorer last season, but that wasn't enough to keep them up. The 1 cap England man will be hoping that he can get amongst the goals at his new club. With Puncheon and Bolasie on the wings, he will get chances. Get goals and maybe he'll have another England chance.
Young player to watch
Jonathan Williams has already established himself in the centre of midfield. The Welsh international was loaned to Ipswich due to falling out of favour with Pulis. But back and ready to get back into the team, this could be a big season for the Welshman. For club and country.
Prediction - 18th
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