Premier League preview 2010-11 | Thebigtip

With the new season starting this weekend, speculation is rife about where every team in the Premier League will end up this year. Will last season’s champions Chelsea repeat their success, or are the two Manchesters too good for them? And who will face the dreaded drop? These are my predictions.

Arsenal – The Gunners have done well to hold on to Cesc Fabregas, who obviously wanted a move to the Nou Camp. Fabregas needs to have the season of his life to make his indecision up to the fans. Arsenal need to get back to the form that has eluded them in recent seasons, and need a capable back four and new goalkeeper. The fact that Wenger has let go of Gallas, Campbell and Silvestre without backing them ip is also a bit of a worry. This is set to be a big season for the youngsters again, with Walcott really hoping to make his mark. My prediction = 4^th.

Aston Villa – With the recent shock departure of Martin O’Neill, you wouldn’t blame Villa if they had a shaky start to the new campaign. It looks like star player James Milner is set to leave, if he hasn’t already by the time you read this! With the loss of one of their most influential players, the squad needs to be strengthened – and fast. It’s unlikely that Villa will be able to improve on the great form they had last season, as the squad hasn’t been bolstered. My prediction = 8^th.

Birmingham City – The Blues have a tough task this season. Everyone’s favourite underdogs last campaign, they may struggle to defy the critics a second time and finish in the top half of the table. Zigic looks like a good signing, and should easily adapt to Birmingham’s style of football. Valles, another new recruit, has also impressed in pre-season matches so should follow that through to the league. One problem the blues seem to have is a lack of goals, so it’s no surprise that a target on their list is Charles N’Zogbia. They may have exceeded expectations last season, but Alex McLeish will have a tough task ahead of him to avoid a case of second season syndrome. My prediction = 13^th

Blackburn Rovers – Rovers had a great end to last season, having been unbeaten in 8 out of their last 9 games. However, their away form was far from desirable last season, which is something that they’ll have to combat this season. Dunn was their key player last season, and the fans will certainly hope he’s a midfield maestro again this year. Blackburn need another striker if they’re to do as well as last season’s 10^th place. My prediction = 15^th.

Blackpool Town – This team are set to be every neutral’s favourite this season. It’s hard to seriously think they’ll stay up, but then again they were the favourites to be relegated to League One last season and managed to come up through the playoffs. Unfortunately for the tangerines, 4 out of 5 of their first matches are away, which may not do much for confidence. Keith Southern, a key midfielder, has been sidelined for up to 4 months with a ligament injury, and there seems to a be a bit of discontement in the blackpool camp as bonuses have only just been paid from last season. Ian Holloway is a great character, and I hate to say it but my prediction = 20^th.

Bolton Wanderers - Owen Coyle still seems to be in his honeymoon period at Bolton, and this may be the season that Bolton make their mark on the league rather than be in the race for survival. The arrival of Petrov will be a boost for fans, and may mean the start of Bolton playing more attractive attacking football. Lee Chong Yung had a good world cup and I think that Bolton have the players to easily make mid-table this season. My prediction = 10^th.

Chelsea - The blues seemed unbeatable for most of last season, with massive wins against a number of teams. And it’s hard to see how they won’t repeat the same this campaign. The team seems to have streamlined, with Deco, Cole and Carvahlo gone. New recruit Yossi Benayoun is set to do well and has been a fan favourite at former teams Liverpool and West Ham. Chelsea have a great squad who have already gelled and established themselves, and its hard to see how this season’s outcome will be any different. My prediction = 1^st.

Everton - David Moyes has stated that he wants to keep the players he’s already got as well as strengthening the squad for this campaign. But it’s been very quiet on the transfers front at GoodisonPark. Stars Arteta and Pienaar have both been offered extended and improved contracts, but at the time of writing this both were undecided on whether to sign or not. It’s hard to see why Everton can’t just keep pushing forward and be a regular top 8 side; especially if Moyes does boost his squad. My prediction = 7^th.

Fulham - The Cottagers had a great season last year, defying all expectations and even endingm up in the Europa League final. With new appointment Mark Hughes confident that they can emulate this again this campaign, it’s hard to see why they shouldn’t. Striker Bobby Zamora is in cracking form, even being selected for the England squad that faced Hungary. However, last season there was a definite goal drought that needs to be eliminated this campaign, so Hughes should definitely consider bringing in another striker. Hughes needs only some small changes to keep Fulham where they were last season, and Hodgson left him a solid outfit. My prediction = 9^th.


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