20 Days, 20 Predictions: Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Houdini. He has been a revelation in the past two years at Tottenham, taking them from near bottom in 2008 to a fourth place finish in 2010. They have played some great football this year, the thrashing of Wigan by 8 goals was a particular highlight. Europe is a reward they well deserved, although it may put quite a strain on their premier league ambitions. They will need more defensive cover and some of the fringe midfielders, the likes of David Bentley and Giovanni Dos Santos to improve their game. They are spoiled for striking talent: Keane, Defoe, Pavlyuchenko, Crouch and Gudjohnsen as backup. If Harry can sprinkle some more magic they should reach the group stage and maybe even the knock out rounds of the Champions League. But I don’t think they can hang on to fourth place in the Premiership.

Last Season: 4th

My Prediction: 6th

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Wigan Athletic

People betting on Wigan last season must have come close to heart attack each game. Without a doubt they were the most unpredictable team in the league, they could go from winning by two goals against Chelsea, then have nine goals pumped past them in a blow-out loss against Spurs. Roberto Martinez wanted to bring his free flowing football style from Swansea and while it was spectacular, it wasn’t effective over the course of the season; expect that to change dramatically. The signings of James McCarthy and Ronnie Stam in midfield will help, but I wonder whether they will be able to fill the void if Charles N'zogbia leaves the club. Still, if Hugo Rodallega can continue to bag goals they should be fine to avoid relegation. However a top half finish seems out of reach.

Last Season: 16th

My Prediction: 14th

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Blackpool

The last team to make it to the Promised Land via the playoffs. They did manage to win the knockout challenge, but finishing 6^th in the championship 9 points behind Nottingham Forest in 3rd place does not inspire much confidence for the new season. As I had mentioned before, the Premier League is a completely different story so they need to focus on getting results at home, playing a more defensive game than they are used to. Their lack of activity in the transfer market is unsettling; they have the smallest squad in the league with 21 players available. At least 5 players are needed and they should raid clubs for young stars on loan desperate for first team experience. Everyone wants to see a promoted club survive, but I just can’t see it happening for them.

Last Season: Promoted via Playoffs

My Prediction: 20th

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Sunderland

Things started well for Sunderland last season, Darren Bent was playing like a man possessed at times and they rose as high as 6^th in the league and they were midtable by Christmas. It didn’t last and a poor run of form saw them slip down the table to finish third, the consequence of surrendering leads at half time on many occasions. Hopefully they will soon have the services of their no. 1 , Craig Gordon, after a long injury layoff. They are also looking to retain John Mensah at the back and have signed Fraizer Campbell to a new contract. The season looks to be a bright one for the Stadium of Light.

Last Season: 13th

This Season: 11th

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Liverpool

Liverpool have probably made the signing of the summer in Roy Hodgson. With last year’s campaign one to forget, they certainly had to restructure from the top.They have had no respite either, already having to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League earlier this week. Having already invested in Milan Jovanovic as another striking option as well as Joe Cole on a free transfer, the Reds will hopefully move away from the Torres/Gerrard approach and build a solid team. Their main worry will be the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham; the Anfield faithful will want their top 4 status back. Its a tough one to call but I think they may miss out.

Last Season: 7th

My Prediction: 6th

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Newcastle

All is well with the world on Tyneside once again, as the revered black and white striped shirts of Newcastle return to the Premier League after a one year absence. Like most had predicted, they bounced right back from relegation to win the Championship, but the upper echelon of English football will be a tougher proposition. Their squad seems to be good enough to stay in the league; Sol Campbell will bring good experience at the back and they are creative if not dogged in midfield and attack. St. James Park will need to be a fortress if they are to avoid the drop this year.

Last Season: Promoted (Championship Winners)

My Prediction – 17^th

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Everton

Last season was a case of what might have been for Everton. Blighted by injuries early on in the season, they struggled to get any momentum going until after January, by which point it was too late to mount a serious challenge for European places. That being said, they had a great run of form in the New Year, with key wins against Manchester United and Chelsea. They have already suffered a setback this summer, with the loss of Dan Gosling to Newcastle on a free transfer under odd circumstances. Still, they possess quality in all areas of the pitch when the first team is fit; Cahill, Pienaar looked great at the World Cup while Arteta and Fellaini will be firing on all cylinders again. They have also signed Jermaine Beckford from Leeds which is a welcome boost upfront; expect a top ten finish from the blue half of Merseyside.

Last Season – 8^th

My Prediction – 7th

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Fulham

What now is the question for Fulham FC. Their influential manager Roy Hodgson who almost performed a minor miracle last season has been plucked by Liverpool. He was the master tactician; the glue that kept the team together and it will be hard to replace him. Whoever takes over has a well-balanced squad that can compete in the league, especially if they can hang onto Mark Schwarzer in goal. They also have the likes of Danny Murphy and the influential Clint Dempsey in midfield so a top half question is well within reach; I can’t see Europe being a major distraction for them this term. They need to hire a quality manager and soon so that they can get started on the right foot.

Last Season – 9^th

My Prediction – 9th

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Birmingham City

Alex Mcleish did a stellar job with his team last season. It wasn’t pretty at times, but it was effective enough to help the promoted boys to a top half finish. Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer revived their careers with some gutsy performances. With new money from the East in the form of Carson Yeung, they have already invested in Ben Foster to replace Joe Hart in goal and have boosted their attacking qualities with Nikola Zigic (signed from Valencia CF) upfront. Their squad is talented enough to achieve 9^th place again which would delight the St. Andrews faithful. However they may fall prey to the second season slump.

Last Season – 9^th

My Prediction – 11th