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

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Aston Villa

I really do feel for Villa, they seem to be the biggest losers from Manchester City’s influx of capital. Last season they took Gareth Barry off their hands. Now James Milner's protracted departure for Eastlands is all but inevitable. Filling the void in midfield will be a tough ask, but they will need more than that to break into the top four. They have a solid backline and midfield that were formidable last season. Not to mention a host of former England Under 21 internationals at their disposal. We should also not forget Fabian Delph, the young midfielder signed from Leeds last season; this could be his chance to prove his worth. Their forwards need to live up to their potential and ability to give them a fighting chance. However, in Martin O’Neill they have a quality manager, and with a few shrewd signings from the sale of Milner, I could see them being the dark horse of the season if they start well.

Last Season – 6^th

My Prediction – 5^th

20 Days, 20 Predictions: Arsenal

People, we have 20 days left until all is right with the world once more. The Premier League is set to kickoff on Saturday, August 14^th. Let’s take a quick look at each team’s chances before the start of the season.

Arsenal

Arsene’s young guns will be back at it again attempting to break their trophy drought this season. At this point, they seem to have retained the services of captain Cesc Fabregas for at least one more year. The arrival of Laurent Koscielny will be a welcome boost at the back, while Marouane Chamakh will allow for greater output upfront. The Gunners will do well to better their position from last year, but may need a few more signings to truly challenge for the title and compete in Europe. I alse see them playing stronger teams in the domestic cups as they search for silverware; to do this they need greater depth in squad or they may compromise their league chances.

Signings to make: A new goal keeper (Mark Schwarzer, Igor Akinfeev) and more cover in defence (Brede Hageland) to replace William Gallas who is probably on his way out.

Last Season - 3^rd

My Prediction – 3^rd