Sport360° writers’ Premier League predictions

Sport360 staff 13:31 15/08/2014
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  • What they're all after: Manchester City captain and manager Vincent Kompany (l) and Manuel Pellegrini will have to be at their best to defend the Premier League trophy.

    With the new Premier League season just around the corner, football fans all over the world are gearing up for another year of enthralling action from the world's most competitive league.

    Anyone who follows the league has an opinion on who will star and who will flop during the campaign and our staff of writers and editors are no different.

    Here, we share our thoughts on who will lift the Premier League trophy in May, who will be heading for the Championship in 2015 as well as the players and teams wh ocould spring a surprise or two.

    Steve McKenlay
    Editor

    Champions: Man City. They haven’t been very busy in the transfer market because they didn’t need to be. Strength in depth and confidence gained from winning the title will carry them through ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea, in that order. 
    Relegated: Aston Villa, Burnley, QPR 
    Surprise Package: Leicester City. They stormed the Championship last season and have the same unity and belief that saw Southampton establish themselves in the EPL. 
    One to watch: Diego Costa (Chelsea).


    He will either be a sensation or a waste of space. I question his fighting spirit if things don’t go his way. 

    James Piercy
    Deputy Editor

    Champions: Arsenal. If Arsene Wenger can add another centre-back and maybe a midfielder, keep Aaron Ramsey fit and get Jack Wilshere somewhere close to his best I don’t see a lot of faults with that squad. 
    Relegated: Swansea, West Ham, Burnley 
    Surprise Package: Newcastle. Some good additions in the summer in Siem De Jong, Remy Cabella and Daryl Janmaat. 
    One to watch: James Ward-Prowse (Southampton).


    Will be a regular this season and could force his way into the England reckoning. 

    Andy Lewis
    News Editor

    Champions: Chelsea. A lot will depend on Diego Costa, but he should prove a hit in the Premier League. Cesc Fabregas adds another dimension and we’ll all see how good Nemanja Matic is this term.
    Relegated: West Brom, Aston Villa, Burnley
    Surprise Package: Newcastle United. They tailed off horribly last season but have bought well. They’ll finish eighth but will close the gap on the teams above them.
    One to watch: Muhamed Besic (Everton).


    The 21-year-old Bosnian international looks a real prospect.

    Matt Monaghan
    Reporter

    Champions: Chelsea. Have swept up some of Europe’s finest talent, with Diego Costa set to convert the chances that were missed last term. With Jose Mourinho at the helm, the Blues look unstoppable.
    Relegated: Burnley, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace
    Surprise Package: Leicester City. Possess a solid manager, exciting youngsters and battle-hardened professionals such as Matthew Upson.
    One to watch: Ander Herrera (Manchester United).


    Spaniard will provide a cure to his side’s midfield malaise.

    Alam Khan
    Reporter

    Champions: Chelsea. Jose Mourinho has addressed the issues he felt cost them last year’s title and they look very strong. They can pip a Manchester City side who will be intent on making an impact in the Champions League.
    Relegated: Burnley, West Brom, Leicester
    Surprise Package: QPR. They’ll have learned lessons from last time and, having bought well, should sit comfortably in mid-table.
    One to watch: Remy Cabella (Newcastle).


    Quality player who will fill the hole left by Yohan Cabaye.

    Jon Turner
    Web Editor

    Champions: Chelsea. In Diego Costa, the Blues have a striker to provide the goals lacking at crucial times last season and the arrival of Cesc Fabregas will fill the giant Lampard-shaped hole. Jose Mourinho is in confident mood and that usually means one thing…
    Relegated: Burnely, West Brom, Leicester City
    Surprise package: Swansea City. Exits of Vorm, Michu and Davies aren't ideal, but in Fabianksi, Gomis and Sigurdsson, the Swans have recruited well. They shouldn't lack goals.
    One to watch: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal).


    Arsene Wenger's big-money recruit has fans dreaming of the title and the Chilean will need to deliver if the dream is to be a reality.

    Barnaby Read
    Web Editor

    Champions: Chelsea. They looked the part at times last season with a team in transition. Jose Mourinho has now managed to strenghten his squad in key areas and the Blues are in a superb position to take the league by storm this year.
    Relegated: Burnley, Aston Villa, Leicester
    Surprise package: Stoke. Mark Hughes drastically changed the playing style at the Brittania last term and in Mame Biram Diouf and Bojan they could have a potent stirke-force on their hands.
    One to watch: Bojan (Stoke).


    Was once the prodigal son at the Nou Camp and even kept the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho out of the Barcelona side. If he fulfils an ounce of his undoubted potential, he could inspire Stoke this season.

    Scott Grayston
    Online Reporter

    Champions: Manchester City. They have established a settled squad and added Bacary Sagna and Fernando which strenghtens their envious depth even more. Stevan Jovetic has shone in pre-season and the young Montenegrin could inspire the blue side of Manchester.
    Relegated: Burnley, West Ham , QPR
    Surprise package: Hull City. Steve Bruce assembled a solid team last season that were difficult to break downand has added an attacking edge that will make The Tigers more deadly. Expect a top-half finish from the side.
    One to watch: Juan Mata (Man Utd).


    The Spaniard will be a key player for Louis van Gaal’s reinvigorated team. Being given the license to operate in his favourite position behind the strikers will pay dividends for United.

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