Chelsea start their defence of the Premier League trophy when the new top-flight season kicks off on Saturday. Here our writers take a closer look at the leading contenders, surprises and potential stars for the year ahead.
JAMES PIERCY, Deputy Editor
Winner: Arsenal. The most complete squad in the league, with cover all over the pitch. An inevitable injury crisis awaits but boss Arsene Wenger, for once, has the tools to combat it.
Relegated: Watford, Leicester, Sunderland
Surprise package: Crystal Palace. Alan Pardew’s always astute in the market and Palace have a squad capable of improving on last season’s 10th place.
Potential star: Jordan Amavi (Aston Villa). The best left-back in France last season is just 21 but has the pace and workrate to adapt to English football.
ANDY LEWIS, Assistant Editor
Winner: Arsenal. The Gunners look strong and have so many quality options going forward. Diego Costa’s injuries, an overreliance on Eden Hazard and European ambitions will see Chelsea just miss out.
Relegated: Watford, Leicester, Norwich
Surprise package: Aston Villa. Idrissa Gueye, Jordan Amavi and Jordan Ayew all did well in Ligue 1. Micah Richards, Scott Sinclair and boss Tim Sherwood have a point to prove. Can push on and leave relegation worries behind.
Potential star: Kelechi Iheanacho (Man City). Faces limited game time – League Cup aside – but talent will shine through.
MATT MONAGHAN, Reporter
Winner: Chelsea. There is a crushing inevitability about the Blues retaining the title. Their rivals have strengthened enough to make it a lot tighter, but not enough to usurp Jose Mourinho’s men come May.
Relegated: Watford, Norwich, Sunderland
Surprise package: Leicester City. Smart signings such as N’Golo Kante and Shinji Okazaki will help fill void left by former boss Nigel Pearson and inspirational midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.
Potential star: Callum Wilson (Bournemouth). Expect striker’s meteoric rise to continue. Has all-round game to threaten at the higher level.
MATT JONES, Reporter
Winner: Chelsea. The Blues may not have heavily invested but do they really need to considering their opposition? Arsenal will push them, United will be improved but City could plummet.
Relegated: Watford, Aston Villa, Leicester
Surprise package: Sunderland. After several seasons of struggle, the Black Cats could pounce to shock one or two. Retaining Advocaat was key while Jermain Defoe is a proven goalscorer. Have bought wisely.
Potential star: Andreas Pereira (Man United). Not many recent United academy prospects have prospered, but the Brazilian is a world-class talent.
ALEX REA, Reporter
Winner: Chelsea. Mourinho, Costa and an almost impregnable defence, it’s hard to look past them. The Blues were so far ahead last season they only needed to freshen up this summer to stay ahead.
Relegated: Leicester, Bournemouth, Watford
Surprise package: Newcastle. Mike Ashley’s finally dug into his deep pockets and Steve McClaren has bought well, a push for the Europa League is not a pipe dream.
Potential star: Jason Denayer (Man City). City’s defensive frailties have been exposed in pre-season and that could give the impressive centre-half a shout.
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ALAM KHAN, Premier League reporter
Winner: Arsenal. Have the depth in their squad and the desire to prove all their doubters wrong. After a decade of frustration their time has come.
Relegated: Leicester, Bournemouth, Watford
Surprise package: Stoke. A fit Bojan and Afellay could provide the silk to go with steel and see them push on yet again under Mark Hughes.
Potential star: Jordan Ibe (Liverpool). The young winger can save the Reds millions by stepping up to the plate following Sterling’s departure. Should get plenty of chances to play.
MARK LOMAS, Online Managing Editor
Winner: Man United. The personnel are in place, the philosophy has been instilled – if LVG can resist tinkering too much, he could be celebrating in May.
Relegated: Bournemouth, Leicester, Sunderland
Surprise package: Crystal Palace. No-one believes in Alan Pardew more than Alan Pardew and his confidence clearly seeps into the dressing room. Yohan Cabaye is a brilliant signing.
Potential star: Andre Ayew (Swansea). Creative and boasting Champions League experience, Ayew could prove to be one of the signings of the summer.
NIALL MCCAGUE, Online Journalist
Winner: Chelsea. Their rivals may have gained strength over the summer but the Blues still possess more power and pace going forward and it’s hard not to see them lifting a second league title in two years.
Relegated: Norwich, Aston Villa, Sunderland
Surprise package: Bournemouth. It’ll be a huge step for this exciting crop of players but what’s more important is that they’ve kept the nucleus of their Championship winning squad.
Potential star: Memphis Depay (Manchester United). Will be a big star at Old Trafford.
SCOTT GRAYSTON, Online Journalist
Winner: Manchester City. Although they were disappointing last season, Raheem Sterling will breathe life into them and make them fire again.
Relegated: Norwich, Watford, Sunderland
Surprise package: Bournemouth. They had one of the tightest defences last season and now have Distin to help out. Matt Richie and Callum Wilson will prove their class in the Premier League.
Potential star: Dimitri Payet (West Ham) Hammers fans have been desperate for some magic ever since Paolo Di Canio left. Payet will light up Upton Park with his creativity and trickery.
ANDREW BINNER, Online Journalist
Winner: Manchester City. Have too much fire-power with Raheem Sterling adding to the already potent threat of Sergio Aguero and Wilfried Bony.
Relegated: Watford, Norwich, Sunderland
Surprise package: Aston Villa. Written off after losing top-scorer Benteke and captain Delph but made some astute acquisitions in Idrissa Gueye, Jordan Amavi and Micah Richards.
Potential star: Tyrone Mings (Bournemouth). The 22-year-old centre-back should be a busy boy but has all the attributes to make a big impression.
