The three year wait is over, Chelsea will be crowned again, as the other members of the big 4 flounder after losing essential team members during the transfer period. Does Manchester City finally break into the top 5? Will United even be a threat without CR7 and Tevez? Can Birmingham escape? Who was Fulham's top transfer? My predictions tell more than just league position.

1) Chelsea – Regardless of my devotion to the Blues, having maintained the same squad as last season, and finishing both last season strong as well as starting preseason well it seems only Chelsea proves the biggest threat to United’s championship run. However January is make or break for Chelsea, as Africa Nations cup is on, meaning Drogs, Kalou, Essien and Mikel will all be out. They need a strong start and firm finish to hold first. The return of Di Santo after gaining experience at Blackburn will be huge, and should Deco, Carvalho, J.Cole, and Drogs stay healthy I see no challenger.

Key Man: Frank Lampard, who else.

Key Signing: I would say Zhirkov, but Sturridge is set to shine, especially in January.

Biggest Flop: Deco, not because he is a poor player, but because Ancelotti seems to want to play him in a holding role behind Lamps, and he simply cannot defend.

 
2) Liverpool – Really only lost Xabi Alonso (Arbeloa doesn’t count, he was crap), but it’s a big loss. Still they perform more consistently than United, and Torres scores 20+. Should Gerrard stay healthy they push for the title, but an injury to Gerrard or Torres means potentially no Europe as there is a severe lack of depth (especially in attack, is N’Gog supposed to replace Torres if something goes amiss?). Aquilani could shine, or could flutter in mediocrity like he did at Roma. Too many ifs to win a title, plus Rafa always does something dumb to lower morale.

Key Man: Torres of course, a healthy Torres easily nets 20 goals this term.

Key Signing: Glen Johnson. They paid an arm and a leg for him, way too much in my opinion, but he is a quality right back with more attacking prowess than Arbeloa and Dossena ever had, combined.

Biggest Flop: Aquilani. He is set to fail. Good luck replacing Xabi Alonso, Aquilani added with Mascherano still doesn’t even fill the void.

 
3) Manchester United – They are simply too old, and have lost too much of what scored them goals over their 3 year haul. Giggs and Scholes had blinders last year, but each aged over 34 now means it will take a physical miracle to keep them going. Owen is a great pick up, if he stays healthy, and the youth will have to perform, but I can’t see them higher than third. Ronaldo and Tevez are just too big of a loss to overlook. Their midfield is a classy group that will perform with depressing mediocrity, and Berbatov may score some goals but I still can't stand to watch him play. He's just boring.

Key Man: Van der Sar, If he stays healthy he keeps them in the title hunt. Injured they drift further off.

Key Signing: Hands down Michael Owen. United fans may hate him, but if he stays healthy he is disgustingly good at putting the ball in the net.

Biggest Flop: Owen automatically if he gets injured before November. Otherwise Giggs or Scholes.

 
4) Manchester City - City will steal the 4th spot with a late season surge as the team begins to gel, but they will end up at least 8 points adrift from the rest of the big boys. The new big money boys ooze with attacking talent, but they still haven't addressed their defensive need. Adebayor and Tevez are great signings, as is Barry, but Mark Hughes will have to deal with a whole new load of egos, and I'm not positive he can do it. There will be a mass exodus of players either in January or next summer as old City boys realize they are no longer "part of the plan" and seek first team action. If they pick up some defensive talent they could be a real force, but Adebayor has the potential to be the new "Le Sulk" and Santa Cruz seems to have been replaced before playing a single game.

Key Man: Adebayor. If he rediscovers his form and keeps his ego in check City will score tons of goals. The potential Adebayor/Tevez partnership is terrifying.

Key Signing: Adebayor and Tevez. They have the potential to create a devastating duo. However if they land Lescott it’s a different story.

Biggest Flop: Roque Santa Cruz. He's an injury prone mediocre striker who was replaced before he could even attempt to make a name for himself in a City shirt. Despite Hughes' affinity for him, Santa Cruz is set to fail.


5) Arsenal - The loss of their best striker as well as Toure to Man City is worse than Wenger could ever imagine, and no amount of youth can replace the experience and form provided by those two players. With a lack of movement in the transfer window and Wenger's blind faith in youth finally sees Arsenal miss Europe. Eduardo finally returns, however for the second time in his career he is expected to fill big shoes, first Henry, now Adebayor. Wenger has only brought in Vermaelen, thus their attacking line is incredibly lacking. van Persie, Eduardo, and Bendtner just isn't nearly as intimidating as Wenger is claiming.

Key Man: Fabregas. They must hold on to Cesc. Without Cesc Arsenal will be lucky to break the top 8.

Key Signing: It has to be Vermaelen, because that's the only choice.

Biggest Flop: Bendtner. Because he's already a jackass.
 

6) Aston Villa - They lost Barry, but brought in Stuart Downing along with the incredibly exciting Fabian Delph. Delph may not make an immediate impact in the Prem, but O'Neill is exactly the person to develop him. The Gaffer's biggest issue is finding a way to get Ashley Young, Stuart Downing, and Gabriel Abonglahor on the pitch at the same time. If that happens then the loss of Barry will be completely irrelevant. Though they still can't break the top 5, a sixth spot is respectable, and they will still provide exciting games and will manage to give the top teams a rough game.

Key Man: Carew, a healthy Carew means a dangerous Villa, and lots of goals.

Key Signing: Downing, the exciting and experienced winger was the only shining light at 'Boro last season.

Biggest Flop: Marlon Harewood, because I can't believe he's still contracted to Villa.


7) Everton - David Moyes may be freaking out about his lack of signings, but getting Jo on loan for another season was a huge capture. He maintains his amazing ability to get talent for cheap, even if his other signings, Anton Peterlin and Arnoux, may not pan out this season. His goal has to be keeping Joleon Lescott, and then keeping Lescott's head in the game. Without Lescott Everton's back line will crumble, and Everton will slide to mid table mediocrity. Their midfield, however, is incredibly talented, and will provide a bulk of their attacking force, especially with a fit Arteta who will net 12+ for the Toffees.

Key Man: Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard may not be 100% yet, but he leads an impressive midfield core with Cahill, Fellaini, Pineaar, and Neville.

Key Signing: Jo on loan from City gives Saha and Yakubu (once he returns) that depth that is necessary considering the past injury problems of each.

Biggest Flop: Lescott, if he can't refocus himself after having his transfer request denied Everton lacks the defensive depth to cover, even if they land Senderos (who I rate poorly).

 
8) Fulham - The surprising second half team of last term, Hodgson managed to get the best out of the Cottagers, and has managed to hold onto all of his important first team members. Dempsey just signed a new deal (which will please Biggy), and only Simon Davies is an injury doubt, so it’s hard to imagine anything but Fulham starting off on the same note they finished. A strong start pushes Fulham into a good position by the Christmas congestion, where they will stutter, but will pick up again late to push for another Europa League spot. Very much like their close West London rivals Chelsea, Fulham haven't been incredibly active in the transfer market, but John Arne Riise's younger brother could prove an interesting pick up. However news is that Hangeland looks to be moving to Arsenal, meaning Fulham’s back line will have a gap.

Key Man: Danny Murphy. The ageless midfielder is a classic leader, tireless worker, and most impressive penalty taker. There is no one that controls his team better than Danny Murphy.

Key Signing: Bjorn Helge Riise. The younger Riise will hopefully have better luck against Chelsea than his older brother, but besides that could prove an incredible pick up for the Cottagers.

Biggest Flop: Eddie Johnson. So much raw talent, with an equal proportion of ego, will he ever develop into the player he should be? Unlikely.

 
9) West Ham - The incredible Gianfranco Zola set the Premier League alight again, this time as manager, leading West Ham out of their dismal league position despite all the financial problems. While his attempted capture of Gudjohnsen seems to have fallen through (oh would that have been fun, I love Guddy), and no word yet on the attempt to loan out Balotelli (the fiery forward would be a delight in the Prem) he did grab Jimenez on loan and must now focus on the fitness of ever-overweight yet still massively talented Dean Ashton. Carlton Cole was their star last year, and looks to be again this term, especially as he tries to force his way onto the England squad (though I would MUCH rather have him than the bean pole). Still the lack of finances means a lack of signings, which means only Zola heroics will see West Ham higher than 9th.

Key Man: Carlton Cole finally reached that potential we all knew he had at Chelsea, and he is tearing up the league. A healthy Cole scores 15 this year.

Key Signing: If he lands either Guddy or Balotelli they get the spot, but for now its the Jimenez loan.

Biggest Flop: Boa Morte. The Portuguese mid is past his prime and will take up space if he sees the pitch.

 
10) Tottenham - Harry can't even get this attack-heavy team to Europe, and they end up selling Pavlyuchenko in January. While playing the odd exciting upset-game much like the Tottenham - Man Utd game last year, they can't seem to find a rhythm and settle for a respectable mid-table finish, though the owners will be unhappy. The lack of defense and a suspect goalkeeper makes it impossible for Tottenham to succeed (why doesn't Carlo Cudicini start?). Still Tottenham will be in good position for a better run in 2010/2011 season.

Key Man: Robbie Keane. The captain must be on form for Tottenham success, and Tottenham is the only team he can provide that for.

Key Signing: Bassong was brought in to stabilize a sketchy defense.

Biggest Flop: Luka Modric has still yet to perform up to everyone's expectation. I can't see this year being any different.

 
11) Bolton Wanderers - Bolton has become a team no one likes to play, especially at the Reebok. They are tough, dirty, and scrappy, and pull results from many games people count them out of. Due to this Bolton almost breaks the top 10. With Zat Knight bolstering the defense (even though I think he's useless, he fits the Bolton mold to a T), the Wanderers maintain a similar squad to last season and manage to squeak up 2 spots higher, but no more.

Key Man: Gary Cahill leads the defense for the Wanderers and manages to provide the squad with well timed goals.

Key Signing: Zat Knight brings some more stability to the center of the Bolton defense.

Biggest Flop: Jussi Jaaskelainen isn't all he used to be, and it's time to find a new keeper.

 
12) Wigan Athletic - The loss of Valencia was unfortunate, but funded a decent haul of new talent including the mercurial Scott Sinclair from Chelsea, whose job it is to replace Valencia. Wigan's main issue is up front, where there is a severe lack of talent, but a strong back keeps them in games (despite the inclusion of Titus Fumble) and Chris Kirkland always shows up for big games between the posts. Marlon King has to provide at least 10 goals for Wigan to make it out of the danger zone.

Key Man: Roberto Martinez. Yes, the manager. It is up to him to get the best out of his crew.

Key Signing: Scott Sinclair has big boots to fill, but the youngster adds a huge amount of speed to the flanks of Wigan.

Biggest Flop: Titus Bramble. Does ANYONE think he is a good player?

 
13) Sunderland - Steve Bruce has done some incredible summer dealing, with one of the best transfer classes in the Premiership. These signings alone take Sunderland far away from the drop zone, clear by at least a dozen points. Darren Bent will rediscover his form, and the attacking group is incredibly deep, with Frazier Campbell, Kenwyne Jones, David Healy, and Anthony Stokes supporting Bent. Sunderland is a team I can already see being exciting to watch, and I hope they reach the type of success I have them at here in my predictions.

Key Man: Anton Ferdinand needs to live up to his name this season and become a brick wall on that back line.

Key Signing: Darren Bent was essential, and will provide great support for Jones and co.

Biggest Flop: Andy Reid. I'm in better shape than Reid.

 
14) Wolverhampton Wanderers - The other exciting transfer class, Wolves managed to do a lot with a little, and will successfully maintain their status as a top-flight club with an early season scorching run into the top ten, a la Hull City last season. As much as it saddens me to let Mancienne go out on loan full season, it will be great experience, and I can see him starting on the Wolves back line next term. They also picked up a quality experienced shot stopper in Hahnemann and a proven goal-scorer in Doyle who coupled with Ebanks-Blake could prove a glorious combination. Wolves will struggle mid season, but will maintain their lead over the bottom 3.

Key Man: Ebanks-Blake needs to continue what he accomplished in the Championship.

Key Signing: Zubar is a young stud, and it’s a great pick up for Wolves.

Biggest Flop: Andrew Surman floats on that line between brilliant and awful, this year its awful.

 
15) Blackburn Rovers - They lost some players, but picked up a few as well. Plus with Sam Allardyce at the helm they at least have a manager with some experience and moderate success. Still, their squad fails to impress anyone, and as they lose their best signing back to Chelsea in January goals will be hard to come by in the later part of the season. McCarthy needs a big year and Samba needs to be a rock, but it will be hard with an aging squad. They still will struggle to survive, just squeaking out above those really in danger.

Key Man: Paul Robinson needs his form back, especially to make it as the backup next summer, I see him playing out of his mind this season.

Key Signing: Franco di Santo, even if it's only until January, the 6'4 Argentine is better than Santa Cruz anyways.

Biggest Flop: El-Hadji Diouf. Everyone's favorite villain will become his own team's villain as he struggles to have performances make up for his attitude.

 
16) Birmingham City - A team that belongs in the Premiership finally makes it back, and while they struggle, will stay in the top-flight due to some important performances by the bargain buy of the summer, Barry Ferguson. Joe Hart will gain valuable experience in goal and Sebastian Larsson as always will provide a few goal of the season candidates. The ageing back line is a worry, but its their experience that keeps them alive.

Key Man: Barry Ferguson will control a rough-and-tumble midfield.

Key Signing: Barry Ferguson, Birmingham are loving Boozegate right now.

Biggest Flop: Marcus Bent. I never rated him then, I don't rate him now.

 
17) Stoke City - Tony Pulis managed an amazing escape run last season, and ended up in 12th. Unfortunately that wonder run was a one time thing, but they will escape by a thread this season, but their inability to draw in more talent will cost them in the long run. James Beattie, despite all his criticizers, was immense last season, and still has it in him to score at the top level. Rory Delap will throw Stoke's way into another season with the best in the business.

Key Man: James Beattie and Ricardo Fuller as a combo. The strikers need combine for 25, with 18 last season it's completely believable (Beattie only played half a year).

Key Signing: Dean Whitehead is the only signing worth noting.

Biggest Flop: Abdoulaye Faye. He used to play for Newcastle, enough said.

 
18) Hull City - Recent Signings will make them the best of the worst, but they are still amongst the bottom 3. Phil Brown' s inability to actually capture most on his transfer list in a timely fashion means that the wonder start he had last season will not occur, and instead he will find himself in 19th (no one will touch Burnley's 20th spot) until November. Some good results will give people hope, but its all in vain as they still end up relegated.

Key Man: Geovanni gave Hull the wonder start last season, but fell off second half. He needs to find his form.

Key Signing: Jozy Altidore. He needs the play time, and some defenders to absolutely crush him in order to perform next summer. I say he scores 9, a respectable haul.

Biggest Flop: Stephen Hunt. No one likes him and he fractures peoples skulls.

 
19) Portsmouth - The recent purge of anything and everything they had that can kick a ball means they basically have Biggy and me running around the field rather than people that should actually be making money to play the sport. Though they made some decent money off the transfers all they have to show for it is a washed up Liverpool player (it pained me to write that, I actually like Steve Finnan), and a goalie who's max height is 5'9. The best part of relegation is no more Portsmouth fan John.

Key Man: Niko Kranjcar. The only player with any class left.

Key Signing: Steve Finnan, but only because I know nothing about Vanden Borre.

Biggest Flop: Can David Nugent still be considered a flop? I think so.

 
20) Burnley - I don't quite know what moons aligned to grant Burnley access to the Premier League, but now they are here, and with limited funds have done.....nothing noteworthy. Due to that ill keep this short and sweet. Burnley will bring up the rear of the league, for the entire year. Think Derby County two seasons ago all over again.

Key Man: Anyone that can put the ball in the net. Anyone at all.

Key Signing: David Edgar. At least he has experience.

Biggest Flop: Fernando Guerrero. He won't be able to keep up with the Premiership.