Who got better?
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| Michu is an underrated star |
Swansea has also spent some smart money this window, Spanish star Michu scored nearly half of their goals this season, but this season he will have some help. 12 Million was enought to bring in striker Wilifred Bony, who was already scored two in the Europa League for the Swans this year. Jonjo Shevley from Liverpool and Jordi Amat from Espanyol are smart signings as well.
For the past few seasons, one promoted teams can launch their way into the top half. Last year, Cardiff City tore through the English Championship, this year they should be even better. They have broken their transfer record multiple times this season, and have found some relief for their stars Craig Bellamy and Aron Gunnarsson.
Who didn't get better at all?
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| Moyes is no longer with Everton |
An 8th place finish for West Bromwich exceeded everyones expectations, in large part due to the breakthrough of Belgian strike Romelu Lukaku. This season his 17 goals are gone, and he is being replaced by former Chelsea striker Nicholas Anelka. A 34-year-old Anelka and 32-year-old Peter Odemwingie are not a good way to replace Lukaku's production.
Everton lost David Moyes to Manchester United and brought in Roberto Martinez, who is a popular manager among the media, so a new manager means new signings, right? Not neccecarily. All three of their signings played last season at the same Wigan club that Martinez managed, the one that got relegated. Not exactly a reason for excitement.
Liverpool has made some solid signings this summer, but look at the list of players leaving the club. Jamie Carragher, Andy Carroll, Jonjo Shevley, Jay Spearing and Stuart Downing. Many of those players were ridiculed during their time at Anfield, but they will be tough to replace. And the suspension to star Luis Suarez could really put Liverpool in a hole early.
Last season's promotion surprise was Southampton and striker Rickie Lambert, who may not be able to repeat his 15 goal season again, so no help on the offensive end could see the Saints drop into a relegation battle.
Who's not sure if they're better or not?
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| The never boring Berbatov |
In a very similar situation to Swansea, Fulham was very reliant on the always interesting Dimitar Berbatov for goals, what remains to be seen though is if he will get enough help. Always looking for a bargain, getting Adel Taarabt from QPR on a loan should be beneficial for the Cottagers, but the potential signing of Darren Bent could help vault Fulham into contention for a Europa League spot.
Aston Villa had another young Belgian striker carry them this season, Christian Benteke nearly won young player of the year in the Premier League, but it remains to be seen how useful new signings like Leandro Bacuna and Jores Okura will be.
Sunderland will certainly get some more viewings in America due to the signing of Jozy Altidore, with the World Cup coming up, fans will certainly want to see the young American to continue to score goals.
In a league full of great names, Norwich City's marquee signing Ricky Van Wolfswinkel is certainly one of the best.
Who gets relegated?
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| Holloway is one of many characters managing a Premier League team this year |
With no real star power Hull City will more than likely struggle to stay up, but the signing of Allan McGregor is certainly a smart one for the Tigers.
For a team with so much history, it really is a shame that Newcastle will struggle this season, but there is little optimism to find between last year's 16th place finish and the underwhelming transfer season.
Stoke City is suddenly full of Americans. Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu and Brek Shea will be joined by Juan Agudelo in the winter window. But despite all of that freedom on the team, will have a tough time transitioning away from the physical style that Tony Pulis made Stoke so famous for.
Who will be playing in the Champions League?
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| Will Bale stay or go? |
Gareth Bale, umm I mean Tottenham nearly made the breakthrough into the Champions League, but came up short, now rumors of Bale's departure are coming in daily, but the signings made will certainly help the club. Paulinho and Roberto Saldado will be solid, and if Bale can remain, they will push hard for a top spot.
Stop me if you've heard this one before, Arsenal signs a young promising French player... Yeah its a little played out, but after missing out on Higuain, Yaya Sanogo is still the only signing Arsenal has made so far. If Arsenal will continue their streak in the top-4, current players like Santi Carzola and Lucas Podolski need to step up.
Its no secret that Manchester City likes to spend money, but why constantly spend it on attacking players? Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Stephan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo are all excellent players, but they already have Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, David Silva and James Milner. Maybe Pelligrini and City could be revolutionizing soccer with the 1-3-6 formation?
Who will win the League?
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| The Special One is back in London |
The day all Manchester United feared most has come, Sir Alex Ferguson is no longer the Red Devils manager and its a new era at Old Trafford. It also looks that there will be mostly the same squad as last season's championship team, so if the Champions are to be dethroned, someone will have to come and take it.
Chelsea looks the most likely to take the throne from Man United. Jose Mourinho is managing the club. They have added Andre Schurrle to their attack, and Lukaku is returning from his loan at West Bromwich. Throw in the strong midfield and backline that they have and I see them as the favorites to win the league.
League Predictions:
Winners: Chelsea
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2. Man United
3. Arsenal
4. Man City
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5. Tottenham
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6. Swansea
7. Liverpool
8. West Ham
9. Everton
10. Fulham
11. Aston Villa
12. Norwich
13. Cardiff City
14. Southampton
15. Sunderland
16. West Brom
17. Newcastle
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18. Hull City
19. Stoke City
20. Crystal Palace
