Start of Premier League Predictions

Editor Dean Mears runs through his top 4 and his bottom 3 for the upcoming Premier League season.

It's finally arrived, 2 months of possibly the worlds most painful transfer market has ended and the Premier League is kicking off tomorrow, unless your a Tottenham or Everton fan.

Champions: Manchester United



Will it be 20?


I simply cannot look past anyone other than Manchester United for a 20th title this season. I said the winner of the Community Shield would win the league, and after the second half performance from United and the new signings Fergie has made over the summer, United are the team to beat.


   
Runners Up: Manchester City

Runners-Up may not be good enough for Mancini.



Although Manchester City have spent big money again this summer, they still remain a team of individuals rather than squad like that of near rivals Manchester United. They threw away a 2 goal lead last Sunday and although they will come close, they don't have a togetherness that can take them to the very top level.

3rd: Chelsea

It pains me to put my own team in 3rd place, but simply based on the fact we haven't properly strengthened this summer means Chelsea cannot expect to come ahead of the two Manchester clubs. Chelsea have a real chance at the league if they manage to sign Modric and Fernando Torres starts reshowing his form and class that he showed whilst at Liverpool.

4th: Liverpool

For those who know me, you would have seen me slate Kenny's signings, calling them mid-table. However, Arsenal look set to lose Fabregas and Nasri, plus they have also lost Clichy and haven't replace them. Wenger has again brought youth in Jenkinson and Oxilde Chamberlain, and calls from fans to sign a defender has fell on deaf ears. Spurs also look set to lose star man Luka Modric, and are short in numbers at the back. Redknapp has also failed to add a quality goalscorer to the team, which was Tottenham's biggest downfall last season. So you see, it's not because I think 'King Kenny' has done brilliant in the transfer market and Liverpool are back. It's because the other competitors for 4th place have weakened.

Now, for fans of the next three clubs I apologise, but I think the Premier League will be too much for your clubs and the Championship beckons.

18th: Wigan Athletic

Wigan will be hoping for similar scenes at the DW

It was close last year for Roberto Martinez's men, but after losing winger Charles N'zogbia and the return to Manchester United of loanee Tom Cleverly, Wigan have failed to stregthen. Martinez has talked up Victor Moses as a replacement for N'Zogbia but to heap all the pressure onto such a young man who still hasn't been proven at this level seems foolish. It'll be final day heartache for Wigan this year.



19th: Swansea City

Will Cardiff be replacing Swansea as the Premier Welsh club soon?

New boys Swansea came up through the play-offs and play a very good brand of football, but again, another team who I feel have failed to strengthen adequately for life in the Premier League. In Brendan Rogers they have a very good manager, however I fear their fate will be similar to that of the last play-off winners to try their luck in the Premier League.



20th: Norwich City

Many thought they would struggle in the Championship last year after gaining promotion from League 1. Norwich relied on the goals of Grant Holt to fire them to success, and boy did he, 20 goals helped Paul Lambert's side finish behind QPR last year, but yet again Norwich have made any great strides in signing new players and expect some more half time team talks from Delia this season.