Tom Oldfield

As we prepare for the start of the new season, we can reflect on a summer of considerable transfer activity. Some clubs have splashed out on new stars, others remain largely unchanged.

Supporters up and down the country are asking the same questions as they eagerly await the start of the new season. Will Manchester United retain the title? Will it be a four horse race for Premier League glory? Who will be relegated? Can any of the promoted sides survive? Who will finish as the top goalscorer?

All the answers will arrive over the next nine months. One thing is for certain, though: the 2008/09 campaign is going to be action-packed and tightly contested at both ends of the table. The Premier League is the most exciting league in Europe and the kick-off is nearing!


Arsenal

By now we should all know to trust Arsene Wenger’s transfer policy. Last season, the Gunners were written off by most yet led the league for much of the campaign before tailing off agonisingly in the last few months. However, this time Arsenal seem genuinely weakened. Losing Flamini and Hleb, along with Gilberto, is a problem and means Wenger is short of bodies in midfield. Wenger could be placing too much pressure on Fabregas’ shoulders. Much will be demanded from Adebayor after his on-off move to Barcelona fell through and a fit again van Persie will provide further attacking threat.
But Wenger has not bought players with the experience needed for a title race and the Gunners look likely to fall short again. A place in the top four, however, is a certainty.

IN: Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff), Samir Nasri (Marseille), Amaury Bischoff (Werder Bremen)

OUT: Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan), Alexander Hleb (Barcelona), Jens Lehmann (Stuttgart), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos)

Prediction: 4th

Aston Villa

Martin O’Neill has enjoyed a successful summer. Along with an excellent stint as a Euro 2008 pundit, he looks like he has retained the services of captain Gareth Barry, despite strong interest from Liverpool, and has bought wisely in the transfer market. Sidwell and Shorey are proven Premier League players who can be relied upon for consistent displays while Friedel has been among the league’s top goalkeepers for the past few years. Qualification for Europe is well within Villa’s reach, especially with youngsters Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor improving all the time in attack alongside John Carew.

IN: Steve Sidwell (Chelsea), Brad Friedel (Blackburn), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Curtis Davies (West Brom), Luke Young (Middlesbrough)

OUT: Thomas Sorensen (released), Patrik Berger (Sparta Prague), Luke Moore (West Brom)

Prediction: 5th

Blackburn

There have been plenty of changes at Ewood Park. Paul Ince replaced Mark Hughes at the helm and wasted no time in diving into the transfer market. Robinson takes over the gloves from Friedel while Ince also opted to cash in his Bentley. Rovers have retained Santa Cruz’s services but appear a weaker side than last year, lacking supply lines to the front men. It could be a tricky introduction to Premier League management for Ince and he may well need re-enforcements during the January transfer window to ensure a top half finish.

IN: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Robbie Fowler (Cardiff), Danny Simpson (Man United, loan), Carlos Villanueva (Audax Italiano, loan), Julio Santa Cruz (Cerro Porteno)

OUT: David Bentley (Tottenham), Brad Friedel (Aston Villa), Stephane Henchoz (released), Peter Enckelman (Cardiff), Maceo Rigters (Barnsley, loan)

Prediction: 10th

Bolton

After narrowly avoiding the drop last season, Gary Megson has looked to address his team’s lack of goals. Much will depend on new boy Elmander to provide the firepower up front to support a team built on hard graft. The popular Ivan Campo has been released but the two Kevins – Nolan and Davies – remain as focal points. However, with the squad still lacking star quality, Wanderers could find themselves in another nervy relegation battle and crowds at the Reebok Stadiums might be biting their fingernails once again.

IN: Johan Elmander (Toulouse), Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham), Danny Shittu (Watford), Mustapha Riga (Levante)

OUT: El-Hadji Diouf (Sunderland), Stelios Giannakopoulos, Ivan Campo (both released), Andranik Teymourian (Fulham), Daniel Braaten (Toulouse), Abdoulaye Meite (West Brom)

Prediction: 17th

Chelsea

The Scolari era begins with two other new Portuguese faces – Bosingwa and Deco. Both signings improve the squad, with Bosingwa solving the team’s problems at right-back. If the Blues have more luck with injuries, they will surely push United all the way and will expect a long run European run too. But it remains to be seen how the team will line-up. How will Lampard, Deco and Ballack gel in midfield? Can Drogba and Anelka co-exist up front? Scolari has plenty of decisions to make, including the selection of a new holding midfielder after Makelele’s departure and a rumoured move for Kaka. The Terry-Carvalho partnership makes Chelsea’s defence very tough to penetrate.

IN: Jose Bosingwa (FC Porto), Deco (Barcelona)

OUT: Steve Sidwell (Aston Villa), Claude Makelele (PSG), Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Tal Ben Haim (Man City), Ben Sahar (Portsmouth, loan)

Prediction: 2nd

Everton

The Toffees were superb last season and will look to build on that during this campaign. Surprisingly, David Moyes has not strengthened his squad thus far over the summer, though deals are in progress, and Everton fans must be slightly concerned as their rivals have all brought in new faces. Their defence is solid, with Lescott proving a fine defender and goalscorer, but it is Yakubu, Arteta and Cahill who hold the key. If Yakubu stays fit, he will go close to 20 goals for the season and Everton will compete for Europe. Squad depth is the main concern at Goodison Park and signings might be made during the January transfer window.

IN: None

OUT: Andrew Johnson (Fulham), Lee Carsley (Birmingham), Stefan Wessels (VfL Osnabruck)

Prediction: 6th

Fulham

Fulham fans are probably still coming to terms with The Great Escape but they will be hoping to avoid such drama this time. Roy Hodgson has been very busy over the summer and his squad looks greatly improved. Johnson will provide a genuine goal threat with his pace while Zamora, Gera and Schwarzer ought to prove wise signings too. However, the defence does not inspire confidence and this aspect must be greatly improved to avoid relegation worries. It will take time for the side to gel – and the loss of McBride is a blow – but expect the fit-again Bullard to shine as the talisman in midfield.

IN: Andrew Johnson (Everton), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough), John Pantsil, Bobby Zamora (both West Ham), Zoltan Gera (West Brom), Pascal Zuberbuhler (Neuchatel Xamax), Tony Kallio (Young Boys Bern), Andranik Teymourian (Bolton), Fredrik Stoor (Rosenborg), David Stockdale (Darlington)

OUT: Brian McBride (Toronto), Hameur Bouazza (Charlton, loan), Carlos Bocanegra (Stade Rennais), Ricardo Batista (Sporting Lisbon), Tony Warner (Hull), Dejan Stefanovic (Norwich), Jari Litmanen, Kasey Keller, Simon Elliott, Philippe Christanval (all released)

Prediction: 16th

Hull

A fairytale ending, courtesy of Windass’ winner at Wembley, gives Hull a crack at the big time. Unfortunately, it looks likely to be a short stay. Boateng and Halmosi certainly improve the Hull squad but Fraizer Campbell’s return to Manchester United is a huge loss. They will struggle to score goals without Campbell’s pace and could be overrun in midfield. Furthermore, the speed and movement of Premier League attacks will seriously stretch their defence.

IN: George Boateng (Middlesbrough), Peter Halmosi (Plymouth), Tony Warner (Fulham), Bernard Mendy (PSG), Geovanni (Man City), Craig Fagan (Derby), Anthony Gardner (Tottenham, loan)

OUT: Michael Bridges (Carlisle, loan), Henrik Pedersen (Silkeborg IF), David Livermore (Brighton)

Prediction: 20th
   

Liverpool

Each year under Benitez, Liverpool have improved their squad during the off-season. Again, they look well-equipped to compete and the Torres-Keane partnership is intriguing. However, the Reds have failed to address their need for quality wide players and, for all Gerrard’s obvious talent, the supply lines to the front men pales in comparison to Manchester United and Chelsea. A move for Valencia’s David Silva would solve the creativity problems but Benitez is running out of time to secure his signature. A move for Barry also looks unlikely now. Torres’ goals will power Liverpool but they will find it tough to break into the top two. Benitez must also decide on his first choice back four, having added Dossena and Degen to last year’s group.

IN: Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Andrea Dossena (Udinese), Philipp Degen (Borussia Dortmund), David Ngog (PSG), Emmanuel Mendy (Murcia Deportivo), Diego Cavalieri (Palmeiras)

OUT: Peter Crouch (Portsmouth), John-Arne Riise (Roma), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Scott Carson (West Brom), Danny Guthrie (Newcastle), Anthony Le Tallec (Le Mans), Sebastian Leto (Olympiakos, loan)

Prediction: 3rd

Manchester City

Despite the Ronaldinho saga ending in long and embarrassed faces, City approach the new campaign with optimism. Mark Hughes has addressed the club’s goalscoring problems by signing Jo to partner Benjani in attack while Elano will play a vital role as a playmaker. But Hughes must make City more consistent if they are to challenge for Europe. At home, they are always strong but their away form has been hugely disappointing. Micah Richards and Richard Dunne will form a central defensive partnership that is crucial to the team’s progress.

IN: Jo (CSKA Moscow), Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea)

OUT: Georgios Samaras (Celtic), Giovanni (Hull), Andreas Isaksson (PSV), Sun Jihai (Sheffield Utd), Matthew Mills (Doncaster), Emile Mpenza, Paul Dickov (both released)

Prediction: 9th

Manchester United

The biggest drama of the summer appears to be over now as Cristiano Ronaldo prepares for another season at Old Trafford. No major changes for the champions show how pleased Sir Alex was with last year’s squad and the faith he has in his youngsters. However, United look a little short in attack. The club were linked with Berbatov and Santa Cruz but the rumours have subsided and an injury crisis could leave United reeling. The trio of Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez will once again carry the attacking threat while the back four is the best in Europe with Ferdinand and Vidic as imposing as ever. The return to fitness of club captain Neville is a bonus for Ferguson. They still look the strongest title contenders, despite Ronaldo missing the start of the season through injury.

IN: None

OUT: Chris Eagles (Burnley), Danny Simpson (Blackburn, loan), Gerard Pique (Barcelona)

Prediction: 1st

Middlesbrough

After a season of more downs than ups, it is hard to predict how Middlesbrough will fare. Afonso Alves showed glimpses of his talent in the closing weeks and his goals will carry the team. Digard and Emnes bring much-needed strength to the squad but Southgate will be hoping injuries do not strike. An erratic defence is a concern, especially as Young has joined Villa. Losing goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is also a worry. Middlesbrough will pick up the majority of their points at home where they are capable of beating anyone. On their travels, it is a very different story.

IN: Didier Digard (PSG), Marvin Emnes (Sparta Rotterdam)

OUT: Luke Young (Aston Villa), George Boateng (Hull), Lee Cattermole (Wigan), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Fabio Rochemback (Sporting Lisbon), Steve Thompson (Port Vale), Lee Dong-Gook (released)

Prediction: 15th

Newcastle

The return of Keegan lifted the Newcastle fans and now they will eager to see how he fares in his first full season back in charge. His attacking trio of Owen, Viduka and Martins can worry the league’s best defences on their day but it is the back four that makes the team vulnerable. It is a familiar story on Tyneside yet defensive moves are incredibly rare. Keegan must address this issue before significant progress can be made into the top half. Gutierrez looks an exciting signing out wide while Guthrie’s graft will help in midfield. Fortunately for Keegan, there are plenty of goals in this squad and this should help Newcastle overcome defensive wobbles.

IN: Danny Guthrie (Liverpool), Jonas Gutierrez (Real Mallorca)

OUT: Emre (Fenerbahce), David Rozehnal (Lazio), Peter Ramage (QPR)

Prediction: 12th

Portsmouth

Following on from their FA Cup success will be tricky but Harry Redknapp is looking to do just that. Signing Crouch to partner Defoe gives Pompey a fascinating pairing up front that should score lots of goals. Defensively, they will excel so long as James, Campbell and Distin perform like last season and Fratton Park remains an extremely intimidating venue for visiting teams. Losing Muntari to Inter is disappointing but Diarra is their star man in midfield and his energy and passing dictate the team’s tempo. They will enjoy European football this season and will surely be contenders for European qualification again.

IN: Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Younes Kaboul (Tottenham), Ben Sahar (Chelsea, loan), Glen Little (Reading),

OUT: Sulley Muntari (Inter)

Prediction: 7th

Stoke

Like Hull, Stoke stunned many by reaching the top flight. Even more would be shocked if they survived this season. Kitson is a major plus and he brings two seasons of Premier League experience to the club. However, elsewhere Stoke will struggle to match up with top flight opponents. Shawcross looks an excellent defender but he and his defensive colleagues will be put to the test week in, week out. Stoke simply do not seem to have the quality to avoid the drop and, as is the case with all promoted sides, their lack of squad depth could be exposed by a few injuries.

IN: Dave Kitson (Reading), Seyi George Olofinjana (Wolves)

OUT: Marlon Broomes (Blackpool)

Prediction: 19th
    

Sunderland

Roy Keane has shown that he is not afraid to spend big money to keep Sunderland in the Premier League and he has acted boldly again this summer. The Tottenham trio add quality and experience, with Malbranque’s range of passing a key improvement and Chimbonda strengthening a vulnerable back four. The signing of Diouf is another good move and his partnership with Kenwyn Jones will challenge opposition defences. If the new faces make the expected impact, the club should ease well away from the relegation scrap and could compete for a spot in the top half.

IN: Pascal Chimbonda, Teemu Tainio, Steed Malbranque (all Tottenham), El-Hadji Diouf (Bolton), Nick Colgan (Ipswich), David Meyler (Cork City)

OUT: Andrew Cole (Nottingham Forest), Ross Wallace (Preston, loan), Greg Halford (Sheffield Utd, loan), Ian Harte, Stephen Wright (both released)

Prediction: 13th

Tottenham

Juande Ramos captured silverware in his first season in England. His next task is to lift Tottenham back into the top six. Bentley and Modric are excellent signings and will transform their midfield into one of the most exciting in the league. Giovani brings flair to the attack and Ramos seems to have kept hold of Berbatov, despite firm interest from Manchester United. Losing Keane is a blow but injury problems in defence are the biggest concern. Can King and Woodgate stay fit for long enough to allow Spurs to make a run for Europe? Also, will Gomes be more reliable between the sticks than Robinson? Despite their shrewd buys, Tottenham might find themselves eased out in the hugely competitive race for a top six finish.

IN: David Bentley (Blackburn), Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb), John Bostock (Crystal Palace), Giovani Dos Santos (Barcelona), Heurelho Gomes (PSV)

OUT: Robbie Keane (Liverpool), Pascal Chimbonda, Teemu Tainio, Steed Malbranque (all Sunderland), Paul Robinson (Blackburn), Younes Kaboul (Portsmouth), Anthony Gardner (Hull, loan)

Prediction: 8th

West Brom

Playing the best football in the Championship is one thing, bringing that into the Premier League is another. West Brom have the best chance of survival out of the promoted sides due to the quality of their passing but the same questions crop up. Can their defence live with the approach play and movement of top flight attacks? And can their strikeforce find a way through against Premier League defences? Carson is a good signing but it is hard to see anyone scoring 15 goals. The Baggies have a chance but might well be edged out and sent back to the Championship.

IN: Scott Carson (Liverpool), Abdoulaye Meite (Bolton), Luke Moore (Aston Villa), Marek Cech (FC Porto), Gianni Zuiverloon (Heerenveen)

OUT: Curtis Davies (Aston Villa), Kevin Phillips (Birmingham), Zoltan Gera (Fulham), Martin Albrechtsen (Derby)

Prediction: 18th

West Ham

It has been a quiet summer at Upton Park. Curbishley was so unlucky with injuries last season, though, that he will feel like he has more new faces than the three listed below. If the likes of Dyer and Ljungberg can stay fit, the Hammers ought to finish in the top half. Tireless midfielders like Noble and Parker will play important roles, accommodating the array of attacking stars, and Behrami looks a decent prospect. But if the injury plague returns, West Ham could face some nervy moments. The back four looks shaky, despite Green’s brilliance in goal, and this could impede their progress.

IN: Valon Behrami (Lazio), Balint Bajner (Liberty Salonta), Jan Lastuvka (Shakhtar Donetsk, loan)

OUT: John Pantsil, Bobby Zamora (both Fulham), Richard Wright (Ipswich)

Prediction: 11th

Wigan

Steve Bruce oversaw great improvement at Wigan last season and more is expected in 2008/09. Cattermole brings real work-ethic to the midfield and Kapo is a creative threat further forward. If Wigan play with the same desire, they will move up the table. Reports suggested that they would lose some of their key men but Bruce has managed to avoid this. If Wigan utilise the quality of Heskey, Palacios and Valencia, they will steer well clear of the relegation places. Anyone who watched them in the final month of last season will know that this team are capable of a solid campaign.

IN: Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough), Daniel De Ridder (Birmingham), Olivier Kapo (Birmingham), Amr Zaki (Zamalek, loan)

OUT: Julius Aghahowa, Salomon Olembe (both Kayserispor), Josip Skoko (Hajduk Split), Andreas Granqvist (Groningen), David Cotterill (Sheffield Utd)

Prediction: 14th