The English Premier League is widely considered to be the most exciting league in world football – and the 2013/14 campaign could be its best yet. While the chase for the title may not go down to the final kick of the final day, as in 2011/12, it does promise to be the most competitive for many years, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United all believing themselves to be legitimate contenders.

There are stories sure to develop throughout the league though, from top four chases, Europa League bids, to relegation struggles. We look at every team and their chances in the 2013/14 Premier League season.

Arsenal 

It has been another deja vu summer for Arsenal fans, with the promise of major activity in the transfer market followed by the rumours fizzling out. The pursuit of Luis Suarez brought some excitement but, assuming that Arsene Wenger is unsuccessful in bringing the Uruguayan to the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners will begin the season with a similar cast to last term. That puts a ceiling on their hopes for this year. The road to a top four finish should be smoother with a healthy Jack Wilshere and (probably) a soon-to-be weakened Tottenham Hotspur – but keeping up with the top three will be beyond the current squad.

Key arrivals: Yaya Sanogo (Auxerre)

Key departures: Gervinho (Roma), Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St. Petersburg), Andre Santos (Flamengo), Denilson (Sao Paolo), Francis Coquelin (Freiburg, loan), Johan Djourou (Hamburg, loan), Vito Mannone (Sunderland)

Prediction: 4th

 
Aston Villa
 
For Villa fans, the 2013/14 campaign was a turbulent one but the club's faith in manager Paul Lambert was rewarded with fine late season form, allaying relegation fears and promising big improvements this term. It is still a young squad but last year's experience will have fast-tracked the development process and Christian Benteke should again be among the league's top scorers. There is enough potential to suggest that a mid-table finish is within reach.
 
Key arrivals: Aleksandar Tonev (Lech Poznan), Jores Okore (FC Nordsjaelland), Antonio Luna (Sevilla), Leandro Bacuna (FC Groningen), Nicklas Helenius (Aalborg)

Key departures: Richard Dunne (QPR), Jean Makoun (released)

Prediction: 12th

 
Cardiff City

Survival should be the sole goal in Cardiff's first season in the top flight since 1962. Boss Malky Mackay has built a gritty, organised side who will not back down and, if one promoted team are likely to beat the drop, it is Cardiff. Much has been said about the change of kit, nickname and so on – but the excitement of Premier League football should quieten that unrest. Consistent home form will be the key to the Red Dragons' season.
 
Key arrivals: Steven Caulker (Tottenham), Andreas Cornelius (Copenhagen), John Brayford (Derby), Gary Medel (Sevilla)

Key departures: Heidar Helguson (released), Stephen McPhail (released)

Prediction: 17th

Chelsea

"The Special One" is back, guaranteeing drama and a serious Chelsea title challenge. Times have changed since Jose Mourinho left Stamford Bridge in 2007, but he will enjoy working with the current crop. He has the electric Juan Mata-Eden Hazard-Oscar trio to pull the strings and may even succeed in his audacious attempt to sign Wayne Rooney to spearhead the attack. More importantly, both Manchester clubs will need time to settle under their new managers. That should give Chelsea a critical edge, making them marginal favourites to lift the Premier League trophy.
 
Key arrivals: Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen), Mario van Ginkel (Vitesse Arnhem), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)

Key departures: Yossi Benayoun (released), Paulo Ferreira (released), Florent Malouda (Trabzonspor), Oriol Romeu (Valencia, loan), Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, loan), Ross Turnbull (released)

Prediction: 1st 

 
Crystal Palace
 
Welcome back, Ian Holloway! Crystal Palace emerged from last season's Championship playoff final in impressive fashion and will mirror their manager's passion in the battle for top flight survival. But scoring goals against stingier Premier League defences is a major concern as is their ability to keep clean sheets. All the signs point to this being a brief stay.
 
Key arrivals: Stephen Dobbie (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jose Campana (Sevilla), Dwight Gayle (Peterborough), Jerome Thomas (West Brom), Elliot Grandin (Blackpool)

Key departures: Alex Marrow (Blackburn), Andre Moritz (Bolton)

Prediction: 20th

 

 
Everton
 
All good things must come to an end – and so, Everton must move on from the David Moyes era. Roberto Martinez is a fine choice to replace the Scot and will ensure that the principles of organisation and attractive football live on. Arouna Kone will take pressure of Nikica Jelavic while Kevin Mirallas is primed for a big year. The Phil Jagielka-Sylvain Distin centre-back pairing is good enough to keep the Toffees in the top half, but they will likely end up on the fringes of the race for a European spot.
 
Key arrivals: Arouna Kone (Wigan), Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan), Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona, loan), Joel Robles (Atletico Madrid)

Key departures: Thomas Hitzlsperger (released), Jan Mucha (released)

Prediction: 8th 

 
Fulham
 
These are uncertain times at Craven Cottage, with new owners and no big money signings this summer. Dimitar Berbatov will again be the barometer for Fulham's season while boss Martin Jol will be hoping some of his younger talents make the leap this year (perhaps Alex Kacaniklic). With other clubs strengthening their hands, the Cottagers will struggle to repeat last year's 12th place effort and may only achieve breathing space from the relegation battle in the latter weeks of the season.
 
Key arrivals: Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma), Derek Boateng (FC Dnipro), Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao), Adel Taarabt (QPR, loan)

Key departures: Mark Schwarzer (Chelsea), Chris Baird (released), Simon Davies (released), Mladen Petric (released), Mahamadou Diarra (released)

Prediction: 15th 

 
Hull City
 
Promotion brought huge celebrations in Hull (and rightly so) and Steve Bruce has made some shrewd summer signings to boost the experience and quality at his disposal. But the squad still has clear limitations and Hull will struggle to score the goals required to reach the 40-point mark. The gulf that exists between the Premier League and Championship will quickly become apparent and Tigers fans should prepare themselves for a tough season.
 
Key arrivals: Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Allan McGregor (Besiktas), Danny Graham (Sunderland, loan), George Boyd (Peterborough), Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderand), Curtis Davies (Birmingham), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Jack Livermore (Tottenham, loan)

Key departures: Seyi Olofinjana (released), Danny East (Portsmouth), Sonny Bradley (Portsmouth), Corry Evans (Blackburn)

Prediction: 19th

 
 Liverpool
 
Luis Suarez is the one name that has dominated Liverpool's summer, with relationships steadily deteriorating towards the point of no return. A large offer from Arsenal has been rejected, but it remains to be seen whether Brendan Rodgers can (or is willing to) bring the Uruguayan back into the fold. Without Suarez, the Reds will have their work cut out to better last season's points tally, though Philippe Coutinho has every chance to be among the season's star performers. And useful summer business gives Rodgers more options all over the pitch.
 
Key arrivals: Kolo Toure (Manchester City), Simon Mignolet (Sunderland), Luis Alberto (Sevilla), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)

Key departures: Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea), Pepe Reina (Napoli, loan), Suso (Almeria, loan), Jay Spearing (Bolton), Stewart Downing (West Ham), Andy Carroll (West Ham)

Prediction: 6th 

 
Manchester City
 
Manchester City moved quickly to complete their summer business early and have been restoring harmony in the dressing room while their rivals are scrambling to maximise the remaining weeks of the transfer window. New manager Manuel Pellegrini is armed with the league's strongest squad after bringing in four top class performers. There will be healthy competition for places up front while Jesus Navas should provide the width that Manchester City craved last term. Pellegrini's men are definitely strong contenders for the title but may just need a little more time to gel into champions.
 
Key arrivals: Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina)

Key departures: Carlos Tevez (Juventus), Kolo Toure (Liverpool), Maicon (Roma), Wayne Bridge (Reading), Roque Santa Cruz (released)

Prediction: 2nd 

 
Manchester United
 
The David Moyes era has started slowly, with a mammoth pre-season tour and little progress in the transfer market. Manchester United have swung and missed on several key targets while the Wayne Rooney saga is rumbling on, leaving Robin van Persie with enormous responsibility. Moyes has plenty of squad depth but too few game-changing options – especially in wide positions – to keep pace with Chelsea and Manchester City. Look for the champions to stutter out of the gate with a series of tough games within the first six weeks of the campaign, leaving themselves too much ground to recover.
 
Key arrivals: Guillermo Varela (Penarol)

Key departures: None

Prediction: 3rd

 
Newcastle United
 
This is an important season for Newcastle and all eyes will be on how Alan Pardew co-exists with new director of football Joe Kinnear. Pardew has been unable to significantly strengthen his squad thus far and will be crossing his fingers that Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa stay fit to control the midfield. Papiss Cisse has an equally key role to play as the focal point of the attack. While the club may have aspirations of chasing a European place, it is hard to see the current squad sneaking into the top half.
 
Key arrivals: Olivier Kemen (Metz), Loic Remy (QPR, loan)

Key departures: Danny Simpson (QPR), James Perch (Wigan), Steve Harper (Hull)

Prediction: 13th 

 

 Norwich City
 
Norwich quietly put together a solid summer and have addressed key areas, in particular some predatory instincts in front of goal. This season, goalscoring should not be an issue with Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel joining forces in attack, and passionate home support is guaranteed. If the defence can hold firm and last year's miserable mid-season slump is not repeated, the Canaries should have a worry-free campaign.
 
Key arrivals: Gary Hooper (Celtic), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon), Javier Garrido (Lazio), Martin Olsson (Blackburn), Carlo Nash (Stoke), Leroy Fer (FC Twente)

Key departures: Simeon Jackson (Eintracht Braunschwieg), Grant Holt, Leon Barnett (Wigan), James Vaughan (Huddersfield), Andrew Surman (Bournemouth, loan)

Prediction: 14th

 
Southampton
 
After the initial unrest surrounding Mauricio Pochettino's appointment in place of Nigel Adkins, Southampton kept their heads above water and outclassed some of the league's top sides at home. With transfer funds available, Pochettino has added proven talents to the squad, sparking higher expectations this season. The goalscoring burden will largely fall on Rickie Lambert's shoulders again, but Southampton's defensive record should also improve this term. European qualification is a distant dream but a top half finish is no longer far fetched.
 
Key arrivals: Victor Wanyama (Celtic), Dejan Lovren (Lyon)

Key departures: Richard Chaplow (Milwall), Frazer Richardson (Middlesbrough), Steve de Ridder (released), Vegard Forren (Molde)

Prediction: 9th

 
Stoke City
 
New boss Mark Hughes has much to prove after his ill-fated spell at QPR. The post-Tony Pulis era will likely come with a less direct style of play and a number of other new wrinkles – but without serious activity in the transfer market. Having somewhat overachieved over the past few years, this season may send Stoke back to earth with a bump. If the Potters make a slow start, pressure could mount, followed by a desperate relegation battle.
 
Key arrivals: Erik Pieters (PSV Eindhoven), Marc Muniesa (Barcelona)

Key departures: Matthew Upson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Dean Whitehead (Middlesbrough), Rory Delap (Burton Albion), Carlo Nash (Norwich)

Prediction: 18th 

 
Sunderland

Paolo Di Canio was never a predictable player and remains an intriguing character as a manager – his tough approach will inspire some and unsettle others. Steven Fletcher will carry the burden in attack while Di Canio needs John O'Shea and Wes Brown to stay healthy in defence. New boy Emanuele Giaccherini will be expected to make an instant impact in midfield. There will be rocky moments but the Black Cats should have enough to safely secure their Premier League future.
 
Key arrivals: Modibo Diakite (Lazio), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus), Cabral (Basel), Vito Mannone (Arsenal), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar)

Key departures: Titus Bramble (released), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Ahmed Elmohamady (Hull), Danny Graham (Hull, loan), Matthew Kilgallon (Blackburn)

Prediction: 16th 

 
Swansea City
 
Expectations have risen off the back of Michael Laudrup's fine debut season at the Liberty Stadium. The Dane has strengthened his squad impressively this summer without losing any of his key performers. On paper, the Swans are an interesting outside bet for the top six but much will depend on how they handle the strain of Europa League football after clinching a place with their League Cup triumph. Look for Michu and new face Wilfried Bony to wreak havoc in the final third.
 
Key arrivals: Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem), Jordi Amat (Espanyol), Jonathan de Guzman (Villarreal, loan), Jose Canas (Real Betis), Alejandro Pozuelo (Real Betis), Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea), Alex Gogic (Olympiacos)

Key departures: Mark Gower (Charlton), Kemy Agustien (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Prediction: 7th

 
Tottenham Hotspur
 
The only other story to rival the Suarez and Rooney sagas is the Gareth Bale to Real Madrid storyline. Bale looks set to move to La Liga, leaving behind a massive void for Andre Villas-Boas to fill. On a more positive note, Tottenham's summer signings are all poised to make immediate contributions, keeping the club in the race for the top four, albeit as outsiders. Should Bale's move to Real Madrid be completed shortly, Villas-Boas may even have a chance to invest part of the transfer fee before the window closes.
 
Key arrivals: Roberto Soldado (Valencia), Paulinho (Corinthians), Nacer Chadli (FC Twente)

Key departures: Clint Dempsey (Seattle), Steven Caulker (Cardiff), William Gallas (released), David Bentley (released), John Bostock (released)

Prediction: 5th

 
  West Brom
 
Steve Clarke put together a fine first season at the helm at the Hawthorns, but will have to manage without striker Romelu Lukaku, who has returned to Chelsea. West Brom made progress in the transfer window, including a worthwhile gamble on Nicolas Anelka, and will be a match for any team at home. The squad depth may be a slight weakness during the heavier parts of the fixture list, however there is enough talent to chase a top half finish.
 
Key arrivals: Goran Popov (Dynamo Kyiv), Diego Lugano (Paris Saint-Germain), Nicolas Anelka (free transfer)

Key departures: Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Jerome Thomas (Crystal Palace), Marc-Antoine Fortune (Wigan)

Prediction: 11th

West Ham

The future seems bright for West Ham after last season's 10th place finish and with the move to the Olympic Stadium to look forward to. The next challenge is to position themselves as a European contender. In the meantime, a permanent deal for Andy Carroll gives Sam Allardyce a focal point up front, with no key losses to the squad over the summer.

Key arrivals: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Razvan Rat (Shakhtar Donetsk), Adrian (Real Betis), Danny Whitehead (Stockport County), Stewart Downing (Liverpool)

Key departures: Carlton Cole (released), Gary O'Neil (released), Robert Hall (Bolton)

Prediction: 10th

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