Guide to the new Premiership Season - Part 3
Part 3 of a preview of the Premiership, looking at each clubs season to come.
Manchester United
Manchester United's first season post Sir Alex Ferguson, was a disappointing one. David Moyes was never able to stamp his mark on an ageing squad, and was under pressure from the start with a tough fixture list.
Louis Van Gaal has been appointed, and has a big reputation, and won't be worried about filling Sir Alex's shoes, he will mould the team in his own image.
The rebuilding has already begun, with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand leaving. However the worry will be that at present they haven't replaced either of them.
They have signed Luke Shaw, to replace the departing Patrice Evra, and Ander Herrera who has been touted as the new Paul Scholes, which is a big pair of boots that have been unfilled for a while.
Prediction - 4th
Newcastle United
A 10th place finish for Newcastle last season doesn't seem that bad for Alan Pardew, but they were 6th after 18 games. They lost 13 of their games in the second half of the season, managing just 5 wins.
The main incident though was Pardew's headbutt on David Meyler, which coincided/caused their freefall, also the loss of Yohann Kebab (Cabaye) was key.
Last season Newcastle were reliant upon Loic Remy, who doesn't look like coming back to St James Park this season. They will therefore be reliant on new signings Emmanuel Riviere and Facundo Ferreyra, but it is unclear how they will adapt to Premiership football. They will be helped by the addition of playmakers Remy Cabella and Siem De Jong, whilst Jack Colback moves across from Wearside.
Prediction - 8th
Queens Park Rangers
After being relegated two years ago, despite heavy investment, QPR have bounced back, to return to the Premier League. Harry Redknapp is still at the helm, and it could be his nous that helps keep QPR up.
They have added Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker, to provide some defensive stability. Charlie Austin could do with more support up front, as it remains to be seen whether Loic Remy will still be at QPR come the start of the season.
I can see them staying up, as they have a good mix of Premiership experience and youth.
Prediction - 13th
Southampton
Southampton surpassed expectations last season to such an extent that they have paid the price over the summer. They've seen their manager Mauricio Pochettino leave, along with the core of the side that performed so well last season, Lovren, Lallana, Lambert, and Shaw. Schneiderlin seems set to join them, as has young prospect Callum Chambers.
Immediately, this season looks more difficult, however the appointment of Ronald Koeman looks like being a masterstroke.
They've signed Dusan Tadic a skillful midfielder, to replace Lallana, and Graziano Pelle from Koeman's old club Feyenoord to replace Lambert. Ryan Betrand is a clever loan signing from Chelsea to replace Luke Shaw.
Many are predicting a tough season, and they face a tough start at Anfield, but they don't face any of the other top 5 clubs until the 30th November, so they will need to take advantage of that.
Jay Rodriguez getting fit is key, as is utilising Vincent Wanyama's strength and replacing Dejan Lovren's solidity.
Prediction - 12th
Stoke City
I thought Stoke post Tony Pulis would struggle, but they performed well, finishing 9th in Mark Hughes' first season.
Hughes has built from firm foundations, and 9th place last season was a respectable finish.
The signing of Bojan Krkic could be genius, but the man who broke all kinds of Barcelona youth scoring records, has struggled with the step up to the senior game, in Spain and Italy already. It is likely he will struggle with the physicality of the Premier League.
They will be hoping Arnautovic and Krkic can build up a good partnership. They are a side who are the sum of their parts, rather than outstanding individuals, and that could stand them in good stead.
Prediction - 10th
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| Van Gaal - the new manager, will it be King Louis? or Moyes 2 |
Manchester United's first season post Sir Alex Ferguson, was a disappointing one. David Moyes was never able to stamp his mark on an ageing squad, and was under pressure from the start with a tough fixture list.
Louis Van Gaal has been appointed, and has a big reputation, and won't be worried about filling Sir Alex's shoes, he will mould the team in his own image.
The rebuilding has already begun, with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand leaving. However the worry will be that at present they haven't replaced either of them.
They have signed Luke Shaw, to replace the departing Patrice Evra, and Ander Herrera who has been touted as the new Paul Scholes, which is a big pair of boots that have been unfilled for a while.
Prediction - 4th
 |
| Pardew and the headbutt |
A 10th place finish for Newcastle last season doesn't seem that bad for Alan Pardew, but they were 6th after 18 games. They lost 13 of their games in the second half of the season, managing just 5 wins.
The main incident though was Pardew's headbutt on David Meyler, which coincided/caused their freefall, also the loss of Yohann Kebab (Cabaye) was key.
Last season Newcastle were reliant upon Loic Remy, who doesn't look like coming back to St James Park this season. They will therefore be reliant on new signings Emmanuel Riviere and Facundo Ferreyra, but it is unclear how they will adapt to Premiership football. They will be helped by the addition of playmakers Remy Cabella and Siem De Jong, whilst Jack Colback moves across from Wearside.
Prediction - 8th
 |
| Harry and Rio together again, like in the beginning |
After being relegated two years ago, despite heavy investment, QPR have bounced back, to return to the Premier League. Harry Redknapp is still at the helm, and it could be his nous that helps keep QPR up.
They have added Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker, to provide some defensive stability. Charlie Austin could do with more support up front, as it remains to be seen whether Loic Remy will still be at QPR come the start of the season.
I can see them staying up, as they have a good mix of Premiership experience and youth.
Prediction - 13th
 |
| Could he be Southampton's star signing |
Southampton surpassed expectations last season to such an extent that they have paid the price over the summer. They've seen their manager Mauricio Pochettino leave, along with the core of the side that performed so well last season, Lovren, Lallana, Lambert, and Shaw. Schneiderlin seems set to join them, as has young prospect Callum Chambers.
Immediately, this season looks more difficult, however the appointment of Ronald Koeman looks like being a masterstroke.
They've signed Dusan Tadic a skillful midfielder, to replace Lallana, and Graziano Pelle from Koeman's old club Feyenoord to replace Lambert. Ryan Betrand is a clever loan signing from Chelsea to replace Luke Shaw.
Many are predicting a tough season, and they face a tough start at Anfield, but they don't face any of the other top 5 clubs until the 30th November, so they will need to take advantage of that.
Jay Rodriguez getting fit is key, as is utilising Vincent Wanyama's strength and replacing Dejan Lovren's solidity.
Prediction - 12th
 |
| Mr Bojan-gles |
I thought Stoke post Tony Pulis would struggle, but they performed well, finishing 9th in Mark Hughes' first season.
Hughes has built from firm foundations, and 9th place last season was a respectable finish.
The signing of Bojan Krkic could be genius, but the man who broke all kinds of Barcelona youth scoring records, has struggled with the step up to the senior game, in Spain and Italy already. It is likely he will struggle with the physicality of the Premier League.
They will be hoping Arnautovic and Krkic can build up a good partnership. They are a side who are the sum of their parts, rather than outstanding individuals, and that could stand them in good stead.
Prediction - 10th
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