Premier league preview

Arsenal - 2nd 
They've already beaten Chelsea, and strengthened between the posts. However, I still feel they are just short of Chelsea in terms of all round strength and quality.

Aston Villa - 16th
They've lost Delph and Benteke their 2 best players last season, so are expected to struggle. They have strengthened defensively, with full backs, Micah Richards, Jordan Amavi and defensive midfielder Idrissa Gueye. However, at present only Jordan Ayew has signed to replace the departed Delph, Cleverley and Benteke.

Bournemouth - 19th
They play attractive attacking football. I think they will be similar to Burnley and Blackpool before them they won't overstretch and will cause teams problems but will ultimately fall short.

Chelsea - 1st
They have brought in Falcao and Begovic, to replace Drogba and Cech, but their squad was already strong, and it would be surprising if they were unable to match last season, albeit maybe going further in Europe.

Crystal Palace - 10th
Palace were resurgent under Alan Pardew, so much so, that it is easy to forget that they were in the relegation zone just before Christmas. I expect Palace to continue to do well under Pardew, they are solid in defence, especially with McArthur and Jedinak screening, but in attack they possess real width and creativity with Zaha, Bolasie and Puncheon. New signing Yohan Cabaye, adds flair to their midfield as well.

Everton - 13th
Distin and Alcaraz have left, but they haven't been replaced, so if either Jagielka or Stones are injured, Everton have no cover. Lukaku was less prolific last season, and as the only true striker his form will be closely tied to Everton's.

Leicester City - 18th
Nigel Pearson seemed to be walking a tightrope in the sack race, until some stellar form saved Leicester, but he still ultimately left the club. Claudio Ranieri has replaced him, but the tinkerman doesn't have a big squad to tinker with. Their fortunes will revolve around getting goals from Kramaric, Ulloa or Okazaki.

Liverpool - 5th
Last season ended in shambles as they lost 6-1 to Stoke, who they play in the first game. But Liverpool look a lot stronger, still defensively fragile, but with an attacking force of Benteke, Coutinho and Firmino, and backup strikers in Ings, Sturridge and Balotelli, they should be much more competitive.

Manchester City - 4th
City fell away badly at the end of the season, and have responded by signing Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph, they are both talented players, but also crucially home-grown British players, which Man City needed to meet the quota. However, neither appear to improve the side beyond what they already had, and ultimately they still look vulnerable at the back.

Manchester United - 3rd
A big spending spree again for United, but the biggest problem is the unresolved issue of De Gea. Despite all their spending they still need another striker and at least one central defender. However, they should be able to improve upon last year's 4th place. 

Newcastle United - 14th
A dreadful second half of last season, should be eradicated by a change of management. Steve McLaren has had a raw deal from the English press, he is a very good coach, and should do well in Newcastle. Georginio Wijnaldum is a good attacking signing, and should provide goals from midfield. Mitrovic and Mbama are signings in key positions, but are a bigger gamble.

Norwich City - 17th
Norwich have a very good early run, which I expect them to capitalise on, as Alex Neil has got them playing very good football, with an exciting midfield with Redmond, Hoolahan and Dorrans. However, up front they look very light for the Premier League, with Grabban and Jerome.

Southampton - 9th
A great season last year, followed by more sales with Clyne and Schneiderlin departing. However, they received good money once again, and appear to have re-spent it well with Jordy Clasie replacing Schneiderlin and Cedric Soares in for Clyne. I expect them to be top half again, although think Pelle will be less effective up front.

Stoke City - 6th
Stoke have strengthened well in the summer, and are starting to build an exciting side. The likes of Bojan, Joselu, Afellay and Van Ginkel is a very exciting quartet, and if Shaqiri signs, it could be a very exciting side, built on solid foundations. Begovic leaving will be disappointing but not unexpected as Butland was a ready made replacement. The only slight concern is the loss of last seasons ever present Steven Nzonzi.

Sunderland - 15th
The biggest summer signing for Sunderland was Dick Advocaat who at first said he wouldn't stay, but then did a 360 and has stayed on. They have strengthened defensively with Matthews, Kaboul and Coates. M'Vila has come in on loan and Lens provides some additional attacking threat. They will still struggle, as they lack depth and quality in most areas. 

Swansea City - 8th
Last season showed that Michael Laudrup is not missed. Swansea have managed to keep hold of their key players, such as Williams and Gomis, but the great thing for Swansea is that they are greater than the sum of their parts. Ayew will provide an additional attacking threat.

Tottenham Hotspur - 7th
They have had a big summer clear out, but have signed only 3 players, all defenders. Their midfield now lacks depth, and they have a real dearth of strikers, as they are almost entirely reliant on Harry Kane. I think they will struggle this year.

Watford - 20th
They have made a raft of signings, but no one signing really stands out. They were strong in attack in the Championship, but it is a step up for Deeney, Ighalo and Vydra, Vydra having struggled in his season in the Premiership with WBA. I think their defence will let them down, and the strikers won't be able to hit their championship heights to bail them out.

West Bromwich Albion - 11th
Under Tony Pulis West Brom look a much stronger side, Berahino has stayed and now has Rickie Lambert to support him. They have signed McClean and Mcmanaman as out and out wingers, but it could be Serge Gnabry on loan from Arsenal who provides the real creative spark. 

West Ham United - 12th
Slaven Bilic now leads the East London side, after Sam Allardyce departed, with football the 'West Ham way' the remit. Bilic has added some key players, Ogbonna, to strengthen the defence, Payet and Lanzini to add midfield creativity and Obiang to replace Alex Song (who may still sign). Up front they are weakened due to the perennially injured Carroll and Enner Valencia who picked up an injury in their short lived Europa League adventure, which they seemed to treat more like a pre-season friendly.

Here is my predicted final table

Team	Position
Chelsea	1
Arsenal	2
Manchester United	3
Manchester City	4
Liverpool	5
Stoke City	6
Tottenham Hotspur	7
Swansea City	8
Southampton	9
Crystal Palace	10
West Bromwich Albion	11
West Ham United	12
Everton	13
Newcastle United	14
Sunderland	15
Aston Villa	16
Norwich City	17
Leicester City	18
Bournemouth	19
Watford	20