2014-2015 Season Prediction

The World Cup is over. The summer is almost over and the Premier League has kicked off. Last season was pretty spectacular, and no doubt this season will be just as dramatic. Although a few days late, I thought I'd discuss my season prediction.

Relegation Dogfight

For the newly promoted teams, it is obvious that they will struggle at some point in the season, whether it be at the start, middle or the end. The key to surviving in the most competitive league in the world is to have a good sized squad and also the correct tactics. But, after recent events at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace are my favourites to face the chop. Everyone knows the job that Tony Pulis did at the club and he will not be worrying as another job opening will be just around the corner for the former Stoke City man. 

Gus Poyet produced the 'Great Escape' to save Sunderland from drop in the run in to the end of the season last year, however I think this will be their last year. I often watch True Geordie on YouTube, and on one occasion, he was arguing that Sunderland overpaid for new signing Jack Rodwell and that his performances for Man City did not warrant such an excessive price tag. I think this will be one season too far for the Wearside team.

Lastly, it's Aston Villa. Unfortunately for Villains, their off-field problems could hamper their preparation for this season. Pre-season signings of Kieran Richardson, Joe Cole and Aly Cissokho haven't instilled confidence in me that they will do enough to survive. Paul Lambert hired Roy Keane as his assistant, and this will automatically strike fear into the players. We all know from his playing days that he never took a backwards step and that he demanded respect, but whether the players will give him it, is debated. 

 

European Contenders

In terms of who will grab the spots in Europe, the teams that were in contention last year have all strengthened. I seriously think that Louis Van Gaal can improve on Manchester United's dismal display last season, but will be unable to guide them into the top 4, particularly if no more signings are made. Of course it will take time for the players to adjust to LVG's 3-5-2/5-3-2 tactic, they will not become used to it overnight, but everyone knows that new faces are required if United have any aspirations of achieving top 4 in the foreseeable future. A 5th place finish signals a slight improvement made, but more needed. 

Spurs haven't been spending as profusely in the transfer market as they did last year but I think they have enough man power to beat Everton and United to that automatic Europa League qualifying spot. If Liverpool don't learn from the mistakes Spurs made, then we could see the North London club go very close to the Merseyside team. Christian Erikson was arguably the only glimmer of sunshine in a topsy-turvy season last year and if he can hit form and link up with Soldado, then Spurs fans may leave Goodison Park on the 24th May with smiles on their faces.

Everton are enjoying life after David Moyes and just recently spent a club record fee of £31m on Romelu Lukaku. It's extremely difficult to predict a spot for the Merseyside club, as they have have exceptionally talented players to utilise and Roberto Martinez has got them playing with panache. Everton do have the ability to finish 5th as they showed last season, however, having to balance with Europe and the league could prove tricky. Squad depth is the reason why I have them dropping 2 positions this year. There is still time in the transfer window to acquire more players to strengthen their squad, so it could certainly change between now and the end of the window. 

Front Runners

All of last year's top 4 has strengthened considerably, so the closing months of the league will be exhilarating stuff. I don't see Liverpool equalling their spectacular season last year, as they are in the same boat as Everton, they have to juggle European competitions. Having made decent signings, it is necessary that they don't over-compensate for the loss of Suarez and spend money for the sake of it. Fourth position is my prediction.

Through predicting Liverpool a fourth place finish, it means that Arsenal would end their duck of being unable to break into the top 3. Wenger seems more intent to reach into his pocket and spend large amounts of money in order to achieve his goals, unlike previous seasons. The signing of Alexis is a sign of his intentions for the future, and this team is showing glimpses of improvement, with the FA Cup victory being a prime example of this. He also gives Wenger an alternative up front if Giroud and Sanogo aren't working out, however I still feel that the Gunners need an complete forward. Also, Arsenal may need another centre-back due to the departure of Thomas Vermaelen, having 3 centre backs is risky, even more so when Laurent Koscielny is injury prone. Gooners have every reason to be excited for the new season, and can be quietly confident of a decent finish. Things are only going up for Arsenal.

Do I think the holders of the Premier League will be able to retain the trophy? No. Similar to last season, I'm going for a Chelsea victory, in the vain hope that my prediction will be second time lucky. Having recruited a new striker, Diego Costa could be the answer to Chelsea's problems up front. Last season they were able to finish second with no star strikers so what will they be able to do when Costa hits form? I wouldn't be surprised if Mr Mourinho has a some special up his sleeve to shock everyone! Chelsea and Mourinho have the ability to walk this league, but whether they will or not is a question that will be answered towards the end of the campaign.

Last year Manchester City nearly blew winning the league, only for a slip up by Liverpool at Crystal Palace to turn the momentum in their favour. Sergio Aguero wasn't fit for the majority of the season, Alvaro Negredo had a tremendous start, but faded as the campaign aged and that left Edin Dzeko to score the goals for the Citizens. As per usual, when captain, Vincent Kompany wasn't available, City appeared a lot weaker than with him. Yaya Toure was the stand out man for City, but his recent antics over his birthday cake, or lack of, has tarnished his reputation for some people. City have an incredibly strong squad, and will give Chelsea a game of football when the two meet, but I don't see Pellegrini being able to outfox Mourinho in the long run. 

A quick glance at... The Saints

Before I finish, I'd like to share my opinion on the departures at St Mary's. Southampton have lost 5 players,  not to mention their manager, who would have been in the first team, and are looking likely to lose Morgan Schneiderlin as well. I am positive that they will not be able to eclipse last season's finish of 8th, but they should still be able to survive the drop, regardless if Koeman signs new faces to add squad depth. Realistically, I think Southampton will struggle to get into the top 10. They have lost too many key players that need replacing to be considered for another top 10 finish.

 

FA Cup - Chelsea

League Cup - Liverpool

 

So there we have it, I have told you how I think the season will pan out. I am 99.9% certain that none of this will happen, but what can do you... Anyway, feel free to give me your opinions and whether you agree with me or not!