My Premier League 2012-13 predictions

Looking forward to revisiting in May.........

1. Man United
2. Man City
3. Arsenal
4. Chelsea

It is an almost impossible task to have an accurate prediction at this stage.... that is as good an effort as anyone, hard to dispute the main positions toooo much.

Liverpool fans will be hoping for more, I expect. Villa fans probably aren't as optimistic as you also....

bring it on saturday!

Best of luck Phil as I'm sure almost nobody will be able to call the top 6 correctly let alone the rest!

A very unimaginative top 4 selection there Phil.

I will give you the top 2 - pretty settled squads and management. I'm not convinced by Arsenal without RVP - they looked fragile at times last season and certainly relied far too much on RVP for both goals and assists. The potential loss of Alex Song will also hurt them, if he goes.

But its a bold selection to make for the rest of the top 6 - new managers, new ways of playing and new staff on the field.

Di Matteo managed West Brom and nothing there suggested that he was anything other than a competent manager, certainly nothing to suggest an elevation to a top-4 side at that stage in his career. He played pragmatic hard-to-beat stuff when he took over at Chelsea to deliver the CL. That won't be tolerated for long this term.

AVB at Tottenham is an interesting choice, and the decision to ditch Harry Redknapp was interesting given his series of top-5 finishes. Vilas-Boas will have a more malleable set of players at Tottenham, but again, I'm not sure that they have the pace and discipline at the back to play a high line. The first few games of the season will provide a big pointer for their season.

Liverpool - probably the most dissappointing in terms of results last term - have taken a gamble on a young manager (like Tottenham) with some premier league experience and plaudits over the style he has his team playing. Preseason (never a great indicator) has been encouraging, with several youngsters involved, particularly eyecatching were Sterling and Shelvey. I fail to see how there can be no improvement on the results from last term, given that the sum of the parts filed to live up to the whole in terms of goals scored.


I'm not in the business of predictions generally (that's your job Phil, its how you earn your corn!), but a fag paper probably separates Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham...

Villa to finish ahead of Newcastle? Really?

Anyone have the link to last seasons predictions? Be interesting to compare and contrast. (Good idea for an article Phil).

I think predicting Reading to come bottom will come back to haunt you, especially when we beat Liverpool at Anfield, I suppose you have to put someone there, but have you ever watched them Phil.....doesn't look like it

@ 7.
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The best year was when Phil (I think) predicted that Liverpool would be champions or runners up, anyway here's last years - https://bbc.kongjiang.org/www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2011/08/my_premier_league_201112_predi.html

@5 a fag paper probably separates Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham...

Really?? I beg to differ. Chelsea are the Valencia of the premier league at the moment. Better than the rest, but not quite as good as the Manchester clubs (or Barca and Real with reference to my analogy).

Arsenal will struggle without RVP, Podolski will take time to adapt, and Giroud is unproven. Deffo need to keep hold of Song, and Wilshere will be a huge boost in October.

Spurs will push on second half of the season, but have a shaky start. Modric is overrated no doubt, but he's still a quality player that fits into the spurs system very well. Moutinho would be a good replacement, but with King gone they've lost a leader and quality CB (Even if he does only play half a season's worth of games).

Liverpool will not threaten top 4 this season. Far too wasteful, both on and off the pitch. They'll do what they always do and beat the big teams and drop points to the lesser teams. If Agger goes, that 'solid' defence of last season will begin to slowly crumble. Carragher = past it and Coates = too young and inexperienced.

Personally going for same top 4 as McNulty. Leading scorer will be Rooney.

I wouldn't argue with most of these predictions although I do think the arrival of Van Persie does give United a slight edge, there still isn't much to separate the Manchester two (who will dominate again).

As for my team, Liverpool, 6th is about the best I can hope for preferably not too far from the top 4 pointswise.

Here it is :-)
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https://bbc.kongjiang.org/www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2009/08/chelsea_and_manchester_united.html

I think you are being a bit over optimistic with predicting Stoke to finish as high as 12th. Their style of play was found out towards the latter half of last season so I think they will struggle.

Thanks for the article! It seems like the season has begun when your cast your predictions. Although I think you underestimate Newcastle. You would not be the only one or will you be doing it for the first time. Last year everyone pointed to how there was a mass exodus in the form of Enrique, Nolan, Carrol and Barton. In the process the rebuilding of the squad had already started. This year it seems that people are writing Newcastle of because of the strain of what the Europa league brings. Last year Newcastle were able to adapt their play to the loss of key players in the African Cup of Nations, the loss of 3 central defenders and to difficult away games like at Stoke. Part of last seasons success wasn't only the good football upfront played by Cabaye, Ben Afra, Cisse and Ba but also the practical work effort brought by players like Perch, Simpson, Gutierrez and Ryan Taylor. The strong team unit in newcastle, which emerged from the 4-4 come back against Arsenal, has helped them find results with their back to the wall and I think this is the sort of thing Newcastle will use to cope this season as well.

These predictions lack vision and understanding.

Clubs on the decline are Arsenal and Tottenham, and will finish sixth and seventh.

Liverpool have strengthened and have a renewed confidence - the cups will be sacrificed this season in favour of the league and I expect them to finish second or third.

Man United are in for a turbulent season which will be Ferguson's last. Fourth.

Di Mateo will be fired but Chelsea will still finish top three.

At the bottom - the promoted teams varey rarely go straight back down, surprised you don't know that Phil.

Swansea, West Brom and Norwich will fall.

Bold to write off united I think, although the city squad really has gelled well now.

Completely disagree about villa in particular - lambert is hardly the prodigal young manager he's been made out to be, and with next to no alteration of a very, very shallow pool of players I see them down somewhere around the 16th mark.

I can see Liverpool being overtaken by everton again too. Letting go of kuyt and Bellamy is letting go of two of their main goal threats. Borini is unproven and Suarez can't hit a barn door so I don't think a new style of play will change that.

For fun:
Man utd
Man city
Arsenal
Chelsea
Tottenham
Everton
Liverpool
Newcastle
Sunderland
QPR
Stoke
Fulham
West ham
Wigan
Villa
West brom
Swansea
Norwich
Reading
Southampton

I don't think I've ever read as ludicrous a prediction that Aston Villa will finish 8th. You can add a 1 in front to get the 18th that they deserve.

I'm tired of the mainstream continually predicting a recovery for Liverpool, year after year. Liverpool will do well to finish above Everton.

Overachievers this year will be Wigan, Reading & West Brom.

1...Man City, 2...Man Utd, 3...Chelsea, 4...Arsenal, 5...Everton, 6...Newcastle, 7...Tottenham, 8...Wigan, 9...Reading, 10...Liverpool, 11...West Brom, 12...Fulham, 13...Sunderand, 14...QPR, 15...Swansea, 16...Norwich, 17...Stoke, 18...Aston Villa, 19...Southampton, 20...West Ham

Let's not forget that the tiki-taka of Barcelona has consistently lost out to the tactical nous of Chelsea and of Jose Mourinhno - expect Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool similarly to suffer.

Few, I was worried you'd tip United for the title, but now I know my beloved Red Devil's 20th title is secure... :P

StJohn_Red_Legend wrote:

A very unimaginative top 4 selection there Phil.
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Yeah Phil, please tip Southampton, Reading, West Ham and Norwich in future to make it more interesting to us :)

Well, apart from a few tweaks here and there, I find myself broadly agreeing with Phil in the flavour of his predictions.

I expect Man city to win the title over Man utd. They now have the experience of winning the league and it will be easier to handle the pressure. They have the strongest XI. Man Utd signing Van Persie was more of creating excitement. Goals have never been a problem at Old trafford. They lost the league last season on goals difference not because they didn't score enough goals, but because they conceded too much from winning positions when 8 pts clear (Everton 4-4 draw). The defence hasn't been addressed and they lack a midfield terrier in the mould of Yaya Toure. Arsenal will finish 3rd. They are pretty used to losing Key players every year and they always survive. The big factor at Arsenal is Arsene Wenger, not Players leaving. I don't trust Roberto Di matteo to galvanise Chelsea to the title, especially now that he's got the pressure of a full time Job. Chelsea losing Didier Drogba is more crucial to Arsenal losing RVP. Now, they have to change their still to suit the inconsistent Fernando Torreswhich will make them easier to play against. They will take 4th! Newcastle 5th, Tottenham 6th and Liverpool 7th!

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

#22 rambo_chambo

I don't trust Roberto Di matteo to galvanise Chelsea to the title, especially now that he's got the pressure of a full time Job. Chelsea losing Didier Drogba is more crucial to Arsenal losing RVP. Now, they have to change their still to suit the inconsistent Fernando Torreswhich will make them easier to play against. They will take 4th!
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Hmmm, you don't 'trust' Di Matteo? Should you? Does it matter?

I don't think, in the league at least, that Drogba going is as significant as you suggest and certainly less crucial than Arsenal losing Van Persie.

Drogba was key in some big matches last season, but mainly in Europe. Van Persie was key in almost all of Arsenal's matches last season. Chelsea's additions are no more proven than Arsenal's and Chelsea share the goals around more.

I don't see how you arrive at your conclusion.

lol at all the people who simply look at last season's table and can't think further than that.

Where's the vision? Oh, you don't have any :o)

#25 dogeard

Looking at #15 you have relied on cliches and hope rather than vision.

I think United will reclaim the title. They will be angry and hurting and embarrassed, they have everything to prove now. Last season it seemed our players became complacent and assumed it would be another straightforward title, it became too casual... then a few individual mistakes and performances lost us 8 points. That was the difference. Nothing else. They still have years of experience winning trophies and that's why they're always up there. Having Vidic back will make them 10 times stronger, he's possibly the best CB in the league. Van Persie was last year's best striker. We have other new additions as well as a few of our current players getting international experience.

When you compare CIty and United man for man, City are far stronger. But a large part of winning the premier league is about mentality and that it how Fergie wins it more often than not.

Looking forward to a very competitive season, but I would be shocked if United didn't win it back if I'm honest.

@25 dogeared

You are blinded by your hatred of United and have once again (no doubt for the 25th consecutive year) envisaged United coming 4th or worse.

We will challenge city i have no doubt about it. We have strengthened our team, yes we will get blitzed through the middle by teams that play quickly through midfield (City being the most painful one to watch again no doubt) but overall our team is stronger.

Chelsea will finish 3rd in my opinion, 10 points behind 2nd and 10 points ahead of 4th. Equivalent to Andy Murray at the minute. Very good but not challenging for a major.

Predictions for 4th will be interesting. I will be one of those that think Arsenal will slip out this season, RVP was so important. The issue is i don't think Spurs have improved too much to get 4th and Liverpool are still a team with only 6th place quality running through the entire team.

United
City
Chelsea
Spurs
Arsenal
Liverpool

My view

1. City (Especially if they get De Rossi as in the papers today)
2. Utd (Will be close)
3. Chelsea (Bedding in season)
4. Arsenal (Last season in the top 4)
5. Liverpool (Steady season ahead)
6. Spurs (Lost Manager, club captain, top scorer and another top players is nearly gone, wills start slow)
7. Newcastle (2nd season hangover)
8. Everton (Small squad, injuries will play a part)

Re #17. While Villa at 8th may be optimistic, your overachievers are just as unbelievable, probably one out of the three might be right.

You obviously have an issue with Villa saying they deserve 18th, but you perhaps haven't considered the impact a new manager can have.

#27 mockingbird

Man U have a history of showing the sort of characteristics that you refer to. But, Man City are not the same proposition last season either.

Having won the title, they now KNOW that they can win it again. Any edginess that may have existed in the run in last season will be less this season. Also, you say certain things let the 8 point lead slip. Well, what if certain things mean that they don't have an 8 point lead this season?

As for Vidic, yes, class. But, surely, we don't yet know if the serious injury has had a lasting effect on someone who will be 31 in just a couple of months.

All said and done though, I DO see it being between the two Manchester teams.

Any amendments on Arsenal now that Song is almost certainly gone anyone?

They have lost their best two players - again, replaced with mediocrity.

Spurs - lost their best two players, replaced with mediocrity.

Two clubs in decline.

Liverpool have strengthened on and off the pitch, but glad people are writing them off - reduces the pressure ;o)

I'm assuming you didn't know about Saints agreeing a deal to sign Gaston Ramirez when you said Saints were relegation candidates.

Liverpool will get top 4 this season. You heard it here first ;-)

One of the Mancs will will the title, here is hoping its City. As for the rest? Well who cares really? :-)

I don't agree with most people predictions of Chelsea being in the top 3, especially if they keep Di Matteo in charge all season. A defensively resolute, but sometimes unbearably lucky, Champions League win and a far from stellar league performance during that time seems to have been forgotten, I just don't believe RDM is the one to take Chelsea forward - they won't come 3rd in the league playing anywhere near like they did after AVB's deserved sacking

I don't understand why Arsenal fans think that the Chelsea signings are less likely to gel than the Arsenal one's? Giroud was from France and as a CF got 3 more goals than Hazard did from the wing? Drogba spent 75% of last season not scoring goals and being actually fairly abysmal. He is a Chelsea legend, but that was more down to his fitness after contracting Malaria that he wasn't able to produce anymore. Chelsea were awful last season in the league, and I don't think a massive improvement will be necessary to get into the top 4. A change of style to suit Fernando Torres will help, and I whilst I expect Arsenal's signings to probably work (I think one of them will fail) 4th might be the best they can go.

@10 - Chelsea best of the rest? Not by the amount you seem to think. The players are good, but there are huge questions over the style employed. Preseason has been dreadful - it may be just new players coming in and trying to gel, it may be the manager trying to get a new system working, but the result is that, while the personnel on pitch are good, they aren't performing.
Chelsea were flattered to lose 3-2 to City in the Community shield.

I agree that Arsenal may be in a difficult situation, particularly if they lose Song as well as RVP - Song's contribution from midfield is sometimes overlooked.

Spurs - it very much depends on how the AVB 'project' gets underway and how much leeway Levy gives Villas-Boas regarding a poor start - they will have to remain in touching distance of the top 4 or Levy might start to question the decision to sack Harry.

However, your dismissal of Liverpool, given the quality of play last season (only the goals failed to materialise - performances merited a better return than they got) is questionable. Agger is important to the team, and I agree that Coates is probably a little inexperienced at the moment, while Carra's legs have lost another yard of (what little) pace (they had). Retain Agger, and the platform is already there. Improved performances from the likes of Downing (already a better return than last season), Carroll and Henderson, allied with the observed improvements from Shelvey and Sterling, and a top 4 isn't far off. Too early for saying 'This is our year', tho.

@32- Have Liverpool really strengthened sufficiently?? Fabio Borini and Joe Allen will have their work cut out to make up for the inadequacies of Adam, Downing et al. They will play better football undoubtedly but they haven't got the quality to finish in the top 4.

Arsenal will also over-achieve this season if they make the top 4. Still look fragile defensively, and could me more so with the impending sale of Song. They have also lost their most prominent attacking threat, replaced with players new the PL. Tough seaon ahead I think.

Trying to predict places in the PL is like trying to pick lottery number winners.
There's almost always a surprise relegation candidate, and I agree with Savage (!!) that Villa could be in trouble. It will depend on whether Bent can get goals and Given can prevent them.

Relegation is always a tricky one to predict as one of the newcomers tend to spring a surprise.

I will once again back Wigan for the drop along with Saints and Swansea. Norwich and Swansea will both have second season syndrome but Norwich will finish 17th and Swansea 18th.

Allardyce will keep hammers up and i think Reading will spring the surprise and finish a comfortabl 14th or so.

Have to agree with Phil here. Based on squad quality and depth, the tile race will once again be fought between the two clubs from Manchester, while Chelsea have also done incredible business over the summer, so really expect them to be top three. Still, like you said, Man City by far have the best team, and even without an active transfer window for them, I believe they will be champions once again. Seeing RVP go to Man U, almost gave me a heart attack, but I respect where he is coming from, but I would have dearly wished to have moved abroad. A partnership of Rooney and RVP looks deadly, but I fear a little bit for Kagawa (my pick for signing of the season), as he plays when he in the whole, and with RVP coming in, he might be shifted to the left, but only time will tell. Nevertheless, Man City I feel just have way too much quality for Utd, so we'll see. As far as my Arsenal are concerned, what can I say? Just frustrated that yet again our best player leaves for another club sighting lack of ambition. While people keep dismissing RVP as injury prone with only one good season, he was the BEST player of the PL last year. For me is on par with Messi and Ronaldo, and for what he did for us, considering the type of players he is surrounded by. I'm not really convinced by our signings, as we still need a DM (shocked that Song could leave as well), a left back (don't have much faith in Santos or Gibbs), as well as now another proven world class striker. Don't think we are going to do anymore business, and as usual we look squad light. Pains for me to see another season without a trophy, but I guess that's inevitable when you sell your best players and don't have adequate replacements. Its just tiring now for me to hear Wenger boast about us constantly making it to the CL... yeah its great, but what about trophies? Even with FFP, I don't see us winning the league or CL anytime soon. Guess have to tolerate another season of mockery from my City and Utd friends, but by now I am already used to it.

@32 - What do I know?

Didn't Arsenal finish 3rd last season with more points than when they had Nasir, Fabregas and Wilshere the previous season?

I know nothing. Club on the decline? The club is getting rid of players unable to deliver a trophy for the past 7 years. I can't complain.

My top 4

Arsenal
Man City
Chelsea
Man U

@35, Surely you noticed that the games they were lucky in were against Barcelona (only Madrid can defeat them without luck) and Bayern, where we had 2 CB's who were injured, a teenager on debut in the CL final and4 players suspended. If you notice when Gomes blasted a shot over the bar Cahil grabs the back of his hamstring and it has clearly gone at that point. That's in the first half. Luiz basically gives up running back in the second half because he's pulled his hamstring as well.

3rd is probably realistic, Spurs are losing Modric and Adebayor, Arsenal are hoping that Cazorla is a success, which he might well be, but you can't guarantee that, and Giroud is up against some of the biggest defenders in world football, so his strength will be tested more than ever. Podolski is a top player, but mainly for Germany. He failed at Baryen, though I think he will do well at Arsenal. Theres quite a bit of risk attached to all of those signings. Chelsea have added Hazard who was being chased by Madrid (according to Zidane) and the two Manchester clubs, which means Fergie, Mancini and Mourinho all saw some quality in the boy, which is enough for me to think he is a good player.

Can't wait for the new season. This is a great article about how, despite the joy of the olympics, the Premiership is king!

https://trivialpursuits.org/2012/08/17/the-greatest-show-on-earth/

#35 PompeySamJW

The job at hand for Di Matteo when he took over is different to the job at hand now. You can't really compare how he handled something of a desperate situation with a couple of months to go with a more open ended blueprint now.

As for Chelsea in the league, again, this was a by-product of prioritising in a needs must way.

#37 StJohn_Red_Legend - 'Chelsea were flattered to lose 3-2 to City in the Community shield.'

Well, as Chelsea won't be playing the reigning champions every week and as I expect them to have 11 men on the pitch for 90 minutes more often than not, your data sample is a bit limited.

@28 - How is United stronger? Signing RVP and Kagawa is the basis on which you say that? Where are the replacements for Rio and Vidic? Rio's back seems to give him more gip than ever. Will he make half the games this season? Vidic has just returned to fitness, so it's early to say he'll stay fit.
In midfield, you're still not replacing Fletcher, Scholes or Giggs - and your cover at left back is non-existant with Fabio going on loan.
There are an embarressment of riches going forward, but who'll be winning the ball back for you? Who will be shielding your back line? As you admit, teams will play straight through you down the middle. Fergie's absurd boast of having a team to match that in '99 is naive and, at the very least, optimisitic...

@45 - the sample is also based on the performances in preseason and last season towards the end.

Limited performances in the CL semi and finals where on each occasion Chelsea couldn't live with their opponants for much of each game, but sneaked it on the counter.

In the league in May Liverpool spanked Chelsea, Carroll, allegedly £35mil wasted, owned Terry and indeed, had he started in the FA Cup final, the result would almost certainly have been different.

Think outside the box gentlemen....Southampton to win it for me!

1. Man Utd (will have learnt from losing silly games last season)
2. Man City (no great additions yet and can't rely on tevez and balotelli)
3. Chelsea - better signings and manager
4. Arsenal - just. would be 3rd if they kept RVP
5. Spurs
6. Newcastle
7. Everton
8. Liverpool (replacing kuyt maxi and bellamy with allen and borini is not a sign of improvement)
9. Sunderland
10. Fulham
11. Aston Villa
12. QPR
13. West Brom
14. West Ham
15. Swansea
16. Stoke City
17. Southampton (just. thanks to brilliant man-management of adkins)
18. Wigan (not enough goals especially if moses goes)
19. Reading (not enough goalscorers and lack top class defenders)
20. Norwich (will miss Paul Lambert)

#47 StJohn_Red_Legend

I was extremely disappointed with the 4-1 at Anfield at the end of the season. At the same time, in the scheme of things, who cares? But there were mistakes all round, though largely out of character.

Pre-season is 'pre' and the performance matters more than the result. Do you know much about Chelsea's pre-season or are you going on what you've just heard from someone else?

As for your FA Cup prediction (made with hindsight), well, we'll never know.......

@47, Andy Carroll came on in the FA cup final and was fairly ordinary until he was too lazy to get back and defend (something you could actually hear Dalgliesh telling him to do from a mic that must have been near him) and from then on he was very good. Although Cech made 1 save, which admittedly won the game, but Carroll wasn't as incredible as made out. Against Chelsea in the league game, Chelsea were preparing for the Champions League, they really didn't care whether they won that game or not. Terry slipped which was what caused the most problems, better studs, not Andy Carroll won Liverpool that game.

1.Chelsea
Man city
Man u
Tottenham

@48, Love it :-)

i disagree with this, west ham as usual will probable stuggle but will survive and somehow will finish about mid table. Man utd will be champions and i reckon: Southampton, Wigan and Swansea are for the drop.

I predict that the following will be the final standings in the premier league:
Man utd
Man city
Chelsea
Tottenham
Arsenal
Everton
Liverpool
Fulham
Sunderland
Newcastle
West ham
Reading
Stoke
QPR
Villa
West brom
Norwich
Swansea
Wigan
Southampton

Surprised at the number of people who think Arsenal will finish outside the top four. Despite the loss of RVP the squad is still stronger now than the one that finished last season. I'd honestly be surprised if they didn't finish third again, I just can't see who's going to overtake them, AVB is still unproven in England and I expect Di Matteo to be sacked by Christmas. I expect City to have it wrapped up early doors this season, though this may depend on how far they progress in the Champions League.

Yes it is very difficult to predict. But this is my prediction for this years League table.

Manchester City
Manchester Utd
Liverpool
Arsenal
Chelsea
Tottenham
Newcastle
Everton
QPR
Westham
Fulham
Wigan
Astonvilla
Stoke
Southampton
Sunderland
Norwich
Reading

I don't know Phil why everybody is kicking up about Chelsea they've got an incredible midfield with juan mata and Oscar but realistically they've only got two main strikers in Torres (who managed to perform in the last part of the season and was useless otherwise) and daniel sturridge who I feel is getting slightly big headed and failing to gain valuable experience as a Chelsea forward. If torres goes down hill again the pressure will be on sturridge to perform and I can't see that happening. The other problem is the age in the club such a terry lampard and Czech players who will need to replace. Finally abramovich if di matteo gets a few things wrong abramovich will leap on that and exclude him from the Chelsea post so the pressure will be on.
Chelsea- 4th/5th ( depending on spurs Newcastle and Liverpool )

#55 alexltfc

As bizarre as making this statement is, there have only been two managerial sackings pre-Christmas at Chelsea in the last 20 years. Vialli in September 2000 and Mourinho in September 2007.

What makes you think Di Matteo will go so soon?

Top3 is anyones guess but it'll be between the Mancs and Chelsea. 4th place will be a bun fight between Arsenal, spurs and Liverpool.
Southampton, WBA and reading will go down.

Can't see past Manchester City for the title but agree that the title will be between the two Manchester clubs. With Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool having new managers, the order of the top six isn't set. Rodgers will do a good job at Liverpool but not convinced he can bridge the gap. Villas-Boas at Spurs will be an interesting sub plot and think he has a tough act to follow in Redknapp. Chelsea have spent money but must now change their style now Drogba has departed. Will El Nino finally come good? I think Arsenal could surprise a few people. They finished third last season and have enjoyed a much better transfer window with a few astute signings with the penny finally dropping for Wenger, who has returned to spending good money on players in their prime.
I'm not sure Villa will finish 8th but they will do much better under Lambert. The do have good players in Bent, Given, N'Zogbia, Ireland and their new signings. In terms of relegation, I think WBA will struggle as not convinced Clarke will be a good number 1. Reading might fall short but I do think Southampton will survive and can see West Ham finishing well under Allardyce. Again some good buys mixed with Big Sam's ability to get results.
One thing for sure, it's going to be a tight and tough season. Good promoted teams and QPR, Fulham, Villa improving, who finishes down the bottom can feel unlucky.

Also I wont't agree with Phil's prediction it is not correct last year I would say the same again.

SO my 7 will be
Mcity
MUtd (Vanpersi, Vidic ,Rooney)
Liverpool (New Mngr, gud team)
Arsenal (Podoski, girould will assure them champion league again)
Chelsea (No Drogba factor)
Tottenham (New Mngr)
NewCastle
Everton
Westham

Thanks for the Villa prediction Phil. We will see. Any chance of you re-publishing the blog next May when it is all over?

Please could all the pundit programmes, blogs, phone ins etc remember that not everyone is Manc-centred in their team choice, and try to spread the subject matter around a bit?

1. City
2. Chelsea
3. Man United
4. Arsenal
5. Spurs
6. Liverpool

With a bit of luck maybe swap Spurs/Liverpool. Don't think Liverpool will be as far off points wise. May do better against the sides they dropped points against last season but may also be on the end of one or two tonkings by the better sides if they leave themselves too open.

I agree with #57 Concrete_villian_Vlaar4 in that the current squad will rely heavily on how Torres performs. I feel Sturridge will disappoint, and Hazard will have to learn to stay on his feet to impress.
There are quality players in the squad, will Matteo pick the right blend?
Also, the defence still shows signs of weakness.

Phil's predictions are always a bit dodgy! But then again how many people actually get it correct, here's mine for what its worth.

Man U (Probably go down to the final day of the season again)
Man C
Chelsea (Better than the clubs below but still can't touch the manc clubs)
Spurs
Newcastle
Arsenal (Club in decline but either them or Newcastle for 5th I'm going with Newcastle)
Everton
Liverpool

Phil - Can't fault your opinion, although I do see you have failed to remember that a goal is all that seperated United and City in the title race last season!!!

And what have City done to make sure they win teh title more comfortable this season? Signed Rodwell (I believe he has good potential, but it doesn't really strengthen what they already have)

On the flip side United have gone out and signed by stats one of the most impressive midfielders in Europe from last season in Kagawa. Already looks to have settled in well during Pre-Season. And of course they have also signed RVP. Although I myself am not too convinced on the signing I recognise he is an amazing player!! And if (big IF) but if him and Rooney can get it going then I don't think a defensive line in England will be able to cope with them!!.. Although the same could be said about Tevez and Aguero.

And then we move on to Chelski, spent the most and have psent well!! Marin is a very good player, Hazard was maybe the most wanted midfielder in Europe over the summer. Torres is scoring goals again, they have Oscar, Mata, Lampard (still doing the business) and maybe the most important midfielder at the club Ramires. If they can stop playing Luiz and concentrate on getting a right back which will release Ivanovic to the centre back position as well as Cahill and Terry, then they really could be the team to beat!!

As a United fan I have to speak from the heart and say United for number 20!!!

1. Man Utd
2. Man City
3.Chelsea
4.Arsenal
5. Liverpool
6.Spurs
7.Newcastle
8.Everton
9.Sunderland
10.Fulham
11.West brom
12.Stoke
13.West Ham
14.Norwich
15.A.Villa
16.Swansea
17.Reading
18.QPR
19.Southampton
20.Wigan

I find myself hoping even more that we (Reading) will survive, now that Phil has predicted us as last. Being a Man United fan it must have hurt him to predict a City Title...

As a season ticket holder at the Villa, hoping 8th is about right but would settle for 10th after last year. It's not necessarily just the impact of a new manager but a whole different philosophy that sees us looking to play football rather than sit back and defend constantly. A few wins gained (even if a few losses too) from the huge number of draws last season would have seen us comfortably mid-table. Like Jelavic for Everton, goals from Bent will be key if we are to achieve Phil's predictions. Other than that, predictions don't seem too far off with Arsenal & Spurs probably interchangeable from one week to the next!

i really don't think that Liverpool will make any recovery. i think they'll do just as bad as last year. city will win the league again, with united 2nd and chelsea a close 3rd. full table:
1. Man City
2. Man Utd
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
5. Everton
6. Tottenham
7. Newcastle Utd
8. Sunderland (somehow)
9. Liverpool
10. Fulham
11. Stoke
12. West Brom
13. QPR
14. Aston Villa
15. Norwich City
16. West Ham
17. Wigan Athletic
18. Reading
19. Swansea
20. Southampton

Now i'm going to wait for all the liverpool fanboys to cry at me for putting liverpool in 9th.

Love the blog and the contrasting views - always good to look back and see those with outrageous predictions eating a big slice of humble pie....

IT is a coin flip between the 2 Manchester clubs with Chelsea finishing 3rd. As for fourth, I really think it is a 3 horse race between Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool and this is merely because Arsenal and Spurs have got weaker - not because we are that much stronger. Newcastle will fail to replicate last years position.

In terms of Liverpool, a lot is going to depend on our first 3 home games (how can you have the top 3 at home at the start of the season!!!). If we can get at least 5 points from these games (I reckon we'll get 4) then it will give us a good platform to push on. Our problem is always starting slowly.

Anyhow - can't wait for tomorrow - gotta be the most exciting PL for a while after last years drama.

Bring it on.........

It's a tough one.

I'm a staunch Manchester United fan. I'm happy for Manchester City to be favourites, but I can't help feel that seeing as City won the title on goal difference, with United getting Vidic back, Kagawa and RVP in, that could be enough to win the Premier League and have a real go at the Champions League. I'm not saying certainly but I just get a real feeling of optimism this year, which makes me feel all warm inside.

So I'm going to stick my neck out and say 1) United 2) City 3) Chelsea 4) Arsenal

As a United fan I just think that we will again be pipped, there will be 2 or 3 points in it, I just don't see us winning the bigger games or the tricky ones (such as away to newcastle) we have probably the 6th most dynamic central midfield and that is where the tight games are won. That said, I want us to win the FA cup, it's been too long and I'd be more than happy with the Semi's in the CL (though obviously that's a big ask).

I think we will have the highest GD, we will utterly pulverise the weaker sides in the PL, expect alot of 4-0, 5-0's at OT if RvP and Rooney gel.

As for Liverpool, your fans are deluded and you are clinging to hopes that simply shouldn't exist, your squad is weaker than United, City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and even Newcastle. Not to mention that the first XI for all those teams is superior and even Evertons first XI also kicks yours up and down the park. You'll be battling Everton for 7th if you perform well, which based on last season, you won't. If you perform badly, bottom half and embarrassment.

Top Four

Man City - 90+
Man Utd - 90ish
Chelsea - 80+
Arsenal - 75ish

With Vidic back from injury and the addition of Kagawa and RVP, I think Man Utd will win the league. my top 4 prediction:
1: Man Utd
2: Man City
3: Chelsea
4: Arsenal

#64 who_dat

I think I hear the sound of you clutching at straws. Have fun though.

Can't wait for May to come to see this dumb dumb's prediction proved completely wrong.

@73

Go player for player with our team against any of the clubs (excluding the Manchester clubs and Chelsea) and see what you come up with....

Weaker than Everton? Have you seen Everton's squad? Apart from Baines and maybe Jelavic they are a team of nobodys and we are far superior in every department.

Spurs and Arsenal are weaker and let's be honest, Newcastle had a freak season (Cisse coming good as Ba became bad). Surely if Ba was that good the 7m clause would have been activated.

Bottom half - come back and may and there will be a big slice of humble pie for you even mentioning bottom half. Deluded.

73. At 11:17 17th Aug 2012, Thundrle wrote:

People i am sure said the same about Newcastle the year before but they slowly went about their job and made it to 5th.

Its not a great leap of the imagination to think Liverpool could move up 3 places in the league up to 5th. You are the deluded one to believe that such a thing couldn't happen.

1.Man United 2. Man City 3.Chelsea
I think Man United will regain the Premier League simply because we have strengthened our squad from last season and our younger players (Jones, Smalling etc) are more experienced. In addition we have Tom Cleverly back to give us strength in midfield while Carrick plays the deeper role. Having Kagawa and Van Persie helps too...

United were joint leaders at the end of a season that saw them lose 11 players at one point...now if this season is injury free, I think united might just clinch it. On the other hand,there are three or four other teams hungry for that title...let the games begin.

Phil if you are predicting Wigan Athletic to finish 18th after 8 seasons in the premier league I think its time as BBC sports chief football writer to do your homework. I also noticed you predicted Wigan to finish BOTTOM last season! So it wouldn't suprise me if you have predicted Wigan to get relegated for the past 7 previous seasons! Every year we lose our best players and have a bad start AND every we year we stay up! Its the same old story from football pundits:
05/06 "Wigan will finish bottom, they are not good enough".
06/07 "2nd season blues, wigan will be relegated, they over achieved".
07/08 "McCulloch and Baines gone, you wont survive"
08/09 "Palacios gone Heskey gone, wigan will be relegated"
09/10 "Valencia and Cattermole Gone, This year wigan will be relegated"
10/11 "Lost 0-4 to Blackpool then 6-0 to Chelsea after 2 games, this will be the year wigan drop"
11/12 "Without N'Zogbia Wigan are screwed and this will be the year"

Change the record WIGAN ARE PREMIER LEAGUE! Show us some respect, there will always be 3 teams worse than wigan and I hope this is the year we kick on up the table!

Apart from the top 3, Man City, Man U & Chelsea (although maybe not in that order), there's as much chance of winning the lottery as predicting the rest.

In general I agree with most of this.

To summarise:

1-2 Man U and City (straight fight between those 2)
3 Chelsea
4-5 Arsenal and Spurs
6-8 Liverpool, Newcastle and Everton
9-11 Stoke, Sunderland and Fulham
12-14 QPR, West Brom and West Ham
15-20 Norwich, Swansea, Southampton, Villa, Wigan and Reading

Within those groups I wouldn't want to guess who would be where

Good reading Phil.

My breif predictions...

The title will definately go to Manchester.
3rd/4th will be completed by a London club.

Liverpool? top 10 at best.

Southampton,Reading,Norwich to go down.
Stoke,Villa,Wigan,QPR will be scrapping it out to avoid the drop.

@81

You must love the fact we all write you off each year. I completely forget you've been around for so many seasons!

I for one am again writing you off as getting relegated so enjoy staying up again.

Also it must be far more exciting being a Wigan fan than say a Fulham fan (no disrespect) who are comfortable each year.

I prefer to predict AFTER watching the first round of games, always works for me. but then for me, this season will shape up as follows:
- The title is between the Manchester clubs and Chelsea, BUT I believe Chelsea will finish above Manchester City, so that basically leaves ManU as the joker.
- 4thplace: This may be the year it finally catches up with Wenger, however, that position would depend on how BR can gel his Liverpool team. If liverpool dont gel quickly, Arsenal will take 4th comfortably. Either way, Tottenham will finish 6th.
- Wigan wont be relegated. Relegation candidates would likely be, southampton, reading and norwich,... however u never really know with promoted teams, hence why its best to predict after the first round of games. last season, even though swansea lost 4-0 to mancity, it was clear to me then that with a keeper like that and a first 45mins performance, they would be tough to beat.

76.At 11:23 17th Aug 2012, Bowler wrote:
Can't wait for May to come to see this dumb dumb's prediction proved completely wrong.
_______________________________________________
Care to add your own so that at least Phil can reciprocate.

@84

God - the Liverpool hate boys are out in force today. Do you know how ridiculous saying Liverpool will finish top 10 at best sounds?

Reina - top 3 GK's in the league.
Agger - IMO, best and most naturally gifted defender in the league.
Gerrard - Best player at the WC and along with Yaya is the most dynamic midfielder in the league.
Suarez - Unbelievable. Superlatives cannot put in to words how good this guy is. If he can add goals to his performances he is untouchable.

And you predict a bottom half finish. Oh my goodness.....

Look at our squad in comparison to Spurs who have 1 recognised striker - Arsenal who are going to lose their best players.

I will spare a thought for you in May.

Villa to finish 8th? Not sure cant that phil. Also noted that you predicted all but the bottom 3 to have good cup runs! Manu, chelsea, manc, arsenal, spurs, liverpool. Bottom 3 villa, norwich, reading. reading will only have one win all season and set records for the worst premiership team. My 'suprises' will be swansea to finish top 10 and everton to flirt with relegation.

Might be slightly biased but I think a lot of people will be surprised by Southampton this year. Play good, attractive, attacking football and have a very good manager who always tries to look at positives. Swansea played in a similar way last season and they won lots of plaudits and with the signings of Gaston Ramirez (£11.6 million a new club record) and Matty Phillips all but complete, it shows Saints have ambition to kick on. For what it's worth this is how I think the League will finish. Rather predictable top 2 and they will be the top 2 by a country mile

1 Man City
2 Man United
3 Chelsea
4 Liverpool
5 Arsenal
6 Newcastle
7 Spurs
8 Aston Villa
9 Sunderland
10 Everton
11 Fulham
12 Southampton
13 Swansea
14 Stoke
15 Norwich
16 West Ham
17 West Brom
18 QPR
19 Reading
20 Wigan

I think it is very difficult to predict due to the variables (from last season) such as: injuries to key players (Fletcher, Gerrard, Wilshere), fringe players suddenly hitting form (Dzeko, Gutierrez, Ramirez), signings being bad (pick any three from Liverpool), signings being good (Cisse, Jelavic, Cahill) and poor management (A.V.B., Kenny Dalglish, Alex McCleish).

But........

Manchester City (too much fire power)
Manchester United
Chelsea (bought well, but Terry, Lampard and Cole are downfall)
Liverpool (surprise of the season)

Arsenal
Spurs
Everton (Jelavic will power them)
Newcastle (difficult second season)
Aston Villa (Bent will power them)
Stoke
Sunderland (very good manager)
Southhampton (very good manager)
Fulham
Wigan
Q.P.R.
Swansea
West Ham (love the Hammers, hate the way Big Sam plays football)

Reading
West Brom
Norwich

Man City will have far too much fire power all over the park and will win the league by 9 points at least. Manchester United for a cup.

I am a Liverpool fan but I think this is fair. You can't choose between Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool for 4th place. Everyone seems to have forgotton that Spurs are Losing Modric AND have lost Adebayour!! There main striker last season. Arsenal have replaced R.V.P. already and look almost the same as last season, Liverpool have a fit Steven Gerrard a couple of decent summer signings but, most importantly, a host of youngsters ready to play from the Acadamy. Watch out in the next 18 months for: Sterling, Suso, Morgan, Robinson, Coady, Pacheco, Wisdom, Flanagan, McLaughlin, Ibe and Adorjan.

Chelsea have bought very well but until Terry, Lampard and Cole are gone they will not perform on the pitch (overrated and ageing) and the manager will not have complete control of the dressing room.

Lastly, I am not a fan of Big Sam and I am not looking forward to playing West Ham. I have always liked our games with West Ham but I fear this season it will be a case of sore neck and Big Sam using the word "effective" in his interviews. Unfortunately, I can see them staying up, but hope they sack Big Sam anyway and get a manager that a club like West Ham merits.

1. Manchester City
2. Chelsea
3. Man U

...and to go down.

1. Wigan
2. QPR
3. Reading

Sometimes I wonder whether these blogs are just encouragement for the betting companies. Here goes with my prediction even if only for bragging rights. The top three positions will be close, followed by a gap.

Man City, they have a settled squad but are totally reliant on Yaya T.
Chelsea were better than City in the Charity Shield while they had 11 and City weren't fouling.
Liverpool, I love laughing at them, but this year could play the best football to watch.
Man U have not fixed the defensive midfield problems.
Arsenal will not improve without a true captain.
...
Tottenham mid-table sorry AVB, your football knowledge is great, but you should have learned more man management skills before trying again.
...
QPR will be the most improved.
...
Villa, West Ham and Southampton I expect to go down.

The usual pre season rubbish. Southampton are going to be better than most think. We were the best footballing side in the championship last year similar to Swansea the year before. Most of you fans already in the prem are predicting us to drop again, but you haven't seen us play. Reading will also be a decent side so quite why you all think West Ham will finish above us both I don't know. They didn't last year...
Add to that we have spent money, with a few more to come and potentially today a 12 million record signing that was wanted by Spurs and Liverpool and I think we will have at least enough to be clear of the bottom three.
Note = we expect to be near the bottom after 4 games as we start with City, United and Arsenal, but after that who knows.....

Reading won't go down Phil, as someone else commented have you ever seen them play? Good style, good manager, some good players as well.
People predicting Liverpool for top 4 are obviously smoking something funny! Top 10 if they're lucky!
Spurs under AVB could do well, and finish where they would have last season if not for 'Arry's shameful chasing of the England job.
Arsenal have made a good signing in Carzorla, but the loss or RVP will be too big for them!
Man City
Man Utd;
Spurs;
Chelsea;
Arsenal;
Newcastle;
Everton;
Liverpool;
Vill;
QPR;
Fulham;
Stoke;
Sunderland;
Swansea;
Reading;
West Ham;
Norwich;
Southampton;
Wigan;
West Brom

People predicting the downfall of City are misguided.

They have by far the best front six in the league. They have one of the best defences when all are fit (that is the key for them this season), and they have one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. The fact that they have only bought in one player says that they are confident in the squad they have, despite Mancini already starting his mind tricks (he's a wily fox).

They also have the massive benefit of knowing they are champions and that on their day no-one can touch them.

Can't see Villa doing that well, also you might be being a bit harsh on Newcastle and Liverpool. I think Chelsea could mount a title challenge, but their new players will have to click. This should be a great season and I think any one of City United and Chelsea could win it. But I'll go for City.

https://asportinginsight.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/premier-league-season-201213-who-will.html

At 11:35 17th Aug 2012, luissaurezisamazing wrote:
@84

God - the Liverpool hate boys are out in force today. Do you know how ridiculous saying Liverpool will finish top 10 at best sounds?
---------------------------------------------------

It sounds Genuine. Typical deluded Kop supporter.
I bet you beleived with the Queen Dalgish you was going to some how win the league if he was given another season as boss.

Rogers will not be able to change things for the better.
He is at heart still a Swansea man. Look at his signings or he has been linked with?

Swansea based players.
Thats what Liverpool will become with BR, The man needs to think outside the box and stop relying on his previous club for new recruits.
As for his so-called keep the ball and win it back inside 7 seconds when not in posession will not work with the plodder Liverpool already have and more plodder Liverpool will bring in. Liverpool are yesteryears club. Now going backwards.

Top 4 some people say...

You must be joking.

Of far more entertaining value is looking at last year's predictions, and then looking at the comments of those that Phil upset with his predictions to see how well they performed. Perhaps we could impart some verbal beatings on all of those hopelessly inaccurate ones in the same way Phil inevitably cops it each year for daring to have an opinion...