Murray's Premier League 1-20

As the beginning of the new Premier League season draws ever closer, the excitement and anticipation is building. There has been plenty of upheaval throughout many clubs so far this summer, and there is no doubt that will continue right up until transfer deadline day. This campaign is quite possibly the most unpredictable year in the history of the Premier League. There is several teams that have a point to prove, some looking to build on a solid season last time out, and others just simply looking to consolidate. So, with that, I will therefore be making my prediction on how the Premier League table will look come May next year.

1. Manchester City

One thing I am sure about is, with Pep Guardiola at the helm, City will win a trophy this season. The board and multi-billionaire owners made a huge decision by opting to cut Manuel Pellegrini's tenure short, but appointing Pep was the right answer. This is a team that was lacking a sense of purpose and direction, and that is why they have made the correct choice; the Spaniard possesses the knowledge and tactical skills to freshen things up on and off the pitch. In a recent friendly against a strong Borussia Dortmund side, City looked sharp, organised and each and every player was working hard for the cause. Their passing and movement game was also a notable addition to their style of play, which is of course a feature of Guardiola's mantra.

Before any signings were made the Citizens already had the nucleus of a good squad. Since then, they have managed to add box-to-box midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, goalscoring winger Nolito, German youngster Leroy Sane, 19-year-old forward Gabriel Jesus - who has been dubbed the 'New Neymar'. Most recently, promising centre-back John Stones has joined for £50m and is thought to be the solution to City's defensive woes; he could form a great partnership alongside Vincent Kompany. There will certainly be more movement in the camp over the next few weeks to aid City in their quest for the title. I am not of the opinion that the Citizens will be run away Champions, but I do believe the Pep factor just gives them the edge.

2. Manchester United

Another new managerial appointment has been made at the other side of Manchester, with a man who needs no introduction, in Jose Mourinho. United have been well off the pace ever since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down. The club have struggled to draw top-class players to the club, and performances have simply not been good enough. Immediate action was required at the end of last season to recapture the interest of the fans and attempt to propel the club back into that elite group of footballing powerhouses. Mourinho has the experience, the contacts, the big game mentality, the passion and the hunger to achieve success.

United have made some intriguing singings so far, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic heading that list. Can the Swede recapture his form of last season? Young centre-half Eric Bailly raised a few eyebrows when he was purchased for £30m, but he does show promise. Attacking midfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan is a useful addition; he provides a goal threat from midfield. United have made a colossal signing in central midfield - former United youngster Paul Pogba commanded a world-record bumper fee of £89m. But another centre-half wouldn't go amiss, in my mind. As an all-round team they do look much stronger than they have for some time, though. I believe the Red Devils will push Manchester City all the way for the title, but will just come up a little short in the end. A second-place finish would certainly not be something to scoff at, given their recent Premier League finishes.

3. Chelsea

Why not round off the top three with yet another new manager. Antonio Conte will undoubtedly rustle a few feathers this season, the sprightly Italian is forever bouncing up and down on the touchline and is not short of the odd managerial bust-up. Under Conte, Chelsea will be organised. They will most likely play with a reserved style, which frustrates opponents, and then look to break quickly on the counterattack. After the Blues incredibly disappointing season last time out, Conte is the perfect man to reshape the squad and strain every sinew out of his players.

I expect Chelsea to be tough to beat this season, and also to provide their own bid for the title. They have a good team, it just depends how their stars adapt to Conte's style of play. N'Golo Kante was a shrewd signing; he will provide balance to an offensive-minded midfield.  With them not playing in Europe this season, that will mean they can focus their attentions firmly on the Premier League, so I have no doubt Chelsea will finish in the top four. 

4. Liverpool

The fourth spot is the position I struggled with most. In all honesty, it could have gone to any of three teams, but I have opted for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's men optimised the term 'unpredictable' last season, one week they would lose at home to Crystal Palace, and then the next they would go and put four past City at the Etihad. So, consistency is going to be crucial to their fortunes ahead of this campaign. Last weekend Liverpool put a near full strength Barcelona side to the sword in a 4-0 friendly win at Wembley. Can they repeat performances like that in the coming weeks and months?

Liverpool have operated well in the transfer window so far. Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klaven all look to be excellent captures for the club. Also, they have got rid of some of the dead weight out of the squad, which they received good money for. Like Chelsea, Liverpool could profit from not playing in Europe this season, and that is one of the main reasons why I think they will just sneak into the Champions League places. 

5. Arsenal

This is the one that most people are going to be surprised with, and rightly so. Arsenal have never finished outside of the top four under the management of Arsene Wenger. Despite finishing second last season, that was still viewed as a disappointment, due to the fact Arsenal should be beating Leicester City to the title. And so far all they have done this summer is sign Granit Xhaka. Although the Swiss central midfielder may be a decent signing, the Gunners' certainly have further areas they need to strengthen. When will Wenger learn that he has to spend big money if he wants his side to be genuine title contenders. This could be the year Arsenal's top four luck runs out, should they fail to bring anyone else in.

6. Tottenham Hotspur

Believe me, I thought about this one long and hard. By no means do I think that Spurs will not be challenging for back-to-back seasons in the top four, because I am sure they will be. I just expect several teams to perform much better, which unfortunately means Spurs will slip down the table. There is the added pressure of balancing Champions League football alongside the Premier League, which could be a bit overwhelming for their young squad. In terms of transfers; Victor Wanyama adds steel to the midfield and striker Vincent Janssen will take a bit of weight off the shoulders of main man, Harry Kane. I can see Mauricio Pochettino's men being hungry and getting out of the traps quickly, but begin to tail off once again in the latter stages of the campaign.

7. West Ham

The Hammers had a great season last time out, and this could be yet another one. The board and owners are looking to push the club forward, but there is simply too much competition above at this moment in time to see them finishing any higher than seventh. If West Ham make it into the group stages of the Europa League, then that could take it's toll on the side and a slightly lowing position in the table is perceivable. However, Slaven Bilic is hoping to strengthen his squad further which will hopefully mean they are able to find a balance between the Premier League and European competition. The full-back areas are still a slight problem and could be an exploited by opponents. 

The Hammers have made a couple of good acquisitions, with Sofian Feghouli and Havard Nordtveit joining on free transfers, and club-record signing Andre Ayew making the move from Swansea City. I predict the Irons to have a long, gruelling season in their first at the Olympic Stadium, but a successful one at that.

8. Everton

This is a huge season for Everton and their new manager Ronald Koeman. Last year under Roberto Martinez was simply not good enough for a club of it's stature and everyone involved will be hoping for a huge response. The Toffees have some spectacular talents within the squad, but have already lost one of those, in John Stones. Romeu Lukaku is also thought to be looking for a transfer. In reality, it is a win-win situation whichever way it goes. Should he decide to stay then the club can push forward with him, but if he leaves then Koeman will have plenty of money at his disposal to strengthen the squad; the dutchman is notoriously known for being a shrewd character in the transfer market, following his time with Southampton. Ashley Williams has already been brought in to replace Stones; a born-leader, he will sure up the defence. 

There has been limited incoming transfer activity so far for the Goodison Park faithful to get excited about, but it should start hotting up soon, as deadline day draws closer. Koeman's biggest task is uniting a broken dressing room, and a good start to the season would do wonders to that. I'm backing him to turn it around and push for a European place this coming season.

9. Leicester City

What can really be classed as a successful season this year for Leicester, following that incredible title-winning campaign. Considering that they have the Champions League to manage alongside the Premier League, a top half finish would be more than satisfactory. One thing they cannot afford to do is get ahead of themselves and expect to have another season like they just had, because it simply is not going to happen. So far, the Foxes have managed to keep most of their title winning team together, which is huge. But they will no doubt miss N'Golo Kante; the tireless midfield typified their positive attitude and desire last season. Striker Ahmed Musa is a superb signing, though, and I expect him to add some much needed support for Jamie Vardy. Due to the amount of fixtures they have, and with the opposition they will face, ninth place is fair for the Champions.

10. Stoke City

Three years on the bounce Stoke City have finished ninth in the table. So maybe I'm doing them a bit of a disservice placing them in tenth. But the problem is I can't see them finishing any higher, but nor can I really envision them being much lower. Stoke are the Premier League's mid table team, and I don't see that changing in the coming season. There hasn't been much transfer talk involving the Potters so far, which considering they have a solid, settled squad isn't a bad thing. Defensive midfielder Joe Allen has joined from Liverpool for £13m, which a pretty canny signing. Another top half, mid table finish for Stoke.

11. Crystal Palace

The South Londoners had an exceptional start to last season, finding themselves in the European mix all the way up until Christmas. Then they fell to pieces. A damning run of just 2 wins in 21 outings sent them tumbling down the table and were fortunate to just escape the grasps of a relegation battle. But they did and they are back again, and this season I fancy them to have a learnt from that brutal second half of the season. A keeper was a necessity, and Alan Pardew has delivered with the impressive free transfer of French International, Steve Mandanda. Andros Townsend and James Tomkins are two valuable additions; the pair have plenty of Premier League experience. Palace will have a good season.

12. Southampton

Last season the Saints went about their business, very much under the radar and found themselves in a magnificent sixth place. A European campaign awaits them, and confidence must be high heading in to this season, shouldn't it? Well, it doesn't look like it. This has been a grim summer for the Saints. Their manager left for Everton, midfield hard man Victor Wanyama joined Spurs, Graziano Pelle strangely moved to the Chinese Premier League, and Sadio Mané signed for Liverpool in a big-money deal. Surely that is going to be hard to come back from, which is why I see them slipping down the table to twelfth. New boss Claude Puel has a big job on his hands, but he has made two nice additions so far, in Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg from Bayern Munich and winger Nathan Redmond.

13. Middlesbrough

This one might come as a surprise to see Boro as high as thirteenth. But in their first season back in the Premier League, I see them causing teams problems. The main reason for that is the excellent business they have so far pulled off in the transfer market. Victor Valdés and Alvaro Negrado are the two big names through the door; the latter has unfinished business in the Premier League, and will score goals. Attacking midfielder Viktor Fischer joined from Ajax, having been a big fan favourite in their side. Marten de Roon is yet another fantastic signing; big things are expected from the central midfielder. So, don't write off the Teesiders this season.

14. Sunderland

The Black Cats suffered a blow a few weeks back, when Big Sam Allardyce left to become the National team manager. But with the experience of new coach David Moyes, this Sunderland team is in safe hands. The incoming boss will be looking to build on a positive end to last season, in which Sunderland pulled off a miraculous escape and managed to avoid the drop. There has been little movement inbound on Weirside as it stands, with just three defenders through the door. Man United youngsters Donald Love and Patrick McNair have joined Papy Djilobodji in bolstering their defensive options. But there is plenty of room on the wage bill for more transfers, following the release of several players that are no longer Premier League calibre. Moyes is known for getting the best of a squad, hence why I have Sunderland finishing in fourteenth.

15. West Brom

Once again this is probably going to be the team that nobody really enjoys watching. But the fact of the matter is, Tony Pulis' style of play is very effective. There is no doubt in my mind that Albion will be compact, organised and hard to break down, which will be the key to their survival. Much of the transfer talk in the Midlands has once more surrounded Saido Berahino's future, which looks almost certain to come to end with the Baggies. Pacey winger Matt Phillips has been drafted in from QPR for a measly £5m. Expect another season of consolidation for the Black Country's only Premier League club.

16. Bournemouth

To be honest, it has been challenging figuring out how the Cherries will perform this season. I believe they have just enough to maintain their place in the Premier League, but lack the depth to challenge for a higher finish in the table. The sale of club captain Tommy Elphick to Aston Villa could be a bigger loss than initially thought; the centre-half was the leader of the squad. Matt Richie's move to Newcastle was another shock departure, seen as he was one of the better players in the side and more than held his own in the top flight. But Eddie Howe has made some very useful additions, with the marvellous capture of Jordan Ibe, followed by fellow youngsters Lewis Cook and Lys Mousset. Left-backs Brad Smith and Nathan Ake also joined, which makes me wonder why on earth the club need four senior left-backs. But I see no reason why Bournemouth would be relegated this season.

17. Swansea City

In my opinion, the Swans have done the worst business so far this summer. This week they have lost potentially their best player in Andre Ayew, and their captain Ashley Williams has left for Everton in a relatively cheap deal. Why any Premier League team would let the National team captain, defensive stalwart, leader, and all round best defender leave the club is beyond me. Before the sale of Williams, I had Swansea finishing mid-table, that's how detrimental I regard the departure to be. However, the capture of centre-forward maverick Llorente and the brilliance of Gylfi Sigurdsson will just about ensure the Welsh side survive.

18. Burnley

Sean Dyche did a superb job rounding his troops last season, in order for an immediate bounce back to the Premier League. Last time out Burnley's problem was a lack of depth in the squad, and consequently a set of goal-shy forwards. Maybe the vibrant Andre Gray could be the answer; he converted 25 times on their way to being crowned Champions of the second tier. Unfortunately, I don't believe he will be able to keep them up single handedly. Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Jon Flanagan are the only notable additions, which is certainly not enough. Unless the Clarets make a significant amount of signings, I can't see them staying up.

19. Watford

It has been a standard summer for the Hornets so far, sack the manager following a triumphant campaign. Watford finished 13th and went all the way to Wembley in the FA Cup, before being knocked out in the semi-finals. Their brilliant forward pairing of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo formed an almost telepathic partnership throughout the first half of the season. But as the season went on teams seemed to be finding them out and limiting the threat they posed. With that in mind, Watford will struggled if their strikers fail to rekindle their magical connection. Due to all the upheaval within the club this summer, I think Walter Mazzarri's chances of keeping the Hornets up are unfavourable.

20. Hull City

Who knows what's happening on the Humber this summer. The most successful manager in the clubs history has left, in Steve Bruce. The vastly experienced Englishman resigned following a distinct lack of transfer activity and even less commitment from the clubs owners. His assistant Mike Phelan has taken caretaker charge, which is without question not the way any team would wish to be beginning their campaign. Any momentum that was built up following their successful route to the Premier League through the playoffs is now surely gone. The Tigers' best player, Mo Diame, has left for Newcastle, making their chances of survival even slimmer than they already were. To be frank, there is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that Hull City will be relegated come May, or even before that.