It's been a while now since Sergio Aguero dramatically won the Premiership for Manchester City back in May, but now England's top flight makes its long awaited return with a full set of fixtures this weekend. Here, we give our view on who will finish where this season, in alphabetical order.
Arsenal - 4th
They've strengthened their side with the signings of Podolski, Giroud and Cazorla, but still a cloud hangs over them with the future of Robin Van Persie not sorted out. This could have an impact on their early season form, but you would expect them to make the Champions League places again.
Aston Villa - 11th
Poor last season in finishing in the bottom third, under new manager Paul Lambert they will be keen to impress. Lambert himself comes in on the back of a hugely successful season in charge of Norwich, so he's got good pedigree. The first thing they need to fix is last year's lack of goals, but to date their high profile signings have all been defenders with one midfielder.
Chelsea - 3rd
A historic campaign last year, maybe even their best ever, means the pressure will again be ridiculously high upon Roberto Di Matteo's shoulders. However, with Torres looking like he's coming good at last and the additions of Hazard, Oscar, Marin and more set to follow, they will be strong. We don't anticipate a title tilt, but they should be a shoe-in for a top four place.
Everton - 8th
Impressive towards the back end of last season, they really need to shake the tag of slow starters off. Yet, their first game is against Manchester United, so don't expect too fast a start. Jelavic made a huge impact after joining in January, and they could even add old Liverpool star Michael Owen to their ranks. Expecting another solid season for Moyes' men.
Fulham - 15th
Fulham could start to struggle this season, having lost Etuhu, Murphy and Pogrebnyak in the close season. Especially with Dempsey still being linked with a move away, and Dembele always wanted, it could be a nervous wait until the end of the transfer window for the Cottagers. They won't go down, but might struggle to break into the top half.
Liverpool - 7th
With a new manager, it really is anybody's guess to where Liverpool will end up this season. One thing is for sure though, they need to improve on last year's disaster. However, signings like Joe Allen for £15 will not be enough for a push at the Champions League. Expect a similar campaign, but something to build on for new boss Brendan Rodgers.
Manchester City - 1st
They might have barely changed their squad, but it's still the best in the division. It's extremely hard to see anybody getting past them this season, as the core of their side is young and motivated for more success. Carlos Tevez could have a big role to play, looking leaner and fitter, as well as bagging a brilliant goal in their community shield win.
Manchester United - 2nd
Again they haven't really strengthened, but you just know that Manchester United under Ferguson will be right up their come the end of the season. As it stands, it doesn't look like they'll have enough to overhaul City. However, the potential signing of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal could change this.
Newcastle - 6th
A good season last time out will give them something to work from, and under Pardew's stewardship they keep impressing. It looks like it will be very hard for them to match the spending power of those above them, and perhaps another Europa League spot is the best they can hope for. Will need Cisse and Ba to fire them up the table again, having done well to hold onto them.
Norwich - 16th
A brilliant first campaign back in the top flight, but now have to re-adjust having lost their manager. Chris Hughton has come in, and will be eager to prove his worth after being sacked by Newcastle after leading them to the Premier League. Some astute signings such as Michael Turner and Robert Snodgrass should mean they have enough about themselves to avoid relegation.
QPR - 19th
They escaped by the skin of their teeth at the end of last season, and there seems to be no real structure to what they are doing in the transfer market. They have a ridiculously big squad, and this can surely only lead to disharmony. Mark Hughes has a big job on, can he manage it? They're a contender for relegation, and will have to do a lot to get away from the mire at the bottom.
Reading - 12th
Having stormed to the Championship title last season, they have made some good signings and have a known financial backer. All of this points to success, and Reading should have no trouble in staying up this season. The challenge, however, will be to stay there.
Southampton - 13th
Similarly, did brilliantly to go up and have spent big money. Therefore, you would expect them to have a satisfactory amount of success, especially considering the young talent they have coming through. Jack Cork and Adam Lallana are definitely players with big futures to look out for this season, along with new signing Jay Rodriguez.
Stoke - 10th
Nowadays a confirmed fixture in the Premiership, this will be another season of consolidating their mid-table status. Hard to beat at home, and generally a tough game whenever or wherever. Manager Tony Pulis is rapidly gaining more recognition for his success, and striker Peter Crouch may well feel he has something to prove having missed out on England's Euro 2012 squad despite a good season.
Sunderland - 9th
Improved drastically after Martin O'Neill came in midway through last season, and this rise should be set to continue. O'Neill did a very good job at Aston Villa, earning three consecutive 6th place finishes, and he'll be targeting similar success eventually at the Stadium of Light. Much will depend on their pursuit of Steven Fletcher of Wolves, having chased him for most of the Summer yet still not secured his signature.
Swansea - 18th
Having lost Brendan Rodgers, it could be a surprising struggle for the Welsh side this season. They did earn plenty of plaudits last season, and secured a very impressive finish, but under Michael Laudrup we're not convinced they have enough to do it again. Couple this with the loss of Joe Allen, and they have a lot of work to do if they can repeat last season's heroics.
Tottenham - 5th
Spurs were highly unlucky not to gain entry into the Champions League last season, and will be targeting that as their aim this season. With Chelsea flop Andre Villas Boas in charge, it will be interesting to see how they go. The young Portuguese manager will feel he has a lot to prove, although his man management skills in West London were nothing short of shocking. Has he learnt his lesson? Luka Modric saga could affect them, too.
West Brom - 17th
Another side with a new manager, meaning it is hard to predict where they will end up. Steve Clarke will be eager to prove himself as a number one, having spent all his previous career in the shadows, and it will be interesting to see how Romelu Lukaku goes on loan at the Hawthorns. We're backing them to just have enough to stay up.
West Ham - 14th
Sam Allardyce was very unfortunate to be sacked from his last post in the Premiership, at Blackburn, so it's a deserved return for the ex Bolton and Newcastle man. His West Ham side should be well equipped to manage easily enough here, although it will have been a blow not to land Andy Carroll, and they had to settle for a relatively unknown quantity, Modibo Maiga from Sochaux. Expect players like Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole and the returning James Collins to have big roles to play.
Wigan - 20th
So often have they defied the odds and escaped from trouble, but yet again we are tipping them to go down. With Victor Moses' move to Chelsea seemingly edging closer, they will struggle for goals again. However, with Martinez still in charge, they will feel that they can upset the apple cart and extend their stay in the top flight.
What do you think will happen this season? Which team do you think will be most improved this time around? Let us know, and get involved in the debate on Twitter, finding us at @TacticalBet.
HA
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