Nice OP, Frutty! And thanks for providing all the teams, it's sometimes hard to think of them all.
I'm looking forward to this season, but I think many teams will improve and the newly promoted teams are decent, especially a strengthened QPR. It's going to close this year (maybe not as close as last year though) and I think teams will need to be solid defensively to stay up, as there are some very attacking teams!
Here's my prediction (with point difference):
1) Manchester United (+2) - Well, well, what can I say? They are and have always been a top club, and with the acquisition of Young, De Gea and Jones, I can see them winning the title [narrowly] again!
2) Chelsea (+7) - They have some youth coming through (McEachran) to compliment their ageing squad and Villas-Boas should be able to sort of last season's 'mess', although he may be sacked for not winning the Champions League [if he doesn't]!
3) Manchester City (+2) - Money, money, money. Buy, buy, buy. The signing of Aguero and probably many more should see them finish in 3rd, just like last season with maybe a cup win again?
4) Liverpool (+1) - King Kenny has spend millions to reinstate Liverpool as a major European power and it should pay off, but they will grab a lucky 4th place.
5) Arsenal (+7) - With Gervinho swiftly signed and others to [apparently] follow, added to their clever boss and great squad, Arsenal should do well next season but may drop out of the Champions League (a bit biased here!).
6) Tottenham (+2) - They will be disappointed with this, but Arsenal are still strong, Liverpool are improving rapidly (not bias there!), City are mega-rich, Chelsea have some top players and Manchester United, well, what can I say? The 'Top 6' is a very tough place to be, and unfortunately Spurs will not have a great season.
7) Everton (+1) - However much I hate them, they are a top, top side with great youngsters such as Baxter, Rodwell and Coleman just to name a few and many experienced yet quality players too (Arteta, Howard, Jagielka, etc.). They should qualify for the Europa League.
8) West Brom (+0) - Woy likes to manage 'smaller' teams (not offence meant) like Fulham and West Brom, and should take them to/on the verge of Europe next season. They were fantastic under him last season, and he should continue his great work.
9) Aston Villa (+3) - Some new signings and a good new manager, Villa will be a force to be reckoned with next season.
10) Blackburn (+5) - They have new [rich] owners remember, and are becoming very ambitious!
11) QPR (+2) - Some promising new signings, such as Boothroyd, Gabbidon, DJ Campbell and Dyer to add to their already strong and resilient squad. A surprise outfit, maybe?
12) Sunderland (+0) - A top side who have great players, but have underperformed in recent season. I don't expect them to have a cracking season, but not a terrible one either.
13) Stoke (+5) - A great team who may not have the best of player, but their exception teamwork and tactical approach should see them reach safety, and maybe another cup final!
14) Bolton (+3) - A solid side managed by a proven manager, and they should also be safe this season.
15) Newcastle (+4) - Great fans, a bit of cash and some good signings should equal safety for the Tynesiders.
16) Wolves (+6) - They are a strong and technically competent side who are strengthened a lot by the signing of newly appointed captain Roger Johnson.
17) Wigan (+3) - They have this mentality of just staying up, every season against the odds and the tactical genius that is Roberto Martinez should ensure they do it again.
18) Fulham (+5) - This will come as a shock to most of you, but I cannot really see them finishing anywhere else with the quality of new acquisitions of their relegation rivals.
19) Norwich (+2) - A team with a great spirit, but they have failed to buy effectively this summer. They need a lot of strengthening or luck if they are to stay up in such a competitive league. Pure spirit will not see them through.
20) Swansea (N/A) - Danny Graham should bang in a few goals, but overall their team is quite poor in comparison to others and they don't have the spirit of QPR or Norwich, nor the quality - hence why they had to come up via the playoffs.
I like the new boys to stay up, but I don't think Swansea and Norwich will. I would hate United to get their 20th title, but I don't think even Villas-Boas will be able to stop them from doing that. Can't wait to stay up all night watching Match of the Day!
