Though the World Cup is becoming a distant memory, there is no respite for football fans. The 2010/11 Premier League season is just around the corner and, despite a somewhat quiet summer in the transfer market, it promises to be another enthralling campaign.

At the top, Chelsea and Manchester United – last year’s top two – can take nothing for granted with Arsenal and Manchester City leading a pack that is hot on their heels. At the other end, the three promoted sides have a battle on their hands, but can take comfort from the efforts of Birmingham and – to some extent – Wolves last season.

There are sure to be thrills and spills in the months ahead – particularly as the transfer window stays open until 31st August – but our team-by-team preview sheds light on the goings on this summer and the predicted finish come May.

Arsenal

The big question this summer for Gunners fans was whether captain and talisman Cesc Fabregas would stay in North London – and he has, so far. But Arsenal have not gone out of their way to convince him in the transfer market. The trophy-less run has stretched for five years now and Arsene Wenger’s team look no closer to ending that unwanted streak. Marouane Chamakh is the prolific striker that the Gunners have been craving, but there are still too many weaknesses that will be exposed over the course of a long season. Wenger’s men should hold off stiff competition to grab the last Champions League qualifying spot though.

Key arrivals: Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux); Laurent Koscielny (Lorient)
Key departures: Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk); Philippe Senderos (Fulham); Sol Campbell (Newcastle); William Gallas (released); Mikael Silvestre (released); Fran Merida (Atletico Madrid)
Prediction: 4th

Aston Villa

The James Milner saga has cast a dark cloud over Aston Villa’s summer, putting another dent in the club’s attempts to challenge the leading pack. Plus, Martin O’Neill has thus far struck out in his attempts to bring new faces to the Midlands and so it is hard to see his thin squad lasting the pace in the ultra-competitive scrap for European football. An experienced, proven core remains intact and they will still be one of the league’s better teams but, unless Villa’s youngsters have breakout years, O’Neill will have to settle for a spot outside the top six.

Key arrivals: None
Key departures: Wilfred Bouma (released); Marlon Harewood (released)
Prediction: 8th

Birmingham City

One of the surprise packages of last season, Birmingham are seeking to consolidate their position in 2010/11. Ben Foster will replace Joe Hart between the sticks and Nikola Zigic is a talented target man. Without the shock factor, Alex McLeish’s side may struggle to repeat last season’s 9th placed finish, but they will be comfortably clear of the drop zone. Look for the Blues to again build their campaign around the excellent defensive partnership of Scott Dann and Roger Johnson.

Key arrivals: Nikola Zigic (Valencia); Ben Foster (Manchester United); Enric Valles (NAC Breda)
Key departures: Gary McSheffrey (Coventry); Lee Carsley (Coventry); Christian Benitez (Santos Laguna); Frank Queudrue (Panionios); Gregory Vignal (released)
Prediction: 12th

Blackburn Rovers

A lack of transfer activity has led to a frustrating summer for Rovers supporters. Sam Allardyce oversaw considerable improvement last season, but other clubs seem to have made bigger strides over the past few months. Goalscoring may prove to be a problem for Blackburn with few proven front men and limited creativity from the flanks. A bottom half finish seems almost inevitable, though Allardyce may yet pull off a few coups before the transfer window closes.

Key arrivals: Mame Diouf (Manchester United – loan)
Key departures: Steven Reid (West Brom)
Prediction: 15th

Blackpool

The Seasiders’ fairytale run won over the hearts of football fans all over the country and the fearless display against Nottingham Forest in the playoff semi-final second leg suggests that Ian Holloway’s troops will bring plenty of excitement. However, the gulf in quality will be tough to overcome and Blackpool may have big problems containing Premier League attacks. They will give it their all and play their part in some high-scoring thrillers but this will be a one-year stay in the top flight.

Key arrivals: Dekel Keinan (Maccabi Haifa)
Key departures: Ben Burgess (Notts County); Hameur Bouazza (released); DJ Campbell (Leicester – loan return)
Prediction: 18th

 


Bolton Wanderers

Bringing Martin Petrov to the Reebok Stadium was a major coup for Owen Coyle and vastly improves the Bolton’s attacking options. Much will depend on Kevin Davies, Matt Taylor and Gary Cahill, but Coyle has too many experienced performers to flirt with relegation. Instead, he will be targeting the top half of the table. The core of the team is solid and there is enough young blood to support the old heads. Bolton are a tough side to beat on home soil.

Key arrivals: Martin Petrov (Manchester City); Robbie Blake (Burnley); Marcos Alonso (Real Madrid); Ivan Klasnic (Nantes)
Key departures: Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan – loan return); Nicky Hunt (released)
Prediction: 10th


Chelsea

The Blues might not have spent big this summer, but their key men have stayed put. Didier Drogba remains the most dangerous striker in England while Frank Lampard and John Terry should be extremely motivated after their World Cup shortcomings. However, this Chelsea side is far from the invincible group from the Jose Mourinho era and there are question marks over the supporting cast. They won the league last year despite losing six games and, if that record does not improve, a motivated Manchester United may just pip Carlo Ancelotti’s side to the title.

Key arrivals: Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool); Matej Delac (Inter Zapresic)
Key departures: Joe Cole (Liverpool); Michael Ballack (Bayer Leverkusen); Juliano Belletti (released); Deco (Fluminense); Miroslav Stoch (Fenerbahce)
Prediction: 2nd


Everton

The Toffees appear poised for a strong campaign. A fully fit Mikel Arteta and Yakubu will transform the attack so long as Everton can keep the suitors at bay. Meanwhile, hanging onto the in-demand Phil Jagielka will ensure the back four protects Tim Howard. Plus, David Moyes’ team are never short on guts and belief. Squad depth is perhaps the biggest weakness for an injury prone group, but Everton should be in the mix for a European spot. Goodison Park must be a fortress throughout.

Key arrivals: Jermaine Beckford (Leeds); Magaye Gueye (Strasbourg); Jan Mucha (Legia Warsaw); Joao Silva (Desportivo Das Aves)
Key departures: Dan Gosling (Newcastle); Lukas Jutkiewicz (Coventry)
Prediction: 7th


Fulham

Heading into August without a new manager, Fulham fans had reason to be concerned, but the appointment of Mark Hughes was a huge boost. He has a tough act to follow, though, after Fulham’s heroic run to the UEFA Cup Final last season. Most of the key figures have resisted moves to more glamorous destinations and if Bobby Zamora continues his development, Fulham will have another steady campaign. Hughes will have a matter of days to familiarise himself with his players though and that could hurt their early season form.

Key arrivals: Philippe Senderos (Arsenal); Jonathan Greening (West Brom)
Key departures: Chris Smalling (Manchester United); Erik Nevland (Viking)
Prediction: 11th


Liverpool

Replacing Yossi Benayoun with Joe Cole certainly does not weaken Liverpool, but Roy Hodgson has a tough job on his hands as he tries to rouse a troubled, fragile squad. If Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres stay fit – a big if – then the Reds can beat anyone on their day, especially at Anfield. However, inconsistency and question marks at the back mean a top four finish is unlikely as Manchester City go from strength to strength and any potential takeover seems set to come after the transfer window closes. Look out for David Ngog to finally fulfil his potential this year.

Key arrivals: Joe Cole (Chelsea); Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege); Danny Wilson (Rangers); Jonjo Shelvey (Charlton)
Key departures: Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea); Albert Riera (Olympiacos); Philipp Degen (Stuttgart – loan)
Prediction: 5th


 



Manchester City

Roberto Mancini’s summer shopping spree has moved Manchester City closer to their goal of winning the Premier League. With a stable of strikers, there was a need for midfield and defensive reinforcements – and Yaya Toure, David Silva and Jerome Boateng are among the best on the market. Any shortcomings cannot be blamed on experience this season, but the defence still has questions to answer. Though, in truth, the spending probably is not over just yet. City will be in contention, but will fall just short.

Key arrivals: Yaya Toure (Barcelona); David Silva (Valencia); Jerome Boateng (Hamburg); Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio)
Key departures: Martin Petrov (Bolton); Valeri Bojinov (Parma); Sylvinho (released); Benjani Mwaruwari (released); Javier Garrido (Lazio)
Prediction: 3rd


Manchester United

The monumental summer signing spree has not materialised for Manchester United fans thus far and so the onus is on the current crop of youngsters to step up. The wise old heads – Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Edwin van der Sar – remain and the defence is expected to be as miserly as ever, but Wayne Rooney desperately needs help up front, which could come in the shape of Mexican signing Javier Hernandez. Dimitar Berbatov has impressed in pre-season and a group of young wingers could be ready to take the next steps in their development. Sir Alex Ferguson will be desperate to make amends for last season and that added motivation should put United top of the pile.

Key arrivals: Chris Smalling (Fulham); Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara)
Key departures: Ben Foster (Birmingham); Zoran Tosic (CSKA Moscow)
Prediction: 1st


Newcastle United

Newcastle’s return to the top flight was greeted with cheers from most neutrals around the country – now the challenge is to stay there. The Magpies have some talented youngsters alongside experienced heads like Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan and will, of course, benefit from passionate home support. If a 15-goal-a-season striker emerges – the handing of the number 9 shirt to Andy Carroll could spur him on – and they produce solid home form, Newcastle should just have enough quality to beat the drop and begin to consolidate their position back among the elite.

Key arrivals: Dan Gosling (Everton); James Perch (Nottingham Forest); Sol Campbell (free)
Key departures: Nicky Butt (released); Fabrice Pancrate (released)
Prediction: 16th


Stoke City

Stoke have quietly established themselves as a Premier League outfit and for that Tony Pulis deserves real credit. There is nothing flashy about the Potters and essentially the squad is unchanged from last season, but Stoke are too good to slip into relegation territory. With their tireless work rate, physical game plan and Rory Delap’s menacing long throws, Pulis’ men will push for a top ten finish. It is just their away form that will let them down.

Key arrivals: Florent Cuvelier (Portsmouth)
Key departures: Steve Simonsen (Sheffield United); Amdy Faye (released); Ibrahima Sonko (Portsmouth – loan)
Prediction: 13th


Sunderland

After a bright start, Sunderland faded miserably last year. However, the talent is unquestionable. Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones pose a serious threat up front, Andy Reid and new boy Christian Riveros bring creativity and the defence has talent in Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand. But the biggest difference-maker is midfielder Lee Cattermole, who spent chunks of the last campaign on the treatment table. If Bruce can keep his players focused and healthy, a top half finish is on the cards.

Key arrivals: Titus Bramble (Wigan); Christian Riveros (Cruz Azul); Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes); Simon Mignolet (Sint Truidense)
Key departures: Lorik Cana (Galatasaray); Daryl Murphy (Celtic)
Prediction: 9th


 


Tottenham Hotspur

It has been a familiar story for Tottenham this summer with lots of rumours but few big signings. The grind of Champions League football will take its toll on Harry Redknapp’s stars and could well affect the team’s league form unless more reinforcements arrive before the transfer window closes. Despite the quality of the Jermain Defoe-Peter Crouch strikeforce and the progress of Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone among others, Tottenham will struggle to repeat their fourth place finish of 2009/10.

Key arrivals: Sandro (Internacional)
Key departures: Dorian Dervite (Villarreal); John Bostock (Hull – loan)
Prediction: 6th


West Bromwich Albion

Sadly, the Baggies are too good for the Championship but too weak for the Premier League. And so they continue to be the ultimate yo-yo team. Roberto Di Matteo has done an excellent job at the Hawthorns but, even with the signings of former Hull keeper Boaz Myhill and defender Pablo Ibanez, West Brom are out of their depth among the big boys. Expect to see them propping up the table, especially if Di Matteo stays true to an open, passing game plan.

Key arrivals: Boaz Myhill (Hull); Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid); Steven Reid (Blackburn); Gabriel Tamas (Auxerre)
Key departures: Jonathan Greening (Fulham); Robert Koren (released),
Prediction: 20th


West Ham United

After a rollercoaster year under Gianfranco Zola, another man with strong Chelsea connections has his chance to lead the West Ham revival. But Avram Grant faces a tough task with a limited squad. Youngsters like James Tomkins and Jack Collison have shown promise yet are still learning the game and it is hard to pinpoint where the goals will come from. There could well be more nervy moments for Hammers fans this year before Grant steers the team out of trouble.

Key arrivals: Pablo Barrera (Universidad Nacional); Frederic Piquionne (Lyon); Thomas Hitzlsperger (Lazio); Winston Reid (Midtjylland); Tal Ben Haim (Portsmouth – loan)
Key departures: Guillermo Franco (released) Ilhan (released)
Prediction: 14th


Wigan Athletic

This could be a tricky campaign for Roberto Martinez. Wigan have arguably punched above their weight for a couple of seasons and 2010/11 promises to be the biggest challenge yet. There are few household names at the DW Stadium these days and if Wigan’s home form is rocky, they will find themselves in the thick of the relegation dogfight. Also, losing defender Titus Bramble may prove a bigger problem than it initially appears.

Key arrivals: Mauro Boselli (Estudiantes); Ronnie Stam (FC Twente); Ali Al-Habsi (Bolton – loan), Antolin Alcaraz (Club Brugge); James McArthur (Hamilton)
Key departures: Titus Bramble (Sunderland); Mario Melchiot (released); Paul Scharner (released)
Prediction: 17th


Wolverhampton Wanderers

Surviving the drop last season was a huge success for Mick McCarthy’s men, but Wolves still fell short of the 40-point mark and won only nine games. The addition of Stephen Hunt was a shrewd one, however it may not be enough to improve an attack that scored a mere 32 goals during the 2009/10 campaign – the lowest total in the league. Wolves’ work ethic can never be faulted, but they simply do not have enough talent to avoid relegation again.

Key arrivals: Stephen Hunt (Hull); Steven Mouyokolo (Hull); Steven Fletcher (Burnley); Jelle van Damme (Anderlecht); Adlène Guedioura (Charleroi)
Key departures: Andrew Surman (Norwich); Chris Iwelumo (Burnley)
Prediction: 19th