The London 2012 Olympic Games has showcased sport at its finest over the past few weeks, leaving lasting memories and captivating a global audience. But now that the curtain has come down, an inevitable temporary low will replace the highs as English sports fans, in particular, come to terms with the end of the daily Olympic drama. Fortunately, the return of the Premier League, fresh off the most thrilling of finales, should cushion the blow.

Sergio Aguero’s last gasp winner for Manchester City on the final day of last season, prising the title from Manchester United’s grasp, ensured that the 2011/12 season went down in the history books as the most jaw-dropping, dramatic title race of the Premier League era. Three months later, the storylines remain plentiful.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini are poised to go toe-to-toe again in round two of their title struggle, while Arsenal, Chelsea and several others are eager to crash the party. Six new managers and several big money signings will be feeling the pressure in new surroundings while new boys Reading, Southampton and West Ham can take comfort from the fact that a string of teams have the look of possible relegation candidates.

With the 2012/13 season here, Inside Futbol looks at each team’s summer transfer activity and their prospects for the campaign ahead.

Arsenal

True to form, Arsenal have been engaged in another will he-won’t he summer transfer saga, with Robin van Persie refusing to sign a new contract. With Manchester United and Juventus ready to swoop, uncertainty has once again detracted from Arsene Wenger’s preparation, just as it did with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Understandably, Arsenal fans are frustrated, given Van Persie’s outstanding form last year. The Van Persie issue has also stolen attention away from Wenger’s uncharacteristic activity with the chequebook, splashing close to £36M on creative attacking options, while the return of Bacary Sagna is a big boost for the back four. If Van Persie stays, the new trio gel and Jack Wilshere can return from injury on schedule, Arsenal should be on the coat-tails of the title contenders. But those are big ifs.

Key arrivals: Lukas Podolski (Koln); Olivier Giroud (Montpellier); Santi Cazorla (Malaga)
Key departures: Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad); Ryo Miyaichi (Wigan, loan); Manuel Almunia (released); Gavin Hoyte (released)
Prediction: 4th

Aston Villa

The Alex McLeish era ended with a whimper and another Scot, Paul Lambert, now gets his chance to turn the club’s fortunes around. Aston Villa fans should not expect overnight improvements but a more eye-catching style of play is a safe bet. Goals are still a concern, though, and the burden on Darren Bent is hefty. Much will depend on Lambert’s ability to coax consistent performances from mercurial talents like Charles N’Zogbia and Stephen Ireland, as well as the impact of new boy Ron Vlaar. Lambert’s transfer dealings are hardly household names, but Villa should be too good to slip into any relegation strife. A top half finish, however, may be beyond the current squad.

Key arrivals: Ron Vlaar (Feyernoord); Matthew Lowton (Sheffield United)
Key departures: Carlos Cuellar (Sunderland); James Collins (West Ham); Emile Heskey (released)
Prediction: 11th

Chelsea

Spare a thought for Roberto Di Matteo, who was kept in limbo over his future as his reward for delivering the Champions League-FA Cup double. Finally, the two-year offer came forward. but he is now under pressure to provide a follow up to last year’s heroics. New faces Eden Hazard and Oscar will freshen up an aging squad and should give Fernando Torres every chance to step out of his lull. The loss of Didier Drogba will be felt but Chelsea have the experience and creativity to spark a title run. Whether they can last the pace will depend on the contributions from their three most criticised players – Torres, David Luiz and John Obi Mikel.

Key arrivals: Eden Hazard (Lille); Oscar (Internacional); Marko Marin (Werder Bremen); Thorgan Hazard (Lens)
Key departures: Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua); Salomon Kalou (Lille); Romelu Lukaku (West Brom, loan); Jose Bosingwa (released)
Prediction: 3rd

Everton

Once again, David Moyes was linked with attractive vacancies over the summer – but once again he remained at Goodison Park. That in itself was the best news of the off-season for the Toffees. Despite the exits of Tim Cahill and Jack Rodwell, Everton are poised to repeat last year’s seventh place finish, with Nikica Jelavic spearheading the attack and Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines marshalling things at the other end. The squad still is not equipped to handle injuries to key players, howevr Moyes is a master at working with the resources available to him. Quality elsewhere makes a top six finish a long shot, but chalk Everton up as a top eight team again.

Key arrivals: Steven Pienaar (Tottenham Hotspur); Steven Naismith (Rangers)
Key departures: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls); Jack Rodwell (Manchester City); Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce); James McFadden (released)
Prediction: 8th

Fulham

Martin Jol’s side is tough to assess, in part due to the reliance on Clint Dempsey, whose future has been up in the air. The American makes everything tick at Craven Cottage and this Fulham squad is short on creativity and firepower, with question marks over the forwards brought in over the summer. If Dempsey is sold, the problems multiply tenfold. This is no longer the same Fulham team that overachieved under Roy Hodgson nor is it a top half side. Moussa Dembele is a class act, but a frantic January could be in stall if the Cottagers are sluggish out of the blocks.

Key arrivals: Hugo Rodallega (Wigan); Mladen Petric (Hamburg); George Williams (MK Dons)
Key departures: Danny Murphy, Dickson Etuhu (both Blackburn); Andy Johnson (QPR); Bjorn Helge Riise (Lillestrom)
Prediction: 14th

Liverpool

It has been another eventful summer at Anfield. The appointment of manager Brendan Rodgers was shrewd, no question, and both Fabio Borini and Joe Allen have exciting futures. At full strength, Liverpool should be a match for anyone, but Reds fans should keep their fingers crossed that Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez can steer clear of injury and controversy, respectively. Squad depth remains the issue that will ultimately preclude Liverpool from any top four discussions, however look for Rodgers’ men to come closer than some are predicting. Suarez should be a contender for the Golden Boot too.

Key arrivals: Fabio Borini (Roma), Joe Allen (Swansea)
Key departures: Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Fabio Aurelio (Gremio), Craig Bellamy (Cardiff)
Prediction: 5th

Manchester City

Roberto Mancini insists that Manchester City need to do some drastic transfer market shopping if they are to defend their title – but he seems to be forgetting just how much quality he already has at his disposal. With multiple options in every position, the Italian has the best squad in the Premier League and a revived and forgiven Carlos Tevez could be the trump card. Keeping egos in check will be a challenge, of course, but the Citizens have a taste for silverware and, crucially, no one can compete with the Joe Hart-Vincent Kompany-Yaya Toure-Sergio Aguero spine. They will have to fight a hungry Manchester United team all the way however, with no earth-shattering signings at Old Trafford, the title is again destined for the Etihad Stadium.

Key arrivals: Jack Rodwell (Manchester City)
Key departures: Wayne Bridge (Brighton, loan); Owen Hargreaves (released); Vladimir Weiss (Pescara)
Prediction: 1st

Manchester United

After missing out on the Premier League title in heartbreaking fashion on last season’s dramatic final day, Manchester United seemed a safe bet to splash the cash this summer. Think again. The return of Nemanja Vidic is a huge boost, as is a fully fit Tom Cleverley, but the influx of new faces has not materialised. The talented Shinji Kagawa is the only signing expected to see regular first team minutes. Know-how will keep Manchester United in contention, though unless Sir Alex Ferguson brings in another big name or two, or Wayne Rooney conjures up a career year, the Red Devils will again be looking up at Manchester City. The unprecedented manner in which the Red Devils surrendered pole position in the closing weeks last year was another sign that the invincibility is wearing off.

Key arrivals: Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund); Nick Powell (Crewe Alexandra)
Key departures: Park Ji-Sung (QPR); Michael Owen (released); Tomasz Kuszczak (Brighton); Paul Pogba (Juventus); Fabio da Silva (QPR, loan)
Prediction: 2nd 

Newcastle United
Unquestionably the surprise story of last season, Newcastle now have to prove their run was no fluke. Boss Alan Pardew will certainly count the summer as a success given that none of his key men have headed for the exit door. The Demba Ba-Papiss Cisse partnership is among the Premier League’s best, but it is the classy midfield trio of Cheick Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye that will determine how far Newcastle can go. A repeat of last season’s solid defensive record may be a stretch, though, denying the Magpies a spot in the top six, but excitement is guaranteed for the Toon Army faithful.

Key arrivals: Romain Amalfitano (Reims); Gael Bigirimana (Coventry); Curtis Good (Melbourne Heart)
Key departures: Danny Guthrie (Reading); Fraser Forster (Celtic); Leon Best (Blackburn); Peter Lovenkrands (Birmingham)
Prediction: 7th

Norwich

The Norwich bubble has enjoyed a good run, however this season could well be a step too far. The Lambert era is over, leaving new boss Chris Hughton with much to do. There have been no devastating exits, but the Canaries are logical candidates for second season syndrome. Grant Holt’s goals were critical during the last campaign and he will need to deliver a repeat of that haul to give Norwich any hope of survival. Given that the relegation battle may suck in as many as eight or nine teams, it is tough to call – but Norwich’s defence has proved to be leaky enough to leave them bottom of the pile.

Key arrivals: Michael Turner (Sunderland); Robert Snodgrass (Leeds); Steven Whittaker (Rangers)
Key departures: Adam Drury (Leeds); Aaron Wilbraham (Crystal Palace); Andrew Croft (Brighton)
Prediction: 20th

QPR

And so the revival goes on. After narrowly beating the drop, Mark Hughes’ squad has been overhauled with a string of proven performers making the switch to Loftus Road and raising hopes of Europe. The new cast is headlined by Park Ji-Sung, who turned his back on Old Trafford for the challenge of leading the QPR charge, while Ryan Nelsen, Fabio da Silva and Rob Green should make a big impact at the other end. Away form must improve – and likely will – but otherwise it is hard to argue with Hughes’ claim that relegation battles are a thing of the past for QPR. It is too much to expect the Hoops to jump from a 17th place finish into the top eight, but the top half is a realistic target. Keeping Joey Barton out of the picture would likely help too.

Key arrivals: Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United); Ryan Nelsen (Tottenham Hotspur); Rob Green (West Ham); Andy Johnson (Fulham); Fabio da Silva (Manchester United, loan); Samba Diakite (Nancy); Junior Hoilett (Blackburn)
Key departures: Paddy Kenny (Leeds); Heidar Helguson (Cardiff); Fitz Hall (Watford); Lee Cook, Daniel Gabbidon, Akos Buzsaky (released)
Prediction: 10th

Reading

As with other sides expected to struggle, goalscoring is going to be the major problem for Reading. There is money to spend – some of which has already been splashed out – but last year’s heroes will likely be given a chance to prove their worth. It is hard to criticise that policy given how well the Royals performed in the final months of the season, though the step up to the Premier League is just so steep and Reading may themselves into too big a hole if they wait until January to act. Though new face Pavel Pogrebnyak helps in the final third, all signs point towards a gritty campaign ending in relegation back to the Championship.

Key arrivals: Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest); Adrian Mariappa (Watford); Danny Guthrie (Newcastle); Nicky Shorey (West Brom); Pavel Pogrebnyak (Stuttgart)
Key departures: Michail Antonio (Sheffield Wednesday); Mathieu Manset (Sion); Brian Howard, Andy Griffin, Cedric Baseya (released)
Prediction: 18th

Southampton

Back-to-back promotions have forged an unbreakable spirit in the Southampton dressing room that will be tested to its limits this season. Home form will be critical, along with the continued development of Adam Lallana and the firepower provided by Rickie Lambert. The additions of Jay Rodriguez and Nathaniel Clyne are positive statements of intent, though a lack of experience may prove a big stumbling block. It will be a battle all the way, but look for Southampton to make a narrow escape after a very rough start.

Key arrivals: Jay Rodriguez (Burnley); Steven Davis (Rangers); Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace); Paulo Gazzaniga (Gillingham)
Key departures: Dan Harding (Nottingham Forest); Bartosz Bialkowski, Lee Holmes, David Connolly (released)
Prediction: 17th

 
Stoke City

With every passing season of top flight football, Stoke look increasingly established. The critics still bemoan their one dimensional style of play, however it is hard to argue with the results. Peter Crouch has prospered since his move to the Britannia Stadium and few teams work harder than Tony Pulis’ side. They can beat anyone on home soil and so how far they progress will come down to away form as they chase a top half finish and possibly a cup run. This is a confident bunch and there is every indication that their rise will continue.

Key arrivals: Michael Kightly (Wolves); Jamie Ness (Rangers)
Key departures: Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough); Danny Collins (Nottingham Forest); Ricardo Fuller, Tom Soares, Salif Diao (released)
Prediction: 9th

Sunderland

Any Martin O’Neill season brings its fair share of excitement, but Sunderland may find themselves stuck between the pack chasing European football and the relegation candidates, with little room for progress. John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Stephane Sessegnon will carry much of the burden – yet it is a consistency hurdle that this group has yet to clear. Relegation worries would be a surprise, but expectations should not be too lofty. Creeping into the top half should count as a successful season, however without more reinforcements in the days ahead that looks a stretch.

Key arrivals: Carlos Cuellar (Aston Villa)
Key departures: Michael Turner (Norwich); George McCartney (West Ham); Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain); Craig Gordon (released), Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes)
Prediction: 12th

Swansea City

Losing Brendan Rodgers, Joe Allen and Gylfi Sigurdsson has wiped the smiles off Swansea fans’ faces after a dream first season in the top flight, but the arrival of new boss Michael Laudrup guarantees that an exciting brand of football will live on at the Liberty Stadium. Expectations need to be adjusted given the exodus and the turmoil that came with it – however Michu and Jose Manuel Flores are intriguing prospects that should flourish. There will be more nervy moments this season; count again on the resilient Swans to rise above them though. Look for Michel Vorm to conjure more magic between the sticks and Leon Britton to continue his influential midfield play.

Key arrivals: Michu (Rayo Vallecano); Jose Manuel Flores (Genoa); Jonathan de Guzman (Villarreal, loan)
Key departures: Joe Allen (Liverpool)
Prediction: 15th

Tottenham Hotspur

Luka Modric’s uncertain future has cast a cloud over White Hart Lane for the second straight year, but there is plenty of potential in the appointment of Andre Villas-Boas to replace Harry Redknapp and the additions of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen. Tottenham have strength in depth in defence and midfield, even if they do have worryingly few options up front. Finding two new strikers to support Jermain Defoe should be the most pressing piece of business over the coming days. The new era may take a little time to take off, but Tottenham will expect to be in the thick of the race for the top four. However, question marks over Modric and the strengthened squads at Stamford Bridge and the Emirates are likely to see Spurs miss out on that goal.

Key arrivals: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Hoffenheim); Jan Vertonghen (Ajax)
Key departures: Nico Kranjcar (Dynamo Kyiv); Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow); Steven Pienaar (Everton); Ryan Nelsen (QPR); Louis Saha, Ledley King (both released)
Prediction: 6th

West Brom

Just as the Roy Hodgson era seemed to be gathering steam, England stepped in, forcing the Baggies to seek another fresh start. Steve Clarke got the nod as Hogson’s replacement and inherits a solid squad, but may struggle initially with the switch from Number two to manager. West Brom are a tough team to beat at the Hawthorns and that should continue, though a bottom half finish is the likeliest outcome this year. Clarke will not face a relegation battle, but may need a couple of additions in the New Year to be on the safe side. The arrival of Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea could prove a huge difference-maker.

Key arrivals: Ben Foster (Birmingham); Markus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen); Claudio Yacob (Racing Club de Avellaneda); Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea, loan)
Key departures: Keith Andrews (Bolton); Nicky Shorey (Reading); Somen Tchoyi, Paul Scharner (released)
Prediction: 13th

West Ham

The Hammers are back in the big time and Sam Allardyce has had a busy summer, bringing in several proven Premier League performers, despite bagging no major coups. Survival should be the only target and, in Allardyce and Kevin Nolan, West Ham have a manager and captain duo accustomed to beating the odds. Ricardo Vaz Te will have a key role to play, but defensive vulnerability is a glaring weakness that will be exploited by capable attacking teams. The Hammers are bound to encounter tough spells, but there is enough grit to believe they will edge clear of the drop zone.

Key arrivals: James Collins (Aston Villa); Mohamed Diame (Wigan); Alou Diarra (Marseille); Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton); Modibo Maiga (Sochaux); George McCartney (Sunderland)
Key departures: Pablo Barrera (Cruz Azul); Rob Green (QPR)
Prediction: 16th

Wigan

Like last year, Wigan begin the season with a squad that screams relegation candidates – but Roberto Martinez has proven his ability to extract every ounce of talent from his players. Victor Moses is the most dangerous attacking option at the Spaniard’s disposal, however he is the subject of transfer interest. This season, even Martinez will struggle to keep Wigan out of trouble – it is hard to see where the goals will come from, there is little squad depth and the back four is a concern. The Latics have more experience than some of the newly promoted sides, but a lack of quality may well count against them when all is said and done.

Key arrivals: Ivan Ramis (Real Mallorca); Fraser Fyvie (Aberdeen); Ryo Miyaichi (Arsenal, loan); Arouna Kone (Levante)
Key departures: Mohamed Diame (West Ham); Hugo Rodallega (Fulham); Chris Kirkland (released)
Prediction: 19th

>> Check out our Premier League Betting Preview and find out which markets are the best to bet on. Read more.