With almost a quarter of the Premier League gone we’re making our predictions for what will be an incredibly competitive season
First Place – Chelsea
With Mourinho back at the helm and a vital win against Man City at the weekend, Chelsea are looking like real favourites to win the title. The only worry would have been the sporadic form of Chelsea’s forwards, but after netting 12 goals in their last 4 games, their fortunes appear to be turning for the better. Expect them to push on through the Christmas period.
Second Place – Arsenal
Arsenal have had a great start. Despite carrying numerous injuries to their first team squad, they have put on some wonderful performances and shown that they are set to be strong title contenders this season. However, a lack of depth in attack and defence may see them just miss out on top spot.
Third Place – Man City
With arguably the strongest squad in the league, it really was Man City’s title to lose, but after fluctuating performances and an early 6 point deficit from top spot, it looks like Pellegrini may have lost it already, having fallen from the pack with poor away form.
Fourth place – Liverpool
Fourth place is surely going to be the strongest contested position of the league this season with Liverpool, Man Utd, Tottenham, Everton and Southampton all performing at a level that would hope to gain a top four spot. However, with the partnership of Sturridge and Suarez and a run of great results so far this season Liverpool are early favourites for claiming that final Champions League spot.
Relegation – Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Stoke City
With a dismal start and currently relying on Marouane Chamakh to net their goals, it seems there will be no escape for Crystal Palace this season who look set to stay bottom throughout the season, as the Moroccan looks unlikely to lift them any time soon.
Despite a win against Newcastle at the weekend Sunderland lack the consistency of a side that is aiming to stay in the Premier League; Gus Poyet will certainly have his hands full trying to keep them up this season, as he inherits a team which still needs to gel together.
Finally, as Mark Hughes attempts to stamp his mark on Stoke, they may be trying to play more attractive football, but the results are not forthcoming. Sitting above the Canaries only on goal difference, the fortress of Britannia does not look as impenetrable as it once did.
Freddie Gray
Image courtesy of the Telegraph