League Focus: WhoScored Staff Premier League Predictions

CHAMPIONS

Martin Laurence: Chelsea

The Blues' may have had a quiet summer so far but you couldn't really expect much from them in the window after such a dominant season last time out. It will be much tighter this time around, with little to choose between City, Arsenal and United, but I expect Hazard to be the star of the season again.

Ben McAleer: Chelsea

Chelsea have not spent heavily this summer, but arguably still boast the best squad in the Premier League. It’ll be tough, but they should retain the title.

Josh Wright: Manchster United

Louis van Gaal is into his second season at Old Trafford and there can now be no excuses having spent more than £200m on new players. A return to the top four was the bare minimum expected in his first campaign, but the Dutchman has to deliver the Premier League title this time around. The heart of their defence is still a concern, but I’m expecting big things from Wayne Rooney as the main striker this year.

Dinesh Hardayal: Chelsea

Chelsea are expected to face a stiffer challenge for the title this time around but it's becoming apparent that Mourinho has his side playing to his requirements and they will probably continue to be as resolute at the back, which may edge the title towards West London.

Jenny Brown: Chelsea

Although there are concerns over their lack of transfer activity (and an abysmal pre-season) Chelsea won the league last season at a trot and are in a decent position to retain their title. This season, however, will mount a bigger challenge with Chelsea’s biggest rivals strengthening and Diego Costa’s hamstrings running in fear from the man himself.

BEST SIGNING

Martin: James Milner

Although he's picking up a handsome pay packet, securing the services of James Milner on a free was superb business from Liverpool. He's just the sort of player they need, is versatile and a leader on the field.

Ben: N’Golo Kanté

A huge void was left in the Leicester midfield following Esteban Cambiasso’s departure but that gap has been filled by the energetic N’Golo Kanté, who boosts the Foxes’ chances of staying up once more.

Josh: Petr Cech

Chelsea’s decision to directly solve a position that has been a problem over the last four years for Arsenal is something that I am still struggling to comprehend. It’s only early days, but Arsenal’s defence already look to have benefitted from Cech’s presence between the sticks and it has now left them just a world class striker away from being capable of launching a serious title challenge.

Dinesh: Jordy Clasie

Losing Morgan Schneiderlin was an inevitable blow for Southampton, but picking up Clasie for a significantly lower price was a great bit of business and allows Koeman to seamlessly bring in a consistent and tidy player to the setup.

Jenny: Petr Cech

Petr Cech is easily still one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and will strengthen a position that Arsenal have struggled with since the departure of Jens Lehmann. Beyond his skill in goal, Cech also has brought a new found confidence to the North London side. That self-belief could be the difference between fourth and any other place. And if that weren’t enough, Cech’s move across the capital has served to weaken a direct rival.

BIGGEST FLOP

Martin: Tottenham

It may be the case that not much is expected of Spurs but I think they're much closer to the likes of Saints and Swansea below them than the teams above. I'd be surprised if Harry Kane came to the rescue as often so they may struggle for a Europa League place, and missing out might not be a bad thing.

Ben: Divock Origi

Signed last summer but remaining on loan with Lille, Divock Origi underwhelmed in Ligue 1 last season. The Belgian has disappointed for Liverpool in pre-season and may struggle to adjust to English football.

Josh: Ibrahim Afellay

Stoke’s approach to sign a marquee player this summer has been admirable and a sign of real ambition under Mark Hughes, but I can’t help feel in Afellay they’ve taken a gamble that will backfire. Potters fans may understandably be excited at the prospect of watching a player that was once regarded as one of the brightest talents in European football, but that was over four years ago and he has only made 32 leagues starts since. Injuries have taken their toll.

Dinesh: West Ham

After starting last season beyond expectations, West Ham dropped off in the second half of the season to finish in the bottom half of the table. Although I don't doubt Bilic's ability as head coach, I think he'll struggle to get to grips with his players from the off. With clubs such as Everton, Palace, Swansea etc. around them strengthening, they will probably finish in a lower league position.

Jenny: Roberto Martinez

Without the excuse of European football holding them back this season, Martinez will be expected to push his squad to a top 8 finish. Without a ball even being kicked this season, he’s already showing signs of pressure with his distress over Chelsea’s pursuit of Stones. He may just not be up to the task this season.

RELEGATED

Martin: Leicester, Watford, Norwich

Ranieri's appointment doesn't really inspire much confidence at Leicester and he's such a big departure from Nigel Pearson's character that he may struggle to motivate the players. Watford have perhaps been too busy in the transfer window and may find it hard to establish an identity, while Norwich's squad just isn't strong enough for me.
 
Ben: Aston Villa, Leicester, Norwich
 
Aston Villa may have spent to replace outgoing duo Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph, but the Villans will need their new arrivals to hit the ground running. Leicester have invested accordingly, but I'm not sure Claudio Ranieri can have the desired impact at the King Power Stadium. While Alex Neil is one of the brightest young managers in the football league, a lack of new arrivals could see them struggle early on. By the time they get up to speed, it could be too late for the Canaries.

Josh: Leicester, Norwich, Watford

Leicester’s players seemed to have a real bond with Pearson and it will be interesting to see whether a man of Ranieri’s character can build a similar rapport. Alex Neil’s impact at Norwich was incredible last season but they will struggle to avoid relegation with their current squad. Brady is a decent acquisition but at £7m he isn’t the answer to their problems. Watford, on the other hand, could be made to pay for making too many signings without Premier League experience. They are also led by a manager without any experience in English football.

Dinesh: Sunderland, Watford, Norwich

Championship victors Bournemouth may just have enough to stay up, whereas newcomers Watford and Norwich probably lack significant quality throughout their squads. Dick Advocaat's side performed admirably during the end of last season to avoid the drop but I think they have insufficient fire power up front to keep them in the Premier League.

Jenny: Watford, Norwich, Leicester

Leicester looked set for relegation until April last season before an incredible run of games. Although they’ve replaced outgoing players well, Claudio Ranieri may not have the same vigour as Pearson to impart that kind of fight. Watford’s persistent tinkering with management wasn't to their detriment in the Championship campaign, but could backfire in the Premier League. Meanwhile Norwich don’t look to have the strength to compete in the top-flight just yet.