Premier League 2014-15 Predictions

Everything is at stake! Actually, only my pride is on the line but once I make these predictions my much-vaunted reputation will be in the balance. Here is how I think the Premier League table will look after all the fixtures are completed. I do not like the way it looks, except for where QPR find themselves.

 1. Manchester City

 2. Chelsea
 3. Liverpool
 4. Arsenal
 5. Manchester United
 6. Tottenham Hotspur
 7. Everton
 8. Newcastle United
 9. Stoke City
10. Southampton
11. Hull City
12. Sunderland
13. West Ham United
14. Aston Villa
15. Swansea City
16. West Bromwich Albion
17. Burnley
18. Q.P.R.
19. Crystal Palace
20. Leicester City

Manchester City successfully defend title
Even without a formidable defence, the Sky Blues have enough attacking options to deliver goals aplenty. Sergio Aguero's fitness is crucial, so too is Yaya Toure. As long as the club's stakeholders do not become too obsessed with European success, their domestic season should run smoothly.

Chelsea have too many superstars for my liking, with the signing of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas looking uncomfortably like the rather disappointing appearances of Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko in 2006. Great individuals do not necessarily make for a better team.

Messy bottom half
Once again, the Premier League's bottom 12 placings are much more difficult to predict. Connor Wickham's goals will see Sunderland in a strong position whilst Burnley's hard work and endeavour will keep their heads just above the drop zone. The amount of time the Clarets have Sam Vokes and Danny Ings on the Turf Moor pitch together will be the deciding factor in their season.

Swansea are dark horses for relegation. Last season they occasionally played decent football but Gary Monk remains a dubious appointment as team manager. However, Wilfried Bony and Gylfi Sigurdsson should be enough to keep them safe.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace and Leicester are the most likely candidates for a plummet into the lower divisions. Without Tony Pulis the Eagles are a flimsy rag-tag side. Despite a comfortable ascent to the Championship title last year, nothing about Leicester suggests they have a squad to compete at a higher level. No doubt Nigel Pearson has other ideas though.