Coral’s Premier League predictions: Sam Barnard

Title winners: Chelsea
“Jose Mourinho will be the ‘happy one’ certainly, after his club’s super summer transfer splash. The Portuguese was unhappy with his attack last term, but has added Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and club legend Didier Drogba to his ranks.” The Blues are favourites with Coral to win the Premier League at 2/1.

Runners-up: Manchester United
“United’s fear factor is back with new boss Luois van Gaal installing a new belief and confidence into the side. Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw represent fantastic additions, and the new formation has worked wonders in pre-season. More signings in defence are expected.”

Third: Arsenal
“Arsene Wenger has finally found his wallet, in the last two summers, after splashing out to sign Chilean star Alex Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers and David Ospina. The Gunners have regained their taste for silverware, following their FA Cup win last season.”

Fourth: Manchester City
“Their city neighbours United failed miserably in their attempt to defend the Premier League last term, after not bringing in any top talent, and current champions City it seems have followed suit. Eliaquim Mangala is arguably the one addition who can improve Manuel Pellegrini’s squad.”

Fifth: Liverpool
“Liverpool fans will be sick of hearing this, but they will struggle with out their life and soul of the party for the last couple of seasons Luis Suarez. They lack that extra bite and non-stop energy, that replacement Rickie Lambert will just not have.”

Sixth: Everton
“Although the Toffees have largely the same side that led them to fifth place last term, they have made Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry permanent signings. They should drop a place, due to Man Utd’s resurgence, but still stay ahead of Spurs.”

Seventh: Tottenham
“New boss Mauricio Pochettino has been extremely quiet this transfer window, compared to last season, when they splashed the cash following the world record sale of Gareth Bale. But that may not be a bad thing, as his side are still trying to gel. Left back Ben Davies is a great acquisition.”

Eighth: Stoke City
“Top 10 surprise package last campaign Stoke should be able to do it again, and even better their ninth place finish. The Potters have added well to their attacking ranks, with former Barcelona wonderkid Bojan Krkic and Mame Biram Diouf coming in.”

Ninth: Newcastle United
“Another productive transfer window for the Magpies has seen them bring in no less than seven new faces, who are eligible to play this season. How that will effect their team spirit, only time can tell; but they should improve on their woeful second half of the campaign, which saw them finish 10th.”

Tenth: West Ham United
“Another side who are set to improve are the Hammers, who have not lost any of their dominating defence of last term, but have gained exiting talent up front. Mauro Zarate, Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho should be able to silence West Ham fans’ criticism of Big Sam.”

Eleventh: Southampton
“After a summer exodus of players left new boss Ronald Koeman picking up the pieces, the Saints are set for a slight decline from last season’s eighth place finish. But the Dutchman has done well to add new recruits.”

Twelfth: Sunderland
“If the Black Cats’ end of season form is anything to go by, they should be set for an easier ride this term, especially after adding new exciting talent, including former Everton and Man City star Jack Rodwell, who hopes to revitalise his career.”

Thirteenth: QPR
“Harry Redknapp was very lucky in getting promoted, after a late winner against Derby County in the play-offs saw the Hoops return to the top-flight. But he won’t dwell on the past, and instead look to his club’s promising future. Signing defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker, as well as maybe keeping Loic Remy puts them in great stead.”

Fourteenth: Leicester City
“Fellow Premier League new boys Leicester are also in a great position to prosper following promotion. Whilst they have made decent signings, they have also managed to tie down deals for many of their key players last season, as well a manager Nigel Pearson.”

Fifteenth: Hull City
“The Tigers were successful last term under boss Steve Bruce, after an FA Cup final appearance saw them qualify for the Europa League. However, their run in the cup did hinder their league form slightly, as they finished 16th. But after decent signings, this summer, they should be safe and gain a position.”

Sixteenth: Swansea City
“The Swans were very lucky to finish as high up as 12th last term, after flirting with relegation for much of the season. They have lost many of their Spanish players for the coming season, but additions Bafetimbi Gomis and Gylfi Sigurdsson should provide them enough talent to stay up.”

Seventeenth: Crystal Palace
“The resignation of last season’s magic man Tony Pulis right before their first game immediately puts Palace in trouble. They have added to their ranks, but not nearly enough to match their effort of 11th. They should just scrape survival.”

Eighteenth: Aston Villa
“Villa’s decline is set to be realised this season. They finished in 15th and just five points above the drop last term, and have failed to add any real excitement to their squad again this summer. Philippe Senderos, Kieran Richardson and Joe Cole provide Premier League experience, but not much quality.”

Nineteenth: Burnley
“Coral make them odds-on favourites at 8/13 to go down, but they will not do so without a fight. They have brought in reasonable additions that could save them from being bottom, but sadly not enough to save them from the drop.”

Twentieth: West Bromich Albion
“The Midlands side finished one place and three points above the relegation zone last season, after a disastrous campaign. They’ve replaced former boss Pepe Mel with inexperienced Alan Irvine, who has failed to sign any eye-catching players.” West Brom are a tempting 8/1 to finish bottom.