Newcastle United
A welcome return to the top flight for the Magpies after just a one season absence should ensure that they have enough experience to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Acquiring Dan Gosling on a free transfer from Everton might help their cause but it is not known as to whether Sol Campbell's ageing limbs, nevermind his expanding waist, are up to the task.
Thier home form, though, should see them have enough to retain top flight status.
Prediction: 15th
Stoke City
This week manager Tony Pulis splashed out 5 million quid (rising to 8 million, depending on appearances/success) on Kenwyne Jones in the hope that he can provide the firepower that Stoke require to maintain their place at the top table.
With the sale of James Beattie imminent, aligned with the arrival of Jones, some might say Pulis is jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
However, if he can extract the best from Jones, Stoke should avoid relegation - but only just.
Prediction: 16th
Sunderland
After a frenetic summer of transfer activity in 2009, this summer has been somewhat quieter in the North East.
The departure of Kenwyne Jones could turn out well for both sides mainly due to his troublesome relationship with boss Steve Bruce.
Also where there is Darren Bent there are goals, at least at this level.
Sunderland should be well clear of any relegation scrap. In fact, they may even be looking towards Europe, if not from their league position then via one of the cups.
Prediction: 9th
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are another side who have been unusually quiet on the transfer front this summer. Much of that could be dependent on the outcome of the Champions League qualifier with the Young Boys of Bern.
Should they negotiate that tie much of Spurs' season will be occupied with their European exploits which could hamper them as they try to retain their top four status.
Ledley King's knees are not getting any better and Jonathon Woodgate may never kick a ball again so these could be tough times for the North Londoners.
Nevertheless, Champions League football will be a sight to behold at White Hart Lane this season and being at the foot of the table under Juande Ramos is but a distant memory.
Prediction: 7th
A welcome return to the top flight for the Magpies after just a one season absence should ensure that they have enough experience to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Acquiring Dan Gosling on a free transfer from Everton might help their cause but it is not known as to whether Sol Campbell's ageing limbs, nevermind his expanding waist, are up to the task.
Thier home form, though, should see them have enough to retain top flight status.
Prediction: 15th
Stoke City
This week manager Tony Pulis splashed out 5 million quid (rising to 8 million, depending on appearances/success) on Kenwyne Jones in the hope that he can provide the firepower that Stoke require to maintain their place at the top table.
With the sale of James Beattie imminent, aligned with the arrival of Jones, some might say Pulis is jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
However, if he can extract the best from Jones, Stoke should avoid relegation - but only just.
Prediction: 16th
Sunderland
After a frenetic summer of transfer activity in 2009, this summer has been somewhat quieter in the North East.
The departure of Kenwyne Jones could turn out well for both sides mainly due to his troublesome relationship with boss Steve Bruce.
Also where there is Darren Bent there are goals, at least at this level.
Sunderland should be well clear of any relegation scrap. In fact, they may even be looking towards Europe, if not from their league position then via one of the cups.
Prediction: 9th
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are another side who have been unusually quiet on the transfer front this summer. Much of that could be dependent on the outcome of the Champions League qualifier with the Young Boys of Bern.
Should they negotiate that tie much of Spurs' season will be occupied with their European exploits which could hamper them as they try to retain their top four status.
Ledley King's knees are not getting any better and Jonathon Woodgate may never kick a ball again so these could be tough times for the North Londoners.
Nevertheless, Champions League football will be a sight to behold at White Hart Lane this season and being at the foot of the table under Juande Ramos is but a distant memory.
Prediction: 7th
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