Across the Pond: 2014-15 English Premier League Predictions

Welcome back! It's been a month since the World Cup ended, and just like that it's mid-August which means the major European leagues begin play. England starts tomorrow morning, and the rest of the leagues start a week after. I know these things are supposed to be "short" but you'll have to excuse the length of this one because I'm going to predict ALL 20 TEAMS! Keep in mind that the transfer window doesn't conclude until the end of the month, meaning a lot can still change. However, I will incorporate that into the predictions and I'll even speculate possible transfers. I'll have a blog devoted solely to transfers once the window closes. The teams will be listed in reverse order of finish.

Last Place (relegation): Burnley

Survival in the Premier League is getting easier for newly promoted teams, but Burnley haven't done much this off-season to convince me they can withstand the top flight. I do like the Steven Reid and Steven Ward signings. Sure, these probably aren't guys the average fan has heard of, but they're solid veterans on defense, something Burnley will need plenty of. They host Chelsea, play away to Swansea, and host Manchester United in their first three games...anything more than three points out of these should be considered a miracle. Two of the final three games will be against Hull and Aston Villa. If Burnley are still alive at that point, they'll definitely need points from those games.


19th (relegation): West Bromwich Albion 

West Brom have gone from being a yo-yo club (one that drops down and back up between the Premier League and the Championship) to consistent mid-table/lower table team. However, a questionable coaching change last year during the season almost got West Brom relegated. That coach was Pepe Mel, and he was let go at the end of the season. Albion hired a fresh coach with zero top flight experience, and their only notable signing was Joleon Lescott. West Brom start the season against Sunderland, Southampton, and Swansea. They NEED a good start if they are to stay up, but I just don't think they have enough this year.


18th (relegation): Swansea City

This is somewhat of a bold pick, but Swansea was already struggling last season. They lost their best player, Michu, to Napoli and their goalkeeper Michel Vorm. I also think Wilfried Bony, their leading scorer from last season, will be gone before the transfer window ends. That's a lot of players leaving, and though they did bring in Bafetimbi Gomis and Gylfi Sigurdsson, I think they lost more than they can handle. The Swans start the season away to Manchester United, where they famously knocked the Reds out of the FA cup last year. They'll have their work cut out for them in the spring, as their last three games are against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Crystal Palace, the last of which they'll likely be fighting relegation with.


17th: Southampton

I think this will be a VERY close relegation race between four or five teams, and while Southampton easily survived last season, they lost half of their starting eleven. It's very puzzling that the Saints would let so many players go and not bring in any players of quality. It's not like they have mountains of debt to pay off like other teams. On top of that, they lost coach Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham. Morgan Schneiderlin is also questionable to return after being linked with Tottenham. It would be very sad if Southampton were relegated after an 8th place finish, but they'll be battling it. Late October/early November will be when Southampton need to pick up points. They'll face Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United right in the middle of the season. They'll also be hoping that either they or Manchester City have nothing to play for on the last day of the season, though that seems unlikely.


16th: Leicester City

I mentioned earlier that staying in the Premier League is becoming easier because of the money involved in TV contracts. Leicester ran away with the Championship last season, but survival in the Premier League will not be as easy. The first five games are as follows: Everton (H), Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H), Stoke City (A), Manchester United (H). It's not unreasonable to think they won't have a single point after that, but Crystal Palace faced a similar path last year. The good news for Leicester is their last nine games won't be against any team from last year's top 7, so even if they're in dead last after playing Tottenham, they'll have plenty of games to get back up. Marc Albrighton and Matthew Upson are good signings, and there's rumors that Inter Milan's Esteban Cambiasso is on the radar.


15th: Crystal Palace

I would've picked Palace to finish in the top half of the table, but just a few days ago the club announced it parted ways with manager Tony Pulis, the manager of the year last season. They also lost quite a few players in the transfer market, and it's speculated that Pulis and the owners disagreed over money available for new players. Martin Kelly, Brede Hangelland, and Scott Dann are key veteran defenders that will definitely help, but Palace's main issue last season was goal scoring. The key for Palace will be to appoint a manager that has experience in keeping teams up. Some say David Moyes may be a good fit, but I'm skeptical. The schedule makers weren't particularly kind to the Eagles, as three of their last four games include dates with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

14th: Aston Villa

I don't think Aston Villa are out of the clear when it comes to relegation, but I think they have enough to survive. They also won't be without a big chunk of their players this season, but most of them are on loan so they'll be back at Villa in the future. They brought in Colombian Carlos Sanchez, Kieran Richardson, and Phillipe Senderos. All three players should help Villa survive. The schedule at the beginning and end of the season is kind to Aston Villa, and I think they'll be safe before the final weekend.

13th: Queens Park Rangers

I'm picking QPR to finish higher than the other two promoted teams because I think they're the most ready team. They lose a few older players, but they also signed Mauricio Isla from Juventus, Steven Caulker (who was a shining star for Cardiff last season), and Premier League veteran Rio Ferdinand. Manager Harry Redknapp is a Premier League veteran, so expect him to have his guys ready to go. I think QPR will be safe before they play Liverpool at the beginning of May. If not, they'll need points from that game, and games against Manchester City, Newcastle, and Leicester City.

12th: Hull City

Most people picked Hull to be relegated last season, but the Tigers had other ideas. They were never really threatened with relegation, and even managed to qualify for their first ever European campaign by reaching the FA Cup final (and barely losing too). Lots of credit has to be given to Steve Bruce, who like Harry Redknapp, has been around the block a few times. Hull brings back Jake Livermore after his loan last season and also bring in Robert Snodgrass from Norwich. They did lose Shane Long to Southampton, but overall the Tigers should stay up this season. Hull also has a brutal end of season schedule, so they'd like to be safe before facing Arsenal in the first weekend of May. One thing to consider is if Hull makes the Europa League group stage (and maybe beyond), they'll have a lot more games on the schedule.

11th: Sunderland

How Sunderland escaped relegation last season is a miracle. They were dead last in mid-April after a home loss to Everton. With both Manchester teams and Chelsea still left on the schedule, it was all but over. Then, the Black Cats tied Manchester City, beat Chelsea, beat Manchester United, and beat two other teams to secure safety without worrying about the last game. Jack Rodwell is a decent signing, and if Sunderland can bring in Fabio Borini, they may challenge for a spot in the top half of the table. I also think Sunderland may go far in both the league and FA cups.

10th: West Ham United

West Ham comfortably survived their second season back in the Premier League, but they also had the fewest away goals, and only three away wins. It's actually common to see mid table teams have good to excellent home records and bad to downright abysmal away records. The ownership has made it clear they want more goals, but I'm not sure if Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia will quench the goal drought. If Andy Carroll can stay healthy (and that's a big if), West Ham could be challenging for something more than the top half of the table. They could also be undefeated after 4 games which may give them confidence when they play Liverpool in game 5. A kind end of season schedule should mean West Ham won't have any problems with relegation.


9th: Stoke City

Stoke is now an established mid-table side and they even made a European appearance last year in the Europa League. Playing Stoke on the road is a considerable task even for the Premier League's top teams. Coach Mark Hughes installed a more attacking system, but Stoke's game is still about defense and physicality. The good news is Stoke didn't really lose anyone significant in the transfer window, while bringing in Fulham's Steve Sidwell and more notably Bojan Krkic, who was poised for a great career at Barcelona. Krkic is still only 23 years old, and this move may get his career back on track.  Looking at the schedule, Stoke may only have one loss heading into mid-November when they face Tottenham and Liverpool, but December will be brutal. Six fixtures, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Everton. Look for Stoke to make noise in one of the two cup competitions.

8th: Newcastle United

Newcastle were busy this off-season, after a disappointing performance the last two years. They brought in Siem de Jong (who City fans remember well) and Daryl Janmaat (a solid performer for Holland at the World Cup). Of course it wouldn't be a Newcastle summer if at least one French player wasn't brought in. Cue Emmanuel Riviere, a key player for Monaco last season and Remy Cabella, a young star from Montpellier. If Newcastle can beat Manchester City on opening day, they could go undefeated until late October when they'll play Spurs, or they could completely drop the ball and have to make up ground (much like last season). I think Newcastle will have a fine season, and they'll be challenging for a Europa League spot.


7th: Tottenham Hotspur

It was an unusually quiet summer for Tottenham, with the only big announcement being the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as manager. I like the Deandre Yedlin signing, but the American won't see the field except for maybe one or two cup matches. The good news for Spurs is that unlike the last two seasons, they didn't lose a big player (imagine if Luka Modric and Gareth Bale decided to stay). It's still a really good team, but others above them also improved. Early season clashes with Liverpool and Arsenal will be telling as to how good Spurs will be, but I expect them to challenge for a top four spot.

6th: Liverpool 

If I haven't gotten your attention yet, I'm sure I have now. Adam, how can you possibly pick Liverpool to finish 6th after they almost won the title?!?!?! Here's how: 1. They lost arguably the 3rd best player in the world to Barcelona, and easily their most important piece. 2. They'll be playing in the Champions League, and because they're in the 4th pot, they'll likely have a tough group. Even if they don't have a tough group, there will be more games on the schedule. 3. They brought in some new players, but they don't have anyone that comes close to replacing Suarez. 4. Steven Gerrard had a revival year last year, and he's now another year older. His blunder against Chelsea was key in Liverpool losing the title. Don't get me wrong, this is still a very good team, and they will challenge for the top 4, but having an extra game every Tuesday or Wednesday begins to take its toll. Oh and they open up the season with Manchester City and Tottenham in games two and three. Also, some weird intuition tells me Liverpool will face Barcelona in the Champions League at some point this season, and I hope that happens because it would be quite a story line.


5th: Everton (Europa League)

Now I've surely pissed off the Liverpool supporters. Adam, I think you're high...there's no way Everton finishes above Liverpool...how can you even fathom such a thing?!?! Here's the thing, I think Everton can realistically challenge for a top four spot. Remember, they were neck and neck with Arsenal for much of last season, and they only got better this summer. Romelu Lukaku, Christian Atsu, Gareth Barry, and Muhamed Besic are all very good signings that add depth, talent, and experience. I also am a huge fan of manager Roberto Martinez who must be in heaven right now. The key for Everton will be holding on to Ross Barkley, who is the future of the team, but already one of their best players. Hosting Chelsea and Arsenal in games 2 and 3 will be a good measuring stick for Everton. This is a dark horse team for me, I don't think they have enough to win the whole thing, but a top 4 spot is not an unrealistic goal.


4th: Manchester United (Champions League, playoff round)

The fan inside of me wanted to pick United to win the whole thing, but I'd lose any credibility I have if I did that. However, having seen what new manager Louis Van Gaal did in the World Cup this summer makes me think he can turn this thing around. United's biggest gap remains the defense, but I think they will sign someone before the month ends. The nice thing about having a rich history is that players are still attracted to your club even after one bad season. Luke Shaw is a good signing, but Arturo Vidal would shake up the whole title race (and I think United are closer to securing Vidal than the media is reporting). The schedule begins kindly for United, and they may well top the table going into October. The penultimate game against Arsenal could be for 3rd place and an automatic Champions League berth. Remember, United aren't in the Champions League, so they'll be more rested later on in the year (much like Liverpool last year). I'm also picking United to win one of either the FA Cup or the League Cup, again, because they don't have that many fixtures. 

3rd: Arsenal (Champions League, Group Stage)













Arsenal finally ended a ten year trophy drought, winning the FA Cup. This year, they'll have their sights set on challenging for the league. Remember, Arsenal spent the most time at the top of the table last year. In typical Arsenal fashion though, they crumbled after Christmas. The first item on the agenda is qualifying for the Champions League. The Gunners play a home and home against Turkish side Besiktas, a tie in which they'll be optimistic but should be weary of the Turks. The schedule will be jam packed at the beginning, and fans will be hoping the club can acquire the services of Sami Khedira. As far as new signing, I really like what Arsenal did. They brought in Alexis Sanchez for $60 million, but if they get everything the Chilean is capable of, he's worth the money. The question will be how long it takes Sanchez to adapt to the Premier League. Many experts hounded Arsenal for not signing a center midfielder, but I think Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are top level center mids (if they can stay healthy). I worry about the defense though. They lost Bacary Sagna and Thomas Vermaelen, and only brought in Mathieu Debuchy. I expect Arsenal to be in the title race a lot later than last year, but I don't think they have enough depth to win it all.

2nd: Manchester City (Champions League, Group Stage)

The defending champions return basically the same squad, minus Javi Garcia who departs for Zenit St. Petersburg. Because of Financial Fair Play, City were also limited in bringing in new signings. They're only notable one was French defender Eliaquim Mangala from Porto. Mangala adds depth to an already stout defense. Really, the only reason I'm not picking City to repeat is because Chelsea got better, and because I think City will put a higher focus on the Champions League. Four of the first five games will be against Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea meaning City will get some of their toughest games out of the way before the Champions League starts up. A mid April encounter with rivals Manchester United should have more meaning for both teams. I expect City to be in the title race until the last few weeks of the season, but in the end, I'm going with Chelsea to win it.

Champions: Chelsea (Champions League, Group Stage)

Chelsea are in my mind the most improved team on paper from last year. It's not just because of the quality of the players, but the age. Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard depart, in come Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis, who are both direct replacements. Fabregas and Luis are not only better than the previously stated Cole and Lampard, but they're also investments for the future. They also brought in striker Diego Costa, which addresses a depth issue at that position. Fan favorite Didier Drogba returns, for what may be the final season of his career. Chelsea ended up parting ways with Romelu Lukaku, but they made the best deal of the summer by selling the overrated David Luiz for 40 million Pounds! Also, Jose Mourinho's second season in charge is usually his best. Chelsea will have a tough stretch at the end of April and early May when they play Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool. Chelsea's biggest enemy this season may be themselves. On paper they are the best team, they have an excellent coach, but they still have to find a way to not let the pressure get to them. Also, I expect to see Chelsea make a deep run in the Champions League, with the possibility of Jose Mourinho facing his former team Real Madrid.


I can't wait for this year's Premier League! The top 5-7 teams are closer than ever before, so expect to see a lot of very competitive games. Stay tuned for my predictions for the rest of the major European leagues, most of which begin play next weekend.

Adam Bakiera
@abakiera

Coaching changes ahead for Rangers?

The Texas Rangers have played 121 games thus far and stand with a record of 47-74, compared to the 70-51 record from just a year ago. To say this season was a failure would be an understatement, but who should take most of the blame for the failure? Now there have been a rash of injuries like never before seen on this club but injuries aside, there are two coaches who have had a negative impact on this team, Hitting Coach Dave Magadan, and First Base Coach Benjie Molina. Neither of these coaches has lived up to the expectations set by General Manager Jon Daniels and can only be viewed as failures.

 Dave Magadan was hired away from the Boston Red Sox because he preaches patience to hitters. Make the pitcher throw more pitches and be more selective as a hitter, thus leading to better pitches to hit. Magadan has to go for the simple fact that three of the Rangers major players are having career low seasons in Batting Average (AVG.), On Base Percentage (OBP.) or Home Runs, and I’m not including injured players such as Mitch Moreland and Prince Fielder. Elvis Andrus has a career low OBP and the second lowest AVG. in his 6 year career. Alex Rios has forgotten how to drive the ball having hit a career low 4 HR’s this season. The final nail in the coffin for Magadan is Shin-Soo Choo who was brought in to get on base and score runs. He has responded by posting career lows in both AVG. and OBP. And leads the Major Leagues in caught looking strikeouts with 49. Not good when you are the prototype of what the Hitting Coach supposedly preaches.

Benjie Molina was hired to help with the catchers and coach first base so Gary Pettis could go coach third base, where Dave Anderson had struggled the previous few years. While Benjie has made Robinson Chirinos one of the better defensive catchers in baseball, he was not in the plans to be the everyday backstop, that was supposed to be Geovany Soto, backed up by J.P.Arencibia. The reason I have to let Molina go is the decline in stolen bases and the huge increase in caught stealing. The Rangers have the Top 3 players in caught stealing; Elvis Andrus leads the league with 12 followed closely by teammates Leonys Martin and Alex Rios, each with 9. The Rangers has run themselves out of many scoring chances this season and much of the blame must fall on a player who has 3 stolen bases in 10 career attempts.

Maybe Bench Coach Tim Bogar can coach 3^rd Base next year and move Gary Pettis back to 1^st where he excelled. As for a hitting Coach, maybe they need to bring back their most successful Hitting Coach, Rudy Jaramillo.

The most prominent offenses in team history were under Rudy. He wanted the hitters to be aggressive and if they saw a good pitch to go hit it, not just sit and wait.

These are just suggestions from a life-long Rangers fan. If you feel the same as I do or disagree with these suggestions, give me your feedback. Leave a comment on this page or send me a message on Twitter.

Geoffrey Craig

@geoffrey_craig