Barclays Premier League prediction

Champions:

Chelsea- Despite having lost the peripheral figures of Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is hardly weakened from the team that wrapped up the double in May. What might hurt them is the loss of Ricardo Carvalho, so often John Terry’s safety net. Even without the Portuguese defender The Blues have enough going forward to comfortably secure their fourth Premier league crown.

Champions League:

Arsenal- Arsene Wenger can be more than satisfied ahead of the new season after a decent summer's work. A new forward, in Marouane Chamakh, a dominating centre half in Laurent Koscielny and the retention of Cesc Fabregas has been the fruit of the Frenchman’s labor but acquiring a new goalkeeper, perhaps Mark Schwarzer, will be vital to their title challenge.

Manchester United- While Sir Alex Ferguson is yet to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, not to mention spend the money from the sale of the former world player of the year, the Scot does appear intent on building for the future. The signings of Javier Hernandez, Bebe and Chris Smalling might help United to future glories but they are unlikely, along with the old guard of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, to lead the club to another league triumph this season.

Manchester City- The most active of all of their Premiership’s elite, and given their spending power there is only so long they can be kept out of the top four; this season should be the start of their breakthrough. Jerome Boateng and Yaya Toure will add defensive steel, while new boys David Silva and Mario Balotelli can be called upon up front, along with Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Europa League:

Liverpool- Roy Hodgson has his work cut out to survive The Reds’ impending takeover, let alone to reclaim one of the four Champions League spots. While his reputation will help retain his job, the problems on the field make it difficult to contend for the title. Fernando Torres’ fitness will be crucial, as will the ability to keep Javier Mascherano happy, as the Argentine looks for the move to Barcelona.

Tottenham Hotsphur- Have been surprisingly quiet during this summer on the transfer front, and that lack of action might be their downfall come May. Loic Remy does appear to be on his way however, and he needs to help improve Spurs’ away form if they’re to challenge with the ‘big four’ again. Perhaps some strengthening to the back four needs to be made with Ledley King’s injury problems still apparent.

(Everton)- As a top four side invariably reaches the FA Cup final the Premiership's seventh placed side is handed a European place and after the resignation of Martin O'Neil, Everton look the most likely after retaining their star names after the World Cup.

Relegated

Wigan Athletic- Were the third lowest scorers in the division last season and even with the signing of Mauro Boselli it’s unlikely their fortunes will change. The loss of Charles N’Zogbia, whose transfer request is imminent, could be the final nail in the coffin.

West Bromich Albion- Another whose failure to find the net could well be their downfall. Have the likes of Chris Brunt and Graeme Dorrans in midfield, but don't have a forward with the ability to find the net with any great consistency in the Premiership.

Blackpool- Simply don’t have the resources to keep up with even the more modest Premiership sides and a quick return to the Championship is on the cards. Marlon Harewood is the highest profile name to arrive but even he won’t be able to keep The Tangerines afloat.

npower Championship prediction

Promoted:

Middlesbrough- After the mass signings from north of the border Gordon Strachan appears confident he’s found the right mix for a promotion tilt. Kris Boyd is the biggest of those new names, along with Nicky Bailey, the tricky midfielder from Charlton.

Nottingham Forest- Billy Davies’ men have lost very few of the squad that took them to the play-offs last season and appear set for a similarly high finish this term. Only James Perch has departed to Newcastle while the likes of Rob Earnshaw and Lee Camp have amid speculation over their future.

Playoffs:

Reading- Perhaps a surprise inclusion but after their amazing turn around during the second half of last season under Brian McDermott Reading could be ready for a return to the Premiership. Gylfi Sigurosson might be the big game player in the team but keep an eye out for Shane Long, conqueror of Liverpool.

QPR- Have at last got the right man at the helm in Neil Warnock. The no nonsense manager is still looking to bring in Darren Ambrose from Crystal Palace, while the return of Adel Taarabt is still not yet assured. Expect a more resolute Rangers team this season, a factor that should result in a top six finish.

Burnley- Worked on a low budget in preparation for relegation, from the Premiership and they look better equipped than they did two years ago at winning promotion. Brain Laws has recruited former player Lee Grant in goal, while Ross Wallace’s signing is a real feather in the cap for Laws.

Norwich City- Paul Lambert turned Norwich around last season after a poor start under Brian Gunn, and I expect more heroics from the Scot this season as well. It’s crucial the club re-signs Fraser Forster in goal, while the combination of Andrew Surman and Wes Hoolahan in midfield could be devastating.

Relegated:

Watford- Relied mainly on young players and loan signings last season as they finished 16^th, but without those same player who Malkay Mackay has failed to re-sign you have to worry for a thin Hornets squad. Long season ahead.

Barnsley- Appear to have released a number of their finer players without bringing in proper replacements and that spells doom for Mark Robins’ side. One of those, Liam Dickinson, has limited championship experience, but will nevertheless be the main goal threat.

Scunthorpe United- Survived by five points last season but without Paul Hayes and Gary Hooper relegation seems a certainty. Chris Dagnell will be left to fight on his own up front, and the step up from League Two should be too great for him.

npower League One prediction

Promoted:

Southampton- So often teams find it hard to raise themselves again after a successful season dominated by a points deduction. I don’t expect it to be plain sailing for Alan Pardew’s men but with the squad they have, on top of the investment that will come in January if all is not right, makes them favorites for promotion.

Huddersfield Town- Lee Clark appears to have added steel to Huddersfield’s leaky defence by signing Joey Gudjohnson in midfielder and defender Gary Naysmith, and along with last season’s similar frightening forward line it could be the perfect combination to fire Huddersfield to promotion.

Playoffs:

Charlton Athletic- In my mind Phil Parkinson worked wonderers at Charlton last season and despite losing two both Jonjo Shelvey and Nicky Baily for hefty fee’s I expect much the same this year round. The loss of Deon Button is a blow with Akpo Sodje expected to be relied on for goals.

Sheffield Wednesday- Despite last season’s final day heartbreak I expect Alan Irvine to motivate his squad for a stab at re-promotion to the championship. The loss of Lee Grant is a huge blow, but Clinton Morrison’s signing on a free is a real coup.

Bristol Rovers- Never truly replaced Rickie Lambert last season and faded away during the final 10 games of the season. Now with Will Hoskins on board, and Luke Daniels in goal, a man pivotal to Tranmere Rovers’ survival last season Rovers are equipped to finish in the top six.

Peterborough United- The experience of Gary Johnson could prove pivotal for Posh as they seek re-promotion to the championship. With George Boyd on board and new signing Grant McCann the London Road faithful can rest assure the club is in good hands. Let’s hope owner Darragh MacAnthony lets them get on with it.

Relegated:

Hartlepool United- Survived by the skin of their teeth last season after a succession of loan signings, but after failing to sign up Roy O’Donovan and making little changes this summer you have to fear for Chris Turner and his team.

Carlisle United- Ian Harte’s heroics last season are unlikely to be repeated as the full-back struck 18 times for the mid-table side. Richard Keogh and Scott Dobie’s departures aren’t ideal with replacements few and far between.

Dagenham and Redbridge- Even though John Still has brought in some impressive names, not least Damien Scannell from Southend you have to fear Dagenham’s jaunt in League One will be a one-season affair. Still’s policy of also drafting in non-league players is bold, but unlikely to pay off a division above.

Rochdale- Not that it will dampen their supporters’ spirit, but the club’s first promotion since 1974 might end with just a single season in League One. Keith Hill has seen a succession of key players depart, not least Chris Dagnall, and with Craig Dawson’s future also uncertain it’s likely to be a long season at Spotland.

npower League Two prediction

Promoted:

Rotherham United- The fine line between a top seven finish and a season in mid-table might be down to whether Ronnie Moore can retain forward Adam Le Fondre for another year. If he can, The Millers are more than equipped to go one better after last season’s playoff heartbreak.

Shrewsbury Town- Graeme Turner did so much with so little at Hereford and has already started to acquire shrewd new players. Lionel Ainsworth has joined after a previous spell under Turner at Easter Road while Ian Sharps’ signing could be the difference.

Wycombe Wanderers- Might have appeared a bizarre move at the time, but Gary Waddock’s move to Wycombe appears to be making sense. They put up a hell of a fight last season and expect more attacking verve this time around. The experienced Nikki Bull and forward Scott Rendell are some of the new faces.

Playoffs:

Gillingham- The Gills have made one of the signings of the summer in their new manager Andy Hessenthaler, who was working miracles down at Dover Athletic. Marque signing Adebayo Akinfenwa will grab the headlines one way or another and the acquisition of Lance Cronin could be inspired.

Oxford United- Play the right sort of football to be successful in this league, and have a forward with the correct attributes to score over 20 goals this season in James Constable. The addition of Mitchell Cole will add to a busy midfield.

Bradford City- Finished the season with something of a flourish, and with the right man in place, Peter Taylor The Batams’ League Two misery might finally be over.

Crewe Alexandra- Whether he’ll be the manager or not, Dario Gradi has a squad with the capabilities to entertain a few in League Two. Over 140 goals were scored in games involving The Railwaymen last season, but Clayton Donaldson’s presence up front could help them to a more consistent season.

Relegated:

Stevenage- Having lost Mitchell Cole, the acquisition of new players has been limited at Broadhall Way. Hard to see where the goals will come from amongst the forwards of Yemi Odubade, Tim Sills and Charlie Griffen and a quick return to the conference could be on the cards.

Aldershot Town- The Shots have endured plenty of change during these past 12 months, but this summers activity might spell the end to their football league status. A number of the clubs’ star players have departed and with Marvin Morgan’s future still uncertain, you have to fear for Kevin Dillon’s side.