Premier League 2013/14 Season Preview

After the summer and watching the first few stages of the Football League, the Premier League is now back.

Every team has been scouring the market to change the squad and, they hope, the odds into their favour. Busy pre-season friendlies and anticipation have also been gathered as the sides prepared for the opening day.

Now, with a week or so to go until Liverpool and Stoke kick-off the season and BT Sport's jump into broadcasting, the teams prepare for what is looking like an exciting season. Certainly moreso than last season, which was pretty much decided by March.

Every team has hopes and ambitions, and its time to see what they feel 2013-14 could deliver for them:

Arsenal
Last Season In Four Words: Still higher than Spurs
What Do They Want?: Arsenal fans want to achieve bigger and better things then "4th or bust", and it seems to be an ambition shared by others given Wenger and players have talked about hoping to get the title. Saying that, they have shown remarkably little ambition for a team that wants these goals, this making another "4th or bust" campaign the more inevitable.
Transfers: With Gonzalo Higuain and (so far) Luis Suarez proving bridges too far, Yaya Sanogo is the only real signing by the Gunners. The team has been busier removing players, with Andrey Arshavin, Denilson, Andre Santos, Johan Djourou and Gervinho amongst those leaving.
Ones To Watch: The onus is on Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski to get more goals. These two scored a reasonable total in their first season but need more if Arsenal are to return to prominence. Its also a key season for Thomas Vermaelen after he disappointed in 12-13.
The Gaffer: Arsene Wenger is still ruling the roost in North London but last season saw the first real doubt in the Frenchman's prowess. Ten years after the Invincibles of 03-04, he is now facing a challenge to convince the high-paying crowds that the team is now going somewhere.
Prediction: This could well be the season Arsenal's Champions League campaign streak ends, but that depends as much on events across North London as it does on them actually signing anyone.

Aston Villa
Last Season In Four Words: Youngsters eventually escaped drop
What Do They Want?: Ideally a more comfortable season. Last season was desperately uncomfortable and at times they looked a Championship side, but the team now has experience of survival and looks better placed to tackle the vigour of the season.
Transfers: The main goal for Villa was to keep Christian Benteke, and although he stunned his employers by handing in a transfer request, he eventually signed a new deal. The Villains have continued down the path they began last season, with young talent like Nicklas Helenius, Jores Okore and Antonio Luna moving to the club while older names like Richard Dunne, Brett Holman and Darren Bent (albeit on loan) have left. Stiliyan Petrov retired to continue fighting leukaemia.
Ones To Watch: The likes of Okore and Helenius are highly rated on Football Manager and this will be the chance to see if they match the hype, while Benteke and Andreas Weimann will seek to build on impressive 2012-13 campaigns.
The Gaffer: Paul Lambert's second season at Aston Villa begins with more optimism then the dark clouds enveloping the club last season.
Prediction: The team look more secure and likelier to escape involvement in the relegation dogfight but don't look ready to repeat the top 6 finishes of the Martin O'Neill era. Midtable.

Cardiff City
Last Season In Four Words: Colour changers get promoted
What Do They Want?: As is always the case for new boys, they want to stay up. Much of that depends on how they do against the sort of teams largely expected to be down there with them.
Transfers: The Welshmen have broken their transfer record twice, spending £17million on Spurs defender Steven Caulker and Danish striker Andreas Cornelius. The other likely first team buy is Derby right back John Brayford, with Brentford keeper Simon Moore likely one for the future. Heidar Helguson, Nat Jarvis and Stephen McPhail have been released in the main outgoings.
Ones To Watch: Craig Bellamy will be keen to make an impression for his hometown club on the biggest stage and has experience, while goalkeeper David Marshall is in line for a busy season.
The Gaffer: After a first season where they comfortably came up, Malky Mackay is in line for a more high-pressure campaign in ensuring the Bluebirds emulate their Welsh neighbours in surviving the first year.
Prediction: The team ethic that sent the Welshmen into the top division will have to be kept intact if Cardiff are to survive. Largely seen as the best prepared, they could well surprise people next year.

Chelsea
Last Season In Four Words: More chaos, more trophies
What Do They Want?: The title is the big goal for Jose Mourinho's team.
Transfers: The main attention has been on Chelsea's attempts to sign Wayne Rooney, with the club's other signings already happening. Their ludicrously overstuffed midfield has been strengthened further with the signing of Marco van Ginkel, while Andre Schrulle is a big budget striker signed from Bayer Leverkusen. Florent Malouda, Paulo Ferreira and Yossi Benayoun have all been released while a number of youngsters have left on loan.
Ones To Watch: A job is on to work out Chelsea's best midfield and attack, with the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Oscar, Victor Moses, Schrulle, Demba Ba and Fernando Torres all vying for a place and all seeking to be worth of regular berths they would be capable of at any other team.
The Gaffer: Look who's back in town. A full six years after leaving, Jose Mourinho returns more decorated but looking to prove himself after the disastrous collapse at Real Madrid. Like the last time, nothing but success will keep Abrahmovich's P45 form in his desk.
Prediction: They have the manager and the squad, and also know the combination has worked before. Chelsea look like the best bet for the Premier League title.

Crystal Palace
Last Season In Four Words: Got promoted via play-offs
What Do They Want?: Survival. Staying up is all Palace dream of after they crept into the Premier League via the back door, and it will be a tricky job to manage it.
Transfers: The headline signing is record transfer Dwight Gayle, who joined for £8.5M from Peterborough. Promotion heroes Stephen Dobbie and Kevin Phillips have rejoined, with Elliot Grandin also following Ian Hollway from Blackpool. Also joining are Spain U21 captain Jose Campana and experienced wideman Jerome Thomas, while Wilfried Zaha has left for Manchester United after completing his January transfer, and Jermaine Easter has also been allowed out. More signings are expected.
Ones To Watch: With Zaha gone and Glenn Murray out until Christmas, a lot of responsibility falls on Zaha, Phillips and Aaron Wilbraham. Miles Jedinak also has the makings of a Premier League player.
The Gaffer: Ian Holloway is still king of the soundbite and was also only one win from keeping Blackpool in the Premier League. Like at the Tangerines, he has a big job ahead to keep Palace in the top flight.
Prediction: The squad resembles a higher-placed Championship team more than a Premier League one and unless a surprise happens relegation is very likely.

Everton
Last Season In Four Words: Moyes farewell trumps neighbours
What Do They Want?: Although Moyes has gone, Everton want to maintain their recent exploits that has seen them consistently staying in the top 7. Its also a big season for new gaffer Roberto Martinez as he seeks to prove himself as a Premier League manager after continual dogfights with Wigan.
Transfers: Martinez has really gone for the "what you know" ethos, with 3 ex-Latics following him to Goodison Park. Goalkeeper Joel, defender Antolin Alcaraz and striker Arouna Kone have made the move, while Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu has signed on loan. The retiring Phil Neville is the most notable departure, with Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini still at the club for now.
Ones To Watch: The ex-Wigan trio have much to prove, as arguably does the manager himself, while Nikica Jelavic has to improve after a poor second half last season.
The Gaffer: Fresh from winning the FA Cup and finally being relegated, Martinez is looking for success as Toffees boss. It'll be a difficult test to follow up David Moyes but are likely to remain their formidable old selves.
Prediction: They may not get the Champions League place Martinez wants but they'll continue their formidable style and should maintain their top 7/8 placing.

Fulham
Last Season In Four Words: Cottagers provide consistent inconsistency
What Do They Want?: A less bewildering campaign would be preferable, with the Cottagers providing a confusing puzzle during last season. Martin Jol has continued taking a sledge-hammer to the legendary Roy Hodgson team that made it to the Europa League Final in 2010 and he will be hoping of a more comfortable period than last year, when their dealings left them unstable at times.
Transfers: Although Fulham now have billionaire American owners, only full back Sacha Riether and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg cost a transfer fee. Its likely a fee was paid for the loan signings of QPR's Adel Taarabt and Aston Villa misfit Darren Bent, while defender Fernando Amorebieta and midfielders Ange-Freddy Plumain and Derek Boateng have joined on frees. Experienced heads Mark Schwarzer, Chris Baird, Mahamadou Diarra, Simon Davies and Mladen Petric have all been released.
Ones To Watch: Stekelenburg is a goalkeeper with international pedigree and should be a good rear-guard, while Taarabt will be looking to be a more consistent performer this year after falling out with QPR. Dimitar Berbatov remains the head frontman for the men from riverside London.
The Gaffer: Martin Jol's position was questioned a few times by supporters last year. He has rebuilt his squad but he maybe looking nervously over his shoulders with the new money soon set to circulate.
Prediction: Fulham seemed to have carved out a niche as consistently midtable with a capability to occasionally surprise and its likely they will do so once again.

Hull City Tigers
Last Season In Four Words: Promoted in ridiculous circumstances
What Do They Want?: Survival. After promotion amidst a barking final day, the club's principal aim is to ensure they keep their heads above water, although they could be in line for mocking following their recent franchise-style rebrand.
Transfers: Hull have undergone a remodelling for the new season from top to bottom. Two new keepers have joined in Allan McGregor and Steve Harper, Curtis Davies and Maynor Figueroa are in for the defence, and Yannick Sagbo and Danny Graham are new boys up top. Ahmed Elmohamady and George Boyd have made deals permanent after being on loan in 2012-13. The outgoings is a curious one, as its arguable the likes of Jack Hobbs, Corry Evans and Tom Cairney may have been useful at this level.
Ones To Watch: The players with biggest potential to make the jump up are defender James Chester, and a defence likely to contain him, Abdoulaye Faye and Paul McShane - the last man standing from Hull's 2009-10 Premier League team - will be key in survival.
The Gaffer: Steve Bruce has said last season helped him fall back in love with management after his messy spell at Sunderland. Whether or not it stays this year is open for debate but he is right in the thick of it this year with a squad widely tipped for the drop.
Prediction: The Tigers are favourites for the drop and widely tipped to come in last. They have enough quality to avoid that status, but probably not enough to stay up.

Liverpool
Last Season In Four Words: Transition, triumph, cannibalism, farewell
What Do They Want?: The long term goal of England's most successful Champions League team is to return to Europe's big tournament. Getting there will be a challenge given the strength of those above.
Transfers: While the main attention has been on the future of Luis Suarez, Liverpool have been busy. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet joins from Sunderland as a replacement for Pepe Reina after he was sent on loan to Napoli, while strikers Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas have arrived from La Liga. Kolo Toure has also joined as a replacement for Sky's new pundit Jamie Carragher. While Andy Carroll, Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing have all left, Suarez so far remains despite the fans now wanting him out after a messy summer.
Ones To Watch: Phillipe Coutinho looked in impressive form after his January arrival from Inter Milan and the attacking midfielder has a chance to enhance his credentials in this upcoming season. Daniel Sturridge and the new signings also have to step up in Suarez's absence.
The Gaffer: Brendan Rodgers was afforded a little lee-way in his first season but now the pressure is up a notch. Liverpool want a return to the Champions League and Rodgers has to convince.
Prediction: The Champions League looks a step too far at the moment but they could challenge for a top 5 spot. Nevertheless 6th seems more likely.

Manchester City
Last Season In Four Words: Underwhelming by billionaire parameters
What Do They Want?: Regaining the Premier League title is one success, but having spent big (again) success for City will be winning a trophy, with the billionaires hurt by losing out on the FA Cup and Premier League and looking poor while doing it.
Transfers: The headline grabbing acquisition is £30million Brazilian Fernandinho, who joins for an eye-wateringly large fee from Shakthar Donetsk. Manuel Pellegrini has raided former rivals Sevilla by signing Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo, and has also bought Stefan Jovetic from Fiorentina, but he missed out on former Malaga stalwart Isco after the attacking midfielder joined Real Madrid. The club have also been busy with outs, with Carlos Tevez, Maicon, Kolo Toure and Wayne Bridge big names to be shown the door.
Ones To Watch: The new attacking trio of Navas-Negredo-Jovetic has much promise, although Pellegrini faces a challenge to incorporate them all with City's existing wealth of attackers. Its a key season for David Silva and Samir Nasri, who both disappointed heavily in 2012-13.
The Gaffer: Manuel Pellegrini's first job outside Spain is a big one, and he will be hoping to get success with big money, although his failure to lead the first neo-Galacticos at Real to success isn't a good omen.
Prediction: The team are likely to be in amongst the title runners and riders next season but it seems unlikely they will be in that top spot come May 11th.

Manchester United
Last Season In Four Words: Ferguson's title winning goodbye
What Do They Want?: David Moyes' arrival comes with the expectation of continuing the Ferguson success story. Ideally a 21st title and a first post-Fergie would be a great start but they need to get up there. They certainly have to go into bat given they face Chelsea, City and Liverpool in their first six.
Transfers: Frustratingly quiet for fans of the Red Devils, with the team unable to sign key targets such as Thiago and Cesc Fabregas. So far, only Guillermo Varela has joined the team, although Wilfried Zaha has completed his move after staying at Crystal Palace for the second half of last season. The only real outgoing, apart from the manager, is that of Paul Scholes following his second retirement in three seasons, although Wayne Rooney is still wailing about leaving.
Ones To Watch: Youngsters Jesse Lingard and Angelo Henriquez have been used frequently in pre-season and have the chance to step up. Its also a big season for the likes of Antonio Valencia, Nani and Danny Welbeck - all of whom significantly underperformed last year.
The Gaffer: This is the big step for David Moyes. After 11 years of performing somewhat over expectation at Everton, he's walked into the biggest job in the land. The Rooney fiasco is his biggest initial argument, but a tough start beckons.
Prediction: As per usual, the Red Devils are tipped for being title challengers. It is extremely unlikely they will have the smooth strut last season had, but they are likely to be up there once again.

Newcastle United
Last Season In Four Words: Regression mercifully not catastrophic
What Do They Want?: A less disastrous season than last year.
Transfers: Kinnear's arrival led to some fans wondering what direction their transfer policy would take but in reality, nothing much of note has happened. Loic Remy is the club's only first team signing, moving on loan from QPR just seven months after turning Newcastle down. Danny Simpson and James Perch have opted to move down a division, while Steve Harper has also gone. Like last year, the club's big names have also stayed put.
Ones To Watch: As their biggest signing, Remy will be a big hope for the Tynesider's next year. Its also a big year for the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Cheick Tiote and Papiss Cisse, who were all big name stars that were largely disappointing in 2012-13.
The Gaffer: Toon Army manager Alan Pardew faces a big season after presiding over an awful campaign last year. With Joe Kinnear widely seen as an unhelpful presence, Pardew faces a ride on the notoriously slippy slopes Newcastle managers used to cascade down in their droves.
Prediction: The Toon Army are notoriously hard to predict and offer the sense they could finish anywhere. Its unlikely they'll be repeating 2011-12's Champions League challenge but equally unlikely is a repeat of 2012-13's struggles. Middle of the road.

Norwich City
Last Season In Four Words: Struggled to score goals
What Do They Want?: More fun. Grant Holt topped the scoring charts last year with a paltry eight.
Transfers: Holt has now gone with Canaries' fans' best wishes after leading the charge from League One to the Premier League. In come record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Celtic's Gary Hooper as part of a re-modelling of the teams strikeforce. That's not the only area re-modelled, with big cash also spent on one-time Everton target Leroy Fer, Blackburn's Martin Olsson and Birmingham winger Nathan Redmond. A number of names from recent years gone by have also left.
Ones To Watch: Ricky van Wolfswinkel will be seeking to prove the huge hype accompanying his £8.5million arrival from Sporting Lisbon. Robert Snodgrass and Anthony Pilkington will also seek to continue their rise to Premier League threats - something new boy Redmond will look to emulate.
The Gaffer: Chris Hughton has opted to overhaul a squad that almost sleepwalked out of the top tier last year. Now his goal is to deliver on this signings.
Prediction: With a number of "good on Football Manager/FIFA" signings a number of people have put Norwich as a potential top 10 side. Upper midtable should beckon again, but the squad looks more than strong enough to avoid the dogfight.

Southampton
Last Season In Four Words: Looked good on return
What Do They Want?: After the chaotic introduction, Mauricio Pochettino is hoping to better the creditable 14th place delivered last year. Pochettino is certainly ambitious and is one of many teams looking to climb higher.
Transfers: Only two signings have arrived but both look like big signings, with defender Dejan Lovren and midfielder Victor Wanyama - a club record signing at £12.5M from Celtic - joining up and providing exciting potential. Vegard Forren - a January signing that ultimately played 0 games - is the most notable departure.
Ones To Watch: The huge arrival of Wanyama gives him big expectation in the team's engine room, while Lovren will also be expected to help solidify a back-line that was rather unreliable at times last year.
The Gaffer: Mauricio Pochettino had a rough introduction to life at St. Mary's given he replaced Nigel Adkins just as the Saints had begun winning. But after securing top tier status via impressive wins over Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool, he is hoping to deliver big next year.
Prediction: Likely to improve on 14th but not likely to climb that higher. Of course, if they play their cards right then a top half finish isn't strictly out of the question.

Stoke City
Last Season In Four Words: Tony Pulis' last hurrah
What Do They Want?: It's a new dawn in the Potteries after Pulis' reign ended following a collapse in 2013. Mark Hughes was the bold choice to come in and he will be seeking to improve the football while climbing up on 2012-13.
Transfers: The club have made two signings in defence, with full back Erik Pieters and Marc Muniesa moving in from Europe. Rory Delap, Michael Owen, Matthew Upson and Dean Whitehead have all left the club.
Ones To Watch: Having moaned about Pulis, Cameron Jerome has to put up next year to prove there was something the ex-manager was limiting. The new full backs will also seek to impress, while its also a big season for Peter Crouch after the giant striker disappointed in 2012-13.
The Gaffer: After walking out on Fulham for no real reason and sowing the seeds of the QPR fiasco, Mark Hughes is under the cosh. He has to prove he still has the chops for management.
Prediction: It could be a case of 'be careful what you wish for' for Stoke, with the team likely to face a long season ahead. Indeed, there's a risk it could end in tears.

Sunderland
Last Season In Four Words: Fractionally avoided Premiership oblivion
What Do They Want?: After a poor 2012-13 season that was so close to relegation, the Black Cats want to rise further - to show more ambition than just the 4th worst team in the league. An almost instant gelling for their made-over squad is necessary.
Transfers: The team have been very busy. Key players under previous regimes like Simon Mignolet, Titus Bramble and James McClean have all gone, as has disaster Danny Graham. Meanwhile, the incoming has been very busy with nine signings. Italy international Emmanuel Giaccherini is the most exciting, while Jozy Altidore, Modibo Diakite, Vito Mannone, Cabral and David Karlsson could all prove to be hugely significant signings.
Ones To Watch: All the new signings are in the spotlight as they seek to justify the faith in renovation, while the older heads at the team need to perform to help the team grab some level of consistency - something that eluded them frequently last year.
The Gaffer: Paolo di Canio came in to a fanfare of condemnation for his political beliefs and has already had an eventful start to life at the Stadium of Light. Now, he has a big season ahead on all of seven games Premier League experience.
Prediction: Although a number of their signings look good, its likely another season of struggle is likely for the Black Cats. However they should - again - have enough to stay up.

Swansea City
Last Season In Four Words: Centenary celebrated in style
What Do They Want?: Its hard to know how to top a highest league position in decades and a Capital One Cup. Going further in the league and a European run sounds about right.
Transfers: Seeking to avoid repeating Newcastle's ill-thought 2012-13 transfer policy, Swansea have been busy. £12million striker Wilfried Bony is the big name signing, while Jonjo Shelvey, Jordi Amat and Alejandro Pozuelo will seek to slide into Swansea's slick game. Jonathan de Guzman's return after his loan spell in 2012-13 is also welcome. Kemy Agustien and Mark Gower are the biggest permanent outs, while Alan Tate and Kyle Bartley have left on loan.
Ones To Watch: Bony looks like being a huge signing and should take some of the load off Michu, who scored a lot of goals for the Swans last year. A number of key Swans remain, such as Michel Vorm and Nathan Dyer, plus the aforementioned Michu, and they will seek to improve.
The Gaffer: There was some doubt over Michael Laudrup's status at the Liberty Stadium after the board and his agent fell out. But he remains and he will seek to preserve the upwards momentum of the Swans.
Prediction: Assuming they don't fall into the many potholes Newcastle did last year, they could well continue their rise and being a top-class nuisance at the top end of the division.

Tottenham Hotspur
Last Season In Four Words: One man, fifth place
What Do They Want?: Spurs are very much the Pinky and the Brain of the league - they always want that seemingly-elusive goal that would give them untold riches. The Champions League remains doubly important in light of the insane Bale speculation.
Transfers: Nearly all attention on Spurs transfer has concerned Gareth Bale, who is still at White Hart Lane. He is joined by record signing Roberto Soldado, Brazil international Paulinho and winger Nacer Chadli. Steven Caulker and William Gallas have left - possibly a bad idea given their other three centre halves are currently injured - while Clint Dempsey and David Bentley have also gone.
Ones To Watch: Bale, assuming he stays, is seen as the focal point given his impressive 12-13 campaign. Soldado also has to have a big season given Spurs' strikers failure to score regularly arguably cost them 4th spot, while Kyle Walker also has to improve after disappointing.
The Gaffer: Andre Villas-Boas is still seeking to show he is a capable manager in England after his failure at Chelsea. A record high-points total for Spurs is a great start and he will seek to jump on next year.
Prediction: It is almost certain Spurs will remain up in the top four challenge. But it will all come down to the status of their number 11 as to whether or not they make it the 2014-15 Champions League.

West Bromwich Albion
Last Season In Four Words: Remarkably comfortable despite lunacy
What Do They Want?: Its difficult to say. Although they finished 8th last season, the Baggies have shed squad members and don't look as strong a proposition.
Transfers: Nicolas Anelka has joined his 42nd English club as the replacement for Romelu Lukaku (returned to Chelsea), while the departed Marc-Antoine Fortune (signed for Wigan) has been replaced by loan signing Matej Vydra. Diego Lugano should add steel in defence, but the departures of Zoltan Gera, Jerome Thomas and Gonzalo Jara Reyes don't help the look of a team that feels weaker. Despite his moronic 2013, Peter Odemwingie is still at the club.
Ones To Watch: Anelka, Markus Rosenberg and Shane Long have a lot of scoring to do to fill up the shortfall left by Lukaku and the banished Odemwingie. The Baggies keeper Ben Foster will be hoping his defence is able to retain the firm nature it had in 2012-13.
The Gaffer: Steve Clarke is in his second full season of management, with the first being rather successful. But the challenge is on to maintain this.
Prediction: The team are in line for a more uncomfortable season on last year but shouldn't be in big danger of a bottom three battle.

West Ham United
Last Season In Four Words: Comfortable return to Premiership
What Do They Want?: The team would like to build on last year's 10th place but, realistically, another similar position would suffice.
Transfers: Andy Carroll's loan move has been made permanent in the headline signing, in a move which has allowed the much-mocked Carlton Cole to leave. Full back Razvan Rat, goalkeeper Adrian and youngster Danny Whitehead are the Hammers other summer signings, while Gary O'Neill has left.
Ones To Watch: Carroll remains a key option and will seek to improve on last year's 7 goals. Matt Jarvis and Joe Cole will seek to run well in tandem alongside the giant striker, while the previously profitable pairing of Carroll and Kevin Nolan could retain its effectiveness.
The Gaffer: Sam Allardyce's second season as West Ham manager was a lot more comfortable then his first, which saw West Ham almost blow the play-off final. Having re-established the East Londoners in the top flight, he'll now want to grab some success.
Prediction: More middle of the road antics. Will probably beat one or two top 4 sides then lose dismally at a relegation side.

The 20 teams all have their stories to tell and they will be ready to try and deliver the relative success that their fans crave.

It promises to be an intriguing season next year and the teams will all be gunning to go for next season. Now we await to see how everything pans out.