Used to toughing it out in the middle of the table, could one of these clubs be the surprise packets of the 2013/14 English Premier League season and trouble the bigger clubs, or go the other way?
Swansea City
Readying for their first ever season in Europe, the Swans are just flying under the radar, building a big squad that can compete in the Europa League under Michael Laudrup.
When Brendan Rodgers took off for Liverpool in 2012, many people thought the same old story – a new manager will come along and not be able to meet the expectations the previous manager did.
Instead, the Dane surpassed these expectations and took them even further to secure their first piece of silverware.
Swansea will have to juggle this season, and with the Europa League already beginning, you would expect this squad to slowly deteriorate over the campaign and become a mid-table team.
Prioritisation between competitions will be the major issue. Newcastle United had this issue last season, so let’s see how South-Welsh club play this out; they definitely now have the depth, quality might be the issue.
Prediction: ninth
Player to watch: Michel Vorm – The Dutchman shot stopper will be key to Swansea’s survival of the campaign this season.
Injured for parts of last, Vorm will be preparing himself for a lengthy campaign praying for as many clean sheets as possible.
Everton
A new manager, a fresh start. Roberto Martinez will aim do to something that the David Moyes never did – win silverware.
Despite his former club Wigan being relegated under his management, he did leave a mark of playing football the way it should be played and pulling in the results when he needed to.
Everton have been one of the most consistent teams over the past decade, and the fans also considered it was time for a change.
Martinez did bring in a couple of his old boys from the DW stadium and will look to build with his current crop and do what they can do to finish in the European spots.
Champions League though is a no chance. Playing good football for the Toffees is the start.
Prediction: 10th
Player to watch: Marouane Fellaini – The Belgian has been in demand from the big boys this summer, but Everton look set to keep him.
With a more attacking approach to his game, Fellaini will definitely be the man to take the Merseysiders forward.
Stoke City
After seven years in charge, Stoke City begin life no longer under Tony Pulis, but now ex-City boss Mark Hughes.
The Welsh manager has already promised a more attractive and attacking display than his predecessor, for which many rival clubs and fans alike will be thankful.
Not much has been happening at the Brittania Stadium this summer, a slight revamp of the older guard has begun with the likes of Rory Delap and Matthew Upson moving on. Stoke generally do keep quiet in the market most times and add with some big names toward the end of August.
An established club now in the EPL and they will continue their mid-table history, no matter which style of football is being utilized.
Prediction: 11th
Player to watch: Matthew Etherington – Mr Consistent in the Stoke squad over the last couple seasons. Expect more of the same. He can brilliant to watch at times.
West Bromwich Albion
Another club flying under the radar after yet a solid last campaign.
The loss of Romelu Lukaku back to parent club Chelsea will not be the greatest news at the Hawthorns after his 17 goals last term.
The Baggies will be fired up for a second season under Steve Clarke especially after he replaced the young Belgian hit man with the more experienced Nicolas Anelka.
Expect another solid campaign from the Midlands club who would be looking to outdo their midlands rivals and try for a push for another European spot. Not just yet though.
Prediction: 12th
Player to watch: James Morrison – the Scottish midfielder is another young talent who always performs for the club.
Expect another solid season from the number seven.
Sawyer
Roar Rookie
Agreed. Never understood the furor around their style of play. It may not be as 'pretty' as some, but as you've said they certainly shook things up and gave the big boys a scare. For me it's far more interesting having teams like Stoke in the league rather than 20 teams playing pass around for 90 mins. It just seems as though they weren't up to standard last season. Perhaps everyone had them figured out? And with it looking like more of the same under Hughes I think you'll be right about there relegation battle.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I feel that Stoke will once again be battling with relegation this season. There was nothing wrong with their "hoofing it" style aside from pissing off the glamour clubs, which in my opinion is a great thing.
Sawyer
Roar Rookie
Again, mystified by your Stoke prediction and justification. As you've mentioned they've done next to nothing in the transfer market so far. For a squad that was seriously struggling in the latter half of last season that's seriously worrying. Mark Hughes' presence is hardly an encouraging sign with his recent track record. Will he adopt a new style of play? Surely he'd need to bring in some more quality if he does. Same goes for West Brom. Probably a fair position for them, but with their current team I don't think they'll do nearly as well as last season and could even be sliding down the wrong end of the table. Lukaku and Odemwinge contributed nearly half the Baggies goals last year and with Lukaku already back at Chelsea and Odemwinge likely to go elsewhere I don't see Anelka chipping in nearly as many. Hope I'm wrong though - got a definite soft spot for them and think Steve Clarke's top notch.