With part four, we approach the sticky end of the predicted English Premier League ladder, with teams which will be happy to survive the 2013/14 season avoiding relegation. In part three we dealt with the possible surprise packets of the new year.
West Ham United
The East Londoners finally managed to secure the full time service of Andy Carroll this summer and they will be looking to better their tenth place finish last season.
Expect more of the same this season from West Ham, keeping a strong record at home with a direct style of football.
Sam Allardyce will be looking for the club to have more of an impact in cup competitions over the league in my opinion.
Mid-table mediocrity for the Hammers.
Prediction: 13th
Player to watch: Andy Carroll – he will only get better with age.
The Englishman must prove his worth this season, especially with the World Cup around the corner, Roy Hodgson would love to take an in-form striker with him to Brazil.
Aston Villa
The Villains managed to leave survival late last time round.
It was vital for Villa to maintain their Premier League status last season for the growth of their vastly young and talented squad and it was a massive bonus for the Midlands club they also managed to keep hold of their prized asset Christian Benteke.
They have managed a couple solid purchases this summer and are continuously adapting a focus on youth; The Claret and Blue are certainly building for the future.
It might just be easier surviving this time round – not by much though.
Prediction: 14th
Player to watch: Christian Benteke – is there any other player that is key at the moment?
A total of 19 Premier League goals last season and a new contract to top it off, Benteke will be one striker to watch this season.
If he is on fire, it will make the Villains’ life much easier.
Fulham
The West Londoners might seem in real trouble this season, with their only major signing so far being goalkeeper Martin Stekelenburg from AS Roma.
Releasing an abundance of talent without being replaced, Martin Jol will have his work cut out for him.
This club can show glimpses of brilliance from their bigger name players at times, but they also looked as flat as a piece of timber, predominantly in their defence, which has also been renowned to be stubborn over the years.
The Cottagers shouldn’t be worried about a relegation dog fight, but if they don’t get off to a good start, panic signs may start arising.
The imminent arrival of Adel Taarabt might change a few minds though.
Prediction: 15th
Player to watch: Sascha Riether – the German defender will be key in this campaign, with Fulham having a solid front line and a list of descent midfielders, it’s their defence that will be the worrying factor as it was previously.
If this veteran steps up, this squad can cause a few surprises.
Southampton
The Saints look a fresh line-up this campaign, with Mauricio Pocheccino strengthening the squad to retain the South-siders top flight status.
Really impressive under the Spaniard last season, however avoiding second year syndrome must be the number one priority at St Mary’s.
They will surprise a few again this season, but that will be the best thing to come out of the 2013/14 season for this club.
Maybe a couple solid runs in cup competitions should be the priority.
Prediction: 16th
Player to watch: Gaston Ramirez – being linked with a few big clubs in Europe, Southampton must do whatever they can to keep him this season. He will be the key, as he was last season.
A standout purchase worthy of his transfer sum. If he stays, expect the Uruguayan to get even better.
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