Flagrantly early, incredibly half-baked EPL predictions

Souvik Roy Chowdhury

RVP means goals for United – Top scorer again?

Champions

Manchester City

None of the rivals except Tottenham at the top have fortified themselves like City. Pellegrini has the technical know how and has handled big egos before.

European Spots (Top 6)

Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal

Relegation

West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, Crystal Palace

WBA haven’t strengthened their squad and will be without Lukaku’s goals. Neither of Hull and Palace have the quality to stay with the big boys and at the end of 38 games, the gap in points will be reminiscent of the gap in class.

Best Player

Eden Hazard

The Belgian whizkid was Ligue 1′s player of the year for two consecutive seasons before hitting the English shores. Soon he will be the face of the Premier League. Jose Mourinho has the ability to bring out the best in players and his qualities should shine through.

Top Scorer

Robin van Persie

In the era of only a handful natural goalscorers, the Dutchman rules supreme. With him being the focus of all offensive schemes for Manchester United, he should net plenty of goals.

Breakout Player

Ross Barkley

Finally earned a starting place in Martinez’s 3-4-3 formation, the future English midfielder should make this season count.

Best Transfer

Jesus Navas

The biggest difference between Mancini’s City and Pellegrini’s City.

Biggest Disappointment

Steve Clarke and/or West Bromwich Albion

The Baggies will feel the absence of Lukaku and Anelka may be a lot of things but he is not in his prime.

Three off-the-hook predictions

Goal line technology to block out the nuisance

Mourinho interviews to only get better

Newcastle challenging for European spots