2014-15 Premier League Predictions

It's the night before the 2014-15 English Premier League campaign kicks off, so it is time to make some predictions. Check out my predictions and let me know where you think I will be proven wrong!

Teams listed in order of predicted finish with 2013-14 final standing in parentheses:

1. Chelsea (3) - Diego Costa will lead a revitalized attack to lead Jose Mourinho's club to the title.
2. Manchester City (1) - the defending champions should contend again, but will fall just short.
3. Manchester United (7) - Louis van Gaal's leadership will provide a spark, but defensive woes will continue to plague Man U and hold them back from true title contention.
4. Arsenal (4) - Arsene Wenger's cup-less streak is over, but a league title will remain elusive despite the addition of Alexis Sanchez to lead a talented attack.
5. Liverpool (2) - the loss of Luis Suarez will cost them dearly on offense, but the addition of Adam Lallana in the attacking midfield will avoid significant drop.
6. Everton (5) - signing of Romelu Lukaku was a big summer move, but the core of this squad is very young and needs another season of cohesion before Champions League is in range.
7. Tottenham (6) - Christian Eriksen will be among the most enjoyable players to watch in the EPL this season, but Spurs still lack quality on the back line.
8. Stoke City (9) - Youth star Bojan Krkic arrives from Barcelona to lead a Stoke attack that should combine with its always stout defense to make things interesting at Britannia.
9. Southampton (8) - a mass exodus has left the Saints faithful in disbelief as Southampton plans to move forward with a younger squad, but a still talented team should be able to remain in the top half.
10. Newcastle United (10) - another midtable finish for Newcastle, who likely will finally part with head man Alan Pardew sometime this campaign.
11. Swansea (12) - after Michu's departure, Swansea fans are hoping talented striker Wilfried Bony isn't next...if he is, I would move the Swans down another spot or two.
12. West Ham (13) - the enigma that is Andy Carroll continues, but if he can snap out of it he could lead the balanced Hammers to a top half finish.
13. Sunderland (14) - barely remained in the EPL after late season charge, but still lack firepower to make the top 10.
14. West Bromwich Albion (17) - no significant additions or subtractions for West Brom, but they always seem to avoid the drop.
15. Leicester (promoted) - won the Championship with a strong campaign and should definitely fight to stay out of relegation.
16. Aston Villa (15) - a very suspect group of men for this once-proud club that is in ownership uncertainty, likely meaning no significant signings are on the horizon.
17. Hull (16) - another survival job on hand for Steve Bruce as manager of the Tigers, but the acquisition of Tom Ince should provide a solid wing addition.
18. Crystal Palace (11) - Tony Pulis's abrupt departure as manager after winning last season's manager of the year award has left Palace with a gaping leadership hole that is likely to plague it all season.
19. Queens Park Rangers (promoted) - Harry Redknapp brings QPR back after just one season in the Championship, but this is a squad that finished fourth in that division last season and lacks sufficient firepower.
20. Burnley (promoted) - survival won't be possible with this squad as currently assembled.