EPL: Revising the Preseason Predictions (Part One)

Everton

What I said: Everton may have surprised some people last year as they snagged a UEFA Cup place, and even challenged for a top four finish early on.

They will probably regress a little bit as they have not done enough to strengthen themselves in the off-season.

How the club is making me look somewhat smart: They didn't do enough in the offseason to be a serious challenger for a Champions League slot, but the talent they already had is more than enough to distance themselves from the bottom of the pack.

Fulham

What I said: The Cottagers escaped relegation on the last day of the season in 2008, but have since lost some firepower with Brian McBride returning to America. Jimmy Bullard is still there, and he’ll have Andy Johnson to receive his passes.

How the club has proven me wrong: They've gotten more contributions from up front that I expected. I didn't expect Clint Dempsey to do so well, but he's tied with Andy Johnson for the club lead in goals. USA! USA! USA!

Hull

What I said: Hull City’s most well-known current players are George Boateng and 39-year-old Dean Windass. They’ll fall, but not threaten Derby’s record for futility.

How the club has proven me wrong: They've attacked everybody that they have faced this season. They even had a very strong Manchester United side on the ropes for awhile. Geovanni has been a revelation for Hull this season.

Liverpool

What I said: Despite great play from Fernando Torres, the Reds looked out of sorts last season. Rafa Benitez in on the hot seat, but Liverpool has not done as much to improve as some of the other clubs battling for European places.

How the club has proven me wrong: They've weathered injuries to Torres without missing a beat. A very stingy defense has helped them stay on top.

Man City

What I said: Canning Sven was the dumbest move that Thaksin Shinawatra could have made. He made the club competitive in his first year in charge, but a ninth-place finish, coupled with a sweep of the Manchester Derby, and a bright future was not enough for Thaksin. Look for a backwards slide in the standings this season.

How the club made me look like a genius: Ownership has changed, Robinho was brought in after I made my prediction, but the squad hasn't gelled. They've had little trouble scoring goals, but plenty of trouble preventing opponents from scoring.

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