Barclays Premier League 2011/12: Predicting Where the 20 Teams Will Finish

It's February, and the Barclays Premier League 2011/12 season is still wide open.

We have already seen some astonishing results, performances, and headlines, and with 14 games left to play, every position is still very much up for grabs.

Can Manchester United retain the Premier League crown over their Noisy Neighbours...?

Will all three promoted sides do the unthinkable and avoid the drop...?

And, come 5pm on Sunday 13th May, just who will be the real winners and losers of one of the most unpredictable Premier League seasons in history...?

20. Wigan Athletic

The Premier League's youngest side have had a torrid time this season, taking just 16 points from 24 league matches, and already the writing looks on the wall for the Lancastrian club.

The Latics miraculously avoided relegation last season despite having the third-worst win rate in the league (just nine wins from 38 games). But this year, securing only eight points from 12 home matches should prove fatal for Roberto Martinez's men.

Currently propping up the bottom of the Barclays Premier League, do not expect Wigan's fortunes to turn come mid-May.

Next three League Fixtures: Bolton (a), Villa (h), Swansea (h)

Final three League Fixtures: Newcastle (h), Blackburn (a), Wolves (h)

Key Man: Gary Caldwell—Named club captain at the start of the 2010/11 Premier League season, the former Celtic defender will be vital if Wigan are to have any hope of remaining in the division. Known for his leadership qualities and reading of the game, the Scottish international will need to provide solidarity in a side which has already leaked 49 goals this campaign.

19. Blackburn Rovers

It has been 27 league games since the last time Blackburn Rovers kept a clean sheet.

For any team this would be a worrying statistic, but add in the fact that Rovers have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season (a whopping 54!) and nine defeats from 12 at Ewood Park, and the 1994/95 winners of the English Premiership look in big trouble.

The season has been a turbulent one for Blackburn, with mass supporter unrest directed towards owners Venky's (the mysterious finger-lickin' chicken company) and rookie manager Steve Kean. With a win rate of just 25 percent since December 2010, relegation this year could leave a permanent black mark on Kean's C.V. in his inaugural managerial position.

Saturday's 7-1 trouncing at the hands of a revitalised Arsenal has surely now spelled the end of the road for Rovers' tenure in the Premier League, and expect them to be hosting the likes of Barnsley and Coventry City (I say this as VERY optimistic Coventry fan...) next season.

Next three Fixtures: QPR (h), Man City (a), Villa (h)

Final three Fixtures: Spurs (a), Wigan (h), Chelsea (a)

Key Man: Yakubu—The Yak has already bagged himself 13 goals this season and has proved prolific since signing from Everton in August. The Nigerian striker's 11 goals in 20 matches whilst on loan at Leicester last season proved vital for the Foxes, but even his career average of over a goal every other game may not be enough to retain Rovers' place in the top flight.

18. Queen's Park Rangers

Now, let me start by saying, I really like QPR. They are an interesting side with some real talent on their books and perhaps are considered a surprise to be listed here as relegation candidates.

But after a home defeat to Wolves at the weekend, they are now just one point clear of Bolton in 18th, and Rangers' early-season form appears to be gradually on the decline.

The sacking of club-favourite Neil Warnock in early January was met with mixed reaction from fans. But following the appointment of gritty Welshman Mark Hughes, things looked positive for a club who reportedly have the unlimited financial backing of Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes.

The arrival of Bobby Zamora and Djibril Cisse in the January window should add some much needed fire-power to a side that has scored just 25 goals all season (one less than Man City have scored AWAY from home), but Rangers' collapse at the weekend may be a sign of things to come, with vital six-pointers on the horizon. 

As seen at the weekend, an integral part of QPR's survival hopes could rest on the discipline of individual squad members with fiery characters littered throughout the side (I refer primarily to Joey "St. Joseph" Barton, and the aforementioned Frenchman, Cisse).

Next three Fixtures: Blackburn (a), Fulham (h), Everton (h)

Final three Fixtures: Chelsea (a), Stoke (h), Man City (a)

Key Man: Bobby Zamora—A not-so-shocking move from Fulham in the January window for the controversial England-international may prove a fantastic deal for the Mark Hughes' side. Having scored on his debut at the weekend, if Zamora can carry his form across London to Loftus Road, then just maybe QPR can stave off relegation for another season.

17. Bolton Wanderers

Currently 18th and a point from safety, Bolton are a side that many would have considered mid-table bankers at the beginning of the season.

With star centre-half Gary Cahill leaving for bluer pastures in January, it may seem as though the writing is on the wall for another Lancashire-based club. Even with Cahill, Bolton managed to ship 49 goals in their first 24 fixtures this season.

But Bolton are a gritty outfit under Coyle, and with the experienced likes of Kevin Davies and Nigel Reo-Coker, the Trotters could well turn their season around in the final third.

With nine of their remaining remaining 14 matches coming against bottom-half sides, look for Owen Coyle's side to grow in confidence and particularly capitalise on four very winnable fixtures in March.

Next three Fixtures: Wigan (h), Chelsea (a), Man City (a)

Final three Fixtures: Sunderland (a), West Brom (h), Stoke (a)

Key Man: Chris Eagles—The goalscoring midfielder has proven a handful for many Premier League defences and could easily add to the five goals he has already nabbed for Wanderers this season.

16. West Bromwich Albion

Currently lying 15th in the Barclays Premier League and six-points clear of the drop, West Brom already look to be safe bets to remain in the division come the season end.

But with a home defeat to Swansea at the weekend and tough fixtures to come, the Baggies may find themselves experiencing some serious squeaky-bum time on May 13th.

Let me be the first to say I actively dislike West Bromwich Albion and would love nothing more than to predict them to be propping up the division in 13 weeks time...but they won't be.

WBA are a crafty side, and with the wiley Roy "Koala Bear" Hodgson at the helm, they will stay up.

This season, West Brom have taken more than double the amount of points away from home as they have at the Hawthorns, and it is this reason—and this alone—why I have  predicted such a lowly finishing position by May.

So far this season, the Baggies have definitely underwhelmed going forward (scoring the division's second lowest goal tally at just 24), with health concerns for star-striker Shane Long.

A solid back line though has earned the Midlands-club some impressive results on the road, and if this improves then the club could look to challenge local rivals Wolves and Aston Villa, for the title of best-placed Black Country team.

Next three Fixtures: Wolves (a), Sunderland (h), Chelsea (h)

Final three Fixtures: Villa (h), Bolton (a), Arsenal (h)

Key Man: Ben Foster—The former England 'keeper has been impressive so far this season, conceding the fewest of any side in the bottom 7. If he can remain in-form, this may just be the key to the Baggies survival.

15. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves may well be the most unpredictable side in the English Premier League.

On paper, many (including myself) predicted that Mick McCarthy's men would be sitting pretty in mid-table obscurity at this point. But severe defensive frailties have left the Molineux outfit languishing in 17th position, just a single point clear of the bottom three.

The summer arrivals of Jamie O'Hara (on a permanent basis) and Roger Johnson appeared to be a step in the right direction for the overt Wolverhampton-based side, but poor home form has led to mass fan dissent, aimed towards long-time talisman Mick McCarthy.

Victory away at QPR at the weekend may spell the beginning of a revitalised Wolves though, and with a crunch fixture against local rivals West Brom just three days away, these next few weeks will probably define the success (or lack thereof), of the club's season.

With relatively easy matches coming up, if the Wolves faithful can come good for their side, then home form could well be the key for another successful survival campaign.

Having been reliant on the final day of last season though, fans will hope for a much less turbulent end to the 2011/12 season.

Next three Fixtures: West Brom (h), Newcastle (a), Fulham (a)

Final three Fixtures: Swansea (a), Everton (h), Wigan (a)

Key Man: Matt Jarvis—The Player of the Season for Wolves in 2010/11, if Jarvis can find the form that earned him a much-deserved England call-up in the final 14 games,  Wolves should be dead certs to remain in the top flight for another year. 

14. Swansea City

Swansea City have been one of the surprise packages of the 2011/12 Premier League season.

Following Blackpool's lead from last year, the Swans have played fast-paced, exciting, and inventive football based on manager Brendan Rodgers' "Barcelona model."

The affectionately nicknamed "Swanselona" currently sit in 10th and have so far taken a hugely-impressive 30 points from 24 games.

Rather unfavourably billed as "this season's Blackpool" in August, Swansea were expected to prop-up the division by May. But with a less-haphazard attacking-style than the Seasiders, the Swans have proved that promoted sides can get the job done, even when playing the beautiful game.

Saturday's win at the Hawthorns has left the Premier League's first Welsh side needing just 10 points to hit the magical 40-point mark, which has been traditionally billed as the number of points required to ensure safety in England's top flight.

With a young and enthusiastic attack combined with the continual heroics of Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm, Swansea will definitely be a side to watch out for in the 2012/13 Premier League season.

I do suspect however, that they may "pull a Blackpool" over the coming weeks against tricky opposition, hence their rather-lowly projected position of 14th.

Next three Fixtures: Norwich (h), Stoke (a), Wigan (a)

Final three Fixtures: Wolves (h), Man Utd (a), Liverpool (h)

Key Man: Nathan Dyer—The young winger has impressed all season, and look for him to challenge Theo Walcott for a place in England's Euro 2012 squad.

13. Aston Villa

Aston Villa are another side on the verge of supporter revolt.

Labelled as "boring" by many fans, Alex McLeish's style of play has left much to be desired for fans once accustomed to a far more attacking mindset under Martin O'Neill.

Having won only three home games from 12 and scoring just 14 goals in the process, Villa stare down the barrel of a another disappointing season.

With the introduction of Robbie Keane on loan in January though, McLeish's side may find some new found flare. Before Keane, Villa looked heavily reliant on England striker Darren Bent, who himself has been the subject of criticism from fans.

It is understandable to see why supporters have been left scratching their heads at Villa Park.

Even with young creative talent in the form of Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan combined with the experienced likes of Shay Given and Emile Heskey, the claret and blues have been uninspiring on the pitch and look severely lacking since the departure of pacy wingers Stewart Downing and Ashley Young in 2011.

Villa should comfortably survive this season (theoretically just four wins from safety, based on the 40-point rule), but in the eye's of the proud Villains supporters, this may not be enough to save McLeish from the axe in the summer.

Next three Fixtures: Man City (h), Wigan (a), Blackburn (a)

Final three Fixtures: West Brom (a), Spurs (h), Norwich (a)

Key Man: Robbie Keane—In on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy, the experienced striker looks sharp as ever and will hope to add to his account after an impressive brace on his debut against former-club Wolves.

12. Fulham

At Craven Cottage, Fulham have looked an impressive side. On their travels, however, things could not be more different.

With just one win from 12 away games, Martin Jol's Fulham currently sit in 14th in the Barclays Premier League and at their current rate will do well to finish in the top-half of the league, never mind bettering their impressive eigth place finish last season.

With the departure of Bobby Zamora to QPR, the Cottagers will now rely on the goals of striker Andrew Johnson, and more importantly creative midfielder Clint Dempsey, who has already netted 16 times this season.

Having started their 2011/12 season in June of last year in the Europa League, it is understandable to see the slow start made by the club, but now they will be hoping to put their full-focus into the league, with no further cup competition to consider.

Key to Fulham's success will be talented attacker Bryan Ruiz, who joined the club from Dutch side Twente in the summer, but also goals from further back with the likes of Brede Hangeland and John Arne Riise could prove vital to long-term success.

I would anticipate a much improved side next season in the Premier League, as they will almost certainly not be lucky enough to receive another Fair Play League pass into European competition.

Next three Fixtures: Stoke (h), QPR (a), Wolves (h)

Final three Fixtures: Everton (a), Sunderland (h), Spurs (a)

Key Man: Clint Dempsey—He's Fulham's top Premier League goalscorer of all-time, and with two hat-tricks to his name already this season (not bad for a midfielder!), the American will be integral to the remaining 14 games of Fulham's season.

11. Norwich City

August 18th 2009—Colchester United defeat Norwich City 7-1 in League One, the third tier of English football. Manager Bryan Gunn is sacked and replaced by Colchester United manager Paul Lambert.

From that date,Paul Lambert has never looked back.

Guiding the Canaries to successive league promotions and currently ninth in the Barclays Premier League, Norwich City have epitomised everything that is great about football.

With a 51.97 percent win rate under Lambert, the future of the Norfolk club seems exceedingly bright.

The strike partnership of club captain Grant Holt and Welsh international Steve Morison has already reaped 18 goals this season, and for a side made up predominantly of former-football league players, Norwich have defied the odds of what many predicted to be an enormous task to survive.

Having taken 32 points from their first 24 matches, Norwich may just miss out on a top-10 finish but will almost certainly finish higher than their fellow promoted Championship counterparts.

Next three Fixtures: Swansea (a), Man Utd (h), Stoke (a)

Final three Fixtures: Liverpool (h), Arsenal (a), Villa (h)

Key Man: Grant Holt—Club captain, joint top scorer, and fan's player of the season for 2009/10 and 2010/11 (and soon to be 2011/12), the 6 foot striker has an impressive 62 goals in 113 appearances for the Canaries and shows no sign of slowing.

10. Stoke City

To kick-off the top 10 we have Stoke City, a club that has now become a staple of the Barclays Premier League.

Still fighting it out in two cup competitions (the Europa League and F.A. Cup), Tony Pulis' men have a tough run-in to say the very least.

Last year's F.A. Cup runners-up have greatly bolstered their side this season with the hope of improving on last season's 13th place finish, adding the experience of Jonathan Woodgate, Matthew Upson and Peter Crouch to an already physically impressive (and imposing) side.

Whilst criticised for their heavy reliance on set-plays (namely throw-ins) in their early tenure in the Premiership, Stoke have evolved to become a much more well-rounded outfit, as proven by their continued involvement in European competition this season.

With strong home support, the Britannia Stadium has become somewhat of a fortress for the Potters, and it is this which will allow them to achieve their first top-half finish in the Barclays Premier League this season.

Next three Fixtures: Fulham (a), Swansea (h), Norwich (h)

Final three Fixtures: Arsenal (h), QPR (a), Bolton (h)

Key Man: Ryan Shawcross—At the heart of the Stoke defence, the former Manchester United apprentice is known for his tough-tackling, and at 6'3" is a formidable opponent for any striker.

9. Sunderland

At the beginning of December, Sunderland had taken just 11 points from 14 Premier League games and they were as short as 4/7 to be relegated.

Cue Martin O'Neil. The former Aston Villa, Celtic and Leicester boss arrived at the struggling Black Cats and took 13 points from a maximum 18 in his first six games in charge (including a defeat of league leaders Manchester City).

With maximum points taken from their last three outings, the Mackems now play with a renewed confidence and currently ride high in eigth position, having taken 33 points from their initial 24 outings (22 from a maximum 30 under O'Neill).

With a combination of established first-teamers and young prospects, such as Irish winger James McClean, Sunderland now appear to be a side on the up, and with sufficient backing in the summer, O'Neill could do wonders in developing a largely inherited squad even further.

Next three Fixtures: Arsenal (h), West Brom (a), Newcastle (a)

Final three Fixtures: Bolton (h), Fulham (a), Man Utd (h)

Key Man: Sebastian Larsson—The Swede is a self-proclaimed "set-piece specialist" and has already managed six goals this season. He is already proving to be O'Neill's "go-to guy," having twice come off the bench to secure maximum points for his side in added time.

8. Everton

Under David Moyes, Everton have become the prime example of long-term planning strategy in football success.

Having taken over the club in 2002, Moyes has gradually built a resilient Everton outfit over the past decade, which now consistently finishes in the upper echelons of England's premier division.

Despite breaking the club transfer record on four separate occasions during his tenure, Moyes has become known for his shrewd business acumen through a number of high-profile sales: Joleon Lescott to Manchester City (£22million), Mikel Arteta to Arsenal (£10million), and Wayne Rooney to Manchester United (£27million).

Despite these deals (on each occasion considered to be selling a prime asset), the Toffees have continued to garner praise for their development of young talent, which has ultimately led them into genuine contention for European football most seasons.

This season though, the Merseyside outfit have struggled without a genuine goalscorer in the side. Goals have been scarce to come by, and currently Leighton Baines (a left-back) joint-leads the clubs goal tally with four strikes.

Nevertheless, Everton consistently deliver with Moyes in charge, and this season will be no different. They will follow up last year's seventh with a top eight finish in May.

Next three Fixtures: Chelsea (h), QPR (a), Spurs (h)

Final three Fixtures: Fulham (h), Wolves (a), Newcastle (h)

Key Man: Landon Donovan—The on-loan LA Galaxy attacker could prove a great temporary solution to Everton's scoring needs; he is only the United States' top all-time goalscorer after all... 

7. Newcastle United

In only their second season back in the top-flight, Newcastle United have already proved their doubters wrong with an extremely impressive Premier League campaign.

After a controversial start to 2011, following the sacking of Chris Hughton and the subsequent departure of top scorer Andy Carroll to Liverpool, many expected the Toon Army to slip into free-fall.

Finishing 12th at the end of the 2010/11 season was therefore considered a great success.

At the beginning of 2011/12 though, Alan Pardew's inexperienced side looked set to struggle in one of the most competitive divisions in Premiership history. In particular, without the prolific Carroll leading their forward line.

Against the odds though, the Toon started the season undefeated up until November 19th.

Now Pardew's men find themselves in fifth place, having taken 42 points from 24 matches, and just a single point outside of a coveted Champion's League spot.

With tough games to come though, including trips to Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea, Newcastle will find breaking into the top six this season a daunting task. 

Next three Fixtures: Spurs (a), Wolves (h), Sunderland (h)

Final three Fixtures: Wigan (a), Man City (h), Everton (a)

Key Man: Demba Ba—Probably the signing of the summer after coming in from West Ham on a free transfer. Ba has bagged 16 goals in just 20 appearances for Newcastle. Having returned home early from the African Nations Cup at the weekend, the striker re-found his goalscoring touch in helping his side topple Aston Villa and will surely go on to score 25+ at his current rate.

6. Liverpool

The "second coming" of Kenny Dalglish has yielded somewhat of a mini-revolution at Anfield, since he replaced Roy Hodgson last January.

Having signed both Andy Carroll (£35million from Newcastle) and Luis Suarez (£22.8million from Ajax) shortly upon his arrival, Dalglish looked to leave his mark on a depleted, post-Fernando Torres side.

Guiding them to an eventual sixth place finish in 2010/11 and narrowly missing out on a European spot, the Red's looked to build over the summer to mount a renewed campaign and crack the top-4 in 2011/12.

But troubles both on and off the pitch have been a great catalyst for disappointment this season for the Kop.

Strikers Carroll and Suarez have both faced their share of controversy, and home performances with a distinct lack of goals have very clearly highlighted a vulnerability in the Liverpool squad.

Racking up eight home draws from 12 this campaign (including lacklustre stalemates with Blackburn, Swansea and Norwich), the Red's home form has been disheartening for supporters.

With some great young talent in the side (both home-grown and bought), fan unrest has also reared it's head with reliance on veteran Craig Bellamy as the club's top goalscorer.

With a crunch tie against bitter rivals Manchester United at the weekend, Liverpool's season could well rest on the remainder of their home performances.

Judging by this form so far though, the Reds could consider themselves extremely lucky to better last season's sixth place finish.

The one consolation for fans may come in domestic cup competition, where Liverpool have an F.A. cup fifth round tie versus Brighton, and a League Cup final against Cardiff to look forward to.

Next three Fixtures: Man Utd (a), Arsenal (h), Sunderland (a)

Final three Fixtures: Norwich (a), Chelsea (h), Swansea (a)

Key Man: Luis Suarez—The Uruguayan has had an eventful 12 months to say the least. The "Cannibal of Ajax" (trust me, youtube it) is now once again eligible for Premier League competition following an eight-match ban. Player of the Tournament and top goalscorer of the 2011 Copa America, Suarez can translate this international form into his red No. 7 jersey, then Liverpool could well be Champion's League contenders come May 13th.

5. Chelsea

Perhaps a surprise pick to miss out on the top four, look for the Blue's to only manage a spot in the Europa League next season.

Since arriving from Porto, 34-year-old Andre Villas-Boas has quickly turned from hero to villain in the eyes of Chelsea fans, with both his tactical style and man management skills (or lack thereof).

The ageing Blues' side appeared buoyed at the beginning of the season, with the infusion of fresh young talent in the form of Oriol Romeu, Ramires and Juan Mata.

But with three home defeats already this campaign and leaking an average of nearly twp goals per match, the man hailed as the next "Special One" may not have enough to revive Chelsea's hopes of matching the achievements of the club under Jose Mourinho.

Captain John Terry's impending court case for the racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand looms large, and with defensive frailty already an issue, it is tough to see the West London club's fortunes improving over the next three months.

Only managing a draw from Sunday's home collapse to Manchester United, having led 3-0 early in the second half, may have been the proverbial nail in the coffin of Chelsea's Champions League qualification hopes.

The fact that they are one of only two surviving clubs in the final 16 of Europe's premier competition though may provide some comfort for restless fans (and a multi-billionaire Chairman) and could ultimately rescue AVB's job for another season.

Next three Fixtures: Everton (a), Bolton (h), West Brom (a)

Final three Fixtures: QPR (h), Liverpool (a), Blackburn (h)

Key Man: Juan Mata—He has outshone his Spanish counterpart Fernando Torres at less than half the price (a reported £23.5million from Valencia) and has proved to be equally adept to scoring as he is in creating and generally running defences ragged. His emphatic volley in Sunday's 3-3 draw with Manchester United is definitely a contender for finish of the season.

4. Arsenal

It has been a season of two-halves for the Gunners.

Currently lying sixth with 40 points from 24 league matches, Wenger's side have been come under great scrutiny since August due to a perceived lack of investment in players over a number of years.

With the departures of their two brightest stars Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the summer, Wenger did little to respond to a situation, which was seen by many as a formality, even towards the end of the 2010/11 season.

But it is defensively where Arsenal have appeared most vulnerable this season, having conceded the most goals of any side in the top half of the Barclays Premier League—a statistic not helped by an 8-2 thumping at the hands of Manchester United in late August.

It is the Wenger's youth policy however, which may be the saving grace for the Gunners in retaining their top four place come the end of the season.

The introduction of Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain has breathed life into a side that was overly reliant on the solo efforts of prolific striker Robin Van Persie, and has subsequently led to a clear rise in confidence in the North London club.

Saturday's 7-1 defeat of Blackburn may be a good indication of the kind of form to expect from Arsenal over the next 14 games, and with Thierry Henry back at the club on loan from New York Red Bulls, expect Wenger's men to at least match their fourth place finish from last season.

Next three Fixtures: Sunderland (a), Spurs (h), Liverpool (a)

Final three Fixtures: Stoke (a), Norwich (h), West Brom (a)

Key Man: Robin Van Persie—"The Ox" is a fantastic young prospect, but Van Persie has proved this season that he is the real deal, scoring an astonishing 22 goals in 23 league appearances. While he may be favourite to move to wealthier pastures in the summer, Van Persie will undoubtedly win this season's Golden Boot and ultimately lead Arsenal to another top four finish.

3. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur narrowly missed out on returning to the Champions League with a fifth place finish last season.

Without doubt though, the Lilywhites will be in the draw for the group stages of Europe's top club competition this August.

For all intensive purposes, Spurs WILL NOT break-up the Manchester Monopoly at the top of the Barclays Premier League this season. But likely they will also not squander the seven-point advantage they currently hold over fourth place rivals Chelsea.

The biq question for Spurs though will be: can they keep the man who made it all possible at the helm of the club?

With Fabio Capello having resigned from his position as England manager. Redknapp could be lured to a lucrative deal with the F.A. as soon as March, and the front-runner for the post has already expressed a great interest in the role.

If the Spurs boss were to be offered the job, then he would more than likely be expected to begin preparation for June's Euro 2012 finals before 5pm on May 13th. It is impossible to say how the coming weeks may affect the form of Spurs, but expect a noticeable dip if any announcement on Redknapp's future were to be made.

Despite this, with the 50 points already amassed this season, it is difficult to see Spurs finishing anywhere other than in third position.

With an abundance of quality in the likes of Gareth Bale, Kyle Walker and Luka Modric, Redknapp should be able to see out his Tottenham career in style by guiding them to yet another top four finish and possibly even guide the club to some silverware in the form of the F.A. Cup.

Next three Fixtures: Newcastle (h), Arsenal (a), Man Utd (h)

Final three Fixtures: Blackburn (h), Villa (a), Fulham (h)

Key Man: Gareth Bale—The Welsh winger has blown hot and cold all season, but on his day, he is arguably the best left-sided player in world football (as proved by performances against Inter). With pace in abundance and a great eye for goal, Bale has already bagged 10 goals this season and could double this tally by mid-May.

2. Manchester United

My boyhood club.

Growing up watching the likes of Beckham, Scholes, Keane, Giggs, the Nevilles (...to an extent), Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, are extremely fond memories.

I was 10 years old when Manchester United did the unthinkable and won the treble with an incredible stoppage time turnaround against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Final 1998/99.

Sir Alex Ferguson is in my view the greatest football manger to ever live.

The 70-year-old Scot has overseen success in 12 league titles, five F.A. Cups, sour League Cups, 10 Community Shields, two Champions Leagues, a UEFA Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, a UEFA Cup Winners Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup in 25 years as boss of the Red Devils.

Despite all this, Manchester United will finish empty handed in 2012.

With two points separating the two Manchester clubs at the top of the table, it would appear that the Barclays Premier League has become somewhat of a two-horse race, but I assure you, it is not.

United's noisy neighbours have been consistently better than Fergie's young side, and this season will see the crowning of new Premiership champions, much to the chagrin of the red half of Manchester.

Out of the F.A. Cup to local rivals Liverpool and booted out of the League Cup by Championship minnows Crystal Palace, United's only remaining cup hopes are of success in the Europa League (the "consolation cup" of European competition).

For nostalgic purposes, it would be fantastic to see Fergie celebrate his Silver anniversary with United, by bringing a 20th league title back to Old Trafford, but in all honesty the sheer quality of City should, and will shine through.

Next three Fixtures: Liverpool (h), Norwich (a), Spurs (a)

Final three Fixtures: Man City (a), Swansea (h), Sunderland (a)

Key Man: Wayne Rooney—The England striker has managed 20 goals already this campaign and was the catalyst for United's success in 2010/11. Before the return of Paul Scholes, Rooney had been drafted in as a makeshift midfield player, but now with a return to the front-line alongside Chicarito, look for Rooney to make a huge impact over the coming weeks in his natural position.

1. Manchester City

A not-so-bold prediction, but an accurate one nevertheless. There are no two-ways about it: Manchester City WILL win the Barclays Premier League this season.

They have spent more than any other top flight club over the past three seasons, and finally it is time for the blue half of Manchester to reap the rewards of unlimited financial investment.

Last season's third place finish was somewhat sugar-coated by victory in the F.A. Cup, but nothing less than league success will do this year after a disappointingly premature end to the club's first Champions League run.

At home City have retained a 100 percent record since August, with a maximum 36-points collected from 12 league matches, managing to score 37 goals and concede just six at the Etihad Stadium.

Key to the club's success has been the arrival of record-signing Sergio Aguero, who has bagged 19 goals in all competitions since arriving from Atletico Madrid for £35million in the summer.

In turn, the arrival of Aguero has very much belittled the absence of last season's top scorer Carlos Tevez, who has been very much absent from squad affairs since refusing to play against Bayern in September.

City will hope to use 2012 as a stepping stone to greater things, with league success likely providing them with an even greater scope for buying players over the summer.

I fully expect the Citizens to dominate English football for the foreseeable future based on this season's achievements. 

So don't be surprised to see the likes of Ronaldo, Iniesta, Sneijder, Ribery or even Messi appearing in sky blue colours next season.

Next three Fixtures: Villa (a), Blackburn (h), Bolton (h)

Final three Fixtures: Man Utd (h), Newcastle (a), QPR (h)

Key Man: Mario Balotelli—The 21-year-old Italian will almost certainly shape the future at Eastlands. Scoring 12 in 19 appearances in all competitions this season, "Super Mario" has arguably garnered more attention for his off-field antics than his actual performances on the pitch. Despite his eccentric and often erratic behaviour though, Mancini has seemingly found a way to bring out the best in Balotelli, and look for the young striker to be at the heart of City's formidable attack for years to come.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed reading my first article for Bleacher Report!

I have left the final slide with the endearing image of "Big Sam" Allardyce (I highly recommend you follow him on Twitter @TheBig_Sam), the West Ham United manager who will almost certainly play a huge role in next season's Barclays Premier League.

Please feel free to leave your comments or thoughts on my article and I welcome any additions/alterations in the comments section below.

Once again,

Thanks for reading!