5 Bold English Premier League End-of-Season Predictions

It's been another fascinating and controversial season in the EPL. There will certainly be plenty more twists and turns before the last game, but make no mistake, plans are already underway for next year.

There will be lots of player movement when the transfer window re-opens, but it may well be the old faces that grab the headlines rather than the new ones.

Here are five bold predictions for the biggest decisions, swaps and announcements that could happen next season.

5. FA Announces Plans to Trial Goal-Line Technology

A topic that is becoming more high profile by the week, goal-line technology is not a new subject to come under intense consideration.

But the pressure on FIFA and the FA looks set to come to a head sooner rather than later.

Clint Hill's disallowed goal at Bolton this month not only cost QPR at least a point, it gave their relegation contenders all three and could be the deciding factor that sees the Londoners relegated from the EPL.

With today's technology and the increased significance of each incorrect decision, don't be surprised if the green light is given to the introduction of goal-line technology as early as next season. 

4. Jose Mourinho to Replace Roberto Mancini

Under increasing pressure at Manchester City, Roberto Mancini could be shown the door at the Eastlands after a season that promised so much looks to be all but over.

Once huge favourites to beat their arch-rivals United to their first ever Premier League title, it now looks like City will finish runners-up to their bitter rivals.

And with a disappointing Champions League campaign and subsequent Europa Cup exit combined with FA and Carling Cup defeats, Mancini could be sweating come the end of the season.

Throw into that the potential return of Jose Mourinho to England, and you have a very realistic story that would cause shock waves throughout world football.

Many see Mourinho as the obvious choice to take over at Chelsea following Andre Villas-Boas' shock sacking, but money talks, and City are the richest club in the world.

Don't be surprised to see the "Special One" making the move up North.

3. Robin Van Persie Moves to Manchester City

This could be the big transfer move of the summer, and if Jose Mourinho does take over at Eastlands, he will undoubtedly be given an open checkbook.

Van Persie has already been linked with a move to City, according to the Daily Mail, and this would only intensify with Mourinho calling the shots combined with their desire to win both the Premier League and Champions League.

The Gunners have already sold Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, and an offer north of £30 million could well prove too tempting for Arsenal's board to resist, with only one more year to run on his existing contract.

Van Persie is perhaps only second to Lionel Messi as the world's best player in the present climate, but the Dutch international is definitely more likely to move after already stalling on talks of a new deal at the Emirates.

2. Steve Kean Wins Manager of the Season

This may have been a bad April Fools joke earlier this season, but Steve Kean has a realistic chance of being crowned the best manager of the year.

To be able to deal with the disgraceful fan abuse he has endured with such dignity whilst under the intense pressure cauldron that is the Premier League is quite remarkable.

Not only that, but he has had to manage the smallest and weakest squad in the division with no financial backing or vocal support whatsoever.

His club captain refused to play after handing in a transfer request in January, and he has had to hire a private bodyguard because of unsettling threats from certain "fans" both at the club and outside it.

Yet, he has lifted his team from bottom of the table at Christmas to 16th—three points clear of the drop zone.

A famous win at Old Trafford has been the highlight of the season so far, but Premier league survival would be the biggest achievement of all for Kean.

He would have a great chance at winning Manager of the Season and would probably battle it out with Norwich City's Paul Lambert for the title.

1. Neil Warnock Takes Leeds into Premier League as QPR Is Relegated

Sometimes a change does not guarantee results. 

It came as a shock when Neil Warnock was replaced by Mark Hughes as QPR boss in January. 

Things have not gone according to plan for the London club, and they now look to be favourites for the drop after another disappointing defeat at Sunderland last weekend.

Meanwhile Warnock's instant return to management with Leeds has given the Yorkshire club an immediate boost. They lie just three points off the playoffs and would be dangerous opposition for anyone.

Sometimes you should stick rather than twist!