EPL Predictions 2013: Teams Who Need to Spend to Avoid a Relegation Fight

We are now just 10 days from the opening day of the 2013-14 Premier League season, and many teams are beginning to put in place the final pieces of their squads for the coming seasons.

Others, meanwhile, are still in the early stages of their transfer activity and, while for the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal it is not a huge worry, for teams lower down the table, a lack of early planning can be a major issue.

Already this summer, we have seen the likes of Norwich, Swansea and Aston Villa significantly strengthen their sides. Some of their rivals from last season, though, are still to really act upon their summer requirements.

Which sides, then, could be in for a tough campaign without further spending?

Fulham

Martin Jol has moved quickly this summer to bring some impressive names to Craven Cottage in the form of Maarten Stekelenburg, Fernando Amorebieta and Derek Boateng, as well as Moroccan Adel Taarabt on loan.

However, with several long-term members of the club's small squad having departed this summer, they would ideally like to bring in some additional depth ahead of the new campaign.

There is no doubting the strength of the club's first-choice side, although there are perhaps some doubts over their mental strength. A few injuries, though, and there could be some problems for Jol—particularly in attack.

Talk of a move for Darren Bent has come from the Daily Star, which would help matters, adding variety to their talented attacking options, but any extra additions would be doubtless welcomed as the season looms large.

Stoke

New manager Mark Hughes has a major task on his hands at the Britannia Stadium this season, as he attempts to transition his Stoke side away from the physical approach of the Tony Pulis era.

The swift additions of defenders Marc Muniesa and Erik Pieters showed impressive early intent, as well as a desire to bring in more technically gifted defensive options, but there have been no further arrivals.

Given the exits of Dean Whitehead, Rory Delap, Matthew Upson and Michael Owen this summer, it is clear that the squad will need some added depth in the coming weeks. Ideally for Hughes, that will include some first-team players who are able to implement his tactical changes immediately.

At the moment, it would appear that the Potters could be in for a difficult transitional campaign. Hughes has shown imagination in his transfer deals thus far though, and he could really change the outlook for Stoke's season with some arrivals later this month.

West Brom

The Baggies have made two signings this summer in experienced duo Nicolas Anelka and Diego Lugano, but will need further expenditure to cope with the exits of Romelu Lukaku, Zoltan Gera and Marc-Antoine Fortune this summer.

Neither Anelka or Lugano should fill fans with hope. Anelka had a torrid final six months at Chelsea and then struggled greatly in his year in China. At Juventus, he was barely noticed in his six-month spell.

Lugano, meanwhile, has spent two years in Paris with PSG, but struggled for regular appearances with the club. A loan move to Malaga last campaign brought some game time, but the veteran has failed to impress since the 2011 Copa America.

WBA performed above expectations last year and will struggle to match those levels. Unless more signings are made though, it could be a very tough season indeed. A rumoured move for Scott Sinclair, reported in the Birmingham Mail, is a step in the right direction.

West Ham

Sam Allardyce's West Ham side managed a 10th-place finish in the 2012-13 Premier League season but have endured a frustrating summer in the transfer market so far.

While Andy Carroll's loan move has been made permanent, the only real addition to the squad has been Romanian left-back Razvan Rat.

A plan to bring in Colombian striker Duvan Zapata, meanwhile, broke down over work permit issues, boss Sam Allardyce told Sky Sports, to whom Allardyce also ruled out moves for Graham Dorrans and Stewart Downing, while Salomon Kalou turned down a move according to The Daily Star.

West Ham were fairly comfortable last campaign but will not be immune to danger this season with their current squad. A couple of new arrivals in the next 10 days would not go amiss.

The Promoted Sides: Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Hull

All three promoted sides will doubtless be among the favourites to make an immediate return to the Championship this campaign but could give their survival hopes a major boost with some late signings.

Cardiff have made some big splashes this summer, with the signings of Andreas Cornelius and Steven Caulker, while French midfielder Etienne Capoue is a reported target according to The Daily Mail. At present, they would appear best equipped to survive, particularly if they continue to show such intent in the coming weeks.

Palace and Hull, meanwhile, have brought in more players than the South Wales side, but at a lower cost per purchase. There is no doubting that they are improved, but none of either's arrivals will strike fear into the hearts of their opponents ahead of the season openers.

All three sides will be hoping to make some season-defining late additions and, if they do, could easily replicate the notable successes of some promoted sides in recent seasons.

Who do you think needs late arrivals to stave off danger this season? Let us know in the comments section below.