EPL Predictions 2013: Projecting How Final Standings Will Shake Out

While the reds of Manchester United dominated the Premier League last season, the blues of Chelsea and Manchester City have snatched away their favourites tag heading into the new campaign.

United boss David Moyes has endured a difficult preseason with poor form, a severe lack of transfer activity and the continuing Wayne Rooney saga impacting preparations ahead of his first term in charge.

City and Chelsea, however, have been invigorated by the arrivals of new managers Manuel Pellegrini and Jose Mourinho, with the north-west side giving their Chilean boss close to £100 million to spend so far.

Mourinho, who is adored by Blues fans after his first spell at the club, has brought renewed optimism after last year's controversial appointment of Rafa Benitez as interim manager.

But who will win the title? And, just as importantly, who will earn themselves a place in the Champions League? And, maybe even more importantly, who will avoid relegation to the second tier?

With the new season now just two days away, here's a full rundown of where all 20 clubs will finish next season.

1st Chelsea

With the Special One back in charge and talisman Frank Lampard signed up for another season, Chelsea can win their fourth Premier League title.

Even if they fail to sign Wayne Rooney, the creative talents of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Oscar and Andre Schurrle will make the difference over 38 games.

2nd Manchester City

Buoyed by the arrival of Pellegrini and four talented new signings in Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic, City will enjoy a better campaign in 2013/14.

But even though they'll pick up more points than rivals United, it won't be enough to stop Mourinho's second Chelsea revolution.

3rd Manchester United

Even if he adds to his squad before the end of the transfer window, Moyes will struggle to evoke the same spirit and desire in the United squad which was a trademark of Sir Alex Ferguson.

A Champions League spot will be comfortable but ultimately a disappointment after the success of last season.

4th Tottenham Hotspur

With or without Gareth Bale, Spurs have the quality and strength in depth to break into the top four next season.

New signings Paulinho and Roberto Soldado will improve Andre Villas-Boas' side and Bale, or the cash generated by his sale, will help them earn a Champions League spot.

5th Arsenal

With Luis Suarez now unlikely to move to the Emirates, Arsenal have left it too late to sufficiently strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Arsene Wenger will regret his indecision as the Gunners miss out on the Champions League to their closest rivals.

6th Liverpool

With Suarez now likely to stay at Anfield and some astute signings already in the bag, Brendan Rodgers' side can expect to improve on last season.

But the Reds are still missing the defensive strength and midfield enforcer to challenge for a place in the top four.

7th Everton

With the same squad that finished 6th last season, new boss Roberto Martinez can continue where Moyes left off by securing a solid top-half finish.

However, with neighbours Liverpool splashing the cash, they can expect to fall behind their Merseyside rivals.

8th Swansea City

Capital One Cup holders Swansea look set for more success after strengthening their squad with nine new players this summer.

Michael Laudrup's side will continue to play eye-catching football on their way to a slight improvement on last season.

9th Newcastle United

Alan Pardew endured a nightmare season last time out, but his squad is far too talented to produce the same level of performance again.

Loic Remy and Papiss Cisse should fire the Magpies to a top-half finish.

10th Aston Villa

Another side who will swap a relegation scrap for mid-table are Paul Lambert's Aston Villa.

Villa showed glimpses of their best form in the latter half of last season. They can continue that into the new campaign.

11th West Ham United

With Andy Carroll now signed permanently and Sam Allardyce continuing to strengthen his squad, West Ham can expect a second consecutive mid-table finish.

Upton Park will remain a difficult place to visit, but the Hammers' away form will still leave a lot to be desired.

12th Southampton

Next season will offer more comfortable viewing for Saints fans as manager Mauricio Pochettino enjoys his first full campaign in charge.

New signings Dejan Lovren and Victor Wanyama will help stop them conceding so many goals as they easily avoid the drop.

13th Norwich City

In what will be a less-tight relegation battle than last season, Norwich will steer clear of the drop by a greater margin, but find themselves two places worse off.

Chris Hughton's new signings will improve the quality of football at Carrow Road, but they'll still find it tough-going on their travels.

14th Fulham

Despite attempting to overhaul his squad this summer, Fulham boss Martin Jol hasn't done enough to adjust their fortunes next term.

Adel Taarabt will add creativity, but a failure to play consistently well will mean top-half aspirations are not met.

15th Sunderland

After staying up by just one place and three points last season, Sunderland will record a slight improvement under passionate manager Paolo Di Canio.

However, too many new signings failing to gel will cost them the chance of achieving anything other than survival. 

16th West Bromwich Albion

After a fine debut season as manager, Steve Clarke will discover the difficulties of a limited budget next term.

The Baggies, without Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on loan, will struggle for goals and drop down the table considerably.

17th Cardiff City

Malky Mackay has spent over £20 million this summer so far, and it's that investment which will see Cardiff retain their Premier League status.

The experienced Craig Bellamy will be a key player for his hometown club as they stay up by a few points.

18th Stoke City

New Stoke boss Mark Hughes has done little in the transfer window to arrest the multitude of problems Stoke endured last season.

With too many limited footballers in their squad, the Potters will deservedly drop down a division come May.

19th Crystal Palace

Ian Holloway's experience with Blackpool will be a bonus, but it won't be enough for a squad still lacking in top-flight games.

The Eagles will manage a respectable record at Selhurst Park, but that won't be enough to reach the magical 40-point mark.

20th Hull City

Lacking in quality and strength in depth, Hull look certainties for a return to the Football League at the first time of asking.

Their direct style of play may work on occasion, but they will be dead and buried a few weeks before the end of the season.