7 Premier League Predictions After the First Week of Games

Week 1 of the English Premier League is over. 

Admittedly, it might be a little too early to make season predictions, but at the same time, it is possible this early to get a feel and a preview of the league. 

So based upon just one week of games, here are some predictions on how the entire season will end.  Again, remember that we are dealing with an incredibly small sample size. 

Queens Park Rangers Will Be Relegated

This isn't too bold of a prediction as many people were already predicting this before the season even started.  But a 4-0 loss to Bolton isn't exactly the best way to start off your premier league campaign. 

QPR was likely a little nervous and maybe overwhelmed to be playing with the "big boys," but still, if they are giving up four goals to Bolton, how bad will it be when they face Manchester United or teams at the top of the table? 

Surely QPR will win a few games and maybe even upset a perennial power at some point during the season.  But that moment will be their highlight of their short stint in the Premier League.

Sunderland Will Compete for a Spot in the Europa League

Sunderland finished strong in the 2010-11 season finishing in the top half of the table.  They didn't seem to lose a step and looked in fine form in Week 1 at Liverpool. 

Many pundits are predicting that Liverpool will be better this season and regain their spot at the top of the table.  If that is true and Liverpool is one of the better teams in the Premier League, then Sunderland is too as they were on par with Liverpool.

It doesn't hurt Sunderland that their first goal of the season was a fantastic finish Sebastian Larsson.  Quite a way to start the season. 

Sunderland started strong last season as well and then started to fade.  This season they will have enough talent and experience to remain a viable contender through May.

Luis Suarez Will Win the Golden Boot

Luis Suarez should have two goals and not just one.  He missed a penalty kick against Sunderland.  He will need to take better advantage of those opportunities if he wants to win the Golden Boot. 

But despite missing the penalty he scored a great header against Sunderland.  He has a knack for finding the back of the net.  He struggled a little last season after coming over from Ajax.  He only scored four goals in 12 games. 

But he is a prolific scorer.  He has proven that with Ajax and also with Uruguay on the world stage. 

Suarez is more comfortable with his Liverpool teammates and with the pace of the Premier League.  This season will be his breakout season.  This goal in Week 1 is only the first of many on his way to winning the 2011-12 Golden Boot and helping all Liverpool fans say, "Torres, who?"

Arsenal Will Finish Outside the Top 5

This is prediction many were making before the season started, but nothing in the first week would lead anyone to change their mind. 

Arsenal isn't a bad team by any means, but they just don't seem to have the players and play-makers needed to compete for a spot in the top of the table.  Last season they finished below Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea. 

And they didn't make any sort of offseason changes or upgrades to lead anyone to believe that they are now capable of finishing ahead of any of those clubs.

Not only do they not seem poised to take over the top of the table, they look vulnerable to the clubs like Tottenham and Liverpool that finished just below them. 

We didn't see Tottenham this week and even though Liverpool tied, they still made some transfers over the summer that would lead most to believe they are a better team and strong enough to at least overcome Arsenal for that number four spot. 

Wolves Will Finish in the Top Half of the Table

Hey, crazier things have happened.  Sure, last year they barely escaped relegation, but they have already started off the 2011/2012 campaign with a win.

The Wolves played inspired football on Saturday and looked like a team that could cause trouble for many premier league clubs this season as opposed to being an afterthought like they were last season. Many teams may overlook them and the Wolves could jump out to a few early wins and even a couple upsets. 

If they can pull off some victories they could position themselves safely out of the relegation zone.  They won't by any means compete for a spot in the top 4, but they can at least finish in the top half.

Nicolas Anelka Won't Finish the Season at Chelsea

Something's gotta give at Chelsea and it will likely be Nicolas Anelka.  Chelsea has a crop of forwards and many more than they can play in one game. 

Just a couple weeks ago Anelka was stating that he was happy at Chelsea and intent on staying through the end of this season and the end of his contract. It seemed as though he would be content coming off the bench—which was his role in the first game and would likely be his role the entire season.

But now media outlets are reporting that he has changed his tune and that he wants to leave Chelsea. He still has plenty to offer and surely there will be interested clubs.  Chelsea would likely rather get something for Anelka in a transfer than just let Anelka go when his contract expires at the end of the season.  If Anelka does want out, they will surely entertain rumors. 

Only one week in and it's already clear though that Anelka won't finish the season with Chelsea. 

City Will Win the Premier League

They currently sit at the top of the table with Bolton and between the two they are the likely team to finish at the top. 

There were/are concerns about who will fulfill the void that Carlos Tevez is likely to leave if he ever makes it out of the Eastlands.  However, any concerns were resolved when Sergio Aguero came off the bench and scored two goals in the opening game. 

City has been buying all the pieces for the past few years in order to win the Premier League.  Last year they finally received a return on their investment when they finished in the top 4 and qualified for the Champions League.

This year they will have an even better result and finally hoist the trophy in May.