Premiership season preview

We ask Rob McCaffrey, the face of Showsports’ match coverage, what we can expect from the new season 1 Comments

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Arsenal

Position last season: 4th
Top scorer last season: Robin van Persie (11)
First game: Everton – August 15
Rob says: ‘Hard to predict, but Wenger always pulls it out of the bag.’

Aston Villa

Position last season: 6th
Top scorer last season: Gabriel Agbonlahor (12)
First game: Wigan Athletic – August 15
Rob says: ‘Maybe top six if they can hold onto Ashley Young.’

Birmingham City

Position last season: Promoted, 2nd.
Top scorer last season: Kevin Phillips (14)
First game: Manchester United – August 16
Rob says: ‘Alex McLeish is a top guy, so I really hope they do well.’

Blackburn Rovers

Position last season: 15th
Top scorer last season: Benny McCarthy (10)
First game: Manchester United – August 15
Rob says: ‘I don’t expect them to be in relegation trouble this time, but I don’t expect them to be troubling the top 10 either.’

Bolton Wanderers

Position last season: 13th
Top scorer last season: Kevin Davies (12)
First game: Sunderland – August 15
Rob says: ‘I think Gary Megson did great last year. If he can keep them mid table, he’s done well.’

Burnley

Position last season: Promoted via playoffs, 5th.
Top scorer last season: Martin Paterson (19)
First game: Stoke City – August 15
Rob says: ‘Will struggle, but Owen Coyle is a bright manager and they play attractive football.’

Chelsea

Position last season: 3rd
Top scorer last season: Nicolas Anelka (19)
First game: Hull City – August 15
Rob says: ‘Ancelotti is an interesting character. But bizzarely Man City and Madrid’s millions have left them hunting in the bargain basement.’

Everton

Position last season: 5th
Top scorer last season: Tim Cahill (8)
First game: Arsenal – August 15
Rob says: ‘Everton seem to over perform every season. You wonder when they’ll run out of gas, but they don’t.’

Fulham

Position last season: 7th
Top scorer last season: Clint Dempsey (7)
First game: Portsmouth – August 15
Rob says: ‘Brilliant last season. Need to add a few more players, though. A couple more.’