Coral’s Premier League predictions 2015/16: Holly Thackeray

8. Southampton
Despite being smart in the transfer market once again, the Saints cannot retain their best players and may be distracted by continental competition.

9. Crystal Palace
Palace are a club on the up, with Alan Pardew continuing to create optimism and excitement around Selhurst Park, while tantalising new signings just keep on arriving.

10. Stoke City
Mark Hughes has added guile to solid Stoke, but failure to lure the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri to the Britannia may limit just how far he can guide the Potters.

12. West Ham United
Another club set to be stretched by continental competition, the Hammers have bought well but are not quite ready to fight on four fronts.

13. Aston Villa
With Tim Sherwood on board to keep the ship steady, Villa’s sensible spending of the Benteke funds could see them just avoid another relegation dogfight.

14. Newcastle United
The Magpies have been ambitious during the off-season so purple patches, as well as wobbles, are to be expected from the Tyneside team’s entertaining union with Steve McClaren.

Dick Advocaat should help the Black Cats keep their heads above water for another season, though a few more high-profile purchases would help.

16. West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies just lack spark, but have enough tenacity under Tony Pulis to stay in the top flight for another term.

17. Norwich City
Norwich may have had to navigate their way through the play-offs to get here, but are a settled side and have made some astute signings with the likes of Robbie Brady arriving.

18. Leicester City
Leicester rode their luck last season, but have lost crucial leadership after the exits of Esteban Cambiasso and Nigel Pearson. Claudio Ranieri does not appear to be cut out for a survival scrap.

20. Bournemouth
The step up could just be too much for the Cherries and their modest budget, despite the south coast club impressively winning the Championship.