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[V] V Burnley – The Playoff winners will be every one’s tip (Including my own) to go straight back down this season. Coyle’s free flowing football deservedly got them promoted but I cannot see any evidence to suggest that they will be able to stay in the Premier League this season. Chris McCann will be one to watch. May go down and come back up stronger next time. Plus Points: Nothing to lose, underdogs everywhere they’ll play. Doubts: Simply one: are they ready for the Premier League?
Stoke City – The surprise of last season will be out to avoid the drop from the off. Signings haven’t happened yet and Tony Pulis was making no secret of his frustrations this week. I expect to see them thrusted into a dogfight but I think they’ll survive. They were fabulous last season at the Brittania Stadium and if they can turn it into a similar fortress then they should be okay this season. Plus Points: Will never give up a fight, fantastic at home. Doubts: May struggle having not strengthened.
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Chelsea – Having retained Drogba and Terry, The Blues should be fairly comfortable in terms of preparation here and retain pride in the fact that they’re the only one of the top four not to lose a key player. New signings were few and far between but regardless of whether Zhirkov is fit or not, a newly reborn Malouda will more than suffice. I fully expect Chelsea to win this one by at least two goals thus laying foundations for a serious title challenge. Plus points: Strong squad with quality and depth, Terry’s stay should boost fan morale. Doubts: Ancelotti’s willingness to learn from Scolari’s mistakes, Petr Cech’s form.