Then at least they'll know one position where they won't finish. Actually last year my predictions were not a total failure – successes included me tipping Leeds for a top-half finish, Newcastle for 12th place (spot on) and Fulham to go down (no fortune made if betting on that one). So here goes for 2021-22 – my predicted finishing positions. And to anyone who claims I've come up with these with only a tiny fraction of the research or analysis as most other tipsters and columnists, you'd be absolutely right. Pictures: Getty Images
9. Leicester
It's no secret that I have not liked Leicester at all since 1993, and didn't care for them much before that either. But my prediction of a bottom-half for Brendon and the boys last season proved a tad harsh, so while predicting better for them this year, let's just all hope they have a dull season in which they're not in contention to do anything interesting from start to finish. Picture: Getty Images
10. Newcastle
The hardest team in the league to predict. As this prediction will probably prove. They just seem to tread water but it's been a while since they were that close to relegation. Brucie will look like he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders most of the season and much may depend on who owns the club as the campaign unfolds. Picture: Getty Images
11. Leeds
A difficult second season is surely in store for Bielsa's boys. They were a breath of fresh air last season though don't let Spurs or Arsenal fans hear me say that because they were jealous of the new boys. Even if they fall below their first-season standards they'll still shake up a few reputations and hopefully Kalvin Phillips will be hero-worshipped wherever he goes after a fine Euro 2020. Picture: Getty Images
12. West Ham
The Hammers were actually London's top-placed team for much of 2020-21 but it's asking a lot for them to do it again. Moyesy is both a Premier League fixture and a fitting and many will hope he prospers again. But this is West Ham and, let's face it, they'll probably go back to losing 3-0 in every second home match and not doing a lot in between them. Picture: Getty Images