1. Manchester United- A team that looked unlikely to win the title earlier in the season, their strength in depth and vast experience has shone as the season has progressed. Alex Ferguson has made clever moves this season, he brought in youngsters such as Phil Jones, while also bringing back old heads in Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. Even without the large budget of their city neighbours, Ferguson has put together a balanced squad that has only performed better as the season progressed. While it's not yet set in stone, Machester United do not have difficult upcoming games, and it's my belief that they will clinch the title at Eastlands in front of the Manchester City fans.
2. Manchester City- The sun has set on Roberto Mancini's time at Manchester City. While he brought them an FA Cup win and Champions League qualification, for the money spent his return has been below-par. In my opinion, the season was lost because of his failure to control his squad and command authority over them. It is beyond belief that he would let Carlos Tevez play for his team again, though it shows how desperate Mancini has begun as the points have dried up. The other liability has been, of course, Mario Ballotelli. As I watched the Arsenal game today, I was baffled as to how Mancini could possibly leave that man on the pitch. He has extreme immaturity issues that have caused him to be sent of 4 times this season, and always remain in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Though Roberto Mancini claims Ballotelli will never play for Man City again, I think Mancini won't be the one in charge to make that decision.
3. Arsenal- This has been a controversial season for Arsene Wenger and his men. The loss of key players at the beginning of the year, coupled with a few disastrous results (8-2) saw many calling for the long time manager to be sacked. While Arsenal fans will always want more than a third or fourth place finish, with their budget, this is realistically the best that the team can achieve. I like the way the Wenger manages his side, he develops young players and also lets star players leave when they are on the way down after reaching their peak (Viera, Henry). Arsenal's form has picked up towards the end of the season, and results against teams like Manchester City and Spurs have proven the team's ability.
4. Tottenham Hotspur- It is noticeable to everyone that Spurs' form has gone downhill since Redknapp has been linked the England post, and involved with court cases. Honestly, I thought that this year would be their most successful yet and that Bale, Van Der Vaart and Modric would lead their team to a second or third place finish. While the wheels have slightly come off, Tottenham are still a good bet to finish third or fourth and achieve their goal of Champions League qualification. To become an elite team, I think they need to strengthen their forward line. While Adebayor and Defoe are good Premier League strikers, they don't score enough to outscore teams like Manchester United and Manchester City. It will be interesting to see what happens to them if Redknapp does ultimately leave.
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18. Blackburn- I had a really tough time choosing the final team to go down this season, but after examining remaining schedules I thought that Blackburn had too much of a challenge to stay up. Their other main competitors (Bolton has a much easier schedule, Wigan looked brilliant against Chelsea) seem able to do enough to stay up. Blackburn have never been a good side since Steve Kean took over, and while they have improved recently, it is tough to see where the points will come from. The one thing in their favour is that in Junior Hoilett and Yakubu they have two goal-scorers, but they might be relying on them too much. Should it come down to the final day of the season, a home game against Chelsea won't be easy for them.
19. QPR- Currently sitting outside the relegation zone on goal difference, QPR are a team that I could see staying up or going down. However, their remaining fixtures include Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester City who all still have something to play for. The team has been let down by their big money signings such as Djibril Cisse and Joey Barton. Promoted teams often make the mistake of signing big name veterans to aid their cause, but it is the young, determined players that are much more useful (see Swansea and Norwich). It will be close, but QPR should be returning to a league much more suited to a club of their size next season.
20. Wolverhampton Wanderers- It is safe to assume that Wolves are dead and buried at the bottom of the Premier League. Since firing McCarthy after a devastating 5-1 home loss to rivals West Bromwich Albion, things have gotten even worse under interim manager Terry Connor. They have barely gained a point since he took charge, and the only reason his team has gained headlines is the wife of one of his players question his team on twitter. Wolves should be back up soon, as they have always been a yo-yo club.
