This time of year, when politicians are on holiday and there’s little going on in the news, I like many others can normally be found eagerly awaiting the return of the football season. I have written my predictions for the coming season for the last few years, usually with spectacular inaccuracy. Last season I correctly tipped Aston Villa would be relegated- me and everyone else in the country I know; I did balance that with predicting Jose’s Chelsea would retain the title though..

This summer we have had the added treat of the Euro’s, meaning only a couple weeks without the beautiful game on TV. Some might say it’s even more difficult to suggest who will be good or bad this year, with little activity in the transfer market and many of our superstars returning late for training after an exhausting summer tournament. At least English players should be fresh.

Middlesbrough fans will be excited for their team's long awaited return to the Premier League along with swifter returns for Hull and Burnley, but I think it will be a long hard season for all three. Aitor Karanka has made a few decent signings during the summer, strengthening his side while Hull manager Steve Bruce quit the club last week in protest at the lack of signings, leaving them managerless with a fortnight before the kick off. Burnley have also been relatively quiet in the markets as well, signing duo Nick Pope and Berg Gudmunsson from Charlton.

The biggest headline transfers have been in the dug outs, with Manchester United taking a gamble on the not as special as he used to be Mourinho, and City going with the talented Pep Guardiola. Guardiola has apparently banned the overweight players from training with the first team until they shed some pounds and is ready to pay £50m for Everton’s John Stones. Everton meanwhile seem to have been linked with almost every player in Europe since nicking Ronald Koeman from Southampton and Leicester’s Steve Walsh as director of football. Veteran keeper Tim Howard has been replaced by former Fulham goalie Maarten Stekelenburg and you can expect Koeman to make some shrewd signings in the coming weeks. Toffee’s fans will have high hopes after Koeman’s appointment but they will be a way off the top 5 this year.

Chelsea possibly have most to prove after last season’s disastrous self-destruction. Former Italy coach, Bruno Conte will be under huge pressure at the Bridge this year with Blues fans demanding some success instantly. Although I tipped them for success last season, I am more reluctant this term and will be surprised if they finish higher than third.

Last year’s shock package and suddenly everyone’s favourite second team, Leicester will bankrupt the bookies if they repeat last season’s miracle. Top half is more realistic for me, as the foxes struggle to hold onto their stars. Liverpool could push on this season as Klopp looks to assert his style on the team.

Arsenal’s reluctance to compete financially with their rivals could see the Gunners miss out again although a top 3 finish should be achievable. London rivals Spurs will need Harry Kane to be much more impressive than his form in the summer if they are to build on last season’s good work.

So here are my tips.

C. Manchester City

2 Manchester United

3 Arsenal

4 Chelsea

5 Liverpool

6 Spurs

7 West Ham

8 Everton

9 Stoke

10 Crystal Palace

11 Southampton

12 Swansea

13 Leicester

14 Watford

15 Bournemouth

16 Middlesbro

17 Burnley

18 Sunderland

19 West Brom

20 Hull

Place your bets !