Surprise clubs of the '13-'14 season?

M M

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Perhaps a bit early to tell, but no point waiting till the season starts and there are better things to discuss.

What clubs might be the surprise packages of next season? You know, the promoted teams that go on to win a Euro place, or the high flyers who suddenly nose dive (eg Swansea/Newcastle last season) kind of thing.

I don't know enough about the promoted clubs to make a judgement, but Cardiff have been knocking on the PL door long enough they must have a decent squad. I also think Southampton are building nicely and could come on in leaps and bounds in the coming season.

As for bad season, Fulham struggled a bit last season and don't seem to be doing much in the transfer window. They could come unstuck. Also, it'll be interesting to see how Everton adapt to the new manager and playing style, and that's without any players who may yet leave.

I'd say they are the 4 I would think could entertain the neutrals next season, but sometimes teams come from nowhere to impress/depress. Any thoughts?
 
As you say its too early to say with there being plenty of time for significant transfers to take place. But if rumours be believed Norwich and Southampton look to be building strong sides and could potentially trouble the top 8. As for strugglers I think Everton could be a surprise struggler with top players looking like they may leave and only Kone coming in it hardly inspires confidence. West Brom will struggle without Lukaku too imo. Villa had looked good but with the Benteke news they could be in for a tough year as they still lack experience. Newcastle with those clowns in charge could be in for a struggle. Of the promoted teams only Cardiff appear to be signing players of sufficient quality, I think Hull and Palace will go straight back down.
 
I think Southampton will improve a lot, they have some really good young players and if they add a quality striker they could push on. I think it will be tougher to get into Europe, the rags, Arsenal, Spuds, Chelsea and ourselves will be pushing for the top 4 and depending on Liverpool's transfers they will progress as well.

I think West Brom might stumble slightly, they have a decent squad but I think a few injuries or bad results and they could suffer. Palace are favourites for the drop but they know that and have nothing to lose. I wouldn't be surprised if they won a fair few points early on and capitalised on the underdog tag. Might just scrape another season. Not likely I know, but I'm going to put it out there.

Sunderland could go either way. Di Canio is an enigma, he commands respect and strong work ethic but wont win any friends for his style and public criticism of players. Might be that he loses the players early and they struggle. As it is they do not have a good side. West Ham will also push on as will Norwich in my opinion having been proactive and ambitious in transfer market.

Looking to be a great season, hard to call as well and lots of changes in management etc.
 
I think Hull will actually stay up if they manage to get a decent striker, they've made understated but decent signings where as say Cardiff is spunking over 7million on one player, they might leave it late but they'll stay up at least one season. Otherwise I think Newcastle will continue to fail which will surprise anyone who looks at their team sheet. Southampton will do really well I reckon :)
 
Swansea to better last seasons ninth place finish. Southampton is a good shout too if they can sign the players they are linked with.
 
Unless Cardiff change their style of play dramatically they will be straight back down
 
They've just signed Bony for 14m. Expect Swansea to do really
well again next season. West Ham are a dark horse aswell I feel.
 
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