Inside My Head

Call me naive or massively behind but I only just learned recently that there was such a day as 'Mental Health Day'.

But I think it's a great thing to be aware of; you don't need me to tell you how mental health can affect people in the worst possible way - more so than I can even begin to imagine. I am relieved I don't suffer anywhere as badly as others do.

But I thought now would be a good time to let you inside my head as, although it probably doesn't come as close to what other people have to deal with, it does get me really down at the worst of times. This is because I overthink - a bloody lot!

This happens every single day even though I can do a very good job of hiding it. There's a suggestion that women can overthink more so than men but (and yes everyone who overthinks can say this) I can give a lot of them a good run for their money. When I say I overthink a lot, I mean often little details in life - sometimes to a pathetic degree.

To give one example of this; if I am having a conversation with somebody I am always overthinking about potential outcomes to any response I come out with. If I respond with one answer, I think the conversation will go a certain way likewise if I respond with a different answer, I am worried it'll go a different way to the point where I wish I'd kept my mouth shut! Yep, I know. That is sad.

That's just one example. Here's another one...

I'm very selective about who I associate myself with because I overthink about what scenarios could happen in any given conversation. Another way in which I overthink is what people make of me. I suppose a big part of this is because I was bullied at school & obviously people would've probably thought of me as a target or some sort of loser (thankfully that's in the past now though).

I will mention in this that I have a mild case of Aspergers Syndrome (I deliberately stood this paragraph out on its own so it wouldn't be missed), which I suspect looking back on my time at school is probably why I never fit in with many people there. With the exception of a couple of friends I was relatively close to, I didn't hang out with anyone because I felt I either had nothing in common with anyone or wouldn't contribute to conversations or anyone's life in a meaningful way. To this day, I still overthink about that.

I want people to think of me in a positive light and I know caring what others think is very sad in some aspects but there's a reason for it. I always want to consider other people's opinions so that I'm not ignoring anyone. My pessimistic mind thinks that if someone is telling me something that I need to hear and I ignore it and go with my own thoughts instead, I may make a mistake and feel worse later. But as for others remembering or thinking of me in a good way, it's one reason I'm very selective on who I hang out with.

One stereotypical trait of people with Aspergers or Autism is the unwillingness to engage in social situations - and to a degree that is true although it is important to remember every one who has one of the two is different & individual not just part of stereotypical stats or theories. For me, I do find it difficult in new social situations although I don't feel it's because of my autism or Aspergers. It's more because every time I meet someone new I either go down the general topics of conversation (something which I hate doing) or I worry that I find nothing in common with them so therefore I have nothing meaningful to contribute.

Obviously if I meet someone new then I 'attempt' to be funny so that if nothing else I'll be remembered as someone who attempts to make people laugh. Sometimes it works and other times (more often than not) it fails like a slap in the face. No harm in trying right...?



I hate awkward interactions or ones where I don't feel a vibe with someone. If I'm talking to someone and the flow of the conversation in question is natural then I feel like I'm contributing something to someone's life in a good way. If I have done so, then I feel like I belong and that puts my overthinking mind at rest. Positive thoughts right.

Heck, even football does that for me. I know not everyone is into football but I feel like I belong to a community of football fans as many of us (for some reason) love to watch Sunderland cock up in the most inconceivable fashion. In despair at my team, I do feel like I'm contributing something whether via a conversation or opinions on Sunderland.

I guess I overthinking about positively contributing to people's lives comes from wanting to be wanted, loved or I just want to feel like I belong. That's something I know lots of people desire in life.

So I've tended to overthink about lots of different things and I've found it easier talking about it through a blog rather than talking about it verbally because I can organise my thoughts in a somewhat organised manner. If I'm attempting to talk about it I'm worried I'll end up sounding like an idiot. Another thing is I tend to be very harsh on myself and overthink about what I should be doing better. You what they say... sometimes you're your own harshest critic.

I also overthink about talking to someone about it all because I feel like I'm burdening them with my own problems. Sounds stupid I know but I've kind of grown used to it by now considering I'm a quarter of a century old!

That's a reason why I love things like Marvel movies, Star Wars, Harry Potter and even watching old episodes of Thomas the Tank Engine (we never grow up, we just learn how to act in public!) because when life gets a little bit too much I like to escape to alternative worlds and ignore real life for a while. I find it brings me comfort, as I'm sure it will do for many other people.

To bring this long old blog to a close, I'm quite lucky because I don't suffer from depression or anxiety and I am full of admiration for those who are able to find ways to deal with it on a regular basis. I have nothing but applause for them but I don't envy them at all!

So yes, this technically doesn't have much to do with World Mental Health Day but I figure it'd be a good (or appropriate) time to express my thoughts inside my head to you all as I've been (over)thinking about writing this blog for sometime now.

Thank you for taking the time to read me rambling on! Subscribe for feel free to watch my weekends being ruined by Sunderland A.F.C. every single week!

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Results day, university advice and more!

All that hard work for your A-Levels has now paid off and here comes one of the most important life decisions you will ever make - do I go to university or not?

Obviously that depends on if you have enough UCAS points to go and each university will have their own required number of points in order to study. But if you have got enough the decision is definitely not one to be taken lightly.

     

Let me presumably bore you all to death with a story that occurred three years ago when I was in this same position: I was waiting to find out my grades. I had completed two different A-Levels in Film Studies and Media Studies (two different courses I assure you) at South Tyenside College (from two of the best teachers I've had the pleasure of being students for - Jon Burton and Martin Charlton) as well as two AS classifications in English Literature and Sociology.

I didn't know until results day if I'd have enough points to take the plunge. I wanted to stay on and finish Sociology as I loved the teacher and the course. But as it turned out I did have enough points to go to the University of Sunderland to do a journalism degree. But Alistair Robinson, head of journalism (for want of a better title description) had 'recruited' me and got me into the idea of doing a degree.

Cue open day at uni. I explored the St Peter's Campus to see what they had to offer and spoke to staff members there so I could make a more informed decision on what I wanted to do.

One of the lecturers there called Guy Starkey introduced me and when I spoke to him about the two minds I was in, he asked me one question which almost single-handedly influenced my decision: 'You can go back, but if you do, would you be treading water?'

I took a while to decide what I wanted to do but that question kept haunting me and eventually I realised that if I declined this opportunity I was presented with, it may not come up again. So, I went for it and chose to go to University. And now, looking back on it, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

The point of that story is that I'm sure everyone will be in that transition stage where it hits you that this is a big turning point in your life. I know people will tell you how important it is but I can't stress it enough.

But now for some poorly-worded advice!

Although it varies on which degree you do, usually the first year of uni doesn't have much bearing on your final degree mark when you graduate. But first bit of advice, don't worry about that yet. Your first year is purely about getting settled in, getting used to the environments and familiarising yourself with the academic requirements (such as referencing and bibliographies etc). 

Your first year is more or less a taster for what is to come. Well, it was for me anyway. So if you're going to have your weekly nights out and Sunday morning hangovers, get them out of the way in your first two years, but particularly your first.

Second year is when the grades start to count, although only a small percentage towards your degree. Nevertheless you still have to put in genuine work. I slacked off heavily in the first semester of my second year and it (rightly so) bit me on the rear end later on. Thankfully I pulled my finger out and worked tirelessly hard from then on but my point is that, although you can somewhat get away with it, don't slack off. Do the work to the best ability you can and if you haven't got great grades, at least you know you tried.

Third year is judgment day for uni students. This is where everything counts. Every assignment, every module. Although it may seem miles away, it will come around quickly. When it does come, take it seriously as that year alone will shape your degree for the most part.

As for other bits of advice, take advantage of your tutors/lecturers. They are paid to give you the best possible education there so make the most of them. If anything is bothering you or if there's anything you're unsure about, ask them or talk to them; that's what they are there for.

On that note though, you have to attend lectures, seminars and workshops. Attendance is vital in order for you to do well. Not only does it look good for you, but it gives a better idea of what is required for assignments and you'll be thankful later on that you attended.

                                

People will probably be wondering about reading academic books given that you will have so many of them. Here it is, you don't have to read books BUT before you all cheer and sign will relief, you do have to research into academic books in order to good and relevant references as well as finding a good range of them for essays and other assignments. I didn't read many books and I got through it! As long as you research well enough and put the work in, you will be fine.

Another bit of advice is getting involved with other things at uni, not just doing your degree. For example, I worked for SportsByte which is the sports website done by students at Sunderland University. I covered Sunderland AFC Ladies for two-and-a-half years although I will be quitting at the end of the season to let someone else take over. But honestly, it will look better on your CV when you get a job or start searching after graduation. Not to mention it's a nice break from reading academic reference books anyway!

Work experience was crucial to me graduating, as it is for many students but, again, that's dependant of which degree you do. The best advice I can give is, if you can, try and do work experience before your final year. I did mine during the summer between second and third year which definitely helped me as I had more time to focus on my studies. Work experience is good, but it's a nightmare to organise and it is time consuming too.

But the final bit of advice I want to give is don't be afraid to go for it. Although university was very stressful and draining at the worst of times, I don't regret going one bit. Not only am I happy with my mark, but it's helped me to grow as a person and it's given me so much more confidence. I've definitely left a different person than when I started.

                          

Obviously this advice wouldn't be applicable to everyone because every degree is different and has their set of requirements but even if it doesn't help you directly, I hope I've at least given good advice to one person. If so, this blog has done what I wanted it do. Well done to those clever clogs on results day and whatever grades you got, good luck in your future.

Premier League Table Predictions

It's finally here! After a two-month break, football is back. And as always, we have predictions for the new season. So I thought I'd just join in.

You know the drill! I predict where I think each team will finish even though 9 times out of 10 (or more accurately 18 times out of 20) I'm wrong. Also, this is as of right now as each team will still have time to bring in new players that will improve them. Both this month and in January. Still, here we go…

1ST - Chelsea

Usually I predict the current champions to lose their crown but I think Jose Mourinho's side will retain it for two reasons. 1) If anyone can win back-to-back league titles, it will be Mourinho and Chelsea. 2) Although their rivals have strengthened, I don't think they're good enough to outright win the league. But Chelsea have a defensive solidity which Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal lack in comparison.

The only lose Chelsea have had is losing veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech to Arsenal but they have replaced with with Asmir Begovic from Stoke City and Thibaut Courtois is a better keeper mainly because of how many years he has in him. Radamel Falcao could be a big hit this season after an underwhelming one with Utd last season.

Overall, I think they will be pushed a lot harder this season but I think Chelsea will win the Premier League this season…. just!

2ND - Manchester City

For me, the biggest surprise at the Etihad is that Manuel Pellegrini is still in the job, having just signed a two-year contract extension. City's board aren't usually this patient!

As far this season goes, I don't think they've convinced with transfers. Raheem Sterling has fantastic potential but signing Fabian Delph baffles me because I don't know how he would improve them as a team. Yes they need more English players but Delph, while a good midfielder, isn't Champions League or title-winning standard.

Pellegrini is under serious pressure though himself after a limp title 'defence' in 14-15 and the club needs to deliver at least a trophy this season plus a serious title challenge. But they have a level of complacency about them which I think will have them fall short this season. As for the Champions League, they're still adapting to that competition and, if they get a generous draw, then I expect them to go further.

3RD - Manchester United

Will Utd challenge for the title? Yes. Will they win it? No. Signing Bastian Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin will improve them hugely in my opinion and out of the top four, collectively, I think Louis van Gaal has done the best business so far this window.

They still need a leader in the back four and possibly a new goalkeeper if David De Gea leaves for Real Madrid. He should stay at Old Trafford to continue his development because I'm not sure if he is ready for Real Madrid yet but of course that's his choice.

But Utd also have the Champions League to think about, assuming they get past Club Brugge in the playoffs so that will make it harder for them but I think they will be in the race until the last month or two of the season and then fall away late on.

4TH - Arsenal

Petr Cech is, as far a single transfer is concerned, the best signing of the transfer window in the Premier League so far the season. He is an experienced leader and if he and back four work well together then they will have more of a chance this season.

BUT they haven't strengthened across the park. Their defence for me is stretched as in if one of their main players is missing their strength in depth isn't as good. In midfield terms, I think they're fine but they need a 20-30 goal a season striker to seriously mount a challenge. Like they have done recently, I think they'll challenge for the first two-thirds of the season and then fade away in the last two or three months.

Still, steady progress for Arsene Wenger and the faithful at the Emirates Stadium.

5TH - Liverpool

Last summer, Brendan Rodgers came under deserved criticism with his signings, if they were indeed his. But as for last season, considering they lost Luis Suarez, who used to make Liverpool tick almost single-handedly, Daniel Sturridge missed most of the season through injury and their top scorer in the Premier League was the since-departed Steven Gerrard with nine league goals, I think the Reds did well to finish sixth.

No excuses this season though. Christian Benteke is a good signing as he has the eye for goal and strength about him too. Roberto Firmino looks promising and James Milner is essentially a replacement for Raheem Sterling. Danny Ings I question why Liverpool signed him but he did get double figures for a championship-level team (no disrespect to Burnley) so he will get the service.

There is promise at Anfield but Rodgers need to challenge for the top four but alternatively take the Europa League seriously as I think it represents their best chance of getting back in the Champions League. Also, a domestic cup trophy wouldn't do any harm either. But generally at the moment, Liverpool simply aren't a top four team.

6TH - Tottenham

Like Liverpool, I don't think Tottenham are a top four team either. Mauricio Pochettino did a good job last season for me. Spurs have good players but no-one really stands out as world-class, at least not yet.

Yes Harry Kane had a fantastic season but there is the question of whether or not he is a one-season wonder. I hope he produces again.

But Spurs finished fifth and got to the Capital One Cup final as well. They need to take the Europa League more seriously though as that's probably their best chance of getting in the Champions League. Once that happens, foreign players will be more tempted to choose White Hart Lane when moving to England.

7TH - Everton

Judgement Day season for Roberto Martinez for me. Had a great first season but last season really struggled to deliver when required to.

Romelu Lukaku is still a great striker but the Europa League undoubtedly hindered their season. Without that this season, there's no excuses. Everton at best as a team are European level i.e. 5-7th but they definitely should be in the top 10.

Gerard Deulofeu looks like a candidate for bargain of the season. Leaving Barcelona for £4.2m is a steal. However, increasing reports of John Stones leaving to go to Chelsea are affecting the dressing room, which can disrupt the rhythm of the team. If Everton resist, then they should easily be in the top 10 this season. If not, Martinez may well find himself looking elsewhere.

8TH - Stoke City

Mark Hughes has got his reputation back and he seems to get better and better with each season. The last two seasons Stoke finished ninth in the table and have now established themselves as a top 10 Premier League side.

He has balanced the defensive side of things which were there under Tony Pulis but he introduced a more attacking side on a consistent basis. Their 6-1 hammering of Liverpool at the end of last season is proof enough of that.

The only thing I wonder is how much can he improve them. Finishing eighth is an improvement but I can't see them finishing higher than that. Still, they may make Champions League sooner or later with all the Barcelona prospects they are signing. But a solid top 10 season awaits the Britannia Stadium...

9TH - Swansea City

Gary Monk is one of the Premier League up-and-coming managers as he has improved Swansea, who have also established themselves as top 10 club.

Even last season when they lost Wilfred Bony to Man City, Swansea still attacking teams and scored goals. They are a force to be reckoned with but I do wonder how they can continue to improve.

Another top 10 finish and a good cup run would be considered a good season for the Swans and I think more good times await at the Liberty Stadium.

10TH - Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace's journey has been remarkable. They've come from the Championship and now have a pretty decent team, of which the main thing is pace.

But Alan Pardew signing Yohan Cabaye is a major coup for them and if he can play to his best consistently, the fans at Selhurst Park should easily see a top 10 finish this season.

Connor Wickham joining from Sunderland is a big thing as well. Although at the Stadium of Light he was playing in a wide position, I imagine he'd be playing for the Eagles up front and with the creative players they've got, he will score goals and I wouldn't be surprised if he got double figures this season.

11TH - Southampton

The Europa League curse may strike again for the Saints, who did brilliantly under Ronald Koeman last season. But they are preparing for it, assuming they get past FC Midtjylland that is.

But still, losing Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin are huge although I do think their squad will have enough to be comfortably in mid-table again.

Can they deliver knowing more is expected of them this season? I hope so but Koeman has already worked with what he has before so I think he will do the same again. Jay Rodriguez being back I think is huge because he is a big player for Southampton. Comfortable mid-table mediocrity along with, hopefully, a good Europa League run.

12TH - West Ham

In their last season before their big move to the Olympic Stadium, I really don't know what to expect from West Ham this season.

Although if they somehow get Javier Hernandez from Man Utd, then I think they will have a comfortable season. But they signings they have made already, including Angelo Ogbonna, seem to be go good calibre but aren't Premier League proven.

As for the manager, Slaven Bilic will need to earn the dressing room after Sam Allardyce lost it during the second-half of last season. Now they're out of the Europa League there's no reason for them to under perform.

13TH - Newcastle

Thank goodness John Carver has left Newcastle. Say whatever you want about Alan Pardew I still think he had the club clear of relegation. But after last year, there was no way Carver was going to stay or should stay.

Steve McClaren isn't the most exciting manager to have but he will at least be an upgrade. Newcastle have spent over £30m this summer in Georginio Wijnaldum, Nikola Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba so the Toon have to deliver a better season this time.

Newcastle underachieved last year and although they stayed up, they never should have been in a relegation battle in the first place. There needs to be ambition on Tyneside and a derby win over rivals Sunderland would be help too.

14TH - West Brom

Tony Pulis has done it again. He kept the Baggies up last season and now it's his first full Premier League campaign at the Hawthorns.

Although he is good at keeping teams up, what can he do to take West Brom to the next level. He signed James McClean, James Chester and Rickie Lambert from Wigan, Hull and Liverpool respectively but none of those are names which would get me tremendously excited.

Still, I think West Brom will be comfortably safe and in mid-table category. Nothing outstanding but solid nonetheless.

15TH - Sunderland

After the last three seasons, Sunderland have become the new Wigan Athletic and look how well just being happy with survival ended for the Latics.

Dick Advocaat has stayed on Wearisde for another season at least and Sebastian Coates, Adam Matthews, Younes Kaboul, Jeremain lens and Yann M'Vila have followed him to the Stadium of Light.

For the size of the club, the stadium and the continuously overwhelming support that Sunderland get, they really shouldn't be hovering around or above the relegation zone and the main objective this season will be to not be involved in a battle to avoid the drop.

I think the Black Cats will be hovering above the dotted line however. But I still think they will stay up even though I doubt they will get much more than that!

16TH - Aston Villa

Ron Vlaar - gone. Fabian Delph - gone. Christian Benteke - gone. Tim Sherwood has a rebuilding job on his hands at Aston Villa as his three best players which helped him to avoid relegation last season have since departed from Villa Park.

Aston Villa were really goal-shy or indeed creatively shy before Sherwood came in through the door. But he has moved quickly to add to his squad, including Scott Sinclair, Micah Richards, Jordan Ayew and Rudy Gestede.

He has replaced those who have left but whether he has replaced the quality that Vlaar, Delph and Benteke bring is a different question altogether.

I think they will be hovering just above the drop zone but will be ok.

17TH - Norwich City

I watched Norwich's well-deserved win at Wembley over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final at the end of May and I think they've got the best chance of staying up. But I said that last season about QPR and look how that turned out!

Manager Alex Neil seems to have earned the respect of the dressing room and got them focused on their jobs.

But I think the Canaries have good players in their side such as Nathan Redmond amongst others, who could prove to be match winners. A relegation dog fight but I think they'll just survive.

18TH - Leicester City

If the Foxes still had Nigel Pearson, I'd say they'd be safe. But I don't know what to expect from them this season.

Estiban Cambiasso not renewing his contract at the King Power Stadium will be a miss for Leicester too as in many ways he was the heart pumping blood through the soul of the team last season.

Claudio Ranieri now takes the helm and he needs to find a way to get the team playing for him. If Leicester maintain their attacking mentality they showed during last season's great escape then they have a decent chance of doing well. But I can see second-season syndrome affecting them.

19TH - Bournemouth

Bournemouth's story from almost going out of business to coming into the top flight of English football and Eddie Howe will be relishing this opportunity.

Mark Lawro said that he thinks Bournemouth will be this year's Burnley. I think a more accurate description is they will be this year's Blackpool as in they will give teams a good go, after all they will be used to winning games and having a go at teams but will ultimately fall short because of the lack of quality.

I really hope I'm wrong though but I think the Cherries will be fun to watch this season.

20TH - Watford

How many managers have Watford had over the last year or so? I know they had four in promotion to the Premier League which I find incredible.

As for Quique Sanchez Flores, he needs to hit the ground running otherwise he could be in for an early exit at Vicarage Road. Watford I think will enjoy the ride of being in the Premier League but I don't think their squad is good enough for survival.

Rock bottom for me, but I could easily be wrong.

Why Sunderland should sign Charlie Austin

Well, how long it's been.

I last posted last August and since then a number of things have happened in my life but most proudly I have graduated from the University of Sunderland and since joined Blyth Spartans AFC media team on a voluntary basis. But I was so focused on finishing my Sports Journalism degree that I didn't think to post on here!

Sunderland celebrate Premier League safety following their 0-0 draw at Arsenal. Picture Credit: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk

But on the subject of sport, Sunderland completed their annual escape from relegation from the Barclays Premier League - again! They finished 16th in the final top-flight table.

After an extremely underwhelming season - which only saw seven league wins across the whole campaign with only four home league wins in 19 - Dick Advocaat his U-turned and stayed on Wearside for another year despite originally declining the Black Cats' contract offer after he successfully steered them to safety last term.

Along with Advocaat, four new players have arrived at the Stadium of Light this summer - Jeremain Lens, Sebastian Coates, Adam Matthews and Younes Kaboul.

It's a good start to the transfer window but more is needed to avoid battling the drop yet again in 15/16. Sunderland are now reportedly looking for a creative midfielder and a striker to add to their ranks which I believe is correct for them given the lack of attacking threat in the current side.

Charlie Austin's first Premier League goal of 2014/15 was against Sunderland last August. He scored 18 league goals but was unable to save QPR from relegation from the top-flight. Picture Credit: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

But, as the title of this blog suggests, a player I'd be going all out for is QPR striker Charlie Austin. Considering their relegation from the Premier League last season, Ranger's £15m valuation of him may seem too much, which is what is supposedly putting a lot of club off signing him - including Sunderland's arch rivals Newcastle United.

To a degree, I can understand why Sunderland are being cautious of paying that much money for him given that they have invested big money in the past and it hasn't worked. Steven Fletcher and Jack Rodwell are two names which spring to mind.

But Austin single-handedly carried QPR throughout last season and scored 18 league goals for them - only Diego Costa, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero scored more in 2014/15. David Jones from Sky Sports agrees as well, as demonstrated in an article he did for the Sunderland Echo.

Although the midfield needs to be provide more service to them, the strikers have lacked goals and as a result Sunderland have generally failed to find the net consistently.

Jermain Defoe is one of the Premier League's top scorers and I do believe he will have a part to play this season. Connor Wickham I'm willing to give leniency with as he has been played out of his main position and he is still only 22. But Danny Graham and Fletcher are two strikers that must leave this summer.

Fletcher had a good first season as he scored 11 league goals and was Sunderland's top goalscorer since moving from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2012 but has only scored eight times in the previous two campaigns combined. In Sunderland's recent 0-0 draw at Arsenal which kept them up, he missed three excellent chances and you'd have expected him to tale at least one of them.

Graham only scored his first Sunderland goal in a 2-0 win at Everton in May and that was a lucky goal anyway. As much as he tries hard, he's simply not good enough for the top-flight.

Now onto Austin. Sunderland clearly need goals. Although £15m is a bit steep, I believe he is worth going for because I doubt he'll want to stay in the Championship and he's clearly a Premier League goalscorer. This is the type of natural finisher Sunderland need and it would be criminal if they did not even attempt to sign him.

Not only can he score, but he can assist and create chances too. He brilliantly set up Matt Phillips for QPR's first goal in a 2-1 home win over Newcastle in May and has five assists for last season.

He is the complete centre-forward and should Sunderland sign him, I wouldn't expect 18 league goals but I can see him getting double figures and overall adding much-needed Premier League quality to their forward-line.

I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't get him, but the club may already be looking at him and we just don't know much, which in itself maybe a smart thing.

Title, Top Four, Europe, Relegation: Who Will Finish Where?

I remember doing this blog a year ago ahead of the 13/14 season and how times have changed since then. Will Manchester City retain their title? Who will make the top four? Will any of the promoted clubs stay up? Here is what I think. Feel free to make your comments if you agree or disagree.

1ST - CHELSEA

I predicted Chelsea to win the league 12 months ago simply because they had Jose Mourinho at the helm. They were only a world-class striker away from winning the title last season and they seem to have got that in Diego Costa, who arrived from Athletico Madrid this summer. Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona is the signing of the summer in my opinion as he is one of the best midfielders in the world. He has previously played in the Premier League with Arsenal, adding a host of experience, and ticks a lot of the boxes in Chelsea's midfield. Fan legend Didier Drogba is also back and his experience will certainly help them this year.

Defensively Chelsea are solid and also never lost against any of the traditional top teams, unless you count Everton into that mix. Losing against teams like Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and, more crucially, Sunderland cost them the title last year and I am sure the Blues won't make that mistake again.

2ND - MAN CITY

If you remember who my top two was, and well done if you did, then you will notice it hasn't changed this year.

Man City technically have the best squad in the league, with players like Sergio Aguero, Jesus Navas, David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure able to be match winners from Manuel Pellegrini's side.

But when these players are missing is when you notice how different they look on the pitch. This is arguably where the management is crucial. The reason Chelsea can generally cope when big names are missing is because Mourinho knows how to get the best out of his players.

When Pellegrini was appointed last year, I didn't know what to expect from City. But we got attacking football and he won two trophies - the Capital One Cup and the Premier League.. But it is very difficult to maintain the success in back-to-back seasons. Ever since the 2009/10 season not one team has won the title consecutively.

I suspect that is because everyone else will up their game against you, especially if you carry the label of Champions. The so-called 'smaller' teams usually at least try to fire themselves up for the big matches so more often than not they are harder to beat.

3RD - ARSENAL

I have read some pundits' predictions, with some saying the Gunners won't finish in the top four while others say Arsene Wenger's side will win the league.

Last season was the same but this time, however, there are three major differences:

The first is obviously that Arsenal have won silverware since then - the F.A. Cup in may against Hull City and the Community Shield recently against Man City (which usually counts as a trophy for the winning team). Confidence will be high, especially after ending their nine-year wait for a trophy and demolishing the Champions, proving they can compete against title challengers on their day.

The second is Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. Yes I know Ozil didn't have a great first season but he wasn't that bad either. Look at Eden Hazard, who performed brilliantly in his second season for Chelsea. I think we are yet to see the best of him in the Premier League. Sanchez could take a while to adapt to England's top flight of football. But if he performs to his potential, then Arsenal could be in with a shout of winning the league.

The third is that they genuinely challenged for the league last season, as they lead the table for 128 days. That means they look closer than ever to win a first league title since 2004.

There are signs that Arsenal are heading in the right direction and, while I wouldn't rule them out of the title race, I don't think they are there yet. They need a world class finisher up front but top four should be easily achieved.

4TH - MAN UTD

Whether they win the title or not, surely Manchester United can't be as bad as last season, can they?

I knew it would be a hard season, not to mention one with transition, but to go from first to seventh is unheard of. I don't think David Moyes was given enough time to work properly with what he had but the job of managing Utd just proved too big for him.

Louis van Gaal is now at the helm at Old Trafford and has brought Southampton left-back Luke Shaw with him as well as Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao.

This will be a fresh transitional period and, even though some fans will disagree with me, I don't think they've strengthened enough for the title. But their squad is good enough for the top four and for me they should achieve that.

It is crucial that van Gaal gets the fear factor back into the players and that way he will get the best out of them. I think it will take at least a couple of seasons in order to get back to the dominant force they were but then again I could be proven wrong.

5TH - LIVERPOOL

The top four was always a tricky one to predict this season given how well Brendan Rodgers' side did last year. They did overachieve but their style of attacking football was great to watch from a neutral point of view. While their defence was extremely leaky for a team who want to challenge for the title, signing Dejan Lovren from Southampton is a smart buy for me as he can only improve things at the back.

Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert will be good buys for me too and have added Divock Origi, Lazar Markovic and Emre Can from Lille, Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.

Despite all the numbers, however, the biggest problem is the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona. Even for £75m, Liverpool could struggle to replace the class and goals he gave them. Even though he has been an idiot, you have to admit Suarez is one of the best players in the world when you look at talent alone.

If Daniel Sturridge has a clinical season and the Reds reduce the number of goals they concede then they could still make a push at the top end of the table. But the loss of Suarez will affect them and will possibly change the way they play.

Again, I could be completely wrong but while I think Liverpool will be up there challenging for the top four, they will just fall short unless they get a world-class replacement for Suarez.

6TH - EVERTON

Signing last season's top scorer Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea was a genius move from boss Roberto Martinez. Lukaku did so well with them last season while on loan that I think he will repay the £28m Everton paid for him.

Christian Atsu and Gareth Barry have also joined on a season-long loan and a free transfer respectively both of which I feel is great business. Atsu has a lot to prove and Everton will be a good club for his development. Barry, who did well on loan last season, is a fantastic addition especially for free.

But Everton's style under Martinez suits them, evident by the fact that they nearly got top four last season and only just missed out on the Champions League, comfortably finishing fifth.

I don't think they will do as well as last year but they should be up there. Then again, if Lukaku gets them enough goals then anything is possible.

7TH - TOTTENHAM

Already I can tell Spurs fans will disagree with me on this but I think they will probably have a similar experience that Liverpool had with Brendan Rodgers in his first season. Mauricio Pochettino has done a remarkable job at Southampton and he could be the right fit for Tottenham but he needs time.

I am sick of seeing Spurs change managers every season. Harry Redknapp and Andre Villas-Boas were unfairly sacked and if they don't have a good start to this season, I fear the same could be in store for Pochettino.

DeAndre Yedlin, Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Michel Vorm have all come in which should strengthen Tottenham at the back but they haven't strengthened up front. But extending Harry Kane's contract can only be a good move for them as, with the right guidance, could become a great striker for them.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Saldado need to have good seasons and score goals to help Spurs' top four ambitions. The midfield needs to step up as well as the likes of Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli were disappointing last year. Christian Eriksen needs to repeat  his good form of last year too.

I don't see Spurs breaking into the top four for a while but if Pochettino did it in his first year, then surely he would be contender for manager of the season.

8TH - STOKE

Mark Hughes did a great job to build on Tony Pulis' success at the Potters and achieved their highest ever Premier League finish if my memory serves me right.

Their transfers have looked decent and I reckon they already have a good side in them, but not one to further push up past mid-table. If they get Victor Moses from Chelsea on loan then that's a signing worth going for.

Still, the Britannia Stadium has always been difficult for visiting teams to come to and that is the key to Stoke's success over the years. Another good season in the works for me.

9TH - NEWCASTLE

Some Newcastle fans have claimed Alan Pardew's side can make the top six. Slow down and come to a halt!

Right, the toon are nowhere near that good. Yes they have made signings, decent ones too by the looks of it, but they need to improve in their defence and they desperately need a goalscorer.

Papiss Cissé is awful at finishing and doesn't know the offside rule whereas Emmanuel Riviere has a lot to prove in the Premier League.

Their midfield is decent, especially Remy Cabella and Siem De Jong, and the strikers will get hosts of chances but they just need to finish them off.

10TH - SWANSEA

Gary Monk enters his first season in charge of the South Wales club and their fourth season in the Premier League.

Last season Wilfred Bony pretty much kept Swansea in the Premier League, but they also had the Europa League to contend with which was why they weren't the same team as they were in 2012/13.

Their best brand of football should return for me. Look at the way they played at Sunderland at the very end of last season. That was a sign their best football was back.

A top 10 finish should be a great season for the Swans, especially as they have Gylfi Sigurdsson back at the Liberty Stadium and Lukasz Fabianski to replace Michel Vorm.

11TH - SUNDERLAND

Gus Poyet looks as though he has finally steadied the ship at Sunderland. After last season where they brought in a host of new players for quantity purposes, this time they look as though they are brining some quantity in but, more importantly, quality.

Sunderland are one of the teams who I think is due a really good season, but that would require they start well. Too many times have the fans been built up to expect something great only to be disappointed.

Jack Rodwell, in particular, could be a statement of intent signing for the Black Cats. Whatever you can say of his injury record, the fact that they bought him for £10m, rather the easy option of a loan, says a lot about Poyet's intentions this season.

If Sunderland can keep it tight at the back, which is the major thing Poyet has improved since taking over from Paolo Di Canio, and get goals regularly up front then they could be my surprise package in a good way.

Their cause can only be helped if they permanently sign Liverpool striker Fabio Borini.

12TH - WEST HAM

Sam Allardyce is yet another manager who needs a good season. The board have demanded a top 10 finish and more attacking football, both of which could easily happen.

However, they need to have a striker who is going to reach double figures every season and Andy Carroll, while he suits the Hammers' system, is far too injury prone.

Diafra Sakho has recently joined from FC Metz but time will tell if he is the answer to their problems.

On the plus side, they can be organised and solid at the back, which should get them draws this season. They just need to improve upfront and they can be a good side.

13TH - SOUTHAMPTON

Disastrous is one of the words that sum up Southampton's summer transfer window so far.

Letting go of all their best players is one of the biggest blows for any team, let alone a 'smaller' club.

But there is some optimism for Saints' fans. Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez have stayed so far, both of whom are decent players. Fraser Forster and Shane Long are two decent players to have come in, albeit the latter is overpriced and Ryan Bertrand will, to an extent, replace Luke Shaw.

Ronald Koeman has a job on his hands to replace Mauricio Pochettino but I don't think the South Coast club will be in any danger of relegation.

14TH - Q.P.R.

Out of the three teams, I think Q.P.R. are the best equipped to stay in the Premier League. For starters, they have been in the division much more recently than the other two promoted clubs.

In my opinion, they have a decent squad coupled with a good manager in Harry Redknapp. The pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker will be crucial to their chances of staying up and I think they will be difficult to score past this season.

They have three winnable home games early on in the season and a good start would only further their confidence and belief that they can stay up.

15TH - CRYSTAL PALACE

In the shock of Tony Pulis leaving not even two days before the season starts, I can see many tipping the Eagles to do down in their second season in the top flight.

For me, it completely depends on who they get as manager. Malky Mackay would be a good choice for me as club and man would link up quite well in that sense. They would still give teams a good go, especially at home.

If Palace remain organised and solid at the back as they were under Pulis, then they could be ok but I wouldn't write their survival chances off just yet.

16TH - ASTON VILLA

Paul Lambert's side are in trouble. The Villains (and how appropriate is that name right now) aren't trying to make any steps forward.

It seems they are now content just to avoid relegation each season even though they should be aiming for at least a comfortable top 10 finish given their history.

I couldn't particularly name a Villa signing that has convinced me they will do well this year and I believe they will be in a relegation dogfight again. They usually always have a good patch in the season but somehow find a way to be dragged back down to ultimately stay up.

17TH - HULL

As with Newcastle and Swansea in the previous two seasons, I do wonder whether the Europa League will have a negative effect on Hull's season.

Signings such as Tom Ince, Robert Snodgrass and Jake Livermore could help them avoid second season syndrome and I think they could struggle this year.

I can't help but feel they will be in a relegation battle but I also believe they have enough quality to stay up and a top manager in Steve Bruce.

18TH - WEST BROM

Although you can argue I am jumping on the bandwagon here, I fear for West Brom this season.

Brown Ideye, their club record signing, could take a while to settle into the Premier League and Joleon Lescott, while a good defender, hasn't had the best injury record.

Alan Irvine has a job on his hands and while he has a good reputation as a coach, he hasn't had much experience as a manager.

Ultimately I feel it's West Brom's own mistake in sacking Steve Clarke last December as they were going in a good direction under him.

I wonder where the Premier League quality is with the Baggies and, because they had such a poor campaign last season, staying up could be one step too far this time.

19TH - LEICESTER

Yet another example of a manager who could become a victim of his own success in Nigel Pearson.

He did superbly well not only to get Leicester promoted last season, but to have them dominate the Championship and end the season as convincing champions.

Predicting the relegated teams is the most difficult part of predicting the final league table in May as many as eight or nine teams could be sucked in the battle to avoid the drop.

Although this could be nothing to go by, in the previous three seasons, the team that has won the Championship has always finished the lowest out of the teams who come up.

Though they survived, Q.P.R. just finished 17th by the skin of their teeth in the 2011/12 season. Reading and Cardiff lasted just one season in the top flight in 2012/13 and 2013/14 respectively.

I will stress this now, I would not be surprised if the Foxes stay up as they easily have the potential and manager to do so. I follow a few Leicester fans on Twitter and they all seem very genuine so I wish them success.

20TH - BURNLEY

The Championship runners-up will relish life in the Premier League, having been out of it since the 2009/10 season and trying to break back into it ever since.

Sean Dyche has done really well to get Burnley promoted, especially as their once relied upon striker Charlie Austin was sold to Q.P.R. and Danny Ings has wonderfully stepped in.

They have made some additions to their squad but I wonder whether it is good enough to stay in the Premier League. At this moment in time, I doubt it is but also depends on who they sign in this transfer window and in January.

Turf Moor will be a cracking atmosphere for visiting teams, starting with Chelsea and Man Utd.

But if Burnley find themselves deep in a relegation battle then I hope the board stick with Dyche but sadly managers can be a victim of their own success, as the past has shown. Look at Neil Warnock with Q.P.R. Brian McDermott with Reading.