Josh Hortin's 2009/2010 Predictions: Part 1

1. Who's going to be in the top four, and in what order?

1. Man Utd
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Man City

Man Utd will win it again as Fergie is still as passionate as ever and will want to be the manager of the first team to win four in row. Rooney, Berbatov (now fully settled) and Owen will compensate for the goals that Tevez and Ronaldo scored last campaign. Chelsea will finish second, they were nearly there last year, and did this in spite of the comotion surrounding Big Phil and a sometimes unruly squad. Plus, they were missing Essien. Ancelotti's arrival should provide the stability for them to grab this position. Liverpool for third as I think they have enough quality, even if we assume that they will lose Alonso. As always, it all depends on the fitness of Gerrard and Torres. Man City for fourth. Arsenal are handing it over to them by not strengthening. But, it will be a few more seasons until they are challenging the top three.

2. Who's going down?

18. Birmingham
19. Burnley
20. Hull

Birmingham have strengthened considerably, but I just don't think they will cut it. Burnley have some very very talented youngsters, but again, when it gets to the last ten minutes, will they have the bottle to get a result? Hull, for the simple fact that no one wants to join them as their relegation this year seems to be a forgone conclusion. They desperately lack power up front.

3. Which team is going to show the biggest improvement?

Last season, Man City finished tenth. I think they will do a tad better this season.

4. Who's going to bang in the most goals?

I honestly can't choose. Rooney, given the opportunity to play centrally, will score more frequently. Torres, who continues to get sharper every year. Drogba, because his efforts in pre-season have shown that the old lethal Drogba is back. Owen (there is always a dark horse) has looked sharp in pre-season, and now he's actually at a club he wants to play for, the injuries may just mysteriously disappear. I'm staying on the fence.

5. Who's going to win the FA Cup?

I think a top team will win it this year. I'm going for United, as it's been an oddly long time since this trophy resided at Old Trafford.