2. Swansea
One of last seasons success stories, playing fabulous football and taking all the plaudits, Swansea City really set the league alight last season. They managed an incredible 11th placed finish last year and although they will be thrilled with that, the fact is the new season brings with it new challenges for the Swans, not least because of the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool. Swansea next season face arguably a bigger challenge this time round than they did 12 months ago, and that challenge has not been made any easier by the switching of managers this summer. The loss of Rodgers is huge for Swansea, as he was arguably the key component to their success, getting Swansea playing football on the floor and retaining possession, defending with the ball, and attacking with pace. Swansea will be hoping that the exit of Rodgers does not mean the exit for the philosophy they have employed over the past few years which has seen them rise from the Championship and ease to survival. New manager Michael Laudrup will almost certainly be looking to play the same brand of football, bringing in Spanish midfielder Michu, who joins from Rayo Vallencano as one of his reinforcements for the new season, but perhaps it is more of who he can keep at the Liberty Stadium as opposed to who he can bring in. One of Laudrups first priorities will be to keep Michel Vorm, a revelation since his arrival from Holland last summer, and Team GB midfielder Joe Allen, a target for Liverpool, at the club, as surely they are irreplaceable should they leave. Although you may have been surprised to see Swansea on this list, the Swans should still be eyeing survival this season, crucially because of their manager change. Laudrup has to try and get Swansea performing to the same level Rodgers had them playing out over the past 12 months. Not only this but this time round, the Welsh side have been figured out by their Premier League counterparts. They are no longer the surprise package and sides will turn up at Swansea with a game plan. Ask Hull City, staying up in your first season is one thing, replicating it again and again is another.
Safety/Relegation Verdict: SAFETY