5. Norwich City
Norwich City share many similarities with Swansea when assessing their approach coming into the new season. Both sides were promoted the season before, and both sides performed beyond expectations to cruise to mid-table obscurity and ultimately safety. Furthermore both sides have lost their managers this summer, which has made their preparations for the new season even more challenging. The appointment of Chris Hughton is without a doubt a shrewd appointment. Following his dismissal from Newcastle United in 2010, many football fans held sympathy for the 53 year old, who had done very little wrong to deserve his P45, and after a spell at Birmingham which saw the Blues challenge in the promotion places, the Canaries identified Hughton as the man to succeed Paul Lambert at Carrow Road. Hughtons job this season is simple; keep Norwich in the Premier League. Whilst they may have finished 12th last season they will be wary to avoid being dragged into the dog fight at the bottom this time round. The relative success of Hughton in his short managerial career to date doesnt convince me that Norwich City will be successful in beating the drop this season. Much like Rodgers at Swansea, Paul Lambert deserves much credit for Norwichs fantastic 2011/12 campaign and I do think the Canaries will struggle this season as Hughton looks to get the most out of a fairly average squad. Want-away striker Grant Holt is going to be key for Norwich if they want to keep their heads above water again, but Holt aside, I dont see enough at Carrow Road to suggest they will avoid an end of season scrap.
Safety/Relegation Verdict: RELEGATION