Premier League 14/15: Team By Team Preview And Predictions

2. Arsenal

Last Season: 4th Manager: Arsene Wenger Opening Fixture: Crystal Palace (h) Transfer Activity: Arsenal fans will be hoping that Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona) can have the same impact on the club which Mesut Ozil originally did when he signed last summer, although perhaps a bit more consistency too. The Chilean is the Gunners' marquee signing this transfer window although certainly not their only recruit, young defender Callum Chambers (Southampton), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle) and David Ospina (Nice) have also joined the former Premier League champions. There have been several notable departures from the club this summer including Bacary Sagna, Lukasz Fabianski, Nicklas Bendtner, Park Chu-Young, Yohan Djourou, Wellington Silva, Carl Jenkinson, Benik Afobe, Thomas Eisfeld, Zak Ansah, Chuks Aneke and Daniel Boateng. Possible Starting XI: Szczesny; Debuchy, Mertersacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Sanchez, Cazorla, Ozil; Giroud Key Player: Laurent Koscielny Verdict: Arsenal would have put in a serious challenge for the Premier League title if Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey had stayed fit last season, that's for sure. They are two massively key players for the Gunners and if they can stay injury-free this campaign, there's no reason why Arsenal can't challenge for the league this time around, although Arsene Wenger has brought in Alexis Sanchez this year who will make the fact that Walcott will still be missing at the beginning of the season a lot more bearable. One area where the North London club are still lacking is in central midfield, of a real strong leader in the Patrick Vieira mould. Wenger turned down the opportunity to re-sign former captain Cesc Fabregas this summer but he is not what they need, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil are all world class in the attacking midfield role. Somebody like Sami Khedira would be perfect for Arsenal and if they can sign him, he may just complete the puzzle and allow Arsenal to push on and challenge, but if Wenger fails to learn by his mistakes and does not sign anybody in that position, runner-up is probably the best they can hope for. Prediction: 2nd