8. Crystal Palace – Alan Pardew
Not a player, but miracle-working manager Pardew did an outstanding job at Selhurst Park last season. He took over in January, with the Eagles in the relegation zone after 21 games. Five months later, the South London club ended the campaign 10th – their second-best top-flight finish ever. Pardew has also worked wonders in the transfer market, signing Arsenal target Yohan Cabaye from PSG.
7. Southampton – Jose Fonte
Just like last season, the Saints have sold two of their best players over the summer, with Morgan Schneiderlin joining Man United and Nathaniel Clyne heading to Liverpool. Southampton have also lost star loanee Toby Alderweireld, who is now a Tottenham player. Ronald Koeman’s defence has been hit badly, but while Fonte is still at St Mary’s they should be OK.
6. Liverpool – Philippe Coutinho
Following the departures of Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling in consecutive summers, Liverpool must do everything possible to keep Coutinho, who is one of the few players left at Anfield with the creative brilliance to make something out of nothing.
5. Manchester City – Sergio Aguero
City have lots of strikers with decent goals record, but not one of them is on the same planet as Aguero, who scored 26 times in 33 Premier League games last season.
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