Then at least they'll know one position where they won't finish. Actually last year my predictions were not a total failure – successes included me tipping Leeds for a top-half finish, Newcastle for 12th place (spot on) and Fulham to go down (no fortune made if betting on that one). So here goes for 2021-22 – my predicted finishing positions. And to anyone who claims I've come up with these with only a tiny fraction of the research or analysis as most other tipsters and columnists, you'd be absolutely right. Pictures: Getty Images
17. Burnley
Burnley are Burnley, and I'm not sure whether that's good or bad. They have new owners, I am told, but I shouldn't think that will greatly alter their ability to do anything of note. Sean Dyche will be his usual straight talking self though and the Premier League needs a Sean Dyche or two. Well maybe just one will do. Picture: Getty Images
18. Watford
It would stir up the elite and the establishment if Watford could stay in the TF (top flight, a phrase only newspapers and columnists like me use) for two or three seasons, but... but. Their three/four/five managers will, I am sure, do their best during the season but it won't quite be enough. Picture: Getty Images
19. Wolves
I suppose this is the bombshell of the whole set of predictions. Wolves showed massive signs of fatigue last season – partly or maybe even chiefly because they had Europe to think about - and with a downgrade in the manager's office, the warning signs are there. Any Wolves fans upset at this forecast should consider that it's me who's made it, and therefore there's far more chance of Wolves finishing fifth and Villa 19th than anything I've predicted. Picture: Getty Images
20. Brentford
I was pleased when, for a change, it was Brentford who nabbed the last promotion spot rather than Swansea or Watford (what, they were already up? Oh.) And they have a shiny new stadium, which IMO is not a patch on lovely old Griffin Park. But I can't warm to their manager (he strikes me as a Championship version of Joey Barton) and I can't see them getting more than about 25 points. Sorry and all that. Picture: Getty Images