Favourites for the 16/17 Title?

As we enter yet another new year, it's time to start thinking about the next Barclays Premier League football competition rankings. This has been a season of both overreaching and underperformance but, with the top positions pretty much wrapped up, inevitably our attention turns to the new league campaign.

I've highlighted the main contenders for the title below:

Manchester City - Prediction 2nd

Though I predict an improvement on their 3rd place finish from this season, I think they'll struggle to win a 3rd league title in 6 years. The difficulties of trying to bed in a young, new manager with an established group of players will ultimately cost them the title. Despite a wealth of attacking options, Vincent Kompany's retirement through injury leaves an already floundering defense rudderless. Goals don't win titles, clean sheets do.

Leicester City - Prediction 12th

Form is temporary, class is permanent. Just ask Chelsea, whose lack of class finally caught up them this year. I don't expect Leicester to struggle as much as Mourinho's rebellious rabble, but following Jamie Vardy's record-breaking streak for games without a goal, Leicester are going to draw too many games. You can't win games if you don't score. The chances of Leicester replicating last season's heroics are laughable.

Liverpool - Prediction 2nd

The introduction of a young, new manager at Anfield has already breathed new life in to both the players and the crowd. The revolution has begun, and next season the team will become an unstoppable force. Liverpool have an established squad of talented players, and Klopp has already shown signs of getting the best out of them. Christian Benteke will be the focal point of Liverpool's attack, with the big man proving he is the best Belgian striker in the league.

Everton - Prediction 1st

Everton's topsy-turvy season has not been without its ups and downs. Ross Barkley, a man who looked scared of his own shadow in 2014 has been a revelation this year. Along with the Barcelona-educated Gerard Deulofeu, and the peerless Belgian Romelu Lukaku, Everton have the firepower to tear teams apart week in, week out. Defense remains an issue, but another summer brings with it another year of experience and development. Youngsters Brendan Galloway and John Stones are set to become England's centre half partnership for the next 15 years. Even if they are still a little raw, Everton's maxim of "we will score one more than you" will lead them to a first Premier League trophy.

Watford - Prediction 4th

Leicester were the surprise package of this season, topping the table in their 2nd season back in the big time. I've always been a believer in lightning striking twice and I expect Watford to cement their place in the Premier League with a mesmeric second season. After managing to keep the big boys away from their in-form goalscorer, it will be another stellar season for Hornet's veteran striker Troy Deeney. Their new manager, wily old Italian Pierluigi Casiraghi, will take all the plaudits for a truly miraculous season.

Thoughts?