The final part of this seasons Premier League predictions looks at those who narrowly escaped relegation last season, and those who were promoted from the second tier – all of whom lost on the opening weekend.

SOUTHAMPTON

Man of the moment Rickie Lambert rounded off a dream week by scoring a last minute penalty against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon.

The clubs best finish in the Premier League era was when they finished eight back in 2003, and having broken their transfer record twice this summer by bringing in Victor Wanyama and Pablo Osvaldo, they could be an outside bet to achieve similar success.

Last season: 14th

Key player: Pablo Osvaldo

Prediction: 8th

Pick: Southampton to finish 8th or above @ 3.5 (5/2) with Stan James

ASTON VILLA

Villa achieved the result of the weekend by winning at the Emirates, and look a good bet to build on a season where many had written them off as relegation certainties.

With Christian Benteke signing a new contract, and a host of highly rated talent joining the squad, you do worse than take advantage of the generous price on offer for them to achieve a top half finish.

Last season: 15th

Key player: Christian Benteke

Prediction: 10th

Pick: Aston Villa to finish in the top half @ 2.5 (6/4) with Stan James

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Alan Pardew’s men suffered the indignity to end the first round of games by propping up the rest of the division after their heavy defeat to Manchester City.

With loan signing Loic Remy the only new arrival at St James’ Park this summer, the club appear to be embarking on another long, hard campaign which could well end up with another relegation battle.

Last season: 16th

Key player: Hatem Ben Arfa

Prediction: 16th

Pick: Newcastle United to finish 16th or worse @ 3.75 (11/4) with Stan James

SUNDERLAND

Like their North-East rivals, Sunderland began their campaign as they ended their last, with defeat.

Paolo Di Canio has brought in no less than ten players as they themselves look to avoid another season at the wrong end of the table though it could well be the case that too many cooks will spoil an already flavourless broth.

Last season: 17th

Key player: Emanuele Giaccherini

Prediction: 17th

Pick: Sunderland to accumulate 41 or fewer points @ 1.9 (9/10) with Stan James

CARDIFF CITY

Malky Mackay’s men lost their first ever game in the Premier League at the weekend, falling to a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United.

They do however appear to be the best equipped to stay in the division of all of the sides who were promoted from the Championship having brought in internationals such as Steven Caulker, Gary Medel and Andreas Cornelius.

Last season: 1st (Championship)

Key player: Craig Bellamy

Prediction: 16th

Pick: Cardiff City to finish 16th or better @ 1.9 (9/10) with Stan James

HULL CITY

The Tigers could have hardly been given a tougher first test back in the top flight than travelling to Stamford Bridge in Jose Mourinho’s return to Chelsea.

Manager Steve Bruce has brought in ten new players as he looks to beat the odds and survive, though with a lack of proven top level goal scorers in their ranks, it is difficult to see where they will get their goals from.

Last season: 2nd (Championship)

Key player: Tom Huddlestone

Prediction: 20th

Pick: Hull City to finish bottom of the table @ 4.0 (3/1) with Stan James

CRYSTAL PALACE

Palace narrowly lost their game against Tottenham Hotspur to ensure that all three promoted teams were beaten without scoring at the weekend.

They have been backed by all corners to be relegated, though with one striker keen to rebuild his reputation in Marouane Chamakh, one with a whole host of experience in Kevin Phillips and one highly rated in Dwight Gayle, they might not be cut adrift as some have suggested.

Last season: 5th (Championship)

Key player: Mile Jedinak

Prediction: 19th

Pick: Crystal Palace to finish 19th or worse @ 1.73 (8/11) with Stan James.

Go here to read English Premier League Picks Part I. Go here for Part II.