Almost across the board squads have been trimmed in the Aviva Premiership. As a result, keeping the injury list down will be crucial if a side wants to be in with a shout of winning the championship this year, although Leicester Tigers proved last season that a glut of injuries isn't necessarily a bar to success.

But assuming no side is ravaged by an unfair share of injuries, here are my predictions for how the Premiership will pan out in the 2010-11 season.

Leicester Tigers

Head coach Richard Cockerill said last week that the Tigers do not have a divine right to win the Premiership but with seven championships since the game went professional, you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. Leicester's pack is a marvel to behold when it's got the bit between its teeth, and I expect it to continue to be a snarling, spirited beast.

Predicted finish: 1st

Northampton Saints

Under the tutelage of England-coach-in-waiting Jim Mallinder, the Saints are fast regaining their reputation as one of the most formidable sides in European rugby. More silverware will surely follow last season's LV= Cup.

Predicated finish: 2nd

Bath Rugby

With the assistance of Bruce Craig's millions and head coach Steve Meehan's shrewdness, Bath are developing the kind of set-up which will make the club a potent force in England and on the Continent for many years to come. But this is the first year of the Craig revolution and it would be rash to expect success at the drop of a hat.

Predicted finish: 3rd

Saracens

With his judicious and sometimes not so judicious comments, press conferences with head coach Brendan Venter are always entertaining – which was more than could be said for Saracens' brand of rugby at the start of last season. Mercifully for the rugby-viewing public, the club eventually moved away from the one-dimensional kick-and-chase snore-fest and produced some stunning, expansive rugby.

Predicated finish: 4th

London Wasps

With the Danny Cipriani soap opera having moved Down Under, Wasps might actually feel a weight lifted off their collective shoulders. The return of Riki Flutey will give the backline zip and an air of danger.

Predicted finish: 5th

London Irish

A promising season petered out into indifference last season for the Exiles. History may repeat itself.

Predicted finish: 6th

Gloucester Rugby

The Cherry and Whites have made few changes to the squad that produced a mediocre showing last season. But a settled squad is just what Gloucester need after the ructions at the end of the 2008-09 season. However, I can't see them being more than also-rans.

Predicted finish: 7th

Harlequins

With a new director of rugby in Conor O'Shea, a wind of change has blown through Quins. But it will be a year of consolidation.

Predicted finish: 8th

Leeds Carnegie

Will it be second season syndrome for Leeds? Hopes will be high after they avoided the drop last season and I'd back them to do it again.

Predicted finish: 9th

Exeter Chiefs

Will Ryan Davis be able to provide for Premiership new boys Exeter the kind of playmaking thrust that he failed to produce at The Rec for large chunks of last season? And how will former Bath wing Andrew Higgins cope with a return to top-flight rugby after his suspension? I reckon they'll survive in the Premiership – but only by the skin of their teeth.

Predicted finish: 10th

Sale Sharks

If Bath made a recruitment blunder last season, it was releasing young winger Rhys Crane. Despite being regarded as a tremendous athlete by the strength and conditioning staff at the club, Crane wasn't offered a contract. He has since been offered a three-month trial by the Sharks – and has impressed in pre-season too, earning a place in Sale's squad for their opening game against Newcastle Falcons.

Elsewhere, however, there are few rays of light at Edgeley Park. After last season's brush with relegation there have been too few signings to suggest that things will turn around dramatically.

Predicted finish: 11th

Newcastle Falcons

Former Bath lock James Hudson is holding something of a poisoned chalice after being appointed captain of a side that lacks any imagination in attack.

Predicted finish: 12th