How will Burnley, Leicester and QPR fare in the Premier League?

Danny Ings is a key man for Burnley

Alex Johnson looks at the new boys in the Premier League to see how they might do in the 2014/2015 season.

With promotion to the Premier League comes the promise of an almighty battle just to maintain top-flight status.

For the sides promoted from the Championship, the number one aim starting out this weekend is to remain at the top table when the season ends next May.

Leicester City return for the first time in 10 years after sweeping all before them last season.

Burnley took the second automatic promotion place while a last-minute Bobby Zamora goal brought play-off glory for QPR.

What chance have the new boys got of surviving among the sharks of the Premier League?

Leicester

Boss Nigel Pearson gets his first taste of management in the top flight as the Foxes make a long overdue return.

The King Power Stadium was awash with joy as Leicester stormed to Championship success last term.

History has shown that being the best side on the way up is no guarantee of being best equipped for the challenge that now lies before them.

Pearson is likely to have his troops well organised - they kept 14 clean sheets in the battleground of the Championship last season - and has made the useful addition of former England centre back Matthew Upson to add experience.

Marc Albrighton from Aston Villa and Leonardo Ulloa from Brighton are the only other recruits to date as the Leicester manager has sought to avoid wholesale changes.

Front men David Nugent and Jamie Vardy teamed up for 34 goals last season and a lot will depend on the ability of the former to showcase his scoring ability at the highest level domestically.

Their opening set of fixtures - Everton, Arsenal and Manchester United at home with trips to Chelsea and Stoke - look like ensuring the Foxes are up against it for much of the season.

Burnley

After a five-year wait, Burnley return to the big time.

The Clarets will be hoping to banish memories of Owen Coyle's bitter departure in the infancy of their last Premier League campaign.

As their tradition demands, Sean Dyche's team won many plaudits for the quality of their football en route to automatic promotion but it cannot mask the fact his squad lacks quality and top-tier experience.

Dyche has attempted to supplement his bunch of Premier League novices by signing Steven Reid and Matt Taylor on free transfers.

They open up by hosting Chelsea in the first Monday night game of the new season while Louis van Gaal brings Manchester United to Turf Moor in their second home game.

Both are sure to attract full houses with carnival atmospheres.

Danny Ings scored 26 goals in all competitions last season and Dyche will be hoping the 22-year-old can bring his goalscoring touch to the big stage.

QPR

Harry Redknapp was not able to prevent QPR succumbing to relegation when he took over at Loftus Road two seasons ago but, to his credit, the manager returned the Hoops at the first time of asking.

Pre-season promotion favourites a year ago, QPR struggled with the hustle and bustle of the Championship before clinching Wembley glory as play-off underdogs.

Redknapp will now be looking to provide stability for the club's mega-rich owners to base their future plans on.

In familiar fashion, the R's boss has been busy in the summer transfer market.

The capture of Rio Ferdinand looks an astute move while Steven Caulker gives Redknapp another good option at the back.

Jordon Mutch was prolific for Cardiff last season, scoring seven times from midfield and looks another shrewd signing.

France international Loic Remy is back - for now - after a season at Newcastle and could ease the burden on Charlie Austin.

Staying Alive

They may have been last in via the play-offs, but it is QPR who appear best positioned to avoid relegation.

If they can harness the talents of Ferdinand, Remy and Joey Barton then Redknapp's Rangers should improve beyond the sides that finished above them in the second tier.