It’s the day the new Premier League season kicks off, unless you support Tottenham or Everton as you have to wait another 8 days, and with the return of the richest league in the world brings the end to endless transfer speculation with the action back on the pitch. Here are my predictions for the new season of action in the Premier League.
Race for the title
The previous 19 years of the Premier League have been dominated by three teams, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea with only Blackburn managing to break their dominance in 1995 but could this be the year where Man City becomes only the fifth club to win the Premier League title? I think it is possible but that Man United will be even more determined to win their 20th title while also preventing City from joining the elite club at the top of the English game. Last week’s Community Shield victory demonstrated United’s fierce desire not to give up easily and Sir Alex looks to have successfully rebuilt the side. After the retirements of Van Der Sar, Neville and Scholes last season, this is a new generation for Man United and they recruited young and hungry talent that will make them very hard to dislodge as champions.However last season’s FA Cup winners, City will push them all the way after strengthening once again during the summer. Sergio Aguero will bolster their already world-class strike force especially if they can hang onto Tevez and I cannot see too many weaknesses in their current team with a strong midfield and solid defence. With new boss Andre Villas-Boas at the helm, Chelsea are a bit of an unknown quantity as he is inexperienced and is unproven in the Premier League. However if he can have a similar effect to that of his former tutor Mourinho then he has a chance of challenging for the title especially if he can make his effective 4-3-3 formation work. Getting Torres to score goals will be vital if they are to be in the running come May.
Battle for Champions League
Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool side look to be on a real high after the end of the last season and they have the unique opportunity of not having to play in European competitions during the new campaign so they will remain focused on the league and cups. They may have spent too much on a few of their new signings but if they can secure the club a Champions League spot for next season I don’t think anyone at Anfield will mind. I think fourth place is a realistic prospect but it will depend on how the new signings settled and how far Arsenal fall. Arsenal appear set for a transition season after the expected departures of Fabregas and Nasri with only a few new arrivals coming into the club. Their season could entirely depend on who they sign between now and 31st August. If they can keep their main players fit for the entire term while signing suitable replacements then maybe they can keep their place in the top four but I am not sure this will be the case. Spurs have still not signed the striker they desperately need if they are to challenge for a Champions League spot this year. Hanging onto Modric will be vital if they are to have a chance but I don’t think we have heard the last of the transfer saga surrounding him yet. Redknapp likes to leave his transfers to last minute to get best value and this appears the case again this year so it is difficult to predict how Spurs will fare but I think a 6th place finish is likely.
Battle for Europa League
Fulham and Everton will again be challenging for a Europa League place with both teams having a consistent squad and so quality players while Aston Villa with McLeish at the helm will be hoping to be there abouts. I think Sunderland will make an effort for a top half finish after recruiting well during the summer and they could even be in with a shout of a Europa League place.
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Relegation Strugglers
At the bottom I think all three promoted clubs will struggle to stay up. Of the three I believe QPR have the best chance as they were excellent last season and have a fantastic team spirit under Warnock. Signing DJ Campbell guarantees goals and if Taarabt can show what he is capable of, they stand a slim chance of survival. Norwich are certain to gain plaudits for their brand of football but I think they will be similar to Blackpool last season and will not get enough points to survive but I am sure they will give it their best shot. While Swansea have signed Championship players and I think for that reason they will be back there next season but not before surprising a few teams on their way. If any of the promoted teams manage to survive this could spell bad news for either Blackburn or Wigan who have lost important players during the summer and they could be in a for a long season. I also think Newcastle could have a tricky campaign and will rely heavily on Demba Ba to fire them to safety.
Surprise package of the season
For an outside bet I think Wolves have a much stronger team this year and could make a challenge for surprise top half finish. The purchase of Roger Johnson looks like one of the bargains of the summer and he will add solidity at the back. If Fletcher can continue his end of season form expect much improvement at Molineux.
Breakthrough player
I can see Martin Albrighton having a big season for Villa who are looking to fill the gaps left by Young and Downing in the supply line to Darren Bent. The England U21 international showed glimpses of what he was capable of last season netting five times for the club and this could be the year he becomes a main stay in the Villa first team while making his England debut in time for Euro 2012.
Whatever happens I am sure it will be a thrilling Premier League season with talking points on and off the field and it that is likely to be exciting right up until the final day. Bring it on!
My Predictions:
Champions: Manchester United
2nd: Manchester City
3rd: Chelsea
4th: Liverpool
5th: Arsenal
6th Spurs
FA Cup: Manchester United
Carling Cup: Liverpool
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Kick-Off the Premier League season with Football FanCast’s NEW ScoreCast from 2.45pm
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