It’s that time once again. The Premier League is back! From
the joy to the heartbreak (and the expense) what can supporters expect from
their team this season? Here is my preview of the 20 Premier League clubs;
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger is under more pressure to secure their first
piece of silverware since winning the FA Cup in 2005. His reluctance to spend
frustrates many supporters, especially after missing out on the signing of
Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid and Luiz Gustavo from Bayern Munich. The
Gunners do need to bolster their attacking options, as it has seemed a problematic
area since the departures of Henry and Bergkamp. Many expect Arsenal to submit
another offer to Liverpool , for Suarez at around £45M;
this signing would be an addition that could keep them challenging in the top
four and possibly the title, however I struggle to see how Wenger will deal
with the baggage and the problems he could cause for the club with tradition
and values. So far this summer their only signing has been Yaya Sanogo from
Auxerre, which hasn't got fans pulses racing. With Arsenal’s current squad I
can see them missing out on a top four finish.
Prediction – 5th
Aston Villa
Crucially for Aston Villa, they have tied last seasons PFA
Young Player of the Year Christian Benteke down to a new contract. His 19 goals
in the Premier League helped push Villa away from the relegation zone and this
season could be similar as the last. Alongside Benteke signing a new deal,
there have been five other first team players to sign, including Brad Guzan,
who was one of the best keepers in the league. Paul Lambert has continued his
philosophy of young talent by signing six players, none of which are 24 or
over. The most exciting signing is Nicklas Helenius, the 22 year-old has two
caps for Denmark
after scoring 29 in 55 games for Aalborg . However I feel
they miss an experienced defender and I expect this to lead to more issues
defensively. I’m hoping to see Ashley Westwood grow in stature and confidence
this season because there is potential that he could be a top player for the
club and for England
in the future. The first few games for Villa will be difficult and they may
struggle to pick up points. The supporters will have to be patient and stick by
Lambert and the team during the tricky periods. Unfortunately I think this
season will be similar to last.
Prediction – 15th
The Champions in the Championship last season have shown
their intent to survive their first season in the Premier League by breaking
their transfer record three times and spending over £20M. Steven Caulker can
help their defence to be more resilient, whilst Gary Medel is expected to sit
in-front and protect the back four with his combative play. The Chilean was
sent off three times for Sevilla last season, but is also known for his
composure on the ball. The Bluebirds have taken a gamble on paying big fees for
players with little or no Premier League experience; I suppose they are able to
take this gamble following the owners clearing their debt. Malky Mackay, unlike
the other two promoted managers, has no experience of managing in the top
flight, this alongside a fairly inexperienced squad at this level means I can
see them struggling. Craig Bellamy will be crucial for the Welsh club and it
may require his nous to pick up points, which may be hard to come by.
Prediction – 20th
The return of Jose Mourinho puts them as favourites for this season’s title. He will be trying to avoid fall outs with senior players after the problems at Real Madrid. There looks to be a good balance of youth and experience; this will stand them in good stead for this season and future years.
Prediction – 1st
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| Will this be the scene in May? |
Play-off winners last season and need to strengthen their squad
to have a chance of survival. So far in the Transfer Window, the Eagles have
added Marouane Chamakh from Arsenal , Spain Peterborough , these three
attacking signings will bolster their strike force and with Kevin Phillips
signing on a free, I can see Palace causing a few defences problems. However,
their defence is the concern. They have recently given new contracts to Danny
Gabbidon and Peter Ramage but still need to find one or two more defenders that
can strengthen and give cover when injuries and suspensions occur. Ian Holloway
has managed in the Premier League, unfortunately that was when his Blackpool
side got relegated in their first season, it will be interesting to see if he
continues with his carpet football style when in trouble and in need to secure
points. I can only see a relegation battle ending in them going down.
Prediction – 19th
Everton
This season is the beginning of a new era for the club
following David Moyes’ departure to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester
United. FA Cup winning manager Roberto Martinez will look to add his stamp onto
the club with his football philosophy evident at relegated Wigan Athletic. Some
of the Latics players of last season have followed Martinez
to the Toffees, but their main aim will to keep hold of key players, in the
likes of Leighton Baines, Marouane Felliani and Kevin Mirallas. They have
rejected a £12M bid for Baines from Man United, but if they fail to get other
targets expect them to make another bid for the England international; the same
rumours are circling around Felliani, as Man United have failed to lure Cesc
Fabregas away from Barcelona. The interesting acquisition of Gerard Deulofeu on
a season-long loan from Barcelona
highlights Martinez ’s intentions to
play an attacking style of football, as Deulofeu scored 18 goals in 33
appearances for Barcelona B last season. I still have questions over Martinez ’s
ability as a manager and I can see a below-par season for the blue half of
Merseyside.
Prediction – 9th
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| Shahid Khan (right) new Fulham owner. (Image from Mirror) |
Fulham
The club has had changes off the pitch with Mohamed Al-Fayed
selling the club to American billionaire Shahid Khan, who also owns NFL
franchise Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cottagers have finalised a deal for one of
last season most consistent performers, Sascha Riether, who impressed many whilst on-loan from German side FC Cologne. Martin Jol has made useful additions to strengthen a small squad by adding players of quality with Derek Boateng, Fernando Amorebieta and Maarten Stekelenburg. Fulham tend to be mid-table and I can see another season of mid-table mediocrity, but for Fulham this could be below par as clubs around them have also bought wisely making the middle of the table highly competitive as clubs hunt for a top ten finish.
Prediction – 14th
Out of the promoted sides, Hull
have the best chance of survival. Steve Bruce knows the Premier League
inside-out as a player and as a manager and this has shown with the signings he
has made so far. The club have signed seven players and have spent under £10M.
The signing of two experienced goalkeepers in Steve Harper and Allan McGregor
and defenders Curtis Davies, Ahmed Elmohamady and Maynor Figueroa shows that Bruce had identified the defence as a potential issue and with these shrewd signings suggest that it has been strengthened. They have also bought attacking options, despite missing out on Gary Hooper and Charlie Austin. However if they are up to Premier League standard we will wait and see; George Boyd and Yannick Sagbo have added extra potency to the front line. This week they signed Tom Huddlestone (permanent) and Jake Livermore (loan) from Tottenham, the pair should add extra quality into a midfield that will be responsible for creating chances. The Tigers face a tricky opening with trips to Chelsea and Manchester City; home games will be crucial to collect valuable points.
Prediction – 18th
The Suarez sage took another twist on Wednesday, when he
told a Uruguayan journalist that he was staying at Liverpool .
With or without Suarez, Brendan Rodgers will have one of the best collective groups
of attacking players. Towards the end of last season we saw Sturridge and
Coutinho show some of their potential, but this season expect them to flourish,
whilst new signing Iago Aspas has a big future ahead of him. Aspas signed from
Celta Vigo scored 12 goals in 35 games for the Spanish club. The Reds signed Sunderland
goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to replace Pepe Reina who has joined Napoli
on loan. Kolo Toure has been another addition to Liverpool ’s
squad, but with Skrtel and Agger, a usually solid partnership, will Toure get
the game time he is after, following his departure from Manchester
City Barcelona
rumoured to be after vice captain Daniel Agger. I can see Liverpool
doing a little better than last season and this is where Liverpool
need to push on to challenge for a top four place.
Prediction – 6th
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| A more relaxed character compared to Mancini. (Image from Football365) |
Manuel Pellegrini is in charge of his first season at the club,
he has been followed from Spain by Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo as City look
to strengthen their attack following the departure of Carlos Tevez to Juventus.
City have further added attacking options by bringing Fernandinho and Stefan
Jovetic to the club. All of whom pose threat and danger to all opponents; this
is a clear signal of intent to win the title back from their Manchester
rivals after failing to retain the trophy last season. The only concern around
these new additions is how they will cope around Christmas time when games are
played thick and fast. No defensive options have yet been added to the squad,
which may be a concern to fans because Matija Nastasic is likely to miss the
first month of the season through an ankle injury whilst taking part in the
Asia Trophy. This Man City
Prediction – 2nd
David Moyes takes charge of his first season in charge
following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Moyes has massive shoes to fill and
the pressure on the manager may already be evident after criticising the
fixture list for early in the season. There are high expectations that surround
the job which involve winning trophies and making sure players perform to the
necessary standards. All this, alongside the Wayne Rooney transfer saga, will
test his skill as a manager. The only signing so far this summer is defender Guillermo Varela, but the bigger
news from the club this August will surround Wayne Rooney. The player is
believed to want to leave the club, but is yet to put in a transfer request
meaning he could waiver his loyalty bonus; Chelsea
are believed to have bid for the striker. Potential targets for the Red Devils
include Gareth Bale and a return for Cristiano Ronaldo, even though it is
highly unlikely. Despite the team knowing how to win trophies, I don’t believe
that they will win the title, although they will make a challenge to retain it.
Prediction – 3rd
Many people are talking about the appointment of Joe Kinnear
as director of football, he has stated that team matters will be left to
manager Alan Pardew, but he will have the final say on signings. This has been
very controversial, as the relationship between the supporters and Kinnear was
soured at the end of his spell as manager in February 2009. On the pitch the
club are still short of a few squad players to cover in case of injuries and
suspensions, I can see this being a problem for the Toon. The acquisition of
Loic Remy from QPR on a season-long loan will help to resolve one of their
issues last season, goal-scoring; his record last season for relegated QPR was
impressive scoring 6 goals in 13 games. Overall I think it will be a solid
season with a mid-table finish.
Prediction – 13th
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| Ricky Van Wolfswinkel on his unveiling. (Image from football365) |
Chris Hughton has made some excellent signings ahead of the
new season. Known for his cautious style of play with few goals, it looks like
he is to rectify that this season through signing Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and
Gary Hooper, two strikers who have featured in Europe
for their previous clubs; the departure of Grant Holt could also be an
indicator of change for the Canaries. These additions alongside the transfer of
promising young talent Nathaniel Redmond suggest that Hughton will be more
offensive than in previous seasons. Keeping hold of key players is also vital
and Norwich have done this by tying
Russell Martin to a new three-year contract (well that is if contracts mean the
paper they are written on). Norwich will hope to be safe prior to their final
four games as they will face four of the top six sides in the country, but I
don’t think the fans will need to worry at all, I think they will have a
comfortable season and finish just below mid-point in the league.
Prediction – 11th
Manuel Pochettino takes charge of his first full season in
charge after replacing Nigel Adkins in January and proved it to be the right
decision keeping the club well away from safety by winning important games, the
biggest scalp being Manchester City Barcelona ,
scoring at Celtic Park Lyon with 17 international caps
for Croatia to
his name. All in all both signings suggest improvements have been made to the
playing and I can see the Saints improving on last season’s 14th
place finish.
Prediction – 12th
Stoke City
Pre-season has been a transition period for the club after
Mark Hughes replaced Tony Pulis. The Potters have made useful acquisitions in
Erik Pieters and Marc Muniesa. Despite Hughes admission to play more attacking
football, the Potters still lack a proven goal scorer and a winger. A lack of
goals seems like it could yet again frustrate the fans, so Hughes will need to
use the rest of the transfer window wisely to solve the problem; names linked
with Stoke have included former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf
however it seems as though the deal could have fallen through. Keeping hold of
key players, especially at the spine, has been crucial for Stoke’s progression
under Pulis and so far none of them seem to be on their way through the exit.
If the side gets off to a poor start Hughes will know he will have the support
of chairman Peter Coates, who is very loyal to managers and is a man who
doesn’t believe in the ‘hire and fire’ mentality. I think this season will see
Stoke struggle but have more than enough to survive.
Prediction – 16th
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| Expect more of this. (Image from BBC) |
The livewire eccentric Paulo Di Canio insists that this will
be the fittest Sunderland team of recent years, as they
are following a strict regime. The Italian has already signed ten players and
is looking to sign more as well as move players on who are surplus to
requirements. The problem with the number of signings is that only one (Vito Mannone)
has Premier League experience plus it can take time for players to settle down
and gel into the team and their new surroundings. The Black Cats lacked goals
last season, especially following the injury to Steven Fletcher, so far they
have added Jozy Altidore, who hit a hat-trick for USA
against Bosnia
in midweek, and Emanuele Giaccherini to their squad to rectify this issue. The manager’s
attitude and temperament could fall into question during the season and it will
be interesting to see how he handles the pressure and media attention; this
will be more testing when they go through a rough patch and when the place is
low. I believe that Sunderland are going to be involved in a relegation scrap
this season, but feel they should be able to survive.
Prediction – 17th
Who knew what a fantastic job Michael Laudrup would do for
the club last season? Finishing ninth in the League and winning the Capital One
Cup proves that clubs can get anywhere with support and loyalty, after they
nearly fell out of the Football League 10 years ago. Laudrup has continued
being astute in the transfer market, by drafting in nine players including one
of last season’s most consistent midfielders in Jonathan De Guzman. Alongside
his addition the Swans have signed Jonjo Shelvey, who can pick a pass as well
as make a strong challenge, and they splashed the cash for Wilfried Bony, whose
goal-scoring record was impressive (31 goals in 30 games in Eredivisie).
Laudrup has bought from clubs in La Liga yet again, hoping to find a gem like
he did last season with the revelation of Michu. Despite their Europa League
commitments I consider Swansea
could be this season surprise package.
Prediction – 7th
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| AVB trying to hold onto Bale. (Image from the Telegraph) |
Tottenham Hotspur
As the Bale saga rumbles on, Andre Villas-Boas will be
hoping that it isn't a distraction on the pitch. After failing in their
attempts to finish in the top four last season, Spurs must be optimistic about
this one. Keeping Bale would be massive for the club as they aim to repeat the
feat of the 2009/10 season by finishing fourth. A player I have admired for a
while is Roberto Soldado who has joined this summer to bolster their attacking
options, as they were reliant on Bale throughout last season. Soldado scored 80
times throughout his Valencia
career, including four goals in last seasons Champions League. His inclusion
into the squad with Paulinho, Nacer Chadli and Etienne Capoue shows that Spurs
must be considered for a top four finish. This new signings should integrate
well into an attacking Spurs squad. The supporters will hope that Bale stays,
as well as Moussa Dembele staying injury free because he could be another thorn
in the side of opposition defences. I think Spurs will break into the top four
once again this season and fancy them for a run in the Europa League.
Prediction – 4th
Steve Clarke was a contender for ‘Manager of the Season’
last year after guiding West Brom to 8th
place last season. This summer the Baggies are yet to spend a penny but their
squad looks to have improved. Clarke has signed Nicolas Anelka on a free
transfer; the pair will have worked together when Clarke was Jose Mourinho’s
assistant at Chelsea . Last years
Championship ‘Player of the Season’, Matej Vydra, has joined on-loan from
Udinese, Clarke will be hoping that Vydra’s goals replace those of Romelu
Lukaku, who will stay at Chelsea
for the season. The Midlands club have also offered new
contracts to a number of players including Youssouf Mulumbu and Zoltan Gera,
which will give them a mix of craft and creativity in their midfield. This
season will be similar to last, but supporters will be hoping they keep to a
consistent level and not fizzle out in the second half of the season.
Prediction – 8th
West Ham United
The Hammers made a successful return to the top flight last
season and finished 10th. Despite making some useful signings this
season will be similar to last. Sam Allardyce has signed Liverpool
duo Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing to improve the squad. Carroll had a useful
impact last season and fits well into the formation and style of play used by
Allardyce. Downing joins after an unsuccessful move to Liverpool ,
who have made a loss on this duo, but will face competition from Joe Cole and
Matt Jarvis (who West Ham paid £8M for). West Ham are another mid-table club
that needs to keep hold of their best players to continually progress and so
far they have managed this; Mohamed Diame looks set to stay put and Winston
Reid continued to impress at the back end of the season. The main question
hanging over the club is off the pitch with the financial aspect of football
clubs being businesses. How they manage to fund moves for players at top clubs
on high wages, I don’t know, so you'd expect a higher than average monthly wage
bill for a mid-table club. A second solid season for the Hammers.
Prediction – 10th
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| Who will be lifting this in May? |
