As the new season comes into view, I thought I would share some of my thoughts and predictions. There will also be the opportunity to send me your predictions which I will look back on once the season finishes in May to see how many got things correct or spectacularly wrong!
My Predictions:
Top 6 this season:
1) United
2) City
3) Chelsea
4) Arsenal
5) Spurs
6) Liverpool
Looking at the squads for the various teams, this is how I think the league will finish. United look strong in all departments and are well stocked in terms of quality and experience. The defence looks very solid with the youngest three able to deputise at full back when the need arises. As we all know, midfield needs attention and it looks like an attacking player may well arrive but I would like to see a defensive one too but clearly Ferguson thinks we are okay. Up front, it is difficult to see how Macheda and Diouf will get too many games if they remain at the club. In Europe, at the highest level, I feel we may fall a bit short even with the addition of a certain Dutchman. I would fully expect us to reach the semi finals at least.
City will be a threat but I feel they may struggle with Champions League commitments in the middle of the busy Premier League campaign. You also get the feeling that the squad could implode at any minute and that team spirit is not the highest. If Tevez leaves then it will be a big problem replacing his goals as expecting the same of new signing Aguero is a big ask.
Chelsea may struggle a little this season as age could catch up with them and they still seem no nearer to solving the Torres/Drogba situation. If, however, they manage to sign Modric (unlikely) then he will make a big difference to their pedestrian midfield. With Essien out for a while, keeping Lampard and Terry fit will be crucial. I would expect a good season from Daniel Sturridge who has been impressive in pre-season.
Arsenal look a squad in disarray at the moment with the uncertainty over the futures of Fabregas and Nasri. It may be for the best if they both depart and then use the money wisely on replacements. Defence looks a big weakness with no new signings as we stand but I would expect Ramsey and Wilshere to prosper if Fabregas departs. Keeping Van Persie fit and firing will also be important.
Spurs have a decent squad on paper and may surprise a few people without the distraction of Champions League football. Bale, Modric, Van der Vaart and Sandro are all top quality players and if Redknapp can bring in one or two new additions between now and September (especially up front) then they could be a real force. I would not be surprised to see Friedel take over in goal from the inconsistent Gomes while keeping Dawson and Gallas fit will be crucial.
Liverpool have spent a lot of money since January, mainly on English talent but I feel those predicting them for a top 4 finish are a touch over optimistic. They look slow in defence and lack depth in attack where Carroll's injury record may be a concern. Midfield looks over stocked in some respects and it could lead to some exits ahead of the transfer window closing in September. Gerrard and Carragher will once again be important but both look increasingly susceptible to injuries as their careers go on.
Three teams to be relegated:
Blackburn, Wigan and Swansea
Champions League Winners:
Real Madrid
Champions League Runners Up:
Barcelona
I just have a gut feeling that however good Barcelona are that they are not unbeatable and Real, under Mourinho may just edge past them in the final. If Barca start the season with both Fabregas and Sanchez then they look even stronger but fitting them all in and keeping them happy could be a problem. Of course, greater squad depth could mean that they are able to rest the likes of Xavi, Messi and Iniesta from time to time which could benefit them when it comes to the climax of the season. On paper, Real look an exciting attacking force with Ronaldo, Ozil, Benzema, Di Maria, Kaka, Higuain amongst others and with the possibility of Neymar joining in January they will continue to notch a multitude of goals but can they keep it tight at the back against the better teams?
FA Cup Winners:
Spurs
Carling Cup Winners:
United
Top Scorer in the Premier League:
Robin Van Persie
Best Signings:
N'Zogbia (Villa), Eagles (Bolton), Obertan (Newcastle), Woodgate (Stoke), O'Shea (Sunderland)
Worst Signings:
Adam, Henderson (both Liverpool)
United Player of the Season:
Rooney with Smalling 2nd and Nani 3rd
United Rant has a similar predictions post up at the moment as well so apologies to them as copying their idea was not my intention.
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