Chelsea vs Manchester United: Where it will be won and lost

Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday for a pivotal fixture in the destination of the Barclays Premier League title.

By way of a preview, I will be looking at the key areas that will go a long way towards deciding the outcome of the game:

Valencia vs Bertrand - Following the dismissal of Ashley Cole against Swansea, Chelsea are likely to go into the game with rookie Ryan Bertrand at left back. Even if the England international had been available, this would still have been identified as a potential area that United could exploit, bearing in mind the torrid time handed out to Cole by Valencia in recent fixtures. The Ecuadorian is in the form of his life at the moment and will truly fancy his chances of inflicting the sort of damage that could change the game. Valencia is very much an old fashioned winger. He does not possess a "trick" as such to beat his man but relies on his pace and movement to get to the byline before unleashing a testing cross. The phrase "getting chalk on his boots" is incredibly apt for him at the moment as he hugs the touchline inviting long balls from the likes of Carrick and Scholes from the centre thus helping to stretch the opposition. Another key to his recent resurgence has been the combination play with his colleague at full back meaning that his opponent has often had to deal with both. The choice of right back on Sunday appears to come between the attacking verve and youthful enthusiasm of Rafael or the more conservative and defensive selection of Chris Smalling. Ferguson's propensity to err on the side of caution will probably mean that the Englishman gets the nod but he may just alter his mindset knowing that Cole will be absent.

Welbeck/Rooney vs Terry/Luiz - The news that United fans wanted was duly announced by the boss in his weekly press conference when he revealed that Rooney, Nani, Young and Cleverley could all be in the squad travelling to London. The return of United's number ten is the most noteworthy as it means that the away side can go into the game with him playing off a front man (most likely Welbeck) with Rooney able to drop deep to assist the midfield two as he has done successfully in recent away fixtures against City and Arsenal. A key feature of the game will be how the Englishman can affect the time and space afforded to Chelsea's defensive anchor whether it is Romeu or the returning Essien. It is a role he has carried out with varying degrees of success in recent years when one remembers encounters against Mikel (successful) and Busquets (much less so!). It will be in the final third that United will hope that the forward duo will have most effect on the match up against Luiz and Terry (injury permitting, otherwise Ivanovic). Welbeck's exciting form this season owes a lot to his impressive movement and pace which has helped to stretch opposition back lines and if he can isolate either of the two centre backs then United will surely prosper. To be fair, Chelsea's defence has tightened recently somewhat from their early season mishaps but one still gets the impression that Luiz is an accident waiting to happen and either Terry or Ivanovic are susceptible to pace and guile.

Nani or Park? Boswinga or Ivanovic - The news that Nani has trained in the last couple of days will be another boost to the club based on his generally excellent form this season. When he limped off the pitch at the Emirates, many feared a lengthy absence due to a dreaded metatarsal break but these fears have been allayed and the Portuguese flyer will look to inflict similar damage on Chelsea as he did to Djourou against Arsenal. If Nani is not deemed sufficiently fit to resume his role down the left then the likely selection will be Park whose defensive capabilities can be an asset away from home but he offers little in terms of attacking threat in most situations. Ashley Young is also close to a return and United suddenly look like they have a wide range of options with which to plot the downfall of the opposition from the wide areas. In recent games, Ivanovic has been the right back of choice against United due to his defensive intelligence when compared to the more forward thinking Boswinga. Either way, Nani will fancy his chances and one hopes that he trusts his left foot a little more as his opponents have a tendency to show him inside (an option he all too frequently takes) and thus leaving themselves vulnerable to being caught flat footed as the winger goes on his left foot. The recent resurgence in form of Evra is also worth noting and his attacking threat has meant that opposition full backs have their hands full if their wide man fails to track back (as seen at Arsenal where Oxlade Chamberlain left Djourou exposed).

The midfield battle - I would expect Carrick and Giggs to be chosen in the centre at Stamford Bridge, a ground where they have excelled as a partnership in recent years (except the second half of last season's league game!). With Rooney assisting when appropriate, United will look to gain control with astute passing and sensible positioning. The injury to Ramires will be welcome to this duo who can have a tendency to lose midfield runners and the slim Brazilian can often be found ahead of his strikers as he breaks into the box. Although Lampard (if fit and selected) had this quality, age is catching up somewhat and his forward surges are not quite the threat they once were. The return of Essien (if deemed match fit) will be a huge boost for the Londoners after a lengthy lay off. Although youngster Romeu has settled in admirably, the swashbuckling Ghanaian adds bite and drive to the central area. Raul Meireles is another option in the holding midfield role but he is better suited to a more attacking position and could be unsettled by the presence of Rooney in his face. With two wide men on the pitch, look for Carrick and Giggs to attempt to spread the ball out to the wings when possible and put the onus on them to beat their opponent or to supply the ammunition for Rooney and Welbeck.

Off the bench - The return of a few of the walking wounded for United also has a knock on effect that it strengthens the options available to Ferguson if he needs to change the game or close it out. In recent weeks, the likes of the Will Keane, Pogba, Cole and Fryers have all been selected on the bench and while it is heartening to see their progress, it is asking a lot of them to change a game at the highest level. On Sunday, United's bench could possibly have the likes of Hernández, Berbatov, Young, Cleverley and Scholes all as options which significantly increases the chances of a notable impact as the starting players tire.

The Chelsea threat - The primary threat from the home side will come naturally from their front three and notably their players either side of Torres. Mata has had an encouraging start to life in the Premier League where his guile and creativity have given Chelsea an extra edge sadly lacking last season. The Spaniard has a  tendency to roam across the pitch at times in order to make an impact and although from an attacking point of view this can be an asset, the left back can be left exposed. When Ashley Cole is in residence, that is less of a problem but his suspension and the subsequent promotion of Bertrand means Mata may have to be more rigid in his positioning. He will be tasked with orchestrating United's downfall by threading passes in behind Ferdinand and Evans whilst hoping that Torres has his shooting boots on. Sturridge on the right will look to isolate Evra one on one and use his movement to cause a lapse in positioning. The Frenchman will need to be wary of him at the back post as he looks to get into goal scoring positions when the ball is delivered from the left. The mis-firing Torres tends to raise his game at the prospect of facing United and there would be no better game for his potency to return than at home against their rivals. He cannot be underestimated by United's centre backs as although he has lost a yard of the once renowned blistering pace, he can still get into positions of threat. 

Team Prediction

Score Prediction

Based on what I have written above and my general bias towards United, I will go for a 2-1 away victory. The caveat to this is the return of Rooney and Nani to the first team. If either are unfit then a low scoring draw is more likely as Ferguson may well go with Park and Scholes (as at Anfield) which would isolate Welbeck once more. Not for the first time, I have a feeling that the winner may come via an introduction from the bench so maybe a certain Mexican will pop up with a late United winner.

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Q & A with Martin Lipton of the Daily Mirror

With the New Year now upon us, I caught up with the Daily Mirror's Chief Football Writer Martin Lipton to discuss the title race, United's season so far, the transfer window, Suarez/Evra and much more.

Martin is a regular on Sky's Sunday Supplement

Written Offside: As we go into the New Year, how do you assess the title race?

Martin Lipton: The race is tighter than I expected it to be, after a month of surprising results, starting with City's defeat at Chelsea. Still only two possible winners in my mind, as I thought at the start of the season, with four more in the running for third and fourth. Like Eric Morecambe, I'm playing all the right notes. Just not necessarily in the right order! But think it will go down to the side who is most consistent when the heat is on. Squad depth and injuries will be key, too.

WO: The surprise package to a certain extent have been Spurs, how impressed have you been with their first half of the season and do you feel they can sustain a challenge?

ML: Come on, it's Tottenham! They have played superbly well and this is, without doubt, the best Spurs squad I have known. There is an argument that is you kept the players and just changed the manager, THFC with Fergie in charge would be favourites to win the title. I wouldn't go as far as that but think they are the third-best side. Whether they will finish third is another question altogether. The natural pessimist in me doubts that.

WO: How would you sum up Manchester United's first half of the season? Which players have impressed you and who would you have expected more of?

ML: Great start, ordinary middle, terrific end - until the final page. Too many poor displays which have been punished heavily and attitude towards Champions League group phase was flawed. United were outstanding in the initial weeks although the defensive lapses were there even in the matches, like Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea, they won. Chelsea did not deserve to lose 3-1 and had Torres scored the sitter they might even have got a point. The sheer scale of the injury problems, though, makes any analysis of United hard because we haven't really seen the first team. Loss of Cleverley a definite blow but Vidic and Ferdinand problems, coupled with Fletcher illness, more severe.

WO: How do you feel the new signings (Jones, De Gea and Young) have settled in?

ML: Jones has been terrific, wherever he plays. He will be England and United captain before too long. But Young has faded after a bright start. he does seem somewhat injury prone, too. As for De Gea, he is making the mistakes a young keeper, thrown into a physical league, is always going to make. Got away with it early on but now being punished. Still agile and impressive as a shot-stopper but needs to learn when to come and when to stay.

WO: The transfer window has opened, do you see United strengthening and if so, in what areas?

ML: Of necessity they must buy. I would get in a centre-half, maybe Samba, even if it's a short-term fix. Think the play-maker they should have got in the summer, when I was convinced they would land Sneijder, is still required. And another midfielder too.

WO: Do you think it will be a quiet January window for most clubs or can you see some panic buying and if so, by who?

ML: January normally depends on one or two clubs getting busy. If that happens, with Chelsea splashing the cash for example, the knock-on effect is felt elsewhere. Chelsea have to decide whether to signal support for AVB - and allow him to start proper squad rebuilding, even though that would effectively kill their Champions League hopes. Liverpool may have to spend big to fill Suarez absence.

WO: How much of a shock was it to see the two Manchester clubs exit the Champions League and will it ultimately greatly assist one or the other in the title race?

ML: Not a shock with City, who were in a tough group including one of the three clubs who can realistically win the thing this season, although it was an embarrassment. But for United to go out of that group, with rubbish Romanians, so-so Swiss and pretty poor Portuguese, was a humiliation, as Fergie has conceded. Not good enough for United. If it will help either of them, it would be City, who can play a shadow side in the Europa League. United, especially if they go out of the FA Cup, will need to field stronger sides and I'm not sure the squad depth is sufficient.

WO: Based on what you have seen in the first half of the season, who would you pick as your Premier League top 4 (in order) and why?

1 Manchester City - best squad, strongest bench, burning desire - and the money to spend this month if needed

2 Manchester United - course and distance winners who will not give up. But injuries have hurt them and this may come to be seen, with benefit of hindsight, as another transition season

3 Chelsea - despite the internal problems and the manager's lack of experience. Torres is showing signs of emerging from his slumber and they are good at finding a rhythm in the second half of the season

4 Tottenham - should be third on quality. But they are Spurs. We all know what's going to happen!

WO: How much damage has the Suarez/Evra affair done to the reputation of Liverpool FC? 

ML: Personally feel Liverpool's conduct and behaviour from the start of the case was extraordinary and did nothing for the reputation of a great club. Some of the allegations hurled towards Evra were utterly reprehensible and unbefitting of a club of Liverpool's status. One wonders what John W Henry - remember a big financial supporter of Obama and the Democrats - thinks about the way his club has behaved. Supporting Suarez was understandable, although harder to justify given Comolli/Kuyt statements at the start of the inquiry. The tee-shirts were beyond parody. The attempts to denigrate the FA were - and you might not like this - akin to the accusations made by United and their fans at the time of Rio-gate in 2003. And equally wrong. As were the accusations that the panel were in Fergie's pocket, that it was wrong to release the verdict ahead of the reasons, that the case was delayed too long. Especially given it was Liverpool solicitor who caused the delay and LFC approved panel and agreed that result should be announced at end of hearing. Disgraceful.

WO: What are your hopes and expectations for 2012?

ML: Goal-line technology to be introduced, at last, paving the way for more technology at some stage in the future. Spurs to win the league (all right, that's not going to happen) and England to reach the semis at least in Euro 2012, led by a brilliant Rooney, with Jones, Wilshere, Young and Gerrard proving there are some top players in England.

A big thank you to Martin for taking time out from his busy schedule to answer my questions. Please follow him on Twitter if you are not doing so already.

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United vs Chelsea Post Match Post Mortem

Manchester United continued their 100% start to the season with a less than convincing victory over an impressive Chelsea side.  Both sides served up the game of the season thus far in a match that will be remembered for a horror miss from Fernando Torres rather than the sublime attacking football that was on show.  A game, which was also littered with mistakes, was settled by goals from Smalling, Nani and Rooney but in truth the scoreline could have been anything had both sides taken the gilt edged chances that were created.

United went in to the game, once again, without Rio Ferdinand. The 32 year old missed out due to another niggling calf injury that must place further doubts over his long term future at the club. There was a time when fans would have been worried at his absence but the emergence of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling this season has laid rest to those fears. The former again deputised admirably at the centre of defence alongside Jonny Evans with Smalling slotting in at right back. The other selection headache Sir Alex had ahead of the game was who to partner with Anderson in central midfield. Fletcher got the nod and he was a welcome returnee to the side.

Chelsea started the game brightly but United took the lead through Chris Smalling after he converted a delicious Ashley Young free kick with a simple header.  The Blues should have at least been level the time Nani doubled the lead with a quite breath taking strike.  First Ramires missed an open goal on the stretch and then Torres screwed wide after being gifted the ball by Anderson.  Wayne Rooney seemingly put the game beyond Chelsea before half time when he tapped in following a surging run from Phil Jones.  However, Chelsea hit back immediately after the restart when Torres showed class is permanent with a sublime chipped finish over De Gea’s left shoulder.

United held on to their 3-1 advantage to go two points clear at the top of the table after Manchester City dropped points at Craven Cottage earlier in the day.  Next up for the Reds is Leeds in the third round of the Carling Cup before making the short trip down the M6 to face Stoke.

Post Match Debate

Goal analysis: Offside?

United took a 2-0 lead thanks, in part, to two offside calls that went their way.  Firstly, Chris Smalling strayed ahead of the last Chelsea defender before getting on the end of Young’s sublime cross.  It was fractional but he was offside.  It was a tough call for the linesman to make with so many bodies on the edge of the 18 yard box.  Chelsea will feel aggrieved but they should also look at their slack defending.  Lampard was the man charged with marking Smalling but he looked lost when a little bit of movement allowed the 21 year old to escape his attentions and have a free header.  Even if Smalling had let it go, Evans, who was onside, was lurking behind to slot home.  It was terribly slack marking from Chelsea who were duly punished for not picking up their men and having such a high line from the free kick.

The second goal from Nani was an equally tight decision for the linesman to make.  The Portuguese winger was making his way back from an offside position when Evans sent a raking cross field pass over to the right wing.  When Nani collected the ball he was 5 yards onside making it appear like he was never offside.  It was only when the replays were shown that it came to light he was, like Smalling, fractionally offside when the ball was played.  However, like the first goal Chelsea must look at their own poor defending. As Nani brought the ball forward, Mata hung a leg out as a token gesture for a tackle.  When he skipped past that challenge, no Blue shirt came to close him down quick enough and he unleashed a ferocious strike in to the top corner.

Chelsea contributed to their own downfall but will feel hard done by as both goals were offside. However, United will feel these decisions go some way to making up for the decisions they have been on the wrong side off in recent years against the Blues.

Nani – Man of the Match

Luis Nani turned in his best performance of the season, as many around him turned in their weakest, and deservedly claimed the man of the match award.  He was exceptional from start to finish and Ashley Cole must have been glad when Phil Dowd blew for full time. He teased, tormented and dominated the England left back in a way few others can claim to have done.  He jinked past Cole time and again, sucking him in with close control and skill on the ball before bursting away with explosive pace.  In one particularly pleasing incident in the second half, he nutmegged Cole who was left sitting on the ground as Nani sped away up the right wing.  It was great play from a player who was full of confidence following his stunning first half goal.

He has always had to contend with the Ronaldo comparisons and questions of him living in his shadow.  The following stat was wheeled out after the game and has been repeated to death but it is nonetheless fascinating. In his first 100 Premier League games, Ronaldo scored 19 goals and had 12 assists. Yesterday was Nani’s 100^thPremier League game and he has also scored 19 goals but has 21 more assists.  Yes Nani is older than what Cristiano was but it is still great to see the contribution he has made to the team when so many people have doubted him.  He’s had a quiet start to the season but announced his arrival yesterday.  Now he has to kick on and produce more performances like that.

Rooney and Torres: Slips and misses

Wayne Rooney will thank Fernando Torres for taking the spotlight off him after the Spaniards horror miss late in the game.  Prior to the Chelsea forwards sitter, Rooney had done his best John Terry impression by slipping as he struck the penalty awarded after Bosingwa was adjudged to have fouled Nani in the box.  If that wasn’t bad enough, he then fluffed his lines when ten yards from goal and scuffed a shot on to the post with only Cech to beat.  It was two awful moments for the Premier Leagues top scorer who was debuting his new Nike boots.  Maybe you should have stuck with the ones that had served you so well in the opening 4 league games, eh Wayne?

Nevertheless, Rooney’s blushes were saved by one of the most remarkable misses you are ever likely to see.  As Torres rounded De Gea and faced an empty goal, every United fan feared the remaining seven minutes.  It was already tense but with the scoreline at 3-2 and less than 10 minutes to go, it was going to be excruciating.  Those fears were to be allayed when Torres proceeded to screw the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.  Forget Ronnie Rosenthal, this miss was worse.  It will be played over and over and over again.  It will be in every bloopers DVD and video reel in the world.  It’s a miss he’ll want to forget but one he will never be allowed to forget.

Cole on Hernandez: Penalty? Red Card?

The other main talking point from the game, aside from Torres’ shocking miss, is the reckless challenge from Ashley Cole on Javier Hernandez.  As the ball rebounded off the post from Rooney’s scuffed effort, Hernandez struck a shot from a tight angle before crumpling in a heap screaming in pain.  Cole had obviously caught the little Mexican as he lunged in to block the shot.  The replays showed the challenge was lot more dangerous than on first viewing.  Phil Dowd was called over by his linesman who had spotted the incident and presumably instructed Dowd the challenge merited a booking but not a penalty as the ball was already out of play.

Cole was lucky to escape with just a booking, it was a red card challenge but I think he genuinely went to block the ball and didn’t intend to hurt Hernandez.  It was a lunge and it was high but it’s a natural challenge when you are diving in to block a shot.  It does not excuse the challenge but I don’t think he should be vilified for it.  Hernandez will be lucky to escape without serious injury but it was a good sign he was able to walk down the tunnel. We’ll have to keep our fingers crossed he is only out for weeks rather than months.

Player Ratings:

De Gea 7, Smalling 7, Jones 7, Evans 7, Evra 6, Nani 9, Anderson 6, Fletcher 7, Young 6, Rooney 6, Hernandez 6.  Subs: Valencia 7, Carrick 6, Berbatov 6.

By Mick Higgins (Follow Mick on Twitter)

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United vs Chelsea Big Match Preview

Introduction
Manchester United return to league action on Sunday when they welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford looking to extend their 100% record. The Reds go into the game off the back of a midweek draw in Lisbon in the Champions League where the team was rotated for the first time this season. With 18 goals in their first four matches in the league, United will be full of confidence against a Chelsea side who have dropped just two points so far without being entirely convincing.

An opening day draw against Stoke has been followed by wins against West Brom, Norwich and Sunderland. Despite their lengthy pursuit of Luka Modric across the summer, new manager Andre Villas Boas had to contend himself with the creative midfield addition of Raul Meireles on transfer deadline day. Their most high profile signing was Juan Mata from Valencia who will add undoubted craft and guile to an ageing squad. Romelu Lukaku arrived from Anderlecht and will surely take the place of his hero Drogba at some stage in the next few years.

The Opposition
Villas Boas arrived from Porto in the summer with a reputation for being a keen student of the game following analysis roles under José Mourinho. A season of great success put the 33 year old to the top of many a chief executive's wishlist but it was Roman Abramovich who took the plunge and placed his faith in the charismatic Portuguese manager. Stability at Stamford Bridge is what is needed after a conveyor belt of bosses has seen the squad remain in tact but undoubtedly fail to improve to any great extent.

The biggest conundrum facing the Chelsea management is how to get the best out of Fernando Torres following his move from Liverpool in January. The £50m striker has scored just once for Chelsea since the move and has thus far looked a long way from the player that many were hailing as the premier striker in world football just a few years previously. The astute capture of compatriot Mata will no doubt assist in this quest but whether he can go onto regain his form is another matter entirely.

The failed pursuit of Modric was a blow to the Chelsea hierarchy as midfield invention has been a weakness at the club for a couple of seasons. While Meireles is a quality squad player, he does not possess the defence unlocking capability of the Croatian and it remains to be seen where he fits into the team when everyone is fit.

Neutral observers have been commenting on the ageing nature of the squad for a few seasons now yet they still remain competitive in each competition they take part in. Whether this turns out to be a season too far for the likes of Terry and Lampard remains to be seen but they will surely still be a major force once more this year.

Statzone compiled by Rahul Singh:

• The last three Premier League meetings between Chelsea and United all ended 2-1 as did the last meeting in the Champions League.
• If United beat Chelsea, it will be our 5th straight win & the best start in the League campaign since 1985.
• Chelsea have earned 22 points from 19 Premier League visits to Old Trafford, six points better than any other club.
• Chelsea are looking to avoid a fourth successive defeat against United in all competitions. United won four of our five meetings last season.
• The Blues have only kept one clean sheet in our last eight Premier League games - at Stoke on the opening day of the season.
• United are looking for an 18th successive Premier League win at Old Trafford
• The last occasion United dropped points at Old Trafford was in the 2-2 draw against West Brom on 16 October last year
• Since Chelsea beat us in April 2010 we have won 22 and drawn one of the home league games and are unbeaten there in 34 games in all competitions.
• Chelsea have won five times at Old Trafford in the Premier League era, more often than any other team
• United have averaged fewer points per game at home against Chelsea than against any other opponent (1.47)

Tactical Thoughts
The key to games between these two is often found out wide. United will look to Ashley Young to continue his fine form up against the defensively weak Boswinga while Nani will look to make a similar impact on Ashley Cole as Valencia made in the corresponding fixture last season. With Evra looking dangerous when he makes breaks into the opposition's half, the Reds will look to isolate Boswinga who will need assistance from Sturridge, a role that he has not shown he is capable of thus far.

The other main battle ground will be in central midfield where United will likely go in with a two man selection of Carrick and Anderson up against Chelsea's standard triumvirate of recent seasons. This has proved a successful tactic in the three most recent match ups between the teams (2 Champions League and 1 Premier League) as the Reds swift passing and stretching of the Chelsea team has ultimately led to success. If Mikel plays as the sitting midfielder then once again, I would expect Rooney to station himself in his area and deny him the time and space he is usually afforded. The Nigerian can be easily put off his game when placed under pressure as he lacks the necessary ball skills and awareness to cope.

The swift and fluid style that has epitomised the fast start United have made to the season could well turn out to be another crucial area. The likes of Terry, Alex and Ivanovic are all slow on the turn and the manager will look to Hernández to unsettle them at every opportunity as he looks to run in behind. The Chelsea back four will be unable to play the high line they are accustomed to doing against more pedestrian sides and this should create plenty of space in which the highly rated front four can work their magic.

From the away side's point of view, they will look to use the space that has been noticeable between the Reds defence and midfield in the early weeks of the season as a source for applying their own stamp on the game. Pressure on the opposition when in sight of goal has been lacking at times for a while now and this is an area that may well be punished very soon if it is not resolved. This was amply demonstrated in the Champions League Final against Barcelona and also in the pre-season friendly between the two in America.

United

In my opinion, there are two main areas of contention in the United line up for Sunday's game. Firstly in defence where Rio Ferdinand will surely slot back into the side after being left behind for the midweek trip to Lisbon. His partner though, is open to question. Smalling, Evans and Jones are the three under consideration and to be honest all of them would be acceptable to the vast majority of knowledgeable United fans. Phil Jones is my pick based purely on his wonderful start to life at United almost demanding a starting place. Chris Smalling would then slot in at right back with Jonny Evans dropping to the bench. It is entirely conceivable that Evans and Ferdinand will resume their partnership from the Bolton game last weekend with Jones at right back but I just get the feeling that Ferguson will want Jones in his customary role in the centre.

The other conundrum is the identity of Anderson's midfield partner. Michael Carrick would appear the favourite with Darren Fletcher a close second. However, the Scotsman is still feeling his way back to full fitness after his debilitating virus so I will go for Carrick to be the more defensive minded of the two. Arguments could be made for the selection of Giggs and Park after recent wonderful displays against this opposition but I see them best served on the bench ready to make an impression if the need arises.

For me the front four pick themselves. Although the return in midweek of Antonio Valencia was heartening and will add depth to the squad in the wide areas, it will be a few weeks before he achieves full match fitness.

The outside bet would be that the manager goes for a 4-5-1 formation to match up Chelsea in the central area of the pitch. While this is a possibility, I see no reason to disrupt the attacking force that we have seen in the opening weeks of the season devastate almost every defence. A more defensive formation sends out the wrong message rather than simply sending out our best available team and backing it to prevail.

Scoreline Prediction
For all the reasons listed above, I am very confident of victory in this match tomorrow. I feel that our high intensity and speed in the attacking third will prove too much for the likes of Terry and his colleagues to cope with. Although Chelsea will be a threat, I have faith in David De Gea and his team mates to snuff out any away team threat to see the Reds through to a comfortable 2-0 victory. On the scoresheet will be Young and Anderson.

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Do you agree with my predictions above? Would you go with Evans ahead of Jones in the centre of defence? Would you be happier with Fletcher alongside Anderson in the midfield? Please leave your comments below and I will respond to each one.

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2011 Summer Transfer Window Round-up

By Raees Mahmood

Introduction

It is beyond us, the muppet within us all can be put to rest and finally Harry Redknapp can leave his Summer internship at the BBC as one of the Transfer Gossip Columnists and get round to managing Spurs again.

It has been a fascinating window, one of those that has lived up to the hype and thoroughly changed the landscape of the footballing picture as we saw it. Peculiarly, it hasn’t been about last minute deals as such, although there are always a few mega deals which inevitably slip under the radar in time, but well planned out spending and done early, in order for the new players to settle into new surroundings and provide the recieving team with a new impetus with which to attack the new season with.

Whilst this article will be concerned primarily with the in’s and outs of the Premier League this summer, an eye will also be cast on the giants of Europe and how their transfers will impact on their fortunes this season ahead. El clasico for instance will be ram-packed full of new talent capable of adding new chapters to an already epic ever-changing narrative. Anyway, on to the English Premiership first and a roundup of the business conducted this summer..

Arsenal

Arrivals:  Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Southampton, £11m), Gervinho (Lille £10.7m), Chu Young Park (Monaco, £3m), Carl Jenkinson (Charlton, £1m), Joel Campbell (Deportivo Sarpissa,undisclosed), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen, undisclosed), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce, £6.2m), Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea, loan), Mikel Arteta (Everton, £10m).

Departures:  Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona, £35m), Samir Nasri (Manchester City, £24m), Gael Clichy (Manchester City, £7m), Emmanuel Eboue (Galatasaray, £3m), Armand Traore (QPR, undisclosed), Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (Ipswich, undisclosed), Mark Randall (Chesterfield, free), Tom Cruise (released), Denilson (Sao Paulo, loan), Wellington (Levante, loan), Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad, loan), Pedro Botelho (Rayo Vallecano, loan), Henri Lansbury (West Ham, loan), Joel Campbell (Lorient, loan), Nicklas Bendtner (Sunderland, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings:  Arsene if he had any sense, would’ve stocked up on forwards and centre-backs this summer, Ramsey and Wilshere may be inexperienced, but I’ll be damned if they’re not as good as the United duo of Anderson & Cleveley, yet one midfield is sandwiched by a world class attack & defence and the other is left completely vulnerable with no experienced, result-getting heads around them. That said, on the last day of the window Wenger made some astute buys in Arteta and Benayoun, who should fill the midfield void left by the duo of Fabregas and Nasri, especially considering the  young legs of Wilshere and Ramsey alongside them… however I’m not entirely sure about Mertesacker although he can’t be worse than Koscielny & co. Gervinho will be a hit and I’m willing to bet on Chamberlain proving a better wide player than Walcott, who needs to move into a forward position or be shipped out.

Who they should’ve brought:  Gary Cahill, R. Lukaku, P. Jagielka, Sturridge (on loan)

Thoughts on their season ahead:  Without those last minute buys, things were looking incredibly perilous for this Gunner’s side, but I think their only genuine threat for that top 4 finish is Liverpool and it will be a close run thing. If Vermalean & Persie stay fit all year, I’d back them, but that just doesn’t look likely. The Trophy wait will continue.

Aston Villa

Arrivals:   Charles N’Zogbia (Wigan, £9.5m), Shay Given (Manchester City, £3.5m), Alan Hutton (Tottenham, undisclosed), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham, loan).

Departures:   Stewart Downing (Liverpool, £20m), Ashley Young (Manchester United, £16m), Luke Young (QPR, undisclosed), Jonathan Hogg (Watford, undisclosed), Brad Friedel (Tottenham, free), Nigel Reo-Coker (Bolton, free), John Carew (West Ham, free), Robert Pires (released), Moustapha Salifou (released), Isaiah Osbourne (Hibernian, free), Andreas Weimann (Watford, loan), Jean Makoun (Olympiakos, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings:  After losing Barry, Milner and now Downing & Young… one can’t help but think, what should’ve been with this Villa side. A big wage bill consisting of mediocre talents, a squad which didn’t have enough of that quality  across the pitch to complement these proven performers. Out wide, they have N’Zogbia who is a big talent and a good signing to replace Downing, and with Young gone… Albrighton should step up and add some new elements to his game. Ireland will have to become more than a bit part player now to provide this industrious side with the flair it so badly lacks. Bannan, should also be given the patience to develop into the sides premier midfielder… however one can’t help but wonder, why on earth has Mcleish not looked to revamp the strikeforce? Heskey, Agbonlahor and the yet to bear fruition Delfounso… it looks lightweight, especially if Darren Bent is injured. I think they’re a Jon Carew-like striker short, as Heskey isn’t good enough.  Hutton is a decent signing for the RB position, but Jenas is Mr. Invisible, he’ll be fine but not anything special.

Who they should’ve signed:  Kenwyn Jones, W. Palacios

Thoughts on their season ahead:  I think there are some good new talents for the Villa faithful to watch this year, especially if Bannan, N’Zogbia & Ireland get going, but the question remains … is Mcleish the one to bring the best out of these flair players? Solid but not spectacular season in store.

BlackBurn

Arrivals:  Simon Vukcevic (Sporting Lisbon, £2m), David Goodwillie (Dundee United, £2m), Myles Anderson (Aberdeen, undisclosed), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan Belgrade, undisclosed), Bruno Ribiero (Gremio Prudente, free), Scott Dann (Birmingham, £6m), Yakubu (Everton, undisclosed).

Departures:  Phil Jones (Manchester United, £16.5m), Frank Fielding (Derby, undisclosed), Nikola Kalinic (Dnipro, undisclosed), Jason Brown (Aberdeen, free), Aaron Doran (Inverness, free), Zurab Khizanishvili (Kayserispor, free), Benjani (Portsmouth, free), Brett Emerton (Sydney FC, free), Maceo Rigters (released), Keith Andrews (Ipswich, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings:  Selling Jones and buying Dann as a replacement is astute business… buying a peak form Yakubu, would’ve been a terrific signing but as it stands, I can’t see it being a bad signing but it won’t be overly successful taking into light the guys injury problems. There’s quite a few exotic under the radar signings there, whether they’ll be a success I can’t really comment but Blackburn could do with some tricky players.

Who they should’ve brought:  M. Diouf, J. Carew

Thoughts on their season ahead:  Their squad doesn’t look great by any means and I reckon they could struggle this season unless those new signings prove hits. Bottom half, possible relegation dogfight.

Bolton

Arrivals:  Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears (Burnley, joint £3m), David Ngog (Liverpool, undisclosed), Darren Pratley (Swansea, free), Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa, free), Tuncay (Wolfsburg, loan), Dedryck Boyata (Man City, loan), Gael Kakuta (Chelsea, loan)

Departures: Ali Al Habsi (Wigan, £4m), Matt Taylor (West Ham, £2.2m), Danny Ward (Huddersfield, undisclosed), Johan Elmander (Galatasaray, free), Tamir Cohen (Maccabi Haifa, free), Joey O’Brien (West Ham, free), Jlloyd Samuel (released), Gavin McCann (retired).

Thoughts on their dealings:  I’m a big fan of Owen Coyle, a very smart manager who can smell a bargain and likes young mobile footballers. N’Gog and Kakuta, are good signings, who might take a while to bed in but once they do, they’ll be decent players for Bolton. Reo-Coker and Tuncay, are also solid talents, premiership quality players who if they can be motivated, could prove to be first team regulars. That said, am very surprised he let go of Elmander, who looked at home in the Premiership but Klasnic will do his best to fill his role and expect Mark Davies to keep catching the eye, very talented young footballer.

Who they should’ve brought:   G. Obertan

Thoughts on their season ahead:  I think they’ll do well, top ten. With Coyle there another year, I think they will soon start pushing even into top 8 but that depends on the competition too but he’d doing a fine job regardless.

Chelsea

Arrivals: Juan Mata (Valencia, £29m), Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht, £20m), Thibaud Courtois (Genk, £5m), Oriol Romeu (Barcelona, £4.4m), Lucas Piazon (Sao Paulo, undisclosed), Ulises
Davila (Chivas Guadalajara, undisclosed), Raul Meireles (Liverpool, undisclosed)

Departures:  Michael Mancienne (Hamburg, £3m), Slobodan Rajkovic (Hamburg, £1.8m), Yury Zhirkov (Anzhi, undisclosed), Nemanja Matic (Benfica, undisclosed), Fabio Borini (Parma, undisclosed), Michael Woods (released), Thibaud Courtois (Atletico Madrid, loan), Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburg, loan), Ulises Davila (Vitesse Arnhem, loan), Patrick van Aanholt (Wigan, loan), Gael Kakuta (Bolton, loan), Yossi Benayoun (Arsenal, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings:  . Mata & Lukaku will be hits at the bridge, good signings imo but Modric was a key asset who Roman should’ve bust a bollock to acquire. Getting rid of some deadwood was smart by AVB but one can’t help alot of their first team contains players living off past glories.

Who they should’ve brought: Modric, Sneijder, Neymar, Doni

Thoughts on their season ahead:  So far so not so good on the Chelsea front, whilst Drogba on the sideline has looked like a break with the past, it is not enough and there is a stale stench about Chelsea in their few outings so far. They are still lifeless in central midfield and unless the likes of Sturridge and McEachren are integrated into the side, I can’t evisage a big season from the Chelsea lads.

Everton

Arrivals: Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon, loan), Denis Stracqualursi (Tigre, loan), Royston Drenthe (Real Madrid, loan).

Departures: Mikel Arteta (Arsenal, £10m), Jermaine Beckford (Leicester, £4m), James Vaughan (Norwich, £2.5m), Iain Turner (Preston, free), Kieran Agard (Yeovil, free), Hope Akpan (Crawley, free), Nathan Craig (released), Shane Duffy (Scunthorpe, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings:  Well one can’t really fault Everton’s dealings, as they’ve hardly done any. Losing Arteta and Beckford will significantly reduce their goal threat for the season ahead, but one could also argue that both players were not fantastic the season just gone. Ross Barkley will be a tremendous asset for them regardless and they’ll have to keep Saha fit for the entire season.

Who they should’ve brought:  S. Long

Thoughts on their season ahead: They finished a respectable 7th last year, they’ll be round about there or below this season. Don’t expect big things, this season will beall about keeping the ship steady.

Fulham

Arrivals: Pajtim Kasami (Palermo, £4m), John Arne Riise (Roma, £2.4m), Marcel Gecov (Slovan Liberec, undisclosed), Dan Burn (Darlington, undisclosed), Csaba Somogyi (Rakospalotai, free), Zdenek Grygera (Juventus, free), Bryan Ruiz (Twente, £10.6m), Orlando Sa (Porto, free).

Departures: Jonathan Greening (Nottingham Forest, £670,000), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Zoltan Gera (West Brom, free), Diomansy Kamara (Eskisehirspor, free), John Paintsil (Leicester, free), Eddie Johnson (released), Pascal Zuberbuhler (released). David Stockdale (Ipswich, loan), Lauri Dalla Valle (Dundee United, loan), Carlos Salcido (Tigres, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings:  The signings of Ruiz and Kasami, will go under the radar a tad but will prove to be good buys. Jol has got rid of alot of deadwood, but I do question getting rid of Panstil, one of the League’s more eye-catching right-backs. Overall a good summer for FFC fans, Riise will prove to be a solid acquisition too.

Who they should’ve brought:  G. Kakuta, D. Sturridge

Thoughts on their season ahead:  I reckon they’ll do pretty well, if not same as last season then a minor improvement for sure. I reckon Ruiz will use Fulham as a platform for a bigger move, similar to L. Saha, possibly to Spurs or a club of that ilk.

Liverpool

Arrivals: Stewart Downing (Liverpool, £20m), Jordan Henderson (Sunderland, £16m), Charlie Adam (£9m), Jose Enrique (Newcastle, £6m), Alexander Doni (Roma, free), Sebastian Coates (Nacional, undisclosed), Craig Bellamy (Manchester City, free), Villyan Bijev (California Odyssey, undisclosed).

Departures: Joe Cole (Lille, loan) Christian Poulsen (Evian, undisclosed) Alberto Aquilani (AC Milan, loan), Paul Konchesky (Leicester, £1.5m), Emiliano Insua (Sporting Lisbon, undisclosed), Daniel Ayala (Norwich, undisclosed), Milan Jovanovic (Anderlecht, free), Sotirios Kyrgiakos (Wolfsburg, free), Tom Ince (Blackpool, free), Stephen Darby (Rochdale, loan), Daniel Pacheco (Atletico Madrid, loan), Christian Poulsen (Evian, undisclosed), David Ngog (Bolton, undisclosed), Raul Meireles (Chelsea, undisclosed), Villyan Bijev (Fortuna Dusseldorf, loan), Philipp Degen (released).

Thoughts on their dealings:  One of the criticisms of Benitez was that he spent alot of money on average players and the genuine nuggets, your Torres’ and Alonso’s were few and far between. Well the same could be said about Kenny, although fair play to him he’s also shifting players at a fast rate if they’re not up to it. Downing and Enrique already look very comfortable, capable of hurting big teams and Coates/Bellamy will provide abit of bite and aggression, not to mention quality in important area’s of the pitch. Its the duo of Henderson and Adam, I’m more concerned with.. they plug a gap in the midfield, both are they really of the quality of say Wilshere/Ramsey of Arsenal? well not really but I guess its the fact they’re managed by Dalglish which will prove the telling factor.

Who they should’ve brought:  N’Zogbia, Forlan, G. Cahill, E. Banega

Thoughts on their season ahead:  Challenging Arsenal for the top 4 position will be their one and only aim, the League is beyond them. One aim at a time seems to be Kenny’s way of doing things. I reckon they can do it as tactically, they’re a more superior team than the Gunners, despite not being as talented.

Manchester City

Arrivals: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid, £38m), Samir Nasri (Arsenal, £24m), Gael Clichy (Arsenal, £7m), Stefan Savic (Partizan Belgrade, £6m), Costel Pantilimon (Poli Timisoara, undisclosed), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United, free).

Departures: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich, £10m), Shay Given (Aston Villa, £3.5m), Felipe Caicedo (Levante, £880,000), Jo (Internacional, undisclosed), Shaleum Logan (Brentford, free), Javan Vidal (released), Patrick Vieira (retired), Abdisalam Ibrahim (NEC Nijmegen, loan), Michael Johnson (Leicester, loan),  Ben Mee (Burnley, loan), Ryan McGivern (Bristol City, loan), Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham, loan), Dedryck Boyata (Bolton, loan), Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis, loan), Vladimir Weiss (Espanyol, loan), John Guidetti (Feyenoord, loan), Shaun Wright-Phillips (QPR, undisclosed), Craig Bellamy (Liverpool, free).

Thoughts on their dealings:  Some serious heavyweight quality brought in, the likes of Aguero and Nasri will be excellent signings. Funnily enough, its at the back where I think they could be doing alot better… for a defence-minded manager, he doesn’t really sign quality defenders and Kompany remains their one quality defender across the back four.

Who they should’ve brought:  T. Vermalean, F. Contreaeo, Lucio, P. Jones

Thoughts on their season ahead:  I think they’ll end up in the CL semi’s if the draw goes easy on them, capable of a few upsets along the way too.. I reckon they’ll finish runners up, with the defence being revamped next season.

Manchester United

Arrivals: David De Gea (Atletico Madrid, £17.8m), Phil Jones (Blackburn, £16.5m), Ashley Young (Aston Villa, £16m).

Departures:  Gabriel Obertan (Newcastle, £3.25m), Wes Brown (Sunderland, £1m), John O’Shea (Sunderland, undisclosed), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester City, free), Paul Scholes (retired), Edwin van der Sar (retired), Bebe (Besiktas, loan), Ritchie de Laet (Norwich, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings:  Well two of the signings have been instant hits, the goalkeeper is looking like a slow burner… although at this moment it is more Taibi than Van Der Sar. I think he’ll come good once he polishes his game technically. The lack of a midfielder is a gaping hole, which I’m still in disbelief they haven’t seeked to rectify, especially considering the injury prone nature of Anderson.

Who they should’ve brought:  Tiote, Kagawa, Modric

Thoughts on their season ahead:  I think the Premiership is United’s to lose, they possess a fantastic defence and strikeforce.. but I think in the CL, unless the right players are fully fit, United could be found wanting. Semi-finalists or losin Finalists once again.

Newcastle

Arrivals: Davide Santon (Inter Milan £5m) Yohan Cabaye (Lille, £4.3m), Gabriel Obertan (Manchester United, £3.25m), Sylvain Marveaux (Rennes, free), Mehdi Abeid (Lens, free), Demba Ba (West Ham, free).

Departures: Jose Enrique (Liverpool, £6m), Kevin Nolan (West Ham, £4m), Wayne Routledge (Swansea, undisclosed), Joey Barton (QPR, free), Ben Tozer (Northampton, free), Sol Campbell (released), Shefki Kuqi (Oldham, free), Kazenga Lua Lua (Brighton, loan), Xisco (Deportivo La Coruna, loan), Fraser Forster (Celtic, loan), James Tavernier (Carlisle, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings:  Santon and Obertan will prove very good buys, but the lack of an established striker and a rock-solid defence could come back to haunt them.

Who they should’ve brought:  B. Ruiz, M. Upson, J. Woodgate

Thoughts on their season ahead:  I think they will just about stay up, as they still remain a physically robust unit but that is as far as it goes.

Norwich

Arrivals:  Steve Morison (Millwall, £2.8m), James Vaughan (Everton, £2.5m), Anthony Pilkington (Huddersfield, £2m), Daniel Ayala (Liverpool, undisclosed), Elliott Bennett (Brighton, undisclosed), Bradley Johnson (Leeds, free), Ritchie De Laet (Manchester United, loan), Kyle Naughton (Tottenham, loan).

Departures: Owain Tudur Jones (Inverness, undisclosed), Cody McDonald (Coventry, undisclosed), Luke Daley, Steven Smith (Preston, free), (Plymouth, free), Matt Gill (Bristol Rovers, free), Sam Habergham (Tamworth, free), Jens Berthel Askou (Vejle Kolding, free), Stephen Hughes (released), Cody McDonald (Coventry, undisclosed).

Thoughts on their dealings: They’ve purchased some inexperienced players, who are not bad in terms of talent but not excellent enough to take Norwich out of the relegation dogfight.

Who they should’ve brought:  K.Macheda on loan, M. Diouf, Kyrgiakos.

Thoughts on their season ahead:  I think they’ll be pretty decent to watch, but I can’t see them having enough to stay up.

Queens Park Rangers

Arrivals: DJ Campbell (Blackpool, £1.2m), Armand Traore (Arsenal, undisclosed), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham, free), Kieron Dyer (West Ham, free), Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff, free), Brian Murphy (Ipswich, free), Bruno Perone (Tombense, free), Joey Barton (Newcastle, free), Shaun Wright-Phillips (QPR, undisclosed), Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland, £3m

Departures:

Mikele Leigertwood, (Reading, undisclosed), Georgias Tofas (Anagennisi Dherynia, free), Josh Parker (Oldham, free), Joe Oastler (Torquay, free), Lee Brown (Bristol Rovers, free), Pascal Chimbonda (released), Gavin Mahon (Notts County, free), Romone Rose (Muangthong United, free), Peter Ramage (Crystal Palace, loan), Angelo Balanta (MK Dons, loan), Leon Clarke (Swindon, free), Kaspars Gorkss (Reading, loan), Michael Doughty (Crawley, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings:  In the midst of some dross, they’ve also unearthed some mid-table quality prem-proven gems, enough talent to keep them up. Barton, SWP, Bothroyd, D.J. Campbell, Ferdinand… they could prove to be key players in keeping QPR up.

Who they should’ve brought:  K. Macheda

Thoughts on their season ahead: I think they could survive, it’ll be a rough start but I reckon they’ll find a winning forumula if they can prevent the goals going in.

Stoke City

Arrivals: Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham, free), Matthew Upson (West Ham, free), Cameron Jerome (Birmingham, £4m), Peter Crouch (Tottenham, £10m), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham, £8m).

Departures: Carl Dickinson (Watford, undisclosed), Eidur Gudjohnsen (AEK Athens, free), Abdoulaye Faye (West Ham, free), Ibrahima Sonko Ipswich, free), Andrew Davies (Crystal Palace, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings: You’ve got to hand it to Pulis, he’s beefed up his already not too bad strikeforce and strengthened one of the Prem’s tightest defences. He’s also attempted to add something to his midfield, although they arguably need more depth in that area of the pitch.

Who they should’ve brought:  S. Ireland, J. Milner

Thoughts on their season ahead: The dual-pronged assault domestically and in Europe will take it’s toll, but the Stoke lads are so physical and Pulis such an astute hard as nails manager, they’ll fare better than most and he has got alot of depth in defence and up front.

Sunderland

Arrivals: Connor Wickham (Ipswich, £13m), Craig Gardner (Birmingham, £5m), Ahmed Elmohamady (ENPPI, £2m), Ji Dong-won (Chunnam Dragons, £2m), Wes Brown (Man United, £1m), James McClean (Derry City, £350,000), John O’Shea (Man United, undisclosed), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham, free), David Vaughan (Blackpool, free), Keiren Westwood (Coventry, free), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal, loan).

Departures: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool, £16m), Steed Malbranque (St Etienne, undisclosed), Nathan Luscombe (Hartlepool, free), Michael Kay (Tranmere, free), Bolo Zenden (released), Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor, loan), George McCartney (West Ham, loan), Anton Ferdinand (QPR, £3m).

Thoughts on their dealings:  Some very smart dealings by Bruce this summer, got rid of some deadwood/overrated players and brought in some serious experience in the shape of Brown and O’Shea, amazing signings. Bendtner and Larrson are also quality buy’s, guaranteed to create and score goals. All in all a very good transfer window.

Who they should’ve brought:  S. Ireland, W. Palacios

Thoughts on their season ahead: I predict a good season for the Black Cats, top ten for sure.

Swansea City

Arrivals: Michel Vorm (Utrecht, £1.5m), Danny Graham (Watford, £3.5m), Leroy Lita (Middlesbrough, £1.75m), Wayne Routledge (Newcastle, undisclosed), Jose Moreira (Benfica, undisclosed), Steven Caulker (Totteham, loan), Gerhard Tremmel (Red Bull Salzburg, free), Federico Bessone (Leeds, undisclosed), Darnel Situ (Lens, undisclosed).

Departures: Shuan MacDonald (Bournemouth, £80,000), Dorus de Vries (Wolves, free), Darren Pratley (Bolton, free), Albert Serran (AEK Larnaca, free), Kerry Morgan (Neath, free), Cedric van der Gun (released), Gorka Pintado (AEK Larnaca, free), Yves Ma-Makalamby (released), Scott Donnelly (Wycombe, loan),

Thoughts on their dealings: Vorm already looks a solid buy and the likes of Graham and Lita are decent buys, but one questions whether the side has the firepower which will keep them up, not to mention whether defensively they’re solid enough.

Who they should’ve brought: Woodgate

Thoughts on their season ahead: They’re a terrific ball-playing side with some serious talent and pace in the side. But they’re like a nice jam filling without the Hovis bread slices, short in defence and short up front. I think they’ll leave an impression but I’d be happily surprised if they were to stay up.

Tottenham Hotspur

Arrivals: Brad Friedel (Aston Villa, free), Cristian Ceballos (Barcelona, free), Souleymane Coulibaly (Siena, undisclosed), Emmanuel Adebayor (Man City, loan), Yago Falque (Juventus, loan), Scott Parker (West Ham, £5m)

Departures: Peter Crouch (Stoke, £10m), Wilson Palacios, Stoke, £8m), Jamie O’Hara (Wolves, £5m), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy £1.8m), Alan Hutton (Aston Villa, undisclosed), Jonathan Woodgate (Stoke, free), Kyle Naughton (Norwich, loan), Steven Caulker (Swansea, loan), Bongani Khumalo (Reading, loan), Ryan Mason (Doncaster, loan), Jonathan Obika (Yeovil, loan), David Bentley (West Ham, loan), Jermaine Jenas (Aston Villa, loan).

Thoughts on their dealings: Spurs have got rid of some mediocre footballers, but in Parker.. they’ve got a decent footballer, but not anything to take them to the next level. Keeping Modric is probably their best dealing this summer and Friedel is a very astute signing.

Who they should’ve brought:  S. Aguero, D. Forlan, G. Rossi, Chilleni, G. Cahill, P. Jagielka, S. Cattermole

Thoughts on their season ahead:  I just don’t see enough progression in this side to see them troubling the top four, they need a good january and some influx of serious talent.

West Bromwich Albion

Arrivals: Shane Long (Reading, £6.5m), Zoltan Gera (Fulham, free), Marton Fulop (Ipswich, free), Gareth McAuley (Ipswich, free), Billy Jones (Preston, free), Ben Foster (Birmingham, loan).

Departures: Scott Carson (Bursaspor, £2.1m), Ishmael Miller (Nottingham Forest £1.2m), Borja Valero (Villarreal, undisclosed), Marek Cech (Trabzonspor, undisclosed), Abdoulaye Meite (Dijon, free), Gianni Zuiverloon (Real Mallorca, free), Giles Barnes (Doncaster, free), Dean Kiely (retired), Boaz Myhill (Birmingham, loan), Chris Wood (Birmingham, loan), James Hurst (Blackpool, loan), Marek Cech (Trabzonspor, undisclosed), Pablo Ibanez (Birmingham, undisclosed).

Thoughts on their dealings:  Long looks a tremendous purchase thus far, Foster is very error prone and in front of a dodgy Baggies defence aerially, I can see him failing to hit the heights he did at Blues. I’m very surprised that the Albion didn’t look to sign another big strong forward and some quality defenders.

Who they should’ve brought:  S. Dann, R. Johnson, C. Jerome.

Thoughts on their season ahead:  Once again the Baggies will be heavily reliant on their midfield, if Olsson can stay fit for the entire season, they should have enough to stay up but if he’s injured, they will struggle at the back.

Wigan Athletic

Arrivals: Ali Al Habsi (Bolton, £4m), Shaun Maloney (Celtic, £1m), Albert Crusat (Almeria, undisclosed), David Jones (Wolves, free), Nouha Dicko (released, free), Patrick van Aanholt (Chelsea, loan).

Departures: Charles N’Zogbia (Aston Villa, £9.5m), Antonio Amaya (Real Betis, undisclosed), Daniel de Ridder (Grasshopper Zurich, free), Mauro Boselli (Estudiantes, loan), Steven Caldwell (Birmingham, free), Jason Koumas (released).

Thoughts on their dealings:  Nothing spectacular from Wigan apart from losing N’Zogbia and buying the lesser yet talented Maloney. Not enough defenders sought imo, but we’ll see.

Who they should’ve brought: R. Johnson, S. Dann

Thoughts on their season ahead: I can see them going down this season, but Martinez always seems to find a way of surviving and playing good footballing at the same time.

Wolves

Arrivals: Roger Johnson (Birmingham, £7m), Jamie O’Hara (Tottenham, £5m), Dorus De Vries (Swansea, free).

Departures:Greg Halford (Portsmouth, undisclosed), David Jones (Wigan, free), Geoffrey Mujangi Bia (Standard Liege, free), Marcus Hahnemann (released), Steven Mouyokolo (Sochaux, loan), Danny Batth (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Sheffield United, loan), David Davis (Inverness Caledonian Thistle, loan)

Thoughts on their dealings: O’Hara is a good buy and as for Johnson, impressive transfer coup by Wolves. Perhaps abit short upfront though.

Who they should’ve brought: S. Long

Thoughts on their season ahead: I think they’ll grind their way to survival once more.

Eye on Europe…

Barcelona

Arrivals: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal, £35m) Alexis Sanchez (£26 m, Udinese)

Departures: Z. Ibrahimovic (Milan, £24m), B. Krkic (Roma, £12m), G. Milito (Released), J. Suarez (Sporting CP, £4m)

Thoughts on their dealings:  Some simple yet devastating signings by Barca this summer, Sanchez will take time to settle but Fabregas looks stunning at this moment in time, an almost telepathic partnership with Messi which will just get better.

Who they should’ve signed:  A. Young, L. Suarez

Thoughts on their season ahead: I wouldn’t be surprised if they sweep all before them once again.. history says otherwise though, every empire has a dramatic fall.

Real Madrid

Arrivals: N. Sahin (£10m, B. Dortmund), H. Altintop (Free), R. Varane (£10m, Lens), F. Contreao (£23m, Benfica), J. Callejon (£5m, Espanyol)

Departures: Dudek, Canales, Adebayor, Gago, Garay – all loaned out

Thoughts on their dealings: Some decent signings there by Madrid, Contreao and Sahin catch the eye, but one questions whether there is enough quality to defeat Barca. Not enough magic signings, too much industry and relying on Ozil for the silk.

Who they should’ve signed: S. Aguero, S. Nasri

Thoughts on their season ahead: I think once again they’re going to fall short of the behemoths of Barcelona, unless they spend again this January.

Bayern Munich

Arrivals: M. Neuer (Schalke), J. Boateng (£11m, Man City), Rafinha, Ukasami, N. Peterson

Departures: H. Altintop, M. Klose, T. Kraft

Thoughts on their dealings: Not enough effort made to sign a quality striker and some quality centre-backs. A shame really as Bayern possess some fantastic players but this half-arsed approach is what leaves them vulnerable against the likes of Barcelona in the CL.

Who they should’ve signed: T. Vermalean, R. V Persie.

Thoughts on their season ahead:  Will battle hard with Dortmund for the championship but can’t see them winning the CL.

Inter Milan

Arrivals: L. Castiognos (Feyenoord, £4m), E. Viviano (£4m, Bologna), R. Alvarez (£11m, Velas Sarsfield), Jonathan (£5m, Santos), A. Poli (£1m, Sampdoria), D. Forlan (A. Madrid, £5m), M. Zarate (Loan)

Departures: S. Eto’o (£28m), G. Pandev, D. Santon (£6m, Newcastle)

Thoughts on their dealings: Replacing Eto’o with Forlan, isn’t as simple as it sounds… Forlan is 2 years older and he’ll only prove a short term solution. It’s hard to envisage Inter reaching anywhere near the level they were under Jose.

Who they should’ve signed: Nasri, Fabregas, S. Aguero

Thoughts on their season ahead: Once again they’ll prbably do well domestically, but will fall short in Europe.

Written by

Raees Mahmood (Follow me on Twitter)

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