Liverpool
Whether or not new owners are in place before the end of August is open to debate but what is not is that things may just be on the up at Anfield. Roy Hodgson replacing Rafa Benitez at the helm has had a calming influence on the club and star players Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have been retained due to the belief that the corner may have been turned.
The acquisition of Joe Cole could turn out to be an inspired one on Hodgson's behalf and Milan Jovanovic could set the Premier League alight if his World Cup performances are anything to go by.
However, the loss of Javier Mascherano can only weaken Liverpool's midfield and it might just be enough to prevent them from making a return to the top four.
Prediction: 5th
Manchester City
Well, where do you start with a team that are set to break the 100 million pounds barrier with the seemingly inevitable signing of Mario Balotelli.
Coach Roberto Mancini will be under immense pressure to deliver, not just a Champions League spot, but a trophy to Eastlands this season.
The former has to be a distinct possibility but it could be the latter that costs him his job.
Prediction: 4th
Manchester United
Javier 'Chicarito' Hernandez should help ease the goalscoring burden on Wayne Rooney as United look to erase the memory of losing their domestic title to Chelsea.
The new contract signed by defender Nemanja Vidic will be a welcome relief to Sir Alex Ferguson and the continued development of Johnny Evans at the heart of their defence will also help, particularly in the continued absence of Rio Ferdinand.
Much will depend on how quickly Rooney overcomes his World Cup blues but if he hits the ground running the Red Devils will be difficult to stop.
Prediction: 1st
Friday, August 13, 2010
Premier League Preview
Chelsea
Chelsea are not the only team near the top of the table, but there is a feeling that the Blues have stood still this summer, depsite the additions of Brazilian midfielder Ramires and Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool.
Benayoun will be no more than a squad player and Ramires may take time to adapt to English football.
Furthermore, the departures of Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho, nevermind the continued unhappiness of Ashley Cole, can only harm the champions.
A susceptibility at the back was offset by a flurry of goals last season but if John Terry and Petr Cech continue their decline do not expect an ageing squad to perform such heroics again.
Prediction: 2nd
Everton
Desite a slow start, including a 6-1 home defeat to Arsenal, Everton narrowly missed out on a European place last season.
In fact, aside from Chelsea and Manchester United, they were the top points scorers in the second half of the season.
Furthermore, the retention of Steven Pienaar and, in particular, Mikel Arteta can only strenghen David Moyes' hand.
Without the cloud of Joleon Lescott that hung over the Toffees at the beginning of last season and if they can steer clear of the debilitating injuries that disrupted them last term then expect Everton to fly and push for a Champions League place.
Prediction: 6th
Fulham
Despite what was widely recognised as a successful season last term, mainly due to their Europa League exploits, Fulham finished the domestic season limply, ending up 12th after being in the top half for most of the campaign.
The loss of manager Roy Hodgson, who was described by owner Mohammed Al Fayed as a "Bugger", cannot be underestimated.
Nevertheless, incoming head coach Mark Hughes should be able to steady the ship. Whether that will be enough to convince goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer that he should stay at Craven Cottage is another question entirely.
Prediction: 12th
Chelsea are not the only team near the top of the table, but there is a feeling that the Blues have stood still this summer, depsite the additions of Brazilian midfielder Ramires and Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool.
Benayoun will be no more than a squad player and Ramires may take time to adapt to English football.
Furthermore, the departures of Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho, nevermind the continued unhappiness of Ashley Cole, can only harm the champions.
A susceptibility at the back was offset by a flurry of goals last season but if John Terry and Petr Cech continue their decline do not expect an ageing squad to perform such heroics again.
Prediction: 2nd
Everton
Desite a slow start, including a 6-1 home defeat to Arsenal, Everton narrowly missed out on a European place last season.
In fact, aside from Chelsea and Manchester United, they were the top points scorers in the second half of the season.
Furthermore, the retention of Steven Pienaar and, in particular, Mikel Arteta can only strenghen David Moyes' hand.
Without the cloud of Joleon Lescott that hung over the Toffees at the beginning of last season and if they can steer clear of the debilitating injuries that disrupted them last term then expect Everton to fly and push for a Champions League place.
Prediction: 6th
Fulham
Despite what was widely recognised as a successful season last term, mainly due to their Europa League exploits, Fulham finished the domestic season limply, ending up 12th after being in the top half for most of the campaign.
The loss of manager Roy Hodgson, who was described by owner Mohammed Al Fayed as a "Bugger", cannot be underestimated.
Nevertheless, incoming head coach Mark Hughes should be able to steady the ship. Whether that will be enough to convince goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer that he should stay at Craven Cottage is another question entirely.
Prediction: 12th
Premier League Preview
Blackburn
Rovers, like so many clubs in the middling area of the league, will find it hard to break into the upper echelons. Nevertheless, it is clear that manager Sam Allardyce is trying to build something, much like he did with Bolton.
Blackburn will remain difficult to beat but need to improve on the away form, particularly in the goalscoring department which is presumably why Allardyce moved for the loan signing of Mame Diouf from Manchester United. Much will be expected of him to provide the goals to propel Rovers up the league.
Prediction: 10th
Blackpool
Even with a decent sized squad you would imagine that Blackpool would struggle, particularly as they finished more than 30 points behind Championship winners Newcastle en route to promotion, but Pool cannot boast more than 16 professional players at the time of writing.
Undoubtedly manager Ian Holloway will provide plenty of colour to the Premier League with his unique style of management.
However, that style is likely to be witnessed for just the one season as they will struggle against the big boys.
Prediction: 20th
Bolton
Since taking over, Owen Coyle has slowly improved Wanderers, both in terms of style of play and results, and I expect that steady improvement to continue this season.
The free transfer signing of Martin Petrov from Manchester City could turn to be the transfer of the summer (he's already scored in pre-season), though the loss of Jack Wilshire after returning to Arsenal from his loan spell will come as a blow.
Nevertheless, attaining Niko Klasnic on a permanent deal from French club Nantes can only aid Coyle as he attempts to lift Bolton into the top half of the table.
Prediction: 11th
Rovers, like so many clubs in the middling area of the league, will find it hard to break into the upper echelons. Nevertheless, it is clear that manager Sam Allardyce is trying to build something, much like he did with Bolton.
Blackburn will remain difficult to beat but need to improve on the away form, particularly in the goalscoring department which is presumably why Allardyce moved for the loan signing of Mame Diouf from Manchester United. Much will be expected of him to provide the goals to propel Rovers up the league.
Prediction: 10th
Blackpool
Even with a decent sized squad you would imagine that Blackpool would struggle, particularly as they finished more than 30 points behind Championship winners Newcastle en route to promotion, but Pool cannot boast more than 16 professional players at the time of writing.
Undoubtedly manager Ian Holloway will provide plenty of colour to the Premier League with his unique style of management.
However, that style is likely to be witnessed for just the one season as they will struggle against the big boys.
Prediction: 20th
Bolton
Since taking over, Owen Coyle has slowly improved Wanderers, both in terms of style of play and results, and I expect that steady improvement to continue this season.
The free transfer signing of Martin Petrov from Manchester City could turn to be the transfer of the summer (he's already scored in pre-season), though the loss of Jack Wilshire after returning to Arsenal from his loan spell will come as a blow.
Nevertheless, attaining Niko Klasnic on a permanent deal from French club Nantes can only aid Coyle as he attempts to lift Bolton into the top half of the table.
Prediction: 11th
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Premier League Preview
Arsenal
The addition of Laurent Koscielny to the backline can only solidify an occasionally shakey defence. Moreover, the free transfer arrival of Marouane Chamakh will almost certainly turn out to be another fine acquisition by Arsene Wenger.
Chamakh looks like he has the makings of doing really well, whether it be as a foil for Van Persie, or as the lone frontman in the Dutchman's absence, which was sorely missed last season.
Nevertheless, the most important movement, or should I say lack of, is that that of Cesc Fabregas staying at the Emirates, at least for one more year.
My gut feeling is that will be it (just one more year), in similar circumstances to that of Christiano Ronaldo in 2008 when he decided to give it one last shot on these shores before heading off to pastures new.
However, for real improvement upon last year I think a goalkeeper is necessary, preferably an experienced one, and Mark Schwarzer of Fulham remains a distinct possibility.
Prediction: 3rd
Aston Villa
Even before the resignation of Martin O'Neill things were looking pretty bleak for Villa and thngs have hardly improved with the Northern Irishman's departure just five days before the season begins.
The seemingly inevitable departure of James Milner will not help either but the talent at the new manger's disposal still indicates a European place is possible.
Nevertheless, at least some of the money from Milner's transfer will have to be invested or it could turn out to be a long season ahead for the Villains.
Prediction: 8th
Birmingham
Alex McLeish will undoubtedly fear the 'second season' syndrome effect that has hit so many sides.
However, the astute acquisiton of Ben Foster aligned with an already strong backline should ensure Premiership safety.
Furthermore, there is still money available should McLeish wish to add to his squad.
Whether the Blues have enough to improve on last season's heroics, though, is another matter.
Prediction: 14th
The addition of Laurent Koscielny to the backline can only solidify an occasionally shakey defence. Moreover, the free transfer arrival of Marouane Chamakh will almost certainly turn out to be another fine acquisition by Arsene Wenger.
Chamakh looks like he has the makings of doing really well, whether it be as a foil for Van Persie, or as the lone frontman in the Dutchman's absence, which was sorely missed last season.
Nevertheless, the most important movement, or should I say lack of, is that that of Cesc Fabregas staying at the Emirates, at least for one more year.
My gut feeling is that will be it (just one more year), in similar circumstances to that of Christiano Ronaldo in 2008 when he decided to give it one last shot on these shores before heading off to pastures new.
However, for real improvement upon last year I think a goalkeeper is necessary, preferably an experienced one, and Mark Schwarzer of Fulham remains a distinct possibility.
Prediction: 3rd
Aston Villa
Even before the resignation of Martin O'Neill things were looking pretty bleak for Villa and thngs have hardly improved with the Northern Irishman's departure just five days before the season begins.
The seemingly inevitable departure of James Milner will not help either but the talent at the new manger's disposal still indicates a European place is possible.
Nevertheless, at least some of the money from Milner's transfer will have to be invested or it could turn out to be a long season ahead for the Villains.
Prediction: 8th
Birmingham
Alex McLeish will undoubtedly fear the 'second season' syndrome effect that has hit so many sides.
However, the astute acquisiton of Ben Foster aligned with an already strong backline should ensure Premiership safety.
Furthermore, there is still money available should McLeish wish to add to his squad.
Whether the Blues have enough to improve on last season's heroics, though, is another matter.
Prediction: 14th
Friday, July 16, 2010
World Cup musings - XI of the tournament
Following Spain's victory over Holland last Sunday it is time for me to announce my 'team' of the tournament based on the performances of the last four and a bit weeks.
Goalkeeper
Iker Casillas
One of the easiest selections to make. He deservedly won the FIFA golden glove and if there were any doubts over his position in the ultimate selection then they were dispelled in the final as he marvellously denied Arjen Robben mid-way through the second half.
Right-Back
Philipp Lahm
Lahm makes the XI despite a minor error leading to Serbia's goal in Germany's 1-0 defeat in the group stage. This was the only blot on the copybook of the tournament's outstanding right-back.
Tackling, pace, verve and steel define all great full-backs and Lahm displayed these qualities in abundance as he led Germany to third place.
Left-Back
Jerome Boateng
Boateng completes a German full-back paring in the team and looks a sound investement for new employers Manchester City following a £10.4 million move from SV Hamburg.
The left-back was outstanding in Germany's victories over England and Argentina, all this in spite of his preferred position being in the centre of defence.
Centre-Back
Gerard Pique
The Barcelona centre-half has to be at the heart of the defence following his peerless displays for Spain en route to winning the tournament.
How Sir Alex Ferguson must be ruing the day he let him leave for Champions League rivals Barcelona for a mere £4 million.
Centre-Back
Juan
The solitary Brazilian in the team is an indictaion of the disappointment Juan's illustrious colleagues served up at South Africa 2010. Juan was magnificent and even managed to get on the scoresheet with a fine header against South American rivals Chile in the last 16.
Midfielder
Andres Iniesta
Iniesta had a decent tournament but makes the selection primarily for his performance in the final where, despite being on the receiving end of some tough tackling Dutch opponents, he kept his composure to score the winning goal in Soccer City.
Midfielder
Xavi
Another strong showing at a major tournament from the midfield maestro after he performed so well for Spain at Euro 2008. Becoming one of the legends of the sport following immense success with both the national side and his club - Barcelona.
Midfielder
Thomas Mueller
The Bayern Munich winger was at heart of every German counter-attack and none more so than in the 4-1 destruction of arch rivals England in Blomfontain. He scored twice on that occasion to go along with goals against Australia, Argentina and Uruguay that earned him the golden boot.
Midfielder
Wesley Schneider
Imperious throughout in the hole behind the main striker, Schneider confirmed what we already knew - Real Madrid made a huge mistake in letting him go in the summer of 2009.
Schneider now stands alone as the best player in the world in his position.
In spite of a quiet display in the final, when he was generally eclipsed by his midfield rivals Xavi and Iniesta, Schneider was the architect behind Holland's best chance of the match - putting Robben through on goal with a glorious through ball, only for the Bayern Munich winger to fluff his big moment.
Striker
David Villa
Villa looks a bargain at £37 million, which is what his new club Barcelona have just laid out for the prolific striker, based on his performances at this summer's World Cup.
Not only was he Spain's talisman as he scored five goals to end the tournament as joint top scorer, he was a scorer of great goals as excellent strikes against Hinduras and Portugal put him in contention for goal of the tournament.
Striker
Diego Forlan
Named FIFA player of the tournament Forlan looks a completely different player to the one who was at Manchester United in the early part of the decade where he was so poor he seemed more like Forlorn than Forlan.
However, a move to La Liga in Spain re-ignited the Uruguayan's career, culminating in this year's World Cup as he played a key role in helping his national side reach fourth place.
Subs Bench
Honourable mentions must go to Sergio Ramos and Ashley Cole (England's only decent performer at the tournament) for their sterling performances, as well as Spain's Carles Puyol, who narrowly missed out on the ultimate XI.
Furthermore, Holland's Arjen Robben and Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger fail to make the cut primarily due to high-profile errors in their final games in South Africa.
Finally, Luis Suarez misses out mainly because of his 'hand of the devil' moment against Ghana.
Talking of which, their star player, Asamoah Gyan, hitherto impressive, will be best remembered for his penalty miss following Suarez's callous act. This, though, is a dis-service to someone who starred for his country as Ghana made the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
Goalkeeper
Iker Casillas
One of the easiest selections to make. He deservedly won the FIFA golden glove and if there were any doubts over his position in the ultimate selection then they were dispelled in the final as he marvellously denied Arjen Robben mid-way through the second half.
Right-Back
Philipp Lahm
Lahm makes the XI despite a minor error leading to Serbia's goal in Germany's 1-0 defeat in the group stage. This was the only blot on the copybook of the tournament's outstanding right-back.
Tackling, pace, verve and steel define all great full-backs and Lahm displayed these qualities in abundance as he led Germany to third place.
Left-Back
Jerome Boateng
Boateng completes a German full-back paring in the team and looks a sound investement for new employers Manchester City following a £10.4 million move from SV Hamburg.
The left-back was outstanding in Germany's victories over England and Argentina, all this in spite of his preferred position being in the centre of defence.
Centre-Back
Gerard Pique
The Barcelona centre-half has to be at the heart of the defence following his peerless displays for Spain en route to winning the tournament.
How Sir Alex Ferguson must be ruing the day he let him leave for Champions League rivals Barcelona for a mere £4 million.
Centre-Back
Juan
The solitary Brazilian in the team is an indictaion of the disappointment Juan's illustrious colleagues served up at South Africa 2010. Juan was magnificent and even managed to get on the scoresheet with a fine header against South American rivals Chile in the last 16.
Midfielder
Andres Iniesta
Iniesta had a decent tournament but makes the selection primarily for his performance in the final where, despite being on the receiving end of some tough tackling Dutch opponents, he kept his composure to score the winning goal in Soccer City.
Midfielder
Xavi
Another strong showing at a major tournament from the midfield maestro after he performed so well for Spain at Euro 2008. Becoming one of the legends of the sport following immense success with both the national side and his club - Barcelona.
Midfielder
Thomas Mueller
The Bayern Munich winger was at heart of every German counter-attack and none more so than in the 4-1 destruction of arch rivals England in Blomfontain. He scored twice on that occasion to go along with goals against Australia, Argentina and Uruguay that earned him the golden boot.
Midfielder
Wesley Schneider
Imperious throughout in the hole behind the main striker, Schneider confirmed what we already knew - Real Madrid made a huge mistake in letting him go in the summer of 2009.
Schneider now stands alone as the best player in the world in his position.
In spite of a quiet display in the final, when he was generally eclipsed by his midfield rivals Xavi and Iniesta, Schneider was the architect behind Holland's best chance of the match - putting Robben through on goal with a glorious through ball, only for the Bayern Munich winger to fluff his big moment.
Striker
David Villa
Villa looks a bargain at £37 million, which is what his new club Barcelona have just laid out for the prolific striker, based on his performances at this summer's World Cup.
Not only was he Spain's talisman as he scored five goals to end the tournament as joint top scorer, he was a scorer of great goals as excellent strikes against Hinduras and Portugal put him in contention for goal of the tournament.
Striker
Diego Forlan
Named FIFA player of the tournament Forlan looks a completely different player to the one who was at Manchester United in the early part of the decade where he was so poor he seemed more like Forlorn than Forlan.
However, a move to La Liga in Spain re-ignited the Uruguayan's career, culminating in this year's World Cup as he played a key role in helping his national side reach fourth place.
Subs Bench
Honourable mentions must go to Sergio Ramos and Ashley Cole (England's only decent performer at the tournament) for their sterling performances, as well as Spain's Carles Puyol, who narrowly missed out on the ultimate XI.
Furthermore, Holland's Arjen Robben and Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger fail to make the cut primarily due to high-profile errors in their final games in South Africa.
Finally, Luis Suarez misses out mainly because of his 'hand of the devil' moment against Ghana.
Talking of which, their star player, Asamoah Gyan, hitherto impressive, will be best remembered for his penalty miss following Suarez's callous act. This, though, is a dis-service to someone who starred for his country as Ghana made the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
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