So the last four days I have gone through the teams in the English Premiership (found here http://pacityboy.blogspot.
20) Crystal Palace:
Although I think Palace will go down in their very first season, you have to look at the positives. As I said with Mondays look at this team, I think the signings have experience but can they really handle the pace of the Premiership anymore?
19) Hull:
A lot of new players for Bruce and his own Premiership record is what is working against him I feel. Teams have to gel quickly and if Hull do they might stand a chance, however, I think they will be struggling all season and Bruce doesn’t do well when things are not going right. Impulse buys in January a possibility, end of the season relegation battle a certainty.
Courtesy: Stoke City F.C.
18) Stoke:
Mark Hughes will have to really improve on his last few attempts in Mangement if Stoke are not to go down this season. Pullis last season guided them to 13th but the truth is I do not think there has been enough done to bring in players to kick them back up the top half. In this league if you are not constantly improving you are standing still and standing still is dangerous.
17) Cardiff:
In the report on Monday I said that I didn’t see how these guys could stay up. That said, every season there is a surprise and I think maybe Cardiff could be the one to provide that just beating the drop.
16) Swansea
Dropping down a bit from last season, not because I think they will be worse this season. I think the European adventure will prove to me too much of a distraction for the Swans and will bring them close to the relegation zone.
15) Southampton:
Potentially great purchases since last season ended and Saints fans should be feeling a little less nervous going into this season. Be cautious though as anything can happen and sometimes the second season is the one that gets you. I think they will slip a little position wise from last season and it will be scrappy toward the end but if after 38 games they still have three below them then that’s all that matters at this time of rebuilding and establishing yourself back in the EPL.
14) West Brom:
A slight backward step for West Brom this season. Nothing too bad though and again, maybe a cup run will distract the fans a little. Anelka is experienced but not the permanent answer for West Brom but will do a good job for now.
13) Newcastle:
Another tough season for the Toon army. Pardew will be at war with Ashley and Kinnear I guess for the players he wants. Like I said in Wednesdays review of the team Ashley tried this before with Dennis Wise when Kevin Keegan was Manager and it resulted in Keegan walking away and then suing, surely Ashley hasn’t made that same mistake again has he?
12) West Ham:
Mid table for the Hammers which isn’t too bad. It is a slip from last seasons finishing spot but I think another season in the Premiership has to be the goal for Hammers fans for this season at least. Then you can kick on from there.
11) Aston Villa:
Last season this side finished 15th with 41 points. I expect this season for them to finish a few positions up and a few more points than last season. Maybe if, like many other Managers, they can have a decent cup run also it will ease the pressure on Paul Lambert.
10) Fulham:
New owner, new players. Martin Jol will again improve this Fulham side and improve on last years 12th position.
9) Norwich:
Chris Houghton is odds on to be one of the best Managers in this league, considering the resources available to him compared to others. Certainly a signal of intent with Wolfswinkle, Fer and Cooper. Was last seasons good finish to the season just a springboard? The Canaries fans will be hoping so, On The Ball City!
8) Sunderland:
A tough season for Sunderland last go around. This time though I see they have moved quickly and decisively in the transfer market and I really can see them rocketing up the league. American Jozy Altidore will have a chance to show what he can do in the Premiership and probably take honors as top American in the league following the departure of Dempsey from Spurs.
7) Liverpool:
As you were last season for Mr Rodgers and I think many Liverpool fans will not want him to be their neighbor. If Suarez does go (or is gone when this goes to press) then I think you will find Liverpool struggling even more than this. The good ship hasn’t been sailing right for a while now and with Carragher retiring I think you may see more movement in that Managers office before Christmas.
6) Everton:
Roberto Martinez finishing 6th in his first season for Everton would be massive for both him and the club. Sure Everton finished that exact position last season but when there is new regime change you never know how it’s going to go. So far he has managed to hold on to the bigger names expected to go and invested in some quality. If he can avoid signing Joey Barton then he may just have the desired team harmony he needs to bring the Toffee back to where they need to be, 6th is a great start.
5) Tottenham:
So Clint Dempsey has gone, Gareth Bales future is undecided at the time of writing so what now for Spurs? Last season they finished 5th and with the disruptions pre season I think another 5th place finish will be fantastic for AVB.
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
4) Man Utd:
Got my hard hat on for this positioning, but really when you think about it it really isn’t that bad. Like I said on Wednesday the opening schedule will be tough for him I think. He has the community shield, which is a must win, followed by away to Swansea and home to Chelsea. Away to City and Liverpool in September means United may head into October not on double figures.
3) Arsenal:
With or without Suarez I think Wenger will have that consistency with his team that will just see them pip Manchester United to third. If they can do this and win one of the two domestic trophies on offer then it may just be one of Wengers best seasons for almost a decade.
2) Man City:
All the signings coming to the Etihad are quality and have shown good things during pre season, Navas and Farnandinho in particular. The departures haven’t been anything for City fans to cry about either really, except maybe Kolo. Tevez wanted to go and so I think he had his back patted by the City faithful and wished well and the only reason we question Kolo now is because of the Nastasic injury. Despite the signings already on the books it is still clear City need to strengthen that Centre back roll, the various replacements tried in preseason were not all that good, with Boyata probably the best, but only after a shakey start.
1) Chelsea:
This was a tough one to call. I really think that this team and Manchester City will start the campaign flying and for me was really just a coin toss as to who would have the upper hand. I went for Chelsea because their Manager has Premier League experience, along with the signings they have managed to get so far, just give them the edge.
