With the new Premiership season about to start it is time
for the traditional preview to the season. Who will win, who will lose and who
will cause the surprises as the top teams from England (plus a couple from
Wales) go head-to-head in the 2013/14 season.
In terms of drama I expect there to be less at the bottom
end of the table, with a small number of prime candidates for the drop, and a
closer finish at the top than last season.
Some interest might be generated in the race for Europa
League places and top-half finishes with the likes of West Brom, Swansea and
even a couple of lower-half teams from last season making a push with some interesting
signings.
However, thanks to the managerial merry-go-round in the top-three, the early part of the season is likely to be
dominated by a focus on how those teams are performing under new control.
Arsenal
The good news for Arsenal fans is they have managed to get
through the summer without selling their top players, although this might have
a lot to do with their best players having already left.
However, in traditional style Arsene Wenger has yet again
been frustratingly quiet in the transfer window as he aims to end the North
London team’s trophy drought. Louis Suarez has been linked with the Gunners,
but has yet to lead to anything concrete.
There will of cause be Champions League football at the
Emirates this season, which technically should entice top-tier players, and
Arsenal should be in a position to claim a top-four spot again, but
unfortunately without some loosening of the purse strings it might yet be another
silverwareless-season putting even more pressure on Monsieur Wenger.
Who to Watch:
Anyone who Wenger actually buys
Prediction: Top-four
in the league, but will have to make a push for a domestic trophy
Aston Villa
Last season’s cannot by any standards be classified as a
success for the Midlands outfit, but then again, following their disastrous run
pre-Christmas, staying in the top-flight must be seen as a positive.
Darren Bent still remains as the giant anchovy on a claret
and blue pizza, but a deal seeing him leave Villa Park for Fulham or Crystal Palace
does look likely before the start of the new campaign.
Paul Lambert has brought in some fresh faces and let other
go as he continues his rebuilding efforts and it is unlikely Villa will
struggle in the way they did last term. However, doubts remain as to how far up
the table they can pull themselves, meaning fans will have at least one eye on
the relegation battle.
Who to Watch: Christian
Benteke impressed last season and looks set to stay at Villa Park.
Prediction: Better
than last year, but still bottom half
Cardiff City
You wait years for one Welsh team in the English top-flight
and then two turn up at once. After many ‘almost there’ years the blue [red]
birds have finally arrived.
The most interesting bit of business they have conducted so
far has been the capture of Steven Caulker off Tottenham, which took many Spurs
fans by surprise.
Unfortunately it is hard to see Cardiff getting very far
this season and despite the squad improvements the team look set for a
relegation struggle this season. However, out of the three newly-promoted teams
they probably stand the best chance of survival.
Then again many wrote-off their fellow-countrymen and they
went on to win the League Cup last season so anything can happen.
Who to Watch: Steven
Caulker. Very talented young player who will get chances to impress this
season.
Prediction: May be
fighting a losing relegation battle
Chelsea
The circus continues as the Abramovic road-show continues on
its usual path. ‘The Special One’ has returned and looks to have set his
stall-out for an outright confrontation with Manchester United over the future
of Wayne Rooney.
Fernando Torres is still technically a Blues player, but his
move away from Stamford Bridge is looking ever more likely.
With the managerial changes in Manchester it would take a
brave man (or woman) to bet against the Premiership trophy returning to West
London this season, but the more important issue is how will the team fair in
the Champions League.
After back-to-back continental trophies (even if last years
was the minor one) have set a precedent for the Shed End faithful and the
Russian upstairs has always made it clear how important success in Europe is.
Unfortunately for the media the managerial merry-go-round is
unlikely to continue with Jose being given at least one whole season to show
what he can do, but if his tenure is to continue he needs silverware this
season.
Who to Watch: Jose
Mourinho. Great manager and always good for some entertainment
Prediction:
Champions and a serious challenge for Champions League
Crystal Palace
Ian Holloway is back in the Premiership so hold on tight!
Very few, even of the die-hard Palace fans, would have
predicted their team would be a Premiership side at the start of last season,
but a thrilling play-off win has seen the Eagles return.
There have been a few positive moves in the transfer window,
but this is going to be a very tough season for a team unprepared for the
top-flight.
Unfortunately I think it will be a brave, but ultimate
unsuccessful battle against relegation this season for the South London team.
Who to Watch: Ian
Holloway is always good for a laugh, but if you insist
on watching players Darren Bent if he makes the switch, if not Marouane
Chamakh.
Prediction:
Relegated
Everton
With David Moyes making the short journey from Merseyside to
Salford and Roberto Martinez making an equally small hop from Wigan there will
be many eyes on the Toffee’s this season and not for the right reasons.
Martinez will have to prove his worth after several
relegation scraps with his old team and many still doubt he is cut-out for top
level management.
He has however been able to hold onto Baines and Fellaini (so
far) and both players will be vital if he is able to build on Moyes’
foundations. Trouble arrives if he loses one or both.
Where they will finish is a tough question. It is very
unlikely they will face a Wiganesque battle against relegation, but it is
equally unlikely they will be pushing for a top-four/ six finish like they did
last season. An unremarkable top-half finish looks the most likely option.
Who to Watch:
Roberto Martinez. Can he prove he’s a good manager?
Prediction: Potential
top-eight, but mid-table probably more likely
Fulham
Fulham decided to go on their summer break early last
season, which saw them finish the season in an artificially low position.
Over the summer a new owner has come in, but the cash is yet
to be splashed, although Darren Bent may be on the way in.
Fulham, like several slightly more established Premiership
teams, have been treading water the last few seasons, staying in the top flight
without really doing much and with other teams making a greater impact in the
transfer market it looks likely to be another nothing season at Craven Cottage.
The underlying quality of the team, combined with Martin
Jol’s influence and new owners will probably see Fulham safe with time to
spare, but a cup-run might be needed to convince the Cottage regulars there is
still some ambition in the side.
Who to Watch: Shahid Khan. Will the new owner splash the
cash?
Prediction: Bottom
half, but never in any worry of relegation
Hull City
Hull manager Steve Bruce is a familiar face in the
Premiership, but it is unlikely he or Hull City will be around for long.
A large slice of fortune at the end of last season (largely
thanks to some ineptitude by Watford) saw Hull finish second in the
Championship, when a play-off place looked the more likely route.
There have been a couple of interesting moves in the
transfer window, most notably Scott Parker being eyed up, but you cannot help
but feel it will all be in vain as Hull and the other newly promoted teams look
set to battle it out for the bottom three spaces in the table.
Who to Watch:
Steve Bruce as he tries to cut it as a manager in the Premiership…again
Prediction:
They’re doomed
Liverpool
Liverpool have become something of an enigma over the last
few seasons, still mixing it with the big-boys in head-to-head league and cup
games, but then faltering against smaller teams and ultimately ending the
season several places lower than they would expect.
A large part of this has to go down to the fact new signings
turn up at Anfield with all the promise in the world and then fail to do
anything.
This summer Aspas and Toure have come in, and with Coutinho
and Sturridge already in place, the Kop should have things to cheer this
season. However, the Suarez-circus continues and his presence, or lack thereof,
will have a major effect on the Liverbirds season.
If everything goes right on Merseyside a top-four place is
not out of the question, however, this has been true for the last few years so
top-six might be more likely.
On the plus side the reds should be above the blue side of
Stanley Park at the end of the season.
Who to Watch:
Suarez if he stays and Suarez if he leaves
Prediction: If new
signings perform then top-six. Domestic cups only chance of silverware
Manchester City
As much as there was controversy when Mancini was sacked
last season, Manuel Pellegrini has been suspiciously quiet since taking
the job at the Etihad.
As has become traditional in the Blue side of Manchester
over the last few seasons, some big names have left (Tevez), some might be
leaving (Dzeko), other have arrived (Navas and Negredo) and others might still
arrive (Pepe), but there is still no real squad mentality.
The team is undoubtedly talented and will be very
competitive, but doubts remain as to whether or not they can maintain a winning
mentality for the whole season.
If the new boss can get them playing together it will be
something special to watch, but history shows teams created in this way
struggle to maintain form.
Come the end of the year City will probably be second or
third, depending more on how Moyes motivates the red side of Manchester than
their own performances.
Who to Watch: Navas
and Negredo have been the headline signings and need to perform
Prediction: Second
or third, but need a good Champions League run
Manchester United
By far the biggest news last season was the retirement of
Sir Alex Ferguson after 20-plus successful years in Salford. David Moyes was
quickly instated and, although he might not have been everyone’s first choice,
he was clearly Sir Alex’s.
Taking over at United after Ferguson is probably the most
unenviable task in football as there is pressure to succeed straight away, but
the squad belongs to the previous manager. Many speculated Baines and Fellaini
would follow their Everton boss, but so far neither has. Cesc Fabregas has been
rumoured to make a sensational return to the Premiership, but is apparently not
for sale, and Cristiano Ronaldo might also be wearing the red number 7 shirt,
but is still at Real Madrid.
You could argue the team was good enough to finish
comfortably top last season, but in modern football if you are not moving
forward you are going backwards.
If Moyes can get the team to play for him they will still be
a force to be reckoned with, particularly if a marquee signing can be made, but
it could easily got the other way.
Who to Watch:
David Moyes. Can he fill Ferguson’s boots?
Prediction: Second
or third with best chance of a trophy in FA Cup and Champions League
Newcastle United
Le Toon Army had a disappointing 2012/13 season after a
heroic campaign the year before. However, the ship was steadied in January and
there should be enough quality for a more stable challenge this year.
Unfortunately the news from the North East this summer had
more to do with the unexpected return of Joe Kinnear and how the former manager’s
relationship with the current boss pans out over the season will be more
interesting than what’s happening on the pitch.
It is still unclear how good Alan Pardew’s squad is so there
could still be a nice surprise for the Magpies, but it is far more likely this
season will see the team from St James’ (or is it the Sports Direct Arena
still?) finish mid-table.
Who to Watch: Papiss
Cisse can score spectacular goals, but the Kinnear/ Pardew saga could also be
interesting
Prediction: Better
season finishing comfortably mid-table
Norwich City
If Fulham finished last season artificially low because they
had given up with a month to go then Norwich finished artificially high thanks
to relegation avoiding wins in the last two games.
However, having been tipped for relegation after the
departure of Paul Lambert the Canaries had a good season. More surprising
however has been the weight Carrow Road has be throwing about in the transfer
market.
Hooper, Redmond, van Wolfswinkel, Fer and Olsson have come
in offering a level of quality lacking in previous seasons. If these players
come in and perform the Yellows might be the surprise package of the season.
Unfortunately, despite the obvious good endeavours, there is
still a question remaining over the depth of the squad.
A mid-table finish seems most likely, but what is more
important is to avoid the quasi-relegation scrap they ended up in at the end of
last season.
Who to Watch: Is
van Wolfswinkel’s reputation justified and can Hooper make a claim on an
England shirt?
Prediction:
Mid-table and a domestic cup effort-
Southampton
Last season was an odd one for the Saints. The joy of being
back in the top-flight, the shock departure of Nigel Adkins and the surprise
arrival of Mauricio Pochettino before successfully navigating their way to a
second term.
But then comes the difficult second album. The Saints form
last season was sporadic and although a couple of quality signings have come in
there is a lack of overall quality and squad depth.
There is always pressure for the new teams to push on and
cement their place in the top-flight and this will certainly be a goal for the
south coast side and a Swanseaesque season will be their goal, it is just a
question of whether or not they have the side to achieve it.
Many teams are making claims to higher finishing spots this
season and Southampton might be better served by consolidating their place and
looking to build a squad over this term.
Who to Watch:
Wanyama and Lovren are the obvious choices, but the team as a whole need to
show why they deserve to stay in the top-tier
Prediction: Bottom
half
Stoke City
Stoke without Pullis is like a sober Paul Gascoigne, a sight
not seen for a long time, and you can guarantee the club shop replica training
kit sales have plummeted.
Mark Hughes’ arrival has not been universally popular and
you get better odds on the new boss being sacked than on Stoke achieving
anything of note this season.
The former gaffers departure was not unexpected as the
Potters faltered over the line and with the new boss lacking activity during
the summer it is hard to see Stoke being anywhere other than in the relegation
scrap again this season.
Unfortunately Hughes’ record is not very good and with a
lack of fresh faces mean it will be hard to evolve the Stoke way of playing,
which lacked effectiveness last season.
The boys at the Britannia might need to ready themselves for
a long, relegation fraught season and will need to focus on staying ahead of
Cardiff.
Who to Watch: Mark
Hughes. How long will he last in this job?
Prediction:
Narrowly avoiding relegation, or not
Sunderland
Paulo di Canio gets his first attempt at a full season in
the North East this season and we all wait with bated breath to see what lunacy
comes out of his mouth in the pre and post-match press conferences.
Despite being an unexpected recruit after Martin O’Neil was
shoved out the back door of the Stadium of Light, di Canio did achieve what was
needed…Premiership safety and an historic win over Newcastle.
However, doubts remain as to how far he can take them in the
long term. Some good signings have come in, but Mignolet, who many credit with
being the main reason the Black Cats stayed up, has gone to Liverpool leaving a
big gap between the posts.
Like di Canio’s temperament, Sunderland’s form this season
cannot be guessed, but what is most important this season at the Stadium of
Light is stability, a word which Paulo might not know the meaning of.
Who to Watch:
Paulo di Canio. You can’t take your eyes off him
Prediction: Bottom
half, but avoiding relegation
Swansea City
Last season’s surprise package trailed off following their
League Cup victory, but they still overachieved with Michael Laudrup in charge.
Most importantly star-signing Michu and the manager have stayed in place
despite rumours both would be tempted with roles at large clubs this season.
Wilfred Bony has been added to the Swans starting line,
along with a few other players and there is potential for the Welsh side to
keep on its upward path.
European football also comes to the Liberty Stadium this
year and could be a distraction in terms of the clubs league form. Away games
abroad on Thursday night and Premier League fixtures on Saturday, as has been
seen in the past, is a very demanding schedule.
However, the most important thing this year will be to show
their dominance over fellow countrymen Cardiff.
If you were to offer the Swans the same as last year they
would certainly take it and they might become the cup-specialists over the next
few years as financial constraints stop them from making an assault on the
top-six.
Who to Watch: Can
Bony have an impact and Michu maintain form?
Prediction:
Top-half if they can stop the Europa League distracting them
Tottenham Hotspur
The Gareth Bale road-show trundles on and summing up Tottenham’s
fortunes for this upcoming campaign is quite simple. If they keep Bale they
will make a top-four push, without him they will be lucky to get into the
Europa League spots.
As much as the Lilywhites might not want to admit it they
were a one-man-show last season and even the arrival of Paulinho and Soldado
might struggle to fill the left footed gap left by the Welshman.
Of cause if either player hits the ground running and can
replace Bales goal scoring and creativity then they might still be ok, but
unfortunately it is not always that simple.
Spurs are another team who also have the disadvantage of
Thursday night European fixtures and although their squad has more depth than
others they are at a disadvantage compared to the Tuesday and Wednesday night
Champions League sides.
Who to Watch:
Gareth Bale and the AVB vs ‘The Special One’ reunion
Prediction:
Top-six
West Bromwich Albion
Successful and restrained season by the Baggies last season.
Started well and faded a little at the end, but most importantly did it without
attracting any attention to themselves.
A team who became famous for yo-yoing between the top two
divisions for a few seasons is now well established and need to start making a
stronger impact
It would be easy to say WBA would struggle without the goal
scoring prowess of Lukaku, but with the journeyman Nicolas Anelka joining their
ranks they will not struggle to find the net on a regular basis.
Although they will struggle to brake the top-six this season
The Hawthorns outfit will need to provide its fans with more to cheer about
than just another season where they stayed in the top-flight.
A strong effort for the league or FA cup needs to be made to
make WBA more than just a standard mid-table team.
Who to Watch: Nicolas
Anelka in yet another Premier League shirt
Prediction:
Top-eight and a cup challenge
West Ham United
By far the most impressive of the newly promoted teams last
year and were able to achieve safety without being at any risk of the drop.
A long-haired lanky Geordie has made a permanent move to the
club from the red side of the Mersey and will be out to get noticed in a World
Cup season. However, Carroll’s acquisition seems to have dried up the Hammers
coffers so this second-season back in the top-flight might not be as easy
sailing as last year.
However, Sam Allardyce is a canny and tactically astute
manager and it is unlikely they will be dragged into any trouble at the
basement end of the division.
Who to Watch: Andy
Carroll. With a World Cup next year he needs to impress to guarantee a seat on
the plane
Prediction:
Mid-table with a possible cup run
Random Predictions:
Champions: Chelsea
FA Cup: Manchester
City
League Cup: West
Bromwich Albion
Relegated: Crystal
Palace, Hull City and Cardiff City
First Manager Sacked:
Mark Hughes
Top Goal Scorer: Robin
van Persie
Predicted Table
2013/14
Chelsea
Man United
Man City
Arsenal
Liverpool
Tottenham
WBA
Swansea City
Everton
Norwich
Newcastle
West Ham United
Sunderland
Aston Villa
Fulham
Southampton
Stoke City
Cardiff City
Hull City
Crystal Palace
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