The long-awaited start of the English Premier League is just hours away. And it’s still not too late for me to do a season preview for the upcoming 2006/2007 campaign. The important question comes back to us again- can any team break the dominance of the much-improved Chelsea team? Well, I’ll give you my predictions for the final season standings. 1. Chelsea 2. Liverpool 3. Man Utd 4. Arsenal 5. Tottenham 6. Bolton 7. Everton 8. Blackburn 9. West Ham 10. Newcastle 11. Aston Villa 12. Middlesborough 13. Portsmouth 14. Charlton 15. Wigan 16. Man City 17. Fulham 18. Reading 19. Sheffield United 20. Watford
Chelsea have made numerous signings after the World Cup, roping in players like Shevchenko and Ballack, the two big-name signings this summer. No other team in the world can compete with Abramovich’s billions in the transfer market, and on paper, the squad looks like both the EPL and Champions League title belongs to them. Everyone knows football doesn’t work that way, but the minimum is for Jose and Co. to finish at the top again, or face the consequences. If Mourinho can crush the big name egos like Ballack and control the team well, there’s no wonder why Chelsea cannot steamroll over their opponents again this season.
Liverpool made a great start to this season’s football with a 2-1 victory over a lacklustre Chelsea side last weekend, and people are wondering whether ‘Rafa-lution’ will bear fruits this season. I believe Liverpool is the real team that is capable of pushing Chelsea. Fueled by a healthy transfer budget, Benitez has recruited players like Mark Gonzalez, Pennant, Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt and Fabio Aurelio to boost his current squad led by influential midfielder Steven Gerrard. With a much better and exciting squad than last season, they can definitely better their last season standings and possibly even pip Chelsea to earn their 19th Championship title. Good luck to the Reds.
Although I am a loyal Man Utd fan, it is obvious the team has improved much from last season. The 18.6 million pound transfer of Michael Carrick to Old Trafford was deemed over-priced by money and I believe so too. Even if Owen Hangreaves does become a Red Devil, it is difficult for any of them to fill up the gap left by the great Keano. United will find it more difficult without van Nistelrooy. Saha will have to step up and provide the goals, which I think he can if he manages to stay clear from injuries. Nevertheless, little improvements in the defence will mean that Ferguson will find it difficult to cope this season, let alone challenge for the title. Champions League qualification will be enough.
Arsenal go into this season with their new Emirates stadium, but their Highbury squad from last season doesn’t look intact. With Pires, Campbell, and Bergkamp gone, Arsenal have lost much experience from their veterans. It is now up to the young stars led by Henry and boosted by the addition of Tomas Rosicky for £7 million to see them through to fourth place. Their pre-season injury woes to the backline and the possible departure of Ashley Cole will make things worst for Wenger. But I do believe that the Gunners can qualify for Europe’s elite competition once again.
With the impressive Ivory Coast international Didier Zokora as the replacement for Carrick, and the maturation of youngsters like Aaron Lennon and Michael Dawson, Spurs will be a difficult team to beat, and one of the better teams eligible to break the dominance of the “Big Four”- Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal. They could end up vying for the last Champions League spot with Arsenal again, after their disappointment last season.
Sam Allardyce’s Bolton side have impressed me last season with their “big-team killing”, and although he hasn’t made much signings in the summer, last season’s backline will be boosted by the additions of Quinton Fortune and Abdoulaye Meite. Kevin Nolan performed well last season, and will do so again this season in order to prove himself to Steve McClaren. This tough side will at least make it to the UEFA Cup.
Everton made a slow start to last season’s campaign and had to battle their way back to mid-table. That was because of their striker woes. The arrival of Andy Johnson from Crystal Palace will boost the Toffees hopes in front of goal and bring in the wins that will give them at least a European place.
Mark Hughes’ Blackburn looks capable of another successful season, especially after their strike force was strengthened with new players like Francis Jeffers, Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts. With the tough-tackling Robbie Savage working in the centre, the Blackburn side can compete well and at least secure a high mid-table finish.
After last years impressive Premiership start, the Hammers will want to continue their success. Although Dean Ashton’s shock injury will rule him out for four months, Alan Pardew has a good cover forward in Carlton Cole. Anton Ferdinand’s safe defensive alliance with Danny Gabbidon looks set to continue, while the arrival of goalkeeper Robert Green will offer West Ham more defensive stability. West Ham will be looking to build on that, and try to push for a European place, although a mid-table finish would seem more probable.
Newcastle United will struggle to qualify for Europe, as Glenn Roeder does not have enough firepower up front to ensure the goals that club needs. With Shearer retired, and Owen probably out for the whole season due to injury, the only useful striker there would be Shola Amoebi. Although Duff joined the club from Chelsea, there is not enough depth in the squad, and it doesn’t look too well ahead for the Toon Army.
It has been a topsy-turvy year for an Aston Villa fan, from relegation battle, to the rebellion against their ex-chairman, and the changing of manager. The arrival of Martin O’Neill will bring some stability to the club, however, he needs time to settle down, perhaps until Christmas. So don’t expect too much, Villa fans!
Gareth Southgate will be leading the charge at the Riverside Stadium for the first time as a manager, and lacking experience, a safe mid-table finish for a debut season would already for a remarkable achievement. The backline looks flimsy with only one addition, Julio Arca, and Southgate already being promoted to a managerial role, he would have to make improvements to the defence before it is too late.
Harry Redknapp doesn’t seem to know how to seem his millions provided the Premiership's latest wealthy Russian, Alexandre Gaydamak. Players like D’Alessandro have left, and veterans like David James and Sol Campbell arrived at Fratton Park. On paper, it doesn’t look like an improved team from last season, and Harry will have to spend his money properly during the next transfer window.
Charlton have a new boss in Ian Dowie who has introduced new players like Andy Reid and Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, besides keeping hold of important players like Luke Young. With Darren Bent up front to provide the goals, Charlton can be assured safe mid-table finish provided their usual defensive frailties do not appear too early in the season.
Wigan have lost two of their best players in Jimmy Bullard and Jason Roberts, and it will be difficult for Paul Jewell to replicate last season’s standards. Despite the signings of Dutch international Denny Landzaat and England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, and veteran Emile Heskey, Wigan will have to constantly look behind them to avoid the relegation dogfight.
Stuart Pearce has galvanised the Manchester City team since his arrival, but a poor showing at the end of last season is unlikely to change again in the coming campaign. Their gaps in defence could prove to be their undoing in the upcoming campaign. The recent signings of Trabelsi and Hamann should boost the squad and steer them clear of the drop zone.
Fulham will have to battle bravely against relegation. Although they have a good strike force of McBride, Helguson and Collins John, their creative midfield player Malbranque is wanting out. Constant defensive lapses will cause Chris Coleman dearly.
I believe that all three recently promoted teams will be going back to the Championship next season. They do not have enough quality to avoid the relegation zone. Although Steve Coppell's Championship winning team racked up 105 goals last season in the Championship, surviving in the Premiership would be an entirely different challenge.
Neil Warnock's new boys Sheffield United lack the experience and pace in defence, and have to rely on Premiership struggler Ade Akinbiyi for goals; Warnock's men face an uphill battle to maintain their top-flight status. Favourites for the drop.
Last place would go to Watford, and the only recognized player would be Marlon King. Having no depth, it would be a massive surprise for them to stay above the relegation zone. This London club is the top favourite to go back to the Coca-Cola Championship.
