Last Updated on Aug 6, 2011 | 11:31 by 00-Babs
Top 4 Predictions
Hey wonderful people. It has been a while and yes I have missed writing too, no thanks to the European football break. The break has however been clouded by transfer activities and rumours. Well now we know the big spenders. I have not been let down by our noisy neighbours (Man City) who prised Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero from Atletico Madrid for a whooping £38m (the highest so far this transfer period). Aguero makes the 3rd signing for Man City after the acquisition of the services of Gael Clichy from Arsenal and Stefan Savic from Partizan Belgrade and the money bags have however stated that they are still willing to spend more. Other teams have been busy too with United having already spent over £50m on English winger Ashley Young, and defender Phil Jones and Spanish U-20 goalkeeper David De Gea. Sunderland can boast of the highest amount of recruits though their spendings on all 8 players brought in so far isn’t up £30m in total. Arsenal have purchased Gervinho from Lille and I am hoping it won’t end there with rumours linking them with Blackburn’s Chris Samba, Everton’s Phil Jaglieka and Valencia’s Juan Mata. Chelsea have being tracking players but can only boast of buying goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from Racing Genk (who was loaned to Atletico Madrid immediately) and Oriol Romeu Vidal from Barcelona.
They are still in pursuit of Tottenham’s Luka Modric and Anderletch’s Romalu Lukaku. Liverpool have also recruited fresh legs with Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Doni signing up for the club. Though they are still looking to bring in Newcastle’s left back Luis Enrique. Tottenham have not been too busy as there is no mention of any major recruitments, they are however looking to sign up a couple of players, like Fernando Llorente of Atletic Bilbao, Giuseppe Rossi from Villareal, and planning a coup to also snatch up Arsenal’s target Mata. They did sign 40year old Brad Friedel from Aston Villa. The other EPL teams are not left out of the transfer biz as there have been players brought in here and there most especially by the newly promoted sides (QPR, Swansea and Norwich City) that have been tipped to most likely return to the championship (2nd tier of the English league) after their first taste of Premier league football. It is pertinent to note that transfer activities play a vital role in the success of a team. The transfer dealings in the EPL is said to have hit an estimated £250m amongst all 20 teams.
My Top 4 Predictions For the English Premier League
Man Utd – Well I strongly believe they have what it takes to retain their title and make it a 20th league title for them. Not because I am a fan but despite losing three of four their most experienced players (Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Edwin Van Der Saar) they still look like they have a balanced squad. Though Van Der Saar and Scholes will be difficult to replace but the team spirit and tactical nous of Sir Alex still makes the Red Devils favourites for the league title. Come May next year and you will remind me I said so. I also hope they sign Wesley Sneijder. Players to watch out for are Rooney, Giggs, Chicharito, Ashley Young, De Gea, Vidic and the Da Siva twins.
Chelsea – over the last 7 years this team has been a force to reckon with. The Abrahamovic billions has reshaped the side and made them title contenders over the years. Well they are second in my prediction only because of their doggedness and nothing more. They have strong and quality players but they need to add to this aging squad. No significant additions and if they finally secure the service of Modric I will still place them behind Man Utd. Players to watch out for are David Luiz, Terry, Ashley Cole, Drogba, Torres, Lampard and Malouda.
Man City – Yes they have the money and they have been spending this money for 3 years now, they have quality players I truly admire but they lack a manager that can bring the best out of the team with all due respect to Mancini. They will definitely challenge for the title but will fall out in the new year like the Gunners do. They need a no nonsense manager in the mould of Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho or Marcelo Lippi to instil discipline into the squad. Though winning the FA cup last season might help them up their game but they will need to topple the likes of Man Utd and Chelsea to stand a chance. Players to watch are Kun Aguero, Yaya Toure, Balotelli, Kompany, David Silva and if he stays Carlos Tevez.
Arsenal – though I am not sure why I am putting this team in the top 4 but I will. Not because they play attractive football (anyway that’s the only consolation they have these days) but because the other teams like Spurs, Liverpool, Everton and Villa don’t seem to want to step up into the top 4. Arsenal is the best run club in England and they make a lot of money, but they are not willing to spend. Arsene Wenger you “speculate to accumulate”. If you don’t spend money on quality players you can’t win trophies. They couldn’t even win the Emirates cup they are used to winning (SMHISM- shaking my head in slow motion). Players to watch are Wilshere, Van Persie, Gervinho, Song and Fabregas and Nasri (if they stay).
Well that’s my top 4 prediction for the EPL this coming season. Please remember it’s my own humbly take on things.
The season kicks off on Sunday 7th August with Man Utd and Man City battling it out for the Community Shield where proceeds of the game goes to charity. The premier league officially kicks off on the 13th of August. I wish the teams of all haters of my beloved Man Utd all the best (not from my heart though).
Thanks as always for your time…………… Bless
Swizz
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