Well, well, well, the big moment is finally here. It's the kickoff for the Barclays' Premier League Season tomorrow and I am thrilled about it. Most Arsenal fans are in total disbelief before the start of the season but, I differ with them. I think this might be the season, in which our trophy drought will finally end. Nothing wrong in being a bit optimistic/realistic. I know that many have thought the same way before the start of our four previous campaigns, and were saddened to see the team not win anything at the end. I do not think that Cesc will be leaving the club this month. All the lads are really motivated and also have just the right amount of experience they need to prove the bookies wrong. Some things that will slow us down and have been doing so for some time now will be the injuries and the lack of an experienced bench.
Well, anyway here is my final verdict;
Chelsea look the strongest team on paper and a lot of depth in their squad, and this might be sufficient to win them the premier league, unless they goof up. There is no major improvement in the standard of the team with minimal activity in the transfer market. But, the advantage they have is that the rest of the BIG3 have supposedly been weakened by the departure of their star players.
Liverpool did well the previous season. But, they are a team that relies majorly on two key players, namely Torres and Gerrard. They cannot afford a injury to any of them.They also have a very poor defense. The loss of Xabi Alonso will add to this. Their key defenders are recovering from injuries and are doubtful for the first one or two games. If they lose points in these games, i do not see them competing for the honors at the end of it.
Manchester United will not win the title for sure. Rooney will be their key player and we may also expect him to pick up a couple of reds, unable to control his anger/rage on the pitch. They will not loose sight of the 1st place but, I do not see them winning. They still have their defense in tact and the major worries would be the injuries to Van Der Sar and Vidic at the start of the season. They have the easiest first 3 fixtures and this might save them from losing precious points.
Arsenal have the toughest start to the season with fixtures involving Everton, Manchester United and City(all AWAY fixtures) in the first 5 weeks. They also have their Champion's League qualifier against Celtic in between. It's a worrying start but, it can be crucial. If the team manages to get the most out of these fixtures, it will definitely boost their confidence and we could be gunning for glory. If we falter, we would have to fight out for the fourth Champion's League place against City or Liverpool.
I "feel"(it's a lot different from "think", if you know what i'm saying) that this would be the final league table(with the current teams and injuries out of cosideration )
1.Arsenal. Arshavin and Van Persie will break down defenses.
2.Liverpool. Will power prevails.
3.Chelsea. The slightly older team.
4.Manchester United. It will be close.
5.Everton. Not City, because of their relatively weak midfield and defense.
In the champion's league final however, I would like to see Barcelona and Real Madrid fight it out for the title. I don't think any other club can stop these Spanish Giants.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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2 comments:
Well I guess I shouldnt have expected any other name other than Arsenal in your prediction at the top, but I guess looking at it in a neutral perspective, if Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are really the ones Liverpool count on, then even Arsenal depends on Fabregas and Arshavin, and lately, it seems to be entirely on Arshavin. Squad wise, I believe Chelsea is the strongest, though I'm not sure if, like in the past seasons, a squad full of 30 yr olds can last the distance in the premiere league. I dont know if Man Utd can claim to be the favourites because I really cant rely on Wayne Rooney or Berbatov getting 20 goals when both of them like to play in the No. 10 position instead of the No. 9. I believe that the games among the top 6 will necessarily decide the fate of the top 4, but it does not necessarily mean Everton and Villa will get any higher just because they win against the top 4. All they will be able to do by beating a top 4 team, is to help another top 4 team.
If you put it that way, I feel that the Manchester United team wholly depended on Ronaldo and Rooney. It will be really interesting to see what will be their fate this season with Ronaldo leaving for Real.
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