Well, what a first weekend of Premier League action! No draws, a 6-1 demolishing of a team many thought would finish in the top six, and Liverpool have already lost half as many games as they did all of last season. Today I give my predictions for the EPL’s top four, which will no doubt bring a lot of angry reactions. Although I think that the order I have is the most likely, I could see just about any combination of these four teams, with two exceptions–I do not think that Arsenal will win because they always have problems breaking physical, resilient teams like Stoke down, and I do not think that Manchester United will finish fourth because Sir Alex Ferguson would simply not allow it. End of story. Still, both Liverpool and Chelsea have very good chances to win the league and Arsenal, easily the most impressive team thus far, could finish third or even second. Nevertheless, Manchester United’s experience and history of success makes them the most likely team to lift the trophy this season.
1. Manchester United
IN: Antonio Valencia, Wigan, £16m; Gabriel Obertan, Bordeaux, £3m; Michael Owen, Newcastle, free (Adem Ljajic and Mame Biram Diouf will join the club in January from Partizan Belgrade and Molde, respectively)
OUT: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, £80m; Carlos Tevez, Manchester City, free; Fraizer Campbell, Sunderland, £6m; Rodrigo Possebon, Braga, loan
Defending champions Manchester United lost former FIFA World Player of the Year winner and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as workhorse forward Carlos Tevez, but even without buying expensive replacements the Red Devils should once again lift the Premier League trophy. With Ronaldo in the squad, United were forced to maintain a rigid positional structure so that Ronaldo could occupy a free role and play all over the park. This forced players like Wayne Rooney out of position and limited their impact, but now Rooney should be able to play in his preferred position of center forward. Additionally, Dimitar Berbatov looks very good in preseason games; last season was very disappointing for him and an improvement in both goals and assists is well within the realm of possibility. Ferguson’s purchases were all aimed towards a more traditional 4-4-2; Valencia is an out-and-out winger whose speed and strength should cause problems for Premier League defenders, and Michael Owen is a deadly finisher inside the area. He should get plenty of service from the wings and from central midfield. While United’s central midfielders were denigrated following their loss to Barca in the Champions League final, it remains the deepest in the Prem–Carrick, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Anderson, Gibson, and Hargreaves, if healthy, are all very good players and Fergie can mix and match their skills based upon the opposition. The wingers aren’t bad either; Nani looks like he is finally ready to step into United’s first team, though he is currently struggling with a dislocated shoulder–hopefully he will not need surgery. New signing Valencia is very quick and one of the strongest players in the Premier League–seriously, he is jacked. Park Ji-Sung provides a high workrate, and it seems that he has also improved his offensive contribution from last term. Zoran Tosic should be able to play well against lesser teams, though his lack of strength may prevent him from having a large role in the team. Giggs can also play on the left; his trickery and experience makes up for the step that he has lost. I haven’t even discussed the defense yet, but it is probably the team’s strongest asset–Ferdinand and Vidic in the middle are indubitably one of the two best central defense pairings in England (Chelsea being the other), Patrice Evra is one of the world’s best left backs, and John O’Shea is a very capable right back. Add in Johnny Evans, a capable understudy to Ferdinand and Vidic, Wes Brown, who is returning from injury, young Brazilians Fabio and Rafael, and Belgian Ritchie De Laet (not to mention Gary Neville, who is as good of a mentor as one could ask for), and United are set at the back. Goalkeeper is a bit of a question mark; Edwin van der Sar should reclaim his spot between the sticks when he returns from injury, but until that time United must decide between Ben Foster and his shaky clearances (which you read about here before anyone else wrote about it) or the unproven Tomasz Kuszczak. United face games against Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and, depending on how quickly VDS recovers, possibly Liverpool. It seems that Ferguson will play Foster with Kuszczak getting an occasional start, and their play will be key to United’s push to retain the title. Besides the starting duo of Rooney and Berbatov and new signing Owen, United also have youngsters Kiko Macheda and Danny Welbeck at forward; Ferguson is very impressed with both players and said that they would get more appearances this season. Webeck can also play on the wing, but judging from last season both are more than capable of contributing to the team. Much like last year, United may not have the best starting 11–most would give that honor to Chelsea–but they have the deepest squad and multiple matchwinners. The key will be replicating last year’s performance against teams in the bottom half of the table; last year United collected an astounding 58 points out of 60 from these teams, the only slipup being an opening-day draw against Newcastle.
2. Liverpool
In: Glen Johnson, Portsmouth, £17m; Alberto Aquilani, Roma, £20m
Out: Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, both Real Madrid, combined £34m; Sebastian Leto, Panathinaikos, £1m; Jermaine Pennant, Real Zaragoza, free
Runners-up last year, many pundits are predicting anything but the same; most either have them winning the league or finishing behind United and Chelsea. While Xabi Alonso is a big loss for them–he was certainly one of their best players last year–Roma’s Aquilani is a good, if injury-prone, replacement. Liverpool fans think that this may finally be the year that they overcome United and take back sole possession of most Premier League/1st Division titles won, but they rely too heavily on a few key players, namely Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, and Javier Mascherano, for this to be a reality. If any of these players gets hurt, as Torres did last year, Liverpool could find themselves finishing third or even fourth. One must also take into account manger Rafa Benitez. Famed for his rotation policy and his “facts” rant directed at Sir Alex Ferguson, Benitez must find a way to improve Liverpool’s home record–they had too many draws at Anfield last term and must improve to win the title. In the end, though, they lack the depth needed to go all the way–when David N’Gog is a team’s third striker, they will have problems. Other areas that need reinforcement are central midfield, where Aquilani is going to miss games no matter what, and central defense; Jamie Carragher is still a good player but is getting older and had an injury scare in preseason play. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is one of the most consistent and talented keepers in the Premier League; without him Liverpool’s loss today to Tottenham could have had a much uglier scoreline. In defense, new right back Glen Johnson was Liverpool’s best player today and will aim to continue his impressive run of form for club and country. Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger are all good center backs, but when injury problems hit, as they did today, the Reds’ lack of depth is evident. First-choice left back Fabio Aurelio is out until December, but young Argentine Emilio Insua is a capable deputy. Liverpool play five in midfield, with Steven Gerrard often pushing forward as a second striker to support Fernando Torres. Dirk Kuyt has locked down Liverpool’s right wing position, but there is no depth behind him–both Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel could be played there in an emergency, but both are naturally left-footed. While Babel has been highly touted for quite a while, he has yet to consistently play well. Besides Babel and Benayoun, Spanish international Albert Riera is another option on the left wing; currently out with an ankle injury, he should reclaim his starting place when he returns. Javier Mascherano occupies one of Liverpool’s two holding roles and is one of their best players, consistently breaking up opposition attacks and starting them for Liverpool. His new partner in this role is to be Alberto Aquilani, whose talent is matched by his injury history. Currently out until October, Liverpool will suffer in his absence; other options like Lucas Leiva cannot pick out passes nearly as well as the Italian. Gerrard is Liverpool’s talisman and a tremendous talent in a free attacking role; he is one of the EPL’s best in shooting from distance, can also finish inside the box, and can create opportunities for teammates as well. Fernando Torres, despite his woeful performance today against Tottenham, is arguably the Premier League’s best striker and should be among its leading scorers at the end of the season, barring injury. The players behind him, however, are not very good. Andriy Voronin, who probably has the worst touch of any player on a top four team, is back in the squad, while young Frenchman David N’Gog has shown nothing in limited appearances. Liverpool have shown that they can survive without Gerrard or Torres for short periods of time, but in the end losing Alonso may have been more important, as he was one of the main facilitators of Liverpool’s attack. Time will tell if Liverpool can win the Premier League–many seem to think they can–but judging from today’s result it may be a bit too difficult.
3. Chelsea
In: Yuriy Zhirkhov, CSKA Moscow, £18m; Daniel Sturridge, Manchester City, undisclosed; Ross Turnbull, Middlesbrough, free
Out: Ben Sahar, Espanyol, £1m; Franco Di Santo, Blackburn, loan
Chelsea will be looking to rebound from last season’s third-place finish, as owner Roman Abramovich is hoping that new manager Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics and the return of Michael Essien, Joe Cole and Didier Drogba, who all missed parts of last season because of injury, will be enough to propel them to the title. Chelsea probably have the best starting XI in the EPL, but are they getting old, as Sir Alex Ferguson said before last season? I would say that it isn’t too much of an issue, but Chelsea’s defense and their ability to adapt to Ancelotti’s diamond formation may make beating out United and Liverpool too difficult. Goalkeeper Petr Cech is highly rated but has not been the same since he suffered a fractured skull against Reading two seasons ago; while still very good, he is more prone to errors and does not have the same commanding presence as before this accident. At right back, Chelsea have the magnificently unibrowed Jose Bosingwa and Branislav Ivanovic, who does not have much first-team experience but who seems to be an Ancelotti favorite. Bosingwa is a very good attacking fullback but can be vulnerable in defense, while Ivanovic was tortured by Nani’s pace in the Community Shield. He is a solid defender but not well-suited to face quick wingers, which could be a problem. John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho are second only to Ferdinand and Vidic in center defense pairings; like the United tandem they mesh well and also pose a significant threat from set pieces. However, they are sometimes overrun when the fullbacks do not track back. At left back, Ashley Cole, who is one of the world’s least intelligent men (he cheated on this woman) is the regular starter, though Zhirkov should see action there as well as in midfield. Cole is slightly more defensive than Bosingwa but can also be caught going too far forward. John Mikel Obi has gotten two starts in the bottom of Ancelotti’s diamond, but the results have not been stellar; Michael Essien has switched to this position at halftime of both games. Ancelotti seems unsure how to best use Chelsea’s midfielders; Joe Cole, Zhirkov, and Florent Malouda are all wingers, but Ancelotti may play one of them on the left and either Essien or Michael Ballack, both of whom usually play in the center, on the right, leading to an imbalance. Although Frank Lampard seems the natural choice to play at the top of the diamond, he must shift to the side when Deco enters the fray. This shuffling and the players’ lack of experience with the diamond is reflected in Chelsea’s play; too often players run into each other or one player is caught out of position. While Chelsea have not been punished for this yet, it may only be a matter of time. However, if their forwards can produce at their highest level, it may not be much of an issue; Drogba is one of the world’s best finishers, as his two-goal haul against Hull shows (even if one was slightly accidental), and Nicolas Anelka was the Golden Boot winner last year. Salomon Kalou provides energy and the odd goal off the bench and can play either on the wing or up top. Sturridge, who defected from Manchester City, may have a part to play as well. While Chelsea are clearly very skilled, I just don’t know how well the diamond system will go–it has the potential to make or break Chelsea’s season.
4. Arsenal
In: Thomas Vermaelen, Ajax, £10m
Out: Emmanuel Adebayor, Manchester City, £25m; Kolo Toure, Manchester City, £16m
I really feel bad putting Arsenal in fourth, especially because of the number of Arsenal fans I know will be reading this. These feelings intensified after watching their 6-1 drubbing of Everton, but I just can’t see them overcoming their usual problems–they don’t do well against physical teams and they often try to pass the ball into the net. Neither of these were problems against Everton, but one game certainly doesn’t tell the whole story; at least that’s what Liverpool fans are telling themselves. Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is solid, but I thought it was very interesting that Fabio Capello had no plans for him to play for England after gaining citizenship despite England’s lack of proven keepers–clearly Capello does not think as highly of him as others do (it seems unlikely that he is doing it because Almunia is not “really English;” after all, Capello himself is Italian). The Gunners’ defense is very, very good; Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy, the two fullbacks, are both young and already two of the best in the league. Keiran Gibbs is a decent deputy at left-back, but there is no clear-cut backup at right back. Arsenal are deep in central defense, but how many players are quality is up for debate. First-choice pairing Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas looked very good against Everton, providing a goal apiece and limiting Everton’s chances, and Johan Djourou is a decent backup, but Mickael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos are uninspiring, to say the least. Arsenal are switching to a Barcelona-esque 4-3-3 this season, and while they certainly have the forwards to emulate the Spanish champions, the midfield is more uncertain. Barca use an uncompromising defensive midfielder such as Yaya Toure and two players with tremendous vision, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, who can join the attack. Arsenal, meanwhile, have no Yaya Toure and only one Cesc Fabregas. Against Everton, Denilson and Alexandre Song, two more defensive midfielders, played alongside Fabregas and enjoyed great success, but what will happen when Samir Nasri, currently injured, and Tomas Rosicky are available? One option is playing them on the wing at forward, a position filled by Andriy Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner against Everton. This is a very free position; players can create on the wing or cut infield, and Arshavin and Bendtner both did very well. I could easily see Walcott, Rosicky, and Nasri thriving in this role, though it may be too far up the pitch for Nasri and Rosicky. Robin van Persie is the ideal figurehead; like Samuel Eto’o he has a tremendous shot, is a physical presence, and can hold up the ball and create for teammates. Arsenal should be a lot of fun to watch, and it will be interesting to see what happens against other top teams, who have not fared well against Barca recently. Any conversation about Arsenal must include their youngsters; in addition to Walcott, Gold Cup star Carlos Vela and Emirates Cup standout Jack Wilshere may see more action this season as Wenger tries to win a trophy for the first time since 2005.
I’m sorry that this is a bit late and again, I envision this being the most exciting title race for quite some time, which is really saying something. I feel absolutely awful about having Arsenal fourth, as I think they will play really well and surprise many who thought their summer moves doomed them to failure, but I really can’t justify moving them above any of the top three. I look forward to seeing all of your comments!
Ok Gilbert the game is up. I have the same top 4, but none of your teams are in the right order. Man U, for the first time in prem history, WILL finish 4th. Fergie might not want it to happen, but it will. Man Utd do not have matchwinners, they have A matchwinner in Wayne Rooney. Many claim that Liverpool are overly reliant on Torres and Gerrard, but at least that’s 2 players, not 1. United will be fine so long as Rooney stays fit and injury free, but if he is absent I have no clue where the goals will come from. Stats don’t lie. Ronaldo was a HUGE chunk of United’s offense (both in goals and assists). Beyond that, for the last 2 (if not 3) years United have had this fear factor. Whenever they were down you always figured they would come back. Even in the CL final, I thought they would surely go on to win it until Messi scored. That feeling is simply gone this year. For me, United have a great manager with now very above average players and perhaps overrated players. No one can doubt Rooney’s talent and ability, but NO one else in that team scares me. Ji-Sung Park? Many have been questioning SAF’s inclusion of him for years, but the results have always come so there was nothing really to say?? I have a feeling that will change this year. Nani??? I’ll admit the jury is still out, but he has yet to prove ANYTHING other than that he is capable of the once every 3 month spectacular goal and accompanied back-flip. Valencia is quality, but he’s not a world-beater. Should fit in well, but shouldn’t be one of the 3 best players on the park for your team. Carrick??? HIGHLY overrated. Rides the coat tails of United’s success and largely created by SAF. He’s had 4 goals in league play once. Plus, he played for Tottenham. Scholes and Giggs??? Getting far too old. Scholes should have been shipped off this year. Giggs can play against the lower sides, but lacks the physical qualities to compete with even the likes of Everton, Aston Villa, City, etc. Fletcher?? Good player, but certainly not abundantly talented or fear-inspiring. Berbatov??? Lazy POS or laziest POS??? You decide. Did I mention he used to play for Tottenham??? It’s like a disease I’m telling you…As for United’s defence, well no one’s going to question it unless they have injury problems which they seem to right now. VDS out for a while, as is Rio now. Although if you saw England play Holland you’ll notice that Rio is NOT the world’s best defender (Vidic isn’t either). All this adds up to 4th place. They’ll beat the shitty teams, and have a great record at the theatre of dreams, but on the road I see them having too many draws (probably a LOT of nil-nils).
Originally I had Liverpool winning the title this year, but after they sold Xabi I moved them down to 3rd. Yes, Lucas Leiva is THAT bad. He’ll only start for 2 months until Aquilani comes in, but I have a feeling Aquilani will need some time to adapt, and a 3rd of the way through the season isn’t a good time for that. Liverpool seriously lack depth. You said it Gilbert. Up top they have Torres and ummm Voroyin and N’Gog??? Maybe if Gerrard and Torres started all 38 games together they would be able to top the league, but lets be honest that is HIGHLY unlikely. I like they’re back 4, except for left-back. Insua is okay, but I’ve never been a fan of Dossena or Aurelio. Reina is an underrated goalkeeper and in my mind the best in the prem. (Shay Given is VERY good too). Midfield is just too shallow. Mascherano is slightly overrated for me. He’s a guaranteed yellow card a game, and a red waiting to happen. Provides grit, but lacks finesse. Lucas??? He’s utter shit. Riera??? Solid player, but shouldn’t be one of your better players. Kuyt?? I have a lot of respect for him because there’s no better team player, but he has the worst first touch in the prem gilbert, not Voroyin (it’d be a good competition though). He’s also getting a little on in years. I like Babel a lot, but he has never produced the goods and you can’t keep talking about potential when you’re 23. Benayoun??? Honestly, not good enough to be a starter, which he’ll probably have to be. He’s AWESOME off the bench, but I think that’s the role that suits him best. He injects energy and creativity into the game, but his overall lack of technical ability begins to show when he plays all 90 against solid competition. Liverpool will get 3rd, and although I doubt Rafa will get sacked, he’ll have a lot more pressure on him next year because I don’t see them winning anything again this year.
2nd??? Well, I put Arsenal here. Everyone wonders how Arsenal will even be able to pull off 4th this year with the rise of Man City and the direct sale of Ade and Toure to them. However they forget a few things. 1) Every Arsenal player is a year older. For most teams this would not be a good thing, but for Arsenal it is HUGE. NOT one major player should decline in ability except maybe Gallas. 2) They have Arshavin for a full year, Eduardo back, and Rosicky soon to be. I think its stupid when managers (including AW) say that getting a player back from injury is like a new signing, but it is certainly a boost especially since both Eduardo and Rosicky were completely absent from the Prem last year. Beyond that, one need only look at Arsenal’s form in the Prem upon the arrival of Arshavin. They’ve gone 18 games unbeaten in the Prem since losing to City back in 2008. Granted, they were torn apart by United twice in the CL, and by Chelsea once in the FA Cup. 3) Ade and Toure weren’t exactly great for squad harmony. Gallas and Toure had their rift and never really recovered. One had to go, and seeing as Gallas is the more talented of the 2, I’m happy to see Toure go. I am even more assured after Vermaelen’s performance against Everton, but lets not call him a a great prem center back yet. Adebayor is absolutely my least favorite player ever to put on an Arsenal shirt (yes I loathe him more than Cashley). You don’t go around saying you’re as good as Thierry Henry in Ashburton Grove without losing all respectability. I would have loved to see him leave to Milan last summer, but I’m just glad to see him finally leave. To be fair, he scored some important and remarkable goals (Villareal in the CL last year), but he’s never been consistent and ALWAYS been arrogant. Beyond that, its impossible to understand him in interviews and is usually only complaining about Arsenal fans, his lack of a decent contract, or how money is his motivation.
Now to examihttp://unitedlegends.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/epl-predictions-part-fiv/#respondne the team. Sorry, Arsenal get more attention because I’m a gooner. RVP is solid up top, but certainly an injury concern. Eduardo is more than an adequate substitute though. I’m not a fan of Bendtner’s, but Arsene Wenger rarely believes in a player for so long, that never produces in the end. He’s still only 21. Walcott is supposed to get a more central role this year up top. He needs to improve his finishing if he wants to retain a spot up there. Vela is a solid youngster and should see limited action in league and more in the league and FA cup. Fabregas is a world-beater in midfield. Best passer in the prem, but needs to be more of a goal threat. I like his role right behind the strikers, as he played vs. Everton. Arshavin is another world-class player. Oozes class and pops up with goals when they are desperately needed. Rosicky??? Hurt for a little longer. When he’s fit, he is absolutely deadly from long range, which is something Arsenal miss. Good vision as well. Nasri is quality player as well. Again, hurt for now, but always seems to have a positive influence on the match. Diaby provides solid depth. Ramsey and Wilshere should see more action in the prem, but almost exclusively as subs. Wenger is very good about easing youngsters in and both should show signs of things to come (if Wilshere hasn’t already). Merida is out on loan in Spain. Song and Denilson looked good against Everton. If I had to pick one in that CDM role, it would be Song by a long shot. I’d still prefer a new signing, but if Wenger feels one or both are ready to step into that role then I trust him. Clichy and Sagna are good, and cover at left back is good. I’d like one more CD as we only have 3 capable ones. Gallas and Vermaelen look like 2 solid starters. Djourou is a good back up, but I’d feel more comfortable if we had 3 solid starters and Djourou. Senderos??? Absolutely pathetic. Silvestre??? Fine as a #5 option to play occassionaly in FA and League cup matches. Almunia is a solid keeper, but in the long term I like a better option that Fabianski and Mannone.
Finally, as much as I hate to say it, Chelsea will finish 1st. Whether Ancelloti will be the manager at the end is not a certainty, but I still think they have the quality all over the park. Cech is vastly overrated now, but is still a solid shot stopper. Cavalho and Terry are great CDs (Terry is the best CD btw Gilbert). Although, I’d take Rio and Vidic over Cavalho and Terry. Cashley Cole is a very good left back. Bosingwa is a good right back. Ancelloti seems to like John Obi Mikel far too much. Like Mascherano, well actually maybe Mikel’s more of a guaranteed red card. The Diamond should be Lampard up top, Malouda 0r Zhirkov on the left, Ballack on the right, and Essien in the holding role. Anelka and Drogba up top mean a pretty much full-proof starting line-up. In all honesty, Cech is the weak link in their team. They have adequate (but nothing more than that) cover in Kalou up top. Zhirkov and Malouda can both play on the left so that’s covered. Zhirkov can also play at left back to cover Cole. Alex is good cover at CD. Right back, Ivanovic is a good enough back up. On the right is where they are weak. Who knows when Joe Cole will be back to fitness???? On the right is really not a natural position for Ballack, but he seems to do ok with it. Deco is good cover at the top of the diamond and an injection of quality as a sub. I think the top 4 will be very closely bunched with only a difference of 6-10 points separating 1-4. Get ready to marvel at my picks…
I understand your sentiments about Arsenal and really want to see them do better than fourth, as they’re the team I least dislike out of them, Liverpool, and Chelsea, but I’m just not sure about midfield–if they use two CDMs as they did against Everton, it may be too difficult to break down a team with a great defense like United or Chelsea, while using one could expose them defensively because neither Song nor Denilson is that good. Also, I forgot to mention one very important thing for Chelsea–the African Cup of Nations. Drogba, Essien and Kalou will all be gone in January for about three weeks, and if Chelsea drops points here that could easily be the difference between first and third, or maybe even first and fourth.
-Gilbert
Chelsea, United, Liverpool, Arsenal. All within 4 points of eachother.
-Matt
I don’t know; the African Cup of Nations is a pretty big deal. Otherwise, we agree.
Theres nothing about your predictions I agree about or disagree with haha. You present very strong and thorough examinations of each team. My picks are
1: Liverpool
2: Manchester United
3: Arsenal
4: Chelsea.
I think Liverpool will either run away with the league because of their great starting XI (with Riera instead of Babel on the left and Aquilani instead of Lucas) and have a good distance between them and 2nd place since well when Liverpool starts going they can score a lot of goals and win many games (Winning 10/11 of their last games in the EPL last year,) or Liverpool will end up 3rd or 4th because of lack of depth, injuries, and the inability to beat the Stokes, Hulls, West Hams, etc at Anfield.
Arsenal I believe will finish the season strongly because its not like the young Gunners got more inexperienced (as proven on Saturday making Everton actually give up on the pitch infront of the Goodison Park crowds) so that excuse is gone. Cesc with all the games under his belt playing for Arsenal and Spain is such a great amount of experience for the skipper and RVP with his finishing abilities and playing on the Netherlands is another source of experience. And the team played on Saturday was missing a lot of regulars so Wenger must have more depth than he lets on. The 4-3-3 will work wonders I believe too complimenting Arsenal’s passing game and creativity.
Manchester United I can actually see third because if you look down the line when they lost big names such as Beckham, Cantona, etc. Manchester United still do well, but they need a year to recooperate from major losses.
Chelsea I feel will not finish strongly because a lot of Chelsea’s success (in my opinion) will only come from keeping Drogba happy, and maybe rethinking the 4-4-2 to the Mourinho 4-3-3 which got two Premier League titles and tore teams up with Chelsea’s power and attacking might. Oh and Ivanovic is a great defender, but if he has to be paired against a winger with pace and trickery well Chelsea are going to be giving up quite a few goals and Ivanovic I could see getting a lot of cards.
Well theres my amateur predictions haha
I can definitely see Chelsea finishing fourth but Liverpool in first is asking too much; Lucas will be first-choice in midfield until October, meaning that there is no one in the team who can pick out a pass from midfield to Gerrard and Torres. Against Tottenham, this meant that Gerrard had to come back into midfield far too often and that Torres got very limited service. Also, while I think Torres will bounce back, it’s worth noting that he has had very little time off in the past two years–last summer were Euros and this summer was the Confederations Cup. Keep in mind he’s still young; if he doesn’t get adequate rest his game will suffer and injury is a serious possibility. In the end, though, I think Liverpool’s failure to win will come down to lacking a passing midfielder for the first two months of the season (and probably more, given Aquilani’s injury history). Also, I definitely don’t see Chelsea switching to the 4-3-3; Ancelotti has used the diamond his whole career and will continue to do so; whether he can tailor it to fit his players’ strengths remains to be seen. I also like the idea of Arsenal’s 4-3-3, but I’m just not sure if they have the midfield personnel to pull it off against good teams. I guess we’ll have to wait and see there.
-Gilbert
Matt,
If you could please specify your last name that would be helpful, seeing as how I am also Matt and one of the writers alongside Gilbert. Just want to make sure the readers address the correct Matt if they disagree with an article or something. Thanks.
Also, as I mention above, I think Chelsea will win the league. I think United will just nudge out Liverpool for second (it will be very close), and Arsenal will be right there, too.
I will just go by my nickname from now on then haha sorry Matt.
Haha, no worries I just want to make sure the readers know that Matt Guinto is one of the co-writers, while Matt Ruffo is a top viewer! You see, Richie is pretty critical and just don’t want him criticizing the wrong person.
Haha…well I can’t really argue that point Matt. I am very critical.
What a penalty from Carrick today! Man, he can really put them away. Maybe he’s been getting extra help from Evra??? Owen’s done superbly with his chances one-on-one with the keeper! What a signing!
Speaking of Owen….WHAT A GOAL! Brilliant finish for Owen and what a second half for the Red Devils. While Arsenal look in good form as well and Gallas scoring in three consecutive games, I think Tottenham are really going to be the team to surprise, along with City.
Big match next weekend huh??? Personally, I think it has draw written all over it, but either side is capable of winning. Spurs have certainly impressed so far, but they would have only drawn with West Ham today if it weren’t for Carlton Cole’s pass. Looked like he thought he was playing for Tottenham for a sec. Dissappointing to see Spector get absolutely skinned for the second. Is that the first time Aaron Lennon has ever finished??? Chelsea have started great, but then again they haven’t exactly faced stiff competition yet. Although Sunderland and Fulham away are no cake walk, still an expected 3 points. They only have Burnley and Stoke next and then the only really tough games they have are Tottenham, Liverpool, and Man Utd ALL at home. Certainly a favorable first half of the schedule. Lets not get too far ahead though. Tottenham get Birmingham at home, which should mean 12 out of 12 points for them before October. What a stark comparison this is to last year when they had 2 points for what seemed like an eternity. Chelsea will be 12 out of 12 too beating Burnley. City will thump Portsmouth to make it 9 out of 9. Arsenal will drop their first points of the year against Man Utd making them 10 out of 12. And a side note. People are talking about Arsenal’s difficult opening fixtures, but Man Utd have a HARD last game of August and games in September.
Home to Arsenal
Away to Tottenham
Home to City
Away to Stoke
Out of 12 how many points will the “United Legends” be expecting United to take from these four fixtures???
Agreed on the Carlton Cole error; easily the most flabbergasting play (if that’s a word) that I have seen in quite a while. He wasn’t under any pressure, had options in midfield, but gave it away regardless. I don’t know if you saw, but after the game he just laid down on the field, clearly in agony, for at least a minute–some of the rawest emotion I’ve ever seen on a sports field. Tremendous stuff, though Tottenham undoubtedly got lucky. As for United’s schedule, I agree that it’s hugely daunting–when I first saw that on BBC’s website, my mouth dropped open, and that was before I saw how good all three teams looked. I expect ten points; I think we’ll either draw with Arsenal or Tottenham, though I really couldn’t say who. I don’t see us drawing both, though. I cannot wait until City at home; I really want to see what happens with Tevez. That said, City have had serious defensive problems and history shows that late acquisitions take a while to gel with the rest of the team (Berbatov, anyone?). Also, City haven’t faced a defense anywhere near as good as United’s. One thing that I’m really surprised about is Michael Carrick; Richie, say what you want about him, but before the Barca game people were gushing over his game, saying he needed to be an England regular, the heir apparent to Paul Scholes, etc. Sadly, he seems to have regressed from last season; besides missing the penalty he hasn’t been nearly as good of a passer or as tough defensively. I really hope that he can recover, because our midfield looks rather thin without him–Anderson is hit-or-miss, Giggs is a tremendous weapon but doesn’t do much defensively and Scholes is much the same (although he’s also a yellow card waiting to happen; I love it though), which leaves Fletcher as our only true do-it-all midfielder. It’s ridiculous how much we need Hargreaves. I just hope he can come back at some point.
-Gilbert