Tom Oldfield


Fantasy football is back on the agenda, the Sky Sports adverts are in full flow and clubs are making the final tweaks to their squads. That can only mean one thing: the new Premier League season is upon us. The 2008/09 campaign certainly offered up plenty of thrills and spills, with a tense relegation battle and a relatively gripping title race, but there is every reason to expect even more this time around.

While promoted sides Wolves, Birmingham and Burnley will simply have survival on their minds, a new look Manchester City are aiming to make a massive impact at the top of the table. Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all appear genuine title contenders while the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton will be keen to show their top six credentials. We have attempted to sift through the summer transfer activity and form predictions for the season ahead.

It promises to be an enthralling campaign. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
 

Arsenal

Though Arsene Wenger may not admit it, this has been another frustrating and damaging summer for the Gunners. The Arsenal squad was deemed too thin to challenge the big guns last year and Wenger has since sold Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.

Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie provide undoubted class and Thomas Vermaelen will strengthen the back four but missing out on a defensive midfielder is a worry. With Manchester City needing time for their new stars to gel, Arsenal should have enough to secure 4th place but Wenger may be a busy man in the January transfer window if things start slowly.

Last season: 4th
Key arrival: Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax)
Key departures: Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City), Kolo Toure (Manchester City)
Prediction: 4th

Aston Villa

Villa’s disappointing end to last season overshadowed a campaign that was largely very impressive. Repeating that form may be tricky, though. While an attack boasting Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Emile Heskey and John Carew is undoubtedly strong, there are concerns in defence and midfield. Gareth Barry will be sorely missed and the retirement of Martin Laursen, a tower of strength for much of last year, leaves the defence vulnerable. Nonetheless, Villa should still be in the hunt for Europe.

Last season: 6th
Key arrivals: Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Fabian Delph (Leeds), Habib Beye (Newcastle)
Key departures: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Martin Laursen (retired)
Prediction: 7th

Birmingham City

Despite making a few excellent moves over the past few months, including the inspired loan signing of goalkeeper Joe Hart, Birmingham will find life tough back in the top flight. New face Barry Ferguson has much to prove and must spark the midfield. Also, can Kevin Phillips, Cameron Jerome and the rest of the attack provide enough of a cutting edge?
The Blues will have plenty of nervy moments but should limp over the line.

Last season: 2nd (Championship)
Key arrivals: Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Roger Johnson (Cardiff), Joe Hart (Manchester City – loan), James O’Shea (Galway United)
Key departure: Stephen Kelly (Fulham)
Prediction: 17th

Blackburn Rovers

Sam Allardyce has met some frustration in his bid to stamp his mark on his Rovers squad. Losing Roque Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire leaves Blackburn short on goals but the arrival of Franco Di Santo is exciting. Allardyce’s know-how will keep Rovers away from the drop zone but expectations should go no higher than that. He is still rebuilding his squad and, with clear weaknesses in defence, away form may well be rocky.

Last season: 15th
Key arrivals: Franco Di Santo (Chelsea – loan), Gael Givet (Marseille)
Key departures: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City), Matt Derbyshire (Olympiacos), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Andre Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven)
Prediction: 15th

Bolton Wanderers

On the quiet, Gary Megson steered Bolton to a very respectable finish last season, despite criticism from supporters and the media. The Reebok Stadium remains a difficult place for visiting teams and the Matt Taylor-Kevin Davies double act offers real attacking punch. There is not enough quality in the squad to support a bid for Europe but, having made some useful summer acquisitions, the Trotters should have another comfortable campaign.

Last season: 13th
Key arrivals: Zat Knight (Aston Villa), Sam Ricketts (Hull), Sean Davis (Portsmouth)
Key departure: none
Prediction: 12th

Burnley

Hull arrived in the Premier League via the Playoffs and, just about, had the last laugh over the sceptics. Burnley have much in common with the Tigers. They have a useful mix of grit and flair but may be blown away initially by the sheer quality of their opponents. Finding a way past well-marshalled defences will be one problem but, worse still, the pace and movement could cause mayhem in the Burnley defence. Owen Coyle’s side will undoubtedly play some super football in patches but a return to the Championship is the likeliest end result.

Last season: 5th (Championship)
Key arrival: Steven Fletcher (Hibernian), Fernando Guerrero (Independiente del Valle – loan), Richard Eckersley (Manchester United)
Key departure: none
Prediction: 20th

Chelsea

There has rarely been a quiet moment at Stamford Bridge this summer. Carlo Ancelotti, arriving from AC Milan, has taken the reigns from stand-in boss Guus Hiddink while John Terry has finally committed his future to the club after a will he-won’t he transfer saga. The arrival of Yuri Zhirkov strengthens the midfield, as does the prospect of a full season from powerhouse Michael Essien.

It is easy to forget that it is three years since Chelsea last won the title. Manchester United have tightened their grip domestically and the onus is on the Blues to hit back. If everyone stays fit, they are in with a chance but even the consistency of Frank Lampard and the power of Didier Drogba may not be enough to stop Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

Last season: 3rd
Key arrivals: Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow), Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City)
Key departure: Ben Sahar (Espanyol)
Prediction: 2nd

Everton

It has been a slow summer at Goodison Park but Everton will be boosted by the return of several key figures from injury. David Moyes has strengthened his attacking options by extending Jo’s loan and will again rely heavily on the craft of talisman Mikel Arteta and the goals of Yakubu and Tim Cahill. If Moyes can repel Manchester City’s interest in Joleon Lescott, Everton should secure another top six finish.

Last season: 5th
Key arrival: Jo (Manchester City – loan)
Key departure: none
Prediction: 6th

Fulham

Roy Hodgson’s time in charge of Fulham has been nothing short of remarkable. Not content with performing the Great Escape in 08/09, he led Fulham into Europe last season. But surely the Cottagers cannot repeat the trick in the face of improvements made by those around them. Holding onto Brede Hangeland will be key and the craft of Danny Murphy is equally vital but, particularly with the exertions of the Europa League, Hodgson may have to settle for a mid-table league finish.

Last season: 7th
Key arrival: Stephen Kelly (Birmingham)
Key departure: Collins John (Roeselare)
Prediction: 9th

Hull City

Few teams can have enjoyed such a rollercoaster ride in their first Premier League campaign. But Hull survived to fight another day. Their tenacity and spirit drew plaudits from all quarters in the first few months of the season as they repeatedly stunned the big boys but then things turned sour. With few changes in personnel, the Tigers appear vulnerable and even their undoubted character will not be enough to save them this time.

Last season: 17th
Key arrivals: Steven Mouyokolo (Boulogne), Seyi Olofinjana (Stoke), Jozy Altidore (Villarreal – loan), Stephen Hunt (Reading)
Key departure: Sam Ricketts (Bolton)
Prediction: 19th

Liverpool

Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool made their biggest impression yet on the Premier League title race last season and will be among the contenders again. Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres still offer the best 1-2 punch in the league and their fitness will be pivotal to Benitez’s plans for domestic and European glory. Similarly, Jamie Carragher must bring his A game to hold the back four together.

However, the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid weakens the midfield heavily and his range of passing will be missed. Javier Mascherano, brilliant though he is, may struggle to carry the midfield load. Alberto Aquilani is a shrewd buy but has question marks over his fitness. Also, Benitez’s love for the Champions League may just allow Man Utd and Chelsea to steal a march on Liverpool, condemning Gerrard and company to third spot.

Last season: 2nd
Key arrivals: Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Alberto Aquilani (Roma)
Key departures: Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Jermain Pennant (Real Zaragoza)
Prediction: 3rd

Manchester City

Early last season, the signing of Robinho sent shockwaves around the football world. A year on, City have had an even bigger summer. With Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz joining Robinho, boss Mark Hughes has a powerful strikeforce to choose from and has made adjustments in midfield and defence too.

The key factor will be how quickly the new faces can gel. City were erratic last season and woeful defensively at times. They will surely improve during this campaign but may have to wait another 12 months before having the togetherness and consistency to crack the top four.

Last season: 10th
Key arrivals: Carlos Tevez (unattached), Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Kolo Toure (Arsenal), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)
Key departures: Elano (Galatasaray), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea)
Prediction: 5th

Manchester United

All the talk surrounding the exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez has left a little doom and gloom in the air around Old Trafford. But United are too strong to be too affected. Wayne Rooney will now take centre stage – in his favoured position – and Dimitar Berbatov must surely improve this campaign. The defence looks set to be as miserly as ever, with Patrice Evra a particular threat on the overlap.

Adding Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia might not seem the most logical way to replace Ronaldo but Sir Alex Ferguson is the best in the business when it comes to rebuilding successful teams and, in Owen, he has the predatory striker he was sorely missing last season. With Michael Carrick an ever growing influence in midfield and the prospect of Owen Hargreaves returning before Christmas, United will have just enough to hold off Chelsea and make it a four straight titles.

Last season: Champions (1st)
Key arrivals: Michael Owen (Newcastle), Antonio Valencia (Wigan), Gabriel Obertan (Bordeaux)
Key departure: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Prediction: Champions

Portsmouth

These are worrying times for Portsmouth fans. Not so long ago, Harry Redknapp was at the helm, talking up a squad possessing Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson. All three have since left the South Coast – as has Redknapp himself – and, as a result, manager Paul Hart has his work cut out. Pompey lack squad depth, a proven front man and a playmaker. Ultimately, all the turmoil looks set to cost them their place in the top flight.

Last season: 14th
Key arrivals: Steve Finnan (Espanyol), Antti Niemi (unattached)
Key departures: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Peter Crouch (Tottenham)
Prediction: 18th

Stoke City

Could second season syndrome strike the Potters? Admittedly, Stoke will have lost the surprise factor that pulled them to safety during the last campaign but manager Tony Pulis has moulded a side with real guts and just enough technical ability – alongside Rory Delap’s long throws – to unsettle opponents, especially at the Britannia Stadium. If this continues to be a fortress for Stoke, they ought to again pull clear of the chaos of the relegation battle.

Last season: 12th
Key arrival: Dean Whitehead (Sunderland)
Key departure: Seyi Olofinjana (Hull)
Prediction: 13th

Sunderland

The arrival of Darren Bent gives the Sunderland attack a proven spearhead while the steadying influence of new boss Steve Bruce should settle the dressing room. There is plenty of other quality in the form of the likes of Steed Malbranque, Anton Ferdinand and Kenwyne Jones so the Black Cats can expect a far more comfortable campaign, with mid-table mediocrity probably coming as a blessing after last year’s nail-biting finale.

Last season: 16th
Key arrivals: Darren Bent (Tottenham), Lorik Cana (Marseille), Fraizer Campbell (Manchester United)
Key departure: Dean Whitehead (Stoke)
Prediction: 11th

Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Redknapp is slowly turning things around and this could be the season that Tottenham throw their name into the hat for Europe again. Injuries, as ever, will be a decisive factor with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate the biggest worries. Redknapp has shrewdly reunited his Portsmouth strike pairing of Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch while Wilson Palacios will continue to run the show in midfield. Expect Tottenham to show major improvement but ultimately be eased out of the European places.

Last season: 8th
Key arrivals: Peter Crouch (Portsmouth), Kyle Naughton (Sheffield United), Sebastien Bassong (Newcastle)
Key departure: Didier Zokora (Sevilla)
Prediction: 8th

West Ham United

Gianfranco Zola has quietly done a magnificent job for the Hammers. Showing faith in his youngsters and getting the best out of some temperamental characters, Zola has breathed life into West Ham. There are still obvious areas of concern, such as an erratic defence, but Carlton Cole is starting to fulfil his potential while Mark Noble and Scott Parker pack a punch in midfield. A top half finish should be attainable.

Last season: 9th
Key arrival: Luis Jimenez (Inter Milan – loan)
Key departure: Diego Tristan (Cadiz)
Prediction: 10th

Wigan Athletic

New boss Roberto Martinez has big boots to fill. His predecessor Steve Bruce worked wonders at Wigan and Martinez must plot the way ahead without Antonio Valencia too. Wigan fans will have to forget about the days of top half comfort but there is enough grit to be found in the likes of Paul Scharner and Lee Cattermole to suggest the Latics will steer well clear of the relegation scrap.

Last season: 11th
Key arrivals: Jason Scotland (Swansea), Scott Sinclair (Chelsea – loan)
Key departure: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
Prediction: 14th

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Scoring goals in the Premier League is always a concern for newly-promoted teams but Wolves seem capable of shooting their way out of trouble. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Michael Kightly and new boy Kevin Doyle are classy performers who will be eager to prove themselves while the signing of England Under-21 midfielder Andrew Surman was a smart piece of business. Manager Mick McCarthy has plenty of experience at this level and, in part due to this fact, Wolves should clamber to safety.

Last season: 1st (Championship)
Key arrivals: Kevin Doyle (Reading), Andrew Surman (Southampton)
Key departure: Darren Potter (Sheffield Wednesday)
Prediction: 16th
 

 

 

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