The Main Contenders
Man United
The current champions are going through their biggest
upheaval in the past 25 years with the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, but
with David Moyes taking over the realm and a squad littered with up-and-coming
talent it is hard to imagine Man United not challenging for the top spot next
year. David Moyes who is also famed for
his non-nonsense approach, may have to deal with squad unrest and many players
may want to test the boundaries under their new leader. With the future of Wayne Rooney still unclear
Moyes may decide to cash-in on the want away star who could do with a change of
scenery to revitalise his career and would add significant funds to the
transfer kitty. Moyes will want to bring
in some stellar signings to stamp his personality on the pitch, and it seems
hard to imagine Fellaini and Baines not following their manager to Old
Trafford. The future looks bright, but
if the season starts badly for Moyes questions will soon be asked by the media
and the pressure will soon be on. I
expect Man United to challenge for the title but just fall short this year.
Man City
The sacking of Mancini proved to be an unpopular decision
among the City faithful who made it clear that they thought he deserved more
time. If the rumours emanating from the
Etihad since his departure are true, it seems that Mancini had problems
controlling a dressing room chock-a-block with talent and ego in equal
measure. With many of the stars failing
to shine this season a squad which cost so much to build seemed alarmingly
short when the chips were down. There is
also the issue of the transfer policy at City, and how much control the new
manager will have to bring in the players who have not only the talent, but the
right attitude and desire needed in the Premier League. If Pellegrini is appointed to the role he
will have a real battle on his hands to unify a dressing room, provide
attractive football and 5 trophies in 5 years. Easy right?
Like United I think City may struggle to implement all of this in a
season and may again loose out this year.
Chelsea
The perennial hirers and firers of the Premier League may
just have hit the jackpot this year.
With a squad so used to Managers changing like the seasons they have a
decisive advantage over their rivals.
The arrival of the special one has long been craved by the Chelsea
supporters, and it can only be assumed that Mourinhos' return will be dependent
on a huge cash injection to renovate the squad.
The special one will certainly match any ego in the dressing room, and
will take the spotlight and pressure away from his team to be serenaded by the
adoring English press. One thing
Mourinho has always displayed in abundance is tactical nous, and plenty of points
will be gathered even if at the detriment of beautiful football. With plenty of talent already at Stamford
Bridge a couple of superstar additions (a striker is a must) could propel
Chelsea right to the top of the League.
Like a summer romance I expect Mourinho to win the League this season,
but like all flings reality will soon hit home and I expect old wounds to be re-opened
with the owner in the foreseeable future leading to a swift boot out of the
door.
Arsenal
With so much change on the cards at their rivals could
Arsene steal a march on his opponents and catapult Arsenal to the top of the
pile? The centre back paring of
Koscielny and Mertesacker proved fruitful last season under the influence of
Steve Bould, and the tactical awareness and discipline of Arteta led to a
defensive solidity rarely seen by the fans in the past few seasons. Gazidis has been very vocal in his support of
Arsene with talks of a new contract, and his comments regarding the size of the
transfer kitty and available funds for wages suggest a possible change of
attitude at the Emirates. The real
question is how much money is Wenger prepared to spend? Giroud is the only out-and-out centre forward
currently at the club and experiments with Walcott, Podolski and Gervinho proving
unsuccessful a striker seems essential.
If a big investment is made in this department Arsenal could go from
top-four stalwarts to realistic title contenders in one swift move. I expect big things from Arsenal this
season.
In reality it is neigh on impossible to call the winner
yet. Until the summer spending has been
completed and the squads finalised there is certainly a fair amount of optimism for all. One thing is for sure:
this season is set to be one of the most fascinating of all time, and I for one
can’t wait for it to begin.
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