English Premier League : 2007-2008 Year in Review
Below in bold are the predictions I made at the start of the season at another web site. Followed up by my comments regarding where these teams finished in the standings.
Derby County - Predicated finish 20th - Finished 20th
Last years Champions playoff winners over West Brom earn themselves a 100 million payday by making the jump to the Prem however I just can’t see this team doing anything other then what Watford did last year and that was play the role of the red headed step child of the other 19 EPL teams.
There major move during the off season was to sign Robert Earnshaw for around 7 million dollars. Even if he is able to fill the net this year while Derby will play with heart all season long, it seems a long shot that they survive the season in the top flight.
Key Player
Robert Earnshaw - In this new age of football 5’8 strikers are generally not in vogue however he’ll be asked to supply most of the goals since MLS striker Eddie Johnson turned down a transfer to Derby.
Got that one right at least. Derby were just a whipping boy for the rest of the EPL the entire season and will go down as the worse team in the Premier League era.
High Point : Only losing 1-0 to Manchester United. Derby County fans also deserve a round of applause. While their team was awful all season long 30,000 turned up to Pride Park and enjoyed their brief moment in the Premier League.
Low Point : Everything else.
Wigan - Predicated finish 19th - Finished 14th
Losing there best young player Leighton Baines to Everton is going to hurt which should symbol dark times are ahead of this over achieving team.
Wigan just managed to stay in the Prem by the skin of there teeth with a final week win against Sheffield United last year. Losing their coach Paul Jewell who quit soon after isn’t going to help matters as new coach Chris Hutchings try as he might, won’t have enough firepower with the likes of Emile Heskey up in front and 10 million dollar signing Jason Koumas manning the midfield to save them from the drop.
Key Player
Jason Koumas will have to step his game up a notch to justify his hefty price tag. Also look for midfielder Antonio Valencia to provide a spark for Wigan this season.
Chris Hutchings tried his best to get Wigan regulated but he was relieved of his duties. I always liked the world relieved of his duties. Much nicer then to say Hutchings was fired. Steve Bruce came in from the sinking ship that was Birmingham and lead Wigan to safety with a game to spare.
High Point : Antonio Valencia two goal performance on the road against Aston Villa which ensured Wigan another season in the top flight. Emile Heskey last minute goal against Chelsea. Chris Kirkland performance in goal all season long.
Low Point : Chris Hutchings last game in charge going down to a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea where Wigan looked disinterested and clueless.
Fulham Predicated finish 18th - Finished 17th
Somewhere in Spain previous coach Chris Coleman is wondering how in the world did current coach Lawrie Sanchez got 50 million to spend in the transfer market this off season when during Coleman’s 5 years at Fulham his combined signing didn’t total that much. Fulham has signed seven new players with two or three more to come. Such a large turn over is going to take its time for them to gel as a unit and by the time they do it just might be a case of too little too late.
Key Player
David Healy is going to get a long look to see if he can repeat the scoring form that has him leading all of Europe in scoring during the Euro 2008 qualifying. Also look out for the American trio of Carlos Bocanegra, Brian McBride, and Clint Dempsey.
How Fulham avoided the drop is beyond me. What isn’t beyond me was the fact that Lawrie Sanchez was sacked mid way through the season. Most of his off season signing didn’t click. Looking at you David Healy and Fulham couldn’t hold a lead with spells doom in the EPL. Somehow, someway Roy Hodgson kept this team up which is a credit to him and his team who never gave up when it would of been easy to.
High Point : Danny Murphy goal versus Portsmouth that ensured Fulham stayed up. Fulham coming back from two goals down to beat Manchester City 3-2 thanks to a Diomansy Kamara last minute goal. Kamara last minute over head kick against Tottenham to grab a point also deserves mention.
Low Point : Fulham 2-0 defeat to Liverpool’s B team which many felt would of been the final nail in Fulham’s coffin.
Birmingham - Predicted finish 17th - Finished 18th
Steve Bruce’s men are going to be dog fight all year long to survive the drop. The smartest move they’ve made were two non moves in not pulling the trigger on signing Tottenham duo Mido and Hossam Ghaly both are clearly lacking between the ears and takes away from there talent with the right foot. With all clubs coming up from the Championship it’s a matter of who will be able to score the goals in the top flight and that duty will fall on the right foot on new signing Garry O’Connor who came over from Lokomotiv Moscow this summer. How a Scotsman makes his way to Russia is beyond me but O’Conner and Cameron Jerome will have to click in a hurry if Birmingham is to avoid going right back down.
Key Player
Garry O’Connor – A lot will be riding on his 6’1 frame, he’ll need to start strong in order for Birmingham to believe they have what it takes to stay in the EPL
Steve Bruce jumped ship at mid season and really who can blame him. With ownership issues regarding Carson Yeung failed take over bid for Birmingham wasn’t the ideal situation for a team that is fighting to avoid the drop. Alex Mcleish took over and while results were good at the start they simply either ran out of stream or ran out of confidence at the end of the season.
High Point : Sebastian Larsson stunning last minute goal to beat Tottenham. McFadden penalty to earn a point against Arsenal.
Low Point : Aston Villa 5 - Birmingham 1, losing like that so late in the season in such a big game was a bad sign for Birmingham fans. Losing 2-0 to Fulham which ensured that Birmingham EPL faith was no longer in they hands.
Middlesbrough - Predicated finish 16th - Finished 13th
Gareth Southgate managed to land his club safely in the middle of the pack last season during his first year in charge due to a strong partnership up front between Mark Viduka and Yakubu to go along with a complete season of good health for centre back Jonathan Woodgate.
They may not be so lucky this time around however with Viduka gone to Newcastle and rumours of Yakubu heading out the door coupled with Woodgate returning to form injury wise since for the last 5 years all he has been is hurt. Middlesbrough is going be in a fight to survive before too long with this squad.
Key Player
Stewart Downing – The young English international is one of the few bright spots on this team. With his pace running up and down the left flank he should cause trouble for right backs all year long.
The future may be bright for Middlesbrough going into next season. They have young players such as Stewart Downing and David Wheater who are on the brink of England call ups. Coupled with Gary O’Neil and Adam Johnson to go along with the scoring of Afonso Alves, Middlesbrough looks to be a team with a decent core going into next year. Boro got some good results against the big four but need to put away teams at the bottom of the table if they are to take the next step.
High Points : Middlesbrough’s performance in drawing Manchester United and Liverpool as well taking 4 out of 6 points from Arsenal.
Low Points : Losing to Cardiff in the FA Cup quarter finals.
Sunderland - Predicted Finish 15th - Finished 15th
Roy Keane had the Midas touch all season long in his first year of coaching guiding Sunderland to the top of the Championship and a promotion to the EPL. A pretty quiet summer transfer window with Michael Chopra and Kieran Richardson who never could quite make an impression with Manchester United coming over was spruced up by the 20 million dollar signing of Scotland International goalie Craig Gordon as Roy Keane scored quite a coup nailing down his signature over the likes of Aston Villa. There should be enough positive energy in this locker room coupled by a coach who has seen it all in the EPL which should keep Sunderland in the EPL for atleast another season.
Key Player
Craig Gordon – By far the most money they have ever spent on a player as the young Scottish goalie will have to ward off some of the world’s best strikers during his first year in the net for Sunderland.
Way to make me look smart Roy Keane. All things considered this season will go down as a success for Sunderland. Craig Gordon was money well spent and Sunderland survived with games to spare.
High Point : Sunderland’s home form all season long.
Low Point : Sunderland’s road form all season long.
Bolton - Predicted Finish 14th - Finished 16th
New coach Sammy Lee is going to have his hands full this year with leading this team who earned a UEFA cup spot last year under old coach Sam Allardyce.
No major summer signings took place this summer which was part of the reason Allardyce left was in the first place coupled with the loss of centre back Tal Ben Haim to Chelsea not to mention the rumblings of a Champions League team about to throw big money to striker Nicolas Anelka means Bolton will be hard pressed to repeat the success of last year.
Key Player
Kevin Nolan - the captain will look to anchor this midfield. Nothing flashy however Nolan gets the job done for Bolton and has really came into his own during the last 12 months, On a side note Portuguese biases alert I wish Sammy Lee takes away the mothballs that are on Ricardo Vaz Te. The kid played great during the pre season and giving enough minutes could score double digits for this team.
Another team I left for dead after letting 10 men Arsenal win 3-2 after going down 2-0. Still not sold on Gary Megson but he guide them to safety after a slow start to the season under old boss Sammy Lee. Bolton will need to replace the goal scoring that was lost when Nicolas Anelka moved on to Chelsea in order to avoid a battle at the bottom next season.
High Point : Beating Sunderland 2-0 ensuring another EPL season before the last week of the season.
Low Point : Giving up that 2-0 lead to Arsenal and losing 3-2
Reading - Predicted 13th - Finished 18th
Last year at this time many people pegged Reading lasting only the one season in the EPL and you’d get long odds on Reading finishing just outside of a UEFA cup spot losing out on the honor during the last week of the season.
A very quiet summer for Reading with the major loss of Steve Sidwell moving on to Chelsea and with no players of note coming in from the transfer market have some feeling that the second year drop off will come into effect. Freak early season injury aside if Leroy Lita can take the next step up and become a 15 goal scorer then Reading should manage to stay in the middle of the pack this season.
Key Player
Nicky Shorey – From playing in the English Championship (2nd division) to getting a call up to the England team all within a year was an impressive feat for Shorey last year. With his contract soon running out Shorey is looking to parlay another good year into a big pay pal ala former teammate Steve Sidwell who managed to get a $100000 a week contract from Chelseain the off season.
I figured some sort of drop was in order for Reading after they shocked many people finishing 8th in their first season. I didn’t envision this team going down. The same Reading team that played with a lot of heart and intelligence last year played anything but this year.
High Point : Reading’s 3-1 win vs Liverpool
Low Point : Losing 7 games in a row. Given up 6 goals to Tottenham and 7 against Portsmouth which saw them go down thanks to goal difference.
Portsmouth - Predicted finish 12th - Finished 8th
Another team few thought would make it through the season last year however with smart signings of veteran’s Sol Campbell, David James and Kanu turned there fortune around and hung around the top half of the season all season long.
Unlike Bolton and Reading, Portsmouth went out in the transfer market and splashed some cash on England international striker David Nugent who will be called upon to take his game to the next level and Sulley Muntari from Italian side Udinese. Solid team and while it wouldn’t surprise if Pompey cracked Europe this year there too thin still and over a long season its bound to catch up to them at some point.
Key Player
Pedro Mendes – Mendes is one of the most under rated players in the EPL. Can score big goals and plays a great defensive midfield. If he can avoid any cheap shots this season look for Pedro to have another successful season.
Ok, so I was wrong about Mendes being a key player. Still feel he is an under rated player. David Nugent was considered a bust by October but Sulley Muntari was a solid pick up by Harry Redknapp. I did saw Portsmouth has an outside chance of Europe and could be proven correct if Portsmouth get the job done in the FA Cup Finals.
High Points : Hopefully still yet to come for Pompey fans. The FA Cup final. Beating Manchester United along the way to the finals. David James play in goal all season.
Low Points : None, I can’t fault them for losing 4-1 to Liverpool. Portsmouth has been a class team the entire season.
Blackburn - Predicated Finish 11th - Finished 7th
Finished above everyone’s expectations last year earning a ticket to Europe this season. Blackburn is already battle tested having faced a UEFA cup matches already. Coach Mark Hughes is going with a if it isn’t broke don’t fit it approach to this with only 2 players leaving from last years squad and only the major signing of Bayern Munich bust Rogue Santa Cruz who will compete upfront with Jason Roberts and one of last summers best signings in Benni McCarthy
Key Player
Benni McCarthy – The former Champions league winner with Porto wasted little time adjusting to English football last season. He’ll need to repeat his 19 goal season of last year if Blackburn is to build upon the success on last year.
Yes I regret calling Rogue Santa Cruz a Bayern Munich bust since he has to be considered the signing of the season. Mark Hughes does a great job with this team but in order for Blackburn to stay in the top half Hughes must convince David Bentley to stay on.
High Points : Santa Cruz lethal form in front of goal. Jason Roberts last minute goal on the road against Bolton.
Low Points : Losing to Coventry at home 4-1 in the FA Cup. Also missing out on UEFA Cup play losing to Greek side Larissa.
Aston Villa - Predicted Finish 10th - Finished 6th
Martin O’Neill had his first full summer transfer period with Villa and found it wasn’t so easy signing a lot of his targets even with cash to throw around. Mind you signing former West Ham duo Nigel Reo-Coker and towering striker Marlon Harewood were both good signing for there price tags. Villa won’t have any problems upfront with Ashley Young, Luke Moore, John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor all able to fill the nets but Villa’s weakness lies in there back four. There just too thin there at the moment and the current squad won’t hold up to a long season. If they can put pen to paper too the rumored signing of Curtis Davis from West Brom it could go along way in Villa’s hopes of making it to Europe next year.
Key Player
Ashley Young – After spending most of the summer on the bench for the England U21 team the former Watford starlet will look to use that as motivation since he is blessed with blazing speed and a good scoring touch.
Hindsight is always 20-20 but I should of given Villa more respect going into the year. Ashley Young take the next step and has to be considered one of the best wingers in England. Villa’s back line stayed compact all season long thanks to Martin Laursen and Olof Mellberg staying on the field. Losing Melberg to Juventus will hurt going to next season, losing captain Gareth Barry to a top four club would hurt even more.
High points : Watching Ashley Young take set pieces. Aston Villa late penalty in a 4-4 thriller against Chelsea.
Low Points : Tottenham come back from 4-1 down to draw 4-4. Losing to Wigan 2-0 at home which saw they hopes of an automatic UEFA Cup place dashed.
Manchester City - Predicted Finish 9th - Finished 9th
It’s good to have Sven-Goran Eriksson around I have a great fondness for the man due to his time coaching Benfica but most importantly totally ignoring the keys to beat Portugal in 2004 and 2006 so its good he is back now spending the money of a human rights abuser (former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra) This was a team badly needed of a shake up for anyone who hates football all they had to do is point to the old Manchester City games and one could not defend against that. It was boring football highlighted by the fact that ManchesterCity scored the fewest home goals in the history of the Premiership since the previous summer signings of Georgios Samaras and Bernardo Corradi was a complete bust. Corradi Ken/Ryu Street Fighter goal scoring celebration was a personal favorite however.
With 100 million dollars to spend this summer it is interesting that a man that was the formar coach of England decided not to sign one English based player since Sven has completed overhauled this team bringing in 8 new players from overseas. Part of my problem with this team is that it’s going to take awhile for it to come together as a unit which is why there should be left just outside of making it to Europe next year. Signing Elano was a great move since he is quickly becoming Brazilian national team coach Dunga key player in midfield and should quickly pick up the English game. Despite all this there still considered the Clippers compared to Manchester United being the Lakers. Great uniforms should also be noted.
Key Player
Micah Richards – Richards should be wearing the England national team shirt for along time as this young player will continue his rise and should lead a solid back four that was one of the few holdovers from last year.
Manchester City couldn’t keep up the quick start to the season which saw City at the top of the table for a period of time. They may of done Sven-Goran Eriksson which is a shame and should cause some City players to leave right with him.
High Points : Beating Manchester United not once but twice this season.
Low Points : Having to watch Rolando Bianchi and Darius Vassell play up front. If Sven does get the sack that would be a low point as well. City were taking the first step in building something. Getting rid of Sven just means starting all over again.
Everton - Predicted Finish 8th - Finished 5th
David Moyes lead this team to UEFA cup spot last year and should be in the thick of it again this year. While not grabbing many headlines Moyes done well for himself in picking up Leighton Baines from Wigan and then triggering the release clause of Phil Jagielka from Sheffield United coupled with the fact they managed to still get 8 million dollars for the bust that was James Beattie. Everton don’t look to be done in the transfer market either making a bid of 22 million for Porto midfielder Lucho Gonzalez which was rejected and are now looking at Benfica’s Manuel Fernandes who did well for them while on loan last year.
Key Player
Tim Cahill – There is a big change from when he is in the lineup as suppose to how Everton play when he is injured. If Tim can stay injury free the entire season it could go along way in Everton’s hope of making it back to Europe. Side note he also has one of my favorite goal scoring celebrations.
Everton have to be thrilled with their season. 65 points and going to Europe once again. Faded somewhat towards the end of the season but were giving Liverpool all they can handle most of the way. While Tim Cahill struggled to stay on the field the likes of Joleon Lescott, Mikel Arteta and Yakubu up front lead Everton to finish in 5th, other words known as the best of the rest.
High Points : Everton 7 - 1 win vs Sunderland. Yakubu’s hat trick against Fulham
Low Points : Losing on Penalty kicks to Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup. Losing to Oldham in the FA Cup. Liverpool’s 2-1 win on a late Kuyt penalty.
West Ham - Predicted Finish 7th - Finished 10th
With the Carlos Tevez mess finally over West Ham can focus on football and with there play at the end of last year mixed in with some good signings West Ham can make the jump all the way to Europe this season.
They quickly replaced former captain Nigel Reo-Coker with Scott Parker who wanted to return to London. Bad new however with regards to 12 million dollar signing Julien Faubert who blew out his ACL soon after joining the club. This team still has the pieces from the back four to up front with Dean Aston and Liverpool throw away Craig Bellamy counted on to fill the nets. Alan Curbishley before too long should find the right lineup to send out there with all the new players added in the last 12 months.
Key Player
Dean Ashton – Bad luck fell upon Ashton last season where he got a call up to the England team only to break a leg and miss the entire 2006-07 season. He’ll be counted on to replace the void left with Tevez going to Manchester United.
All things considered West Ham can’t consider this season a disappointment. For one thing they didn’t have to worry about going down the final day of the season plus the entire team was hurt for most of the season. Pretty hard to obtain a good form when you are hard pressed to play the same 11 players week in and week out.
High Points : Mark Noble last minute penalty win vs Liverpool. Coming back from 1-0 to beat Manchester United 2-1.
Low Points : Three straight 4-0 losses to Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Newcastle - Predicted Finish 6th - Finished 12th
Of all the picks made this one wouldn’t surprise me if it turned out to be wrong since new coach Sam Allardyce has had to face a lot of curve balls this summer since taking over the club. Exhibit one the owner who hired him merely weeks later got bought out which tied up the money he had to spend during the summer transfer period. One of his key players Kieron Dyer now wants out since he wants to be closer to his family.
With the uncertainly of Michael Owen who with a stiff breeze seem to get injured Allardyce wisely went out and signed Mark Viduka from Middlebrough. To go along with those signing Allardyce has wisely been able to snap up Geremi from Chelsea, Alan Smith from Manchester United who will be playing with a chip on this shoulder since he was casted aside by Man U.
Add to that Jose Enrique and Newcastle looks to have a much improved squad but Newcastle has been hit with bad luck for what seems like forever as seen by Michael Owen playing in only a handful of games during the last 18 months for Newcastle and another new signing Joey Burton breaking his foot couldn’t happen to a nicer guy mind you.
Key Player
Michael Owen – Nobody can argue the fact that when he is fit Owen is a world class striker so while I have my doubts on him holding up for an entire season his fitness will go along way in Newcastle’s hope for Europe.
I did save myself in saying that this pick wouldn’t shock me if I was wrong. Sam Allardyce was behind the 8 ball from the start. He wasn’t the fans choice nor the owners choice which usually spells a quick exit and that is what happen. The beloved Kevin Keegan steps in and after finding it a tough go of it during his first two months in charge Newcastle found their form thanks to Michael Owen.
High Points : The return of Kevin Keegan. Newcastle opening day beating of Bolton 3-1. Beating arch rivals Sunderland 2-0 at home.
Low Points : Losing to Portsmouth 4-1 when the game was over in the first 15 minutes. Losing 6-0 and 5-1 to Manchester United. Losing to Derby will also be the answer to a trivia question in a couple of years time.
Arsenal - Predicted Finish 5th - Finished 3rd
It’s not that the loss of Thierry Henry will cause them to drop from the Champions league spot since it was the right time for Arsenal to cash in on him. Thierry just didn’t look motivated last year so the time was right for him to go to Spain. While Arsenal has a team loaded with young players there is a nervous feeling around Emirates Stadium with long time coach Arsene Wenger entering the final year of his contact and up to this point refusing to sign an extension. The fact the club are also in constant takeover rumor will also hurt the on field product. The talent is there the maturity is not aside from William Gallas this team is painfully young and there is a fear that if they look to Cesc Fabregas to lead them the fine young player might crack under that pressure since replacing Henry shoes will be too big for anyone player to fill.
Key Player
Cesc Fabregas while Robin van Persie, Eduardo da Silva and Theo Walcott will be counted upon to score goals all eyes are on Fabregas since he is truly a world class talent who as mentioned may be pushed to the forefront too soon.
So I got cute and tried to predicted a top four team dropping out of the top four. Going a 3rd year without a trophy can’t make Arsenal fans happy but still an improved season over 2006-2007. Arsenal need to stop blaming luck for they misfortunes and start having more focus late in games. The Gunners could of easily been Champions if it wasn’t for a last minute penalty call in the Birmingham game coupled with losing 1-0 leads to both Chelsea and Manchester United. Blaming the ref’s will only get you so far.
High Points : Their entire 2007 form. Arsenal 1-0 win vs Chelsea.
Low Points : Their entire 2008 form. Eduardo horrible injury.
Chelsea - Predicted Finish 4th - Finished 2nd
Oh it pains me to rank Chelsea 4th it really does since there is no bigger fan of the human quote machine Jose Mourinho then I however there are a few dark clouds overlooking this team. One of them too much pressure. This team won the FA Cup and League Cup last year and it was considered a failure. The goal for Chelseais this win the Champions league or else Mourinho might find himself in the back of a Lada. There is no room for error with this team and everyone knows it. With John Terry already hurt to start the season and the upcoming loss of Essien, Drogba, Mikel, and Kalou to the African nations cup in January coupled with Arjen Robben with one foot out the door to Real Madrid it could prove to easily be another test of Jose Mourinho coaching and man management skills.
Key Player
John Terry - He is the heart and soul of this team and there is no better centre back pairing of him and Ricardo Carvalho. If he isn’t playing Chelsea becomes a completely different team. If Terry is back there Chelsea can win the EPL and Champions League if he misses any prolonged period of time those hopes would be dashed.
Oh how I miss Jose Mourinho. Predicted Chelsea in 4th strictly due to the front that the knives were out for Mourinho back which did occur but I didn’t account for Chelsea having the mental strength to block the off field distractions. Chelsea gave Manchester United a fight until the bitter end and may still have the last laugh when the top meet in the Champions League.
High Points : Chelsea 2-1 win against Manchester United which drew them level on points.
Low Points Chelsea 2-0 loss to Manchester United in Avram Grant’s first game in charge. Things were looking blank at that moment of time.
Tottenham - Predicted Finished 3rd - Finished 11th
How easy it would be just picking the top 4 to again be the top 4 but there could easily be a shake up in that order since Tottenham can easily crash the party.
This has been building for a couple of years now and the time appears to be right for them to make the next move. They didn’t lose any first team players from last year and added 17 year old wonderkid Gareth Bale and threw 33 million Charlton’s way for striker Darren Bent add to that the summers of Younes Kaboul and Kevin-Prince Boateng it has been a productive summer for coach Martin Jol. My only concern with this team is the back four since Ledley King always seem to be banged up which makes them thin in that regard however goal scoring should not be a problem with Berbatov, Keane, Bent, and Defoe all first class strikers.
Key Player
Dimitar Berbatov – Tottenham managed to keep him for another season. Proved to be worth every penny of the money paid to get him last year should repeat that form with the same about of playing time this year.
Yes I should hang my head in shame over this pick. Gareth Bale was injured most of the season but he is one for the future. A productive summer signing Younes Kaboul and Kevin-Prince Boateng did not make. Their back four leaked goals all season long. Martin Jol was always on borrowed time when rumors started to spread about Tottenham interest in current coach Juande Ramos who despite winning the Carling cup wasn’t much better then the man he replaced.
High Point : Winning the Carling Cup over Chelsea
Low Point : Matin Jol final game vs Getafe in the UEFA Cup when Tottenham hung him out to dry. The entire crowd knew he was sacked before Jol officially found out. Losing to Sunderland on the opening game of the season wasn’t the greatest way to kick the season off either.
Liverpool - Predicted Finish 2nd - Finished 4th
Rafa Benitez can no longer use the excuse of being outspent by the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea as reasons why Liverpool have never been close to winning the EPL during his previous 3 years in charge. New owners have given Benitez a blank checkbook which 50 million of it was used to sign Fernando Torres who won’t be worth the money and 23 million to sign former Ajax player Ryan Babel. The pieces are there with a strong back four, a great midfield lead by the heart and soul of the team Steven Gerrard and plenty of attacking options up front with new signing Torres and Andriy Voronin paired up with last years holdovers Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch.
Key player
Steven Gerrard – He should be a lot happy playing in the middle of the midfield instead of the right which he featured in quite a lot last season. Despite all the new signings Liverpool will go as far as Gerrard can take them.
Eight more points then last year but still never a threat for a title run by the start of the new year. Fernando Torres proven himself to be the real deal winning over the Anfield faithful was brilliant goal scoring displays. If it wasn’t for a certain Manchester United player Torres could of easily been considered the best player in the England this season. The downfall of Liverpool was trying to get cute juggling line ups week to week at the start of the season.
High Points : Beating Besiktas 9-0 in the Champions League. Fernando Torress run of form the entire season. Rafa goatee.
Low Point : To many draws at the start of the season to the likes of Birmingham. Losing at home 1-0 to Manchester United was also a killer.
Manchester United - Predicted Finish 1st - Finished 1st
While it wouldn’t shock me if Manchester United didn’t repeat as EPL champions this season there are still the favorites.
Reasons why lead at the top with world class coaching from Sir Alex Ferguson and right hand man Carlos Queiroz.
This team is just loaded and deep at every position there basically two deep at every position. The only player on the pitch they can’t replace is Cristiano Ronaldo who is poised to be the next David Beckham with regards to world wide appeal. Last year played with a chip on his shoulder all year due to being blamed for England’s World Cup Exit. Will have to carry that same chip on his shoulder this year and improve on his scoring touch if he is to better the year he had last year which is no small task. The pairing up front of Ronney and Tevez will be interesting to watch since both play the same type of game added to the fact neither is tall which will make it difficult for the likes of Ronaldo, Giggs and new arrival Nani to cross one right between the eyes.
Key Player
Cristiano Ronaldo – As mentioned anyone else on this United team can be replaced without much of a drop off expect him. He’ll need to lead the offensive attack and continue to grow as a player with Manchester United is to repeat the glorious year of 1999.
Will at least give myself some credit for picking the Champions. Yes I know I didn’t exactly go out on a limb there but look what that got me, picking Arsenal 5th and Tottenham 3rd. You would of been hard pressed to expect Ronaldo to not only repeat his form from last year but to better it. As he has been doing for most of his time in United, Ronaldo has proven the doubters wrong in helping United win their second straight EPL title. Sir Alex Ferguson impressive 10th title. Credit should also be given to the United back four. Wes Brown stepped up for an injured Gary Neville. Patrice Evra switching from attack to defense almost to perfection. With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić providing the back bone of this United side.
High Points : Beating Liverpool 1-0 on the read. Ronaldo’s first career hat trick was Newcastle. Carlos Tevez timely goals all season long. Owen Hargreaves free kick goal vs Arsenal.
Low Points : Losing to Chelsea 2-1. Giving up a 1-0 lead to West Ham. Losing both games against cross town rivals Manchester City.