Hello to one and all - As we await our long time coming review of the World Cup Final 2010! It has fallen upon me to introduce you to the way things will be from this day forward...
We intend to write once a week to review the Premier League action that has passed that weekend and preview the treats that are to come. I imagine this will appear on your screens anywhere between the Monday and the Thursday just to keep you on your toes, and because games are more and more often being played during the week. We are two and will therefore take it in turns to do the main post, but will hopefully get involved in a deal of banter via the message boards.
So what do we have to look forward to...
Chelsea will set out to defend their championship with few significant editions to date. Apart from the super sub that is Yossi Benayoun - He'll surely be hoping for a greater roll then he was getting at Liverpool - but I'm suspicious that he is seen as a very good player who is willing to sit on the bench and make an impact ala one Ona Gunner Solskjaer me thinks.
United have brought in the mexican Hernandez who looked lively in his cameos for Mexico at the World Cup and has also already scored with his teeth in the Community Shield - imagine what he'll be like when he uses his feet.
Arsenal have looked to strengthen with the acquisition of Chamakh, who on a free transfer is nothing other than a bargain - but will he live up to the hype he has been given?
Spurs have not made major end roads into the transfer market but they have looked to probe a couple of avenues and there will surely be activity to come. In my opinion they need some Champions league experience in their ranks if they can expect to make a significant contribution in that competition.
Liverpool have done some good business, both to bring in Roy Hodgson as the managers got a wealth of experience and the playmaker Joe Cole on a free. Time will tell if Joe can get back to his best at the reds - I'd think regular football will make a great deal of difference. The concern is that Liverpool will not be able to make any other significant purchases while unrest remains in the club's boardroom and if they lose a player, will they be able to replace them?
Man City have pretty much bought anyone and everyone for the second year running. Big question marks will be there over whether these players can click together and also how players who aren't playing can be kept happy. The talent of the players however is not in question and they will do some significant damage.
One team that I have managed to follow closely in pre-season is, of-course, my own beloved Wolves. I know I may sound incredibly biased but we have looked bloody good and I'm confident that we can make a go of it in our second season back in the Premier League. McCarthy has made some very sensible purchases in players that have looked quality at times in the league but at smaller clubs so they haven't cost the earth. Fletcher and Hunt were both impressive last season and I especially think Hunt could have made the difference for Hull if he remained fit.
I saw Wolves play Hearts in Edinburgh and the thing that always impresses me about Wolves under McCarthy is the work ethic and willingness to put a shift in for the team. This was in abundance in that game, and ultimately impressive was the fringe players from last season giving it a real go and fighting to be in contention.
Bring on the new season, I can't wait...
Your Liverpool analysis is somewhat limited young Bourne! What about Jovanovic and Poulsen? Both had good World Cups and bring much stability to the squad. Plus we've still got Mascherano (correct at time of writing), Kuyt, Gerrard and Torres- that's practically half a team. We even managed to release the dependable and occasionally spectacular Fabio Aurelio then sign him back up before anyone else took advantage.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe noone took Ozil for £12.5million although I guess once Madrid are in everyone else is out. Feel like United are gonna struggle once Giggs and Scholes remember how old they are. I'd laugh at the Glazer debt but the Hicks/Gillett stuff is just as bad. Oh for a Morgan who invests and supports in equal measure. Whatever Ferguson says, United lack depth. Arsenal remain pretty exciting but lack a killer touch in the tough matches, maybe Nasri will get tough or Rosicky will stay fit.
Spurs have well and truly cocked it up. Turns out that 'arry's a wheeler and dealer and not much else. All the deals they've been linked with seem to be swaps and none have come off. Just add a couple of class players with Champions League man, stop trying to change like for like! William Gallas just ain't gonna cut it. He couldn't even lure the mighty JC with the promise of Champions League football. To be honest I've never liked Redknapp Sr and I'm steadily going off Jr with his know all Sky Sports attitude. Let's hope they get spanked by some Young Boys...
I've got a feeling about Man City. Once the team clicks they'll be pretty unstoppable, although I hope they're still struggling this Monday. Mancini is more laid back than the press make him out to be. I predict an avalanche of goals and once Barry is dropped the midfield will be fine, although Milner is not the solution, he's a very naughty boy.
You're spot on about Wolves, bought very well and kept a solid spine. If Kightly stays injury free then there's the potential for much. Sylvan Ebanks Blake might even score some goals.
The rest of the league is a mixed bag, I can't see anyone who's made signings that are going take them up to another level. Could it be almost identical to last year? And then pretty similar to next year? Such is the way of the world.
Sorry Mr Jo, I negated to give over half my article to discuss Liverpool's addition of who? and erm who? As my hero Mick once said - be careful with taking players off the back of one World Cup as they rarely live up to the hype.
ReplyDeleteGranted Manchester City look the business on paper - they've bought so many quality players that they can field two very strong teams. Questions must be raised over the team spirit and how players with massive egos can be kept happy in such a big squad, this will surely see them come unstuck at times.
The better way to do it is as a team like United do...young players such as Smalling and Hernandez are not going to moan about being on the bench as they are still learning, yet they are good enough to step up and play a part. Older players such as Giggs, Scholes and even Owen to an extent know they can't play every game but will still give it there all and have quality when they play. Strength so deep you just forget it is there my pal.
Spurs will make a couple of decent signings this week - Shaun Wright Phillips anyone?? and will be around Europe but maybe edged out of CL.
Arsenal are questionable in defence having not replace the metal and leadership of old - unless a signing is made I can see them dropping points against physical teams like Blackburn and Bolton.
Onwards