Epl 2011/2012

Sport
21

…

22

Where is all the hype around Liverpool? Top 4 is the aim and if they got that I think every fan would take that with open arms.

A bit pointless doing a prediction before a ball is kicked but Man Utd have to be favourites. Won it relatively easy last season and have strengthened with the likes of Young and Jones. It will be interesting to see how De Gea fairs out - all of United’s strength in the last five or six years has been placed on the trio of Van Der Sar, Ferdinand and Vidic. The best back 3 in world football. One of those is gone so they may not be as strong in that area.

Chelsea still have a lot of good players and if they get Modric could be a real threat. If Torres starts firing then they will be very hard stopped.

Man City have many good players but Mancini is a very conservative coach. He is also liable to make strange selection decisions.

In terms of winners I would say one of those 3. However as you can see there are a lot of ‘ifs’ above.

23

Why can’t soccer teams just announce their team on the Wednesday night after training? Would make this fantasy shite far easier…

24

I would be amazed if Suarez started but I’d say he’ll be on the bench.

25

Agreed, maybe a 15/20 minute run out.

26

I think Bolton could have a decent season. Think they picked up around 45 points last year & finished around 14th but really slackened off in the last 6 or 8 games of the season and took a beating in the FA cup semi final. They have made a few signings that will give them a bit more depth, Reo-Coker & Tuncay and SWP to follow, looks as though Cahill will stay put and I think they will do well under Coyle and make the top half although the only real caveat for me is that Daniel Sturridge was excellent for them in the second half of last season and they could well struggle for goals without him.

27

Wouldn’t be so sure about that.

Villas Boas said that he’d like an English centre half to Chelsea when he took over so don’t be surprised seeing him go there. City could do with a centre half too and Mancini said he is still looking for more players. Liverpool have been known to be fond of English players as well.

28

Agree with all that. Will go well this season…

29

Premier League preview 2011-12

15:16, 12 Aug 2011
Miguel Delaney

[list]
[*]http://eircomsports.eircom.net/Media/Thumbnails/a05336b6-d76c-4cd8-9a5b-3fb08f7dcc3a_640x360.jpg
[/list]

Arsenal

What’s changed since last season? in terms of philosophy, almost nothing. But, for the fifth summer out of the last seven, that looks set to cause a lot of changes on the pitch. Finally, it seems that Cesc Fabregas will leave the club with Samir Nasri to follow.
Some at Arsenal, of course, will use any number of justifications. One of the most common is the club’s success as a going concern. But the fact is that this looks like a liquidation sale. Unlike previous summers, Arsenal are selling off two of their best assets before they’d even reached their peak price.
Worse, they were the two players Wenger had essentially built the future around. Both Nasri and Fabregas innately understood and fitted Wenger’s ideals.
But, as damaging as all of that is, that’s another point: Arsenal still have Wenger’s ideals. Despite the relative troubles of the past few years, he remains an exceptionally adept manager. His experience and astuteness – allied to the finesse of Robin van Persie, the guile of Jack Wilshere and the increasing ability of Aaron Ramsey – might yet be enough to stay ahead of two sides in Liverpool and Tottenham that are in flux.
But it’s still saying a lot that it’s got to that.
And the net effect of that is? A team teetering on the brink – but still with enough quality to keep them on the right side.
Big question for the new season Can Wenger really continue to successfully balance Champions League aims with Europa League transfer activity? Is the tipping point coming?
They’re aiming for a trophy and a Champions League place
They’ll likely get a nerve-shredding race for the latter
If they could sign one player from their past Tony Adams (1987-2000)
A genuine leader who would give that backline some real backbone
Their home kit should be Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl costume
Appeared suited to the big stage and very flashy to look at but too easily exposed at the climax while key pieces keep being ripped away. Nevertheless, there’s a perverse reluctance to do anything about it.

Aston Villa

What’s changed since last season? Not much as regards overall outlook. Having been underwhelmed by Gerard Houllier for much of last season, Villa fans are now enraged by the appointment of Alex McLeish. And any confidence that might have been gleaned from the belated rise from relegation zone to ninth will be offset by the loss of two of the players most responsible for it: Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.
At the least, the defensive discipline which McLeish showed in the 2009-10 campaign at Birmingham is likely to shore up a backline which conceded 59 goals last season. And that will be greatly aided by Shay Given. What’s more, the fact that McLeish has said every player starts with a clean slate means Villa might see resurgences from the likes of Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland. But if the latter doesn’t perform, then it’s a midfield that looks short on creativity beyond Charles N’Zogbia. Expect a lot of functional play from the back up to Darren Bent.
And the net effect of that is? A minimal change in overall quality.
Big question for the new season amid so much controversy, can McLeish keep a steady head long enough to stabilise Villa?
They’re aiming for at least a challenge for European places again
They’ll likely get a fade-out in mid-table
If they could sign one player from their past Dennis Mortimer (1975-84)
A midfield leader who would also add ingenuity
Their home kit should be a wannabe WAG’s cocktail dress
Worn by those who have designs on bigger, richer things, they too often fade back into the throng. Occasional conquests can raise spirits but the offset is some ultimately demeaning situations in which they end up on the floor. Look very short too.

Blackburn Rovers

What’s changed since last season? Not as much as the new owners promised. In fact very little at all. Far from signing any bona fide world stars, Blackburn have sold their single budding one in Phil Jones. And the only players incoming so far have been those with promise as opposed to proven quality. The feeling remains that Steve Kean’s stagnating squad need a bit of a jump-start.
As it stands, the one sliver of optimism might be that last season’s slide into relegation trouble was down to Kean taking the necessary time to transform the team from pragmatic to progressive. And the fact they went unbeaten in their final four games do provide some evidence of that. Otherwise, a full season of struggle awaits.
And the net effect of that is? Unless Kean has now sufficiently altered course, it’s hard not to think Blackburn have remained at a level that will keep them close to the relegation zone.
Big question for the new season will Venkys back their manager with some big buys?
They’re aiming for the top half
They’ll likely get a tough time in the bottom half
If they could sign one player from their past Alan Shearer (1992-96)
Obvious. But then so is the fact that Blackburn had one of the worst scoring records in the division last season.
Their home kit should be a feathered hat
Out of fashion and quite possibly out of time. It’s also quite a while since we’ve seen anyone of true note wear it. But, at the end of the day, it’s simply impossible to ignore the avian theme.

Bolton Wanderers

What’s changed since last season? Bolton have kept Owen Coyle’s fire but lost their firepower. With the departures of Johan Elmander and Daniel Sturridge, Kevin Davies is the only forward of any note at the club. Worse, influential midfielder Lee Chung Yong will be absent for an extended period after breaking his leg in preseason.
It was, of course, a similar injury to Stuart Holden which ultimately caused Bolton’s slump last year. With Coyle having just concocted the right mix, they were sixth for much of the season. When a balancing element was removed from midfield, though, they collapsed.
And that also ensured that the 2010-11 campaign represented the first time that Coyle didn’t show progress in his career. Fourteenth was exactly where Bolton finished in 2010. Essentially, Coyle will have to get back to basics and imbue a restructured squad with confidence again.
And the net effect of that is? A slight regression
Big question for the new season Has Coyle already hit something of a ceiling with the club?
They’re aiming for a top-half finish
They’ll likely get upper bottom half
If they could sign one player from their past Nat Lofthouse (1846-60)
The club’s most famous player would fulfil two basic cravings: Coyle’s for big men meeting crosses and the squad’s for simple goals
Their home kit should be Faux leather jacket
From a certain perspective, looks very aesthetically pleasing. Can even be compared top continental models. On closer inspection, however, you realise it’s not quite as well put together as you thought although the maker, clearly, has done an impressive job in dressing up moderate raw materials. Can also fade through overuse.

Chelsea

What’s changed since last season? Little in terms of personnel, but possibly everything in terms of approach. Chelsea have signed a young manager who has so far had an emphatic effect in everything he’s done in management so far. If Andre Villas-Boas can get even a 5% improvement from all of Chelsea’s existing players – which he has so far surpassed with each of his two previous jobs – then it might make the team an altogether different force this season. After all, they came mightily close to glory last year despite a glut of problems.
And for those who cite Villas-Boas’s relative youth in contrast to the Chelsea squad as a negative, well he already won their respect in his previous role at the club. And his recent achievements are likely to only increase it. A truly impressive personality, he could well rejuvenate Fernando Torres.
And the net effect of that is? Judging from the evidence of Villas-Boas’s career so far, then a definite improvement.
Big question for the new season Can Villas-Boas have the same effect on his old workmates at Chelsea as he did on the players of FC Porto and Academica?
They’re aiming for the title or Champions League, preferably both
They’ll likely get a strong challenge for both
If they could sign one player from their past Gianfranco Zola (1997-2003)
Might have the ingenuity and vision to finally unlock Fernando Torres’s goalscoring potential with through balls.
Their home kit should be a pressed shirt with blazer wrapped around the shoulders
Worn almost exclusively by vain middle-aged men who still think they’re 10 years younger than they actually are. Also arrogantly alludes to continental style and cash. But, to be fair, they’re still capable of pulling it off.

Everton

What’s changed since last season? For the fourth successive transfer window, very little. Everton retain the core of a combative squad as well as David Moyes’s nous. And, on paper, that should still be enough to challenge for Europe. On the pitch and in the stadium, though, there’s a sense of stagnation reflected in this repeated pattern of starting seasons atrociously and finishing them adequately. Without the burst of enthusiasm brought about by an intriguing new signing, Everton look enduring more of the same – which is making do but not making waves.
And the net effect of that is? That the squad still looks unlikely to scale any great heights.
Big question for the new season can they end this trend of lopsided seasons in order to actually maximise their raw materials?
They’re aiming for a push for a European place
They’ll likely get 18[sup]th[/sup] place in August, eighth in April.
If they could sign one player from their past Dixie Dean (1925-37)
David Moyes wants a “proven goalscorer”. You’d have to say 349 goals in 399 games provides ample proof.
Their home kit should be a dressing gown
They can occasionally be expensive although normally quite cost effective. Which is probably about the right balance given that they only tend to prove their worth in the latter hours. And they ultimately say you’re not really going anywhere, don’t they?

Fulham

What’s changed since last season? Although the manager has, we’re not likely to see too much on the pitch. As a figurehead, Martin Jol has always been more of a facilitator than an enforcer. But, given the healthy state of Fulham’s squad, that’s unlikely to be too much of a problem. The defence might be a little looser and attack a little livelier, but neither enough to alter too much.
And the net effect of that is? Minimal in terms of position.
Big question for the new season will they get rid of that statue
They’re aiming for upper mid-table
They’ll likely get very mid-table
If they could sign one player from their past George Cohen (1956-69)
The current team needs a right-back. Cohen won a World Cup from there.
Their home kit should be jeans
The comfortable and safe option. Sure, you can often see them in more salubrious surroundings – even if eyebrows are raised – but they generally indicate you’re modestly going about your day-to-day business.

Liverpool

What’s changed since last season? Depends on which part of last season. The club has seen that much transformation over the past 10 months. But, even since May, Liverpool’s extensive outlay has only added to momentum growing since the day Kenny Dalglish took over. Hope doesn’t just float. It flies.
In saying that, there are still a few caveats to all of the confidence. Despite the longevity of the club’s good run after Dalglish took charge, the loss of the last two games do leave open the slight possibility that it was down to mere feel-good momentum as opposed to his true re-adjustment to the modern game.
Their signings have also been curious. Not that ‘curious’ is necessarily a bad thing. But the Moneyball policy means relying on a lot of players who are relatively unproven at the level Liverpool aspire to to connect immediately. At the very least, the squad is deeper. It’s going to be a fascinating – and exciting – opening few weeks.
One other change though: the exceptional Luis Suarez has superseded Steven Gerrard as the club’s most important player. And given how the team occasionally felt hostage to the captain’s ego for the last few years – despite his obvious match-winning qualities – that bodes well for future success.
And the net effect of that is? Liverpool have undeniably improved. How much depends on how they integrate.
Big question for the new season Was the latter half of last season a case of the club momentarily being galvanised or evidence of longer-term success for Dalglish?
They’re aiming for a Champions League push
They’ll likely get a very close fight for it
If they could sign one player from their past Phil Thompson (1971-84)
For a club looking for a centre-half and a league title, who better than one who lifted seven of them.
Their home kit should be Jedi tunic
Once worn by members of the most celebrated institution in the galaxy, there’s still a lot of pseudo-religious jargon spoken about their philosophies. Could be due a resurgence, though, thanks to a new hope.

Manchester City

What’s changed since last season? As usual given their kind of money, a lot. But, even before they got a chance to try spending it, they had already broken two significant burdens. First, they forged their way to a Champions League place at last. Second, they finally ended that long trophy drought with the FA Cup. And, as Brian Clough always maintained, winning gives you “a shot of something that only a trophy, whatever it is, can bring”.
Whether it’s enough to bring a full-blooded title push is another issue. Roberto Mancini has spent the summer bemoaning the fact that he is still two signings away from genuinely entering the race – as backed up by the Community Shield defeat last week.
And to be fair, although Champions League qualification allowed a genuine blue-chip signing in Sergio Aguero, it will likely be offset by the eventual loss of Carlos Tevez. And such was the importance of the Argentine to last season’s success – a third of their goals – that it’s going to require a bit of a restructuring of Mancini’s formation.
But that may not be a bad thing. With two destructive defensive midfielders and just the direct Yaya Toure in front of them, City often looked a bit of a broken team. Only the effervescent David Silva – and now Aguero – provided any sort of sophistication or links between the lines. Because of that, a player of Samir Nasri’s nuance is a necessity.
But, even then, much depends on how attacking the normally conservative Mancini intends to be. That’s one aspect that mightn’t change.
And the net effect of that is? Thanks to last season’s progress and the close-season’s purchases, City do look to have an undergone another upgrade.
Big question for the new season Is it enough of an upgrade to close the gap between themselves and last season’s top two?
They’re aiming for a strong title challenge
They’ll likely get a stuttering title challenge, pending further signings
If they could sign one player from their past Colin Bell (1966-79)
With City lacking ingenuity in central midfield, Bell’s passing ability would be game-changing
Their home kit should be the Batsuit
No matter how many times that frankly ludicrous fortune allows upgrades, underneath there are still a lot of unhealthy issues about the past and defeating arch-rivals once and for all. Previous versions also leave a legacy of some incredibly camp comedy moments too.

Manchester United

What’s changed since last season? the average age, most of all. Out has gone the experience of Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes, John O’Shea and Wes Brown. In has come the exuberance of Phil Jones, Ashley Young, David De Gea and – returning to the club after loan periods – Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck.
Certainly, this looks like the start of a new Ferguson cycle. But the fact it’s built on last season’s winning base means they’re immediately favourites to retain their Premier League. And, in the Community Shield in particular, they certainly justified such prices.
Last week, United were often awesome. Kicking on from the momentum of the title run-in, their level of integration and movement looked light years from the broken team that stuttered through the opening months of last season. Rooney is approaching his 2009 form, Ashley Young seems to have settled straight away, and Cleverley added a crunch in midfield that was often missing last season – most notably, in the Champions League final against Barcelona.
Because that is the level the squad still looks short of. The defence is deep and there are numerous options in attack. But, without a player of Wesley Sneijder’s calibre or at least a restructuring of formation, the midfield still looks incapable of matching Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta. It’s still going to be very difficult for anyone in England to match them though.
And the net effect of that is? A team that has lost a little experience but apparently gained a lot of impetus. So far, look a lot stronger.
Big question for the new season Has Ferguson closed the gap between themselves and Barcelona in any way?
They’re aiming for a 20[sup]th[/sup] title and a Champions League
They’ll likely get the former
If they could sign one player from their past Nobby Stiles (1960-71)
With United’s defensive midfield devoid of true tacklers in the Champions League final, Leo Messi might have thought twice about that third nutmeg with Stiles around.
Their home kit should be a Catholic clerical collar
The uniform of an institution that many have doubted can thrive in the modern world. Certainly, their structure does not appear conducive to long-term stability. The faith remains though. Most of all because they’re trundled forward by an ageing patriarch who firmly believes in his own infallibility and would probably sooner die than give up power.

Newcastle United

What’s changed since last season? Both little and a lot. Mike Ashley’s enduring idiosyncrasies have ensured constant chaos beneath him. You could call his guidance of the club Orwellian had Joey Barton not beaten you to it. But the episode involving the midfielder was only one of a number of odd decisions over players this summer.
In saying that, however, Newcastle have signed astutely. Yohan Cabaye was vital to Lille’s exhilarating French title victory last season while Sylvain Marveaux is an occasionally wondrous winger. As a result, the make-up of Newcastle’s front six is likely to be very different.
And the net effect of that is? Hard to say but likely a younger, more exuberant team.
Big question for the new season Can Alan Pardew successfully balance integrating a new side with blocking out the ructions all around him?
They’re aiming for A top-half finish
They’ll likely get Toil and trouble before making it there
If they could sign one player from their past Peter Beardsley (1983-87, 1993-97)
Little trouble, lots of technique – exactly what Pardew and Ashley want in their purist new approach.
Their home kit should be Jehovah’s Witness formal wear
Overtaken in recent times by more aggressive, better-run movements, that hasn’t quelled the belief of their followers. There’s constant talk about ‘chosen people’ and ‘messiahs’ while some of the language they use is indecipherable. Difficult to be rude to them though.

Norwich City

What’s changed since last season? Not momentum anyway. After a second successive promotion, manager Paul Lambert has shown a ruthless streak by clearing out a core of Championship-level players. This is a manager who clearly doesn’t want to lose any forward motion by resting on his laurels. Indeed, it was exactly that which took them up last season. Norwich scored 83 goals but that also meant they conceded 58 – more than a goal a game. Lambert is a canny manager so will undoubtedly – and necessarily – switch emphasis. But given that Norwich haven’t exactly attracted Premier League-quality players so far, it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to keep them up.
And the net effect of that is? A marginal improvement in quality but…
Big question for the new season … is it enough to actually rise to Premier League level and above the relegation zone?
They’re aiming for safety
They’ll likely get a very tough fight for it
If they could sign one player from their past Steve Bruce (1984-87)
In a team that lacks defensive acumen and Premier League quality, Bruce’s was sufficient to actually win the competition.
Their home kit should be a jumpsuit
Worn by those who look to fly very high, very quickly, the journey up can be exhilarating. Ultimately, though, they’re only really equipped for one thing: to parachute back down to their level.

QPR

What’s changed since last season? Not enough. All the cash in the bank accounts of the owners has not been converted into quality on the pitch. Neil Warnock’s squad remains a mix of players from the upper end of the Championship and the lower end of the Premier League. A lot is going to depend on the tenacity Warnock can imbue in the squad and the talent of Adel Taraabt.
And the net effect of that is? Minimal difference to the quality of the squad.
Big question for the new season will the glamour of the Premier League coax the owners into spending a minimal amount of the ample money available.
They’re aiming for Safety
They’ll likely get the same as Norwich
If they could sign one player from their past Les Ferdinand (1987-95)
A forward with the power to complement Taraabt’s poise.
Their home kit should be bum bags
Strangely fashionable in the mid-90s, these puzzling pieces have made a revival over the past year. To be fair, they do look convenient for carrying cash. But these particular wearers seem more comfortable keeping their money in the bank. And the danger is it just makes them look ridiculous.

Stoke City

What’s changed since last season? That remains to be seen. Tony Pulis has always insisted that fixity of Premier League position would eventually bring a change in philosophy. That hasn’t been translated into signings yet though, with Stoke so far only bringing in Jonathon Woodgate. But that might have a wider effect beyond any sense of wonder to their play though. Reinforcements are needed if the Europa League is not to sap resources.
And the net effect of that is? The team are not better in terms of talent, but may gain belief from last season’s successes
Big question for the new season Are they ready to take the next step, both in terms of station and style?
They’re aiming for a push for a European place
They’ll likely get mid-table
If they could sign one player from their past Alan Hudson (1974-76, 1984-85)
Would a bit of art to all of Stoke’s midfield industry.
Their home kit should be an RAF Aviator suit
No doubts about the type of combat this is designed for, even if it seems hopelessly outdated. Saw its most dashing action a few decades ago but yet to be shot down all the same.

Sunderland

What’s changed since last season? The majority of their first-choice XI possibly. Steve Bruce has signed a massive seven players who would all expect to start in Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Connor Wickham, David Vaughan, Seb Larsson and Craig Gardner.
The positive is that they’re all very astute signings who fill gaps in the squad. The Old Trafford-hewn reliability of Brown and O’Shea will bolster their backline while all of Larsson, Vaughan and Gardner provide art and craft to the middle. Up front, Wickham’s bustling frame will more than fill a hole left by Darren Bent
But the negative is that it may take time to integrate them all. And, in a very congested Premier League mezzanine, that could be fatal to their Europa League hopes.
And the net effect of that is? A more talented squad but also one that needs time.
Big question for the new season are the signings enough to top the mini-league consisting of Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Stoke?
They’re aiming for top seven
They’ll likely get top nine
If they could sign one player from their past Bobby Gurney (1925-50)
Sunderland have the quantity now. They need the elevated quality. Who better than the man A Love Supreme declared their best ever outfield player.
Their home kit should be a bell-boy’s uniform
Worn mostly by honest hustlers who have to carry a lot of weight for an institution with notions about itself. A lot of aimless running up and down usually ends with them asleep on one of the middle floors.

Swansea City

What’s changed since last season? The stage. With Brendan Rodgers unwilling to alter Swansea’s expansive approach, it’s going to be interesting whether the attack can be as effective against better defences, and the backline is well bolstered enough against more clinical forwards.
On that though, the sheer adrenaline of the opening months in a new league can accentuate attacking football – as illustrated by Blackpool last season. Once that wears off, it will be down to Rodgers to steady things. But, fortunately, Swansea have one of the best man-managers in the game at present.
Famed for his work with youth players, the key will be whether Rodgers can then lift players with true potential – such as Scott Sinclair, Danny Graham and Ashley Williams – to Premier League quality.
And the net effect of that is? A team that has probably improved the most out of the three promoted sides.
Big question for the new season Is it too much of a risk to approach the Premier League the same way Swansea did the Championship?
They’re aiming for safety in a scintillating manner
They’ll likely get the second part, for definite
If they could sign one player from their past John Toshack (1978-84)
Provided presence and proven top league quality.
Their home kit should be “that” dress which Liz Hurley
Wonderful to look at and definitely announces the beginning of a budding career. There’s a heavy emphasis on the front two, though, and you’d wonder how well it’s held together. The exact formation can really leave you exposed.

Tottenham Hotspur

What’s changed since last season? Much to Redknapp’s relief, not the make-up of his midfield. Tottenham have so far retained Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart – and above all – Luka Modric. But that still wasn’t enough to consolidate their Champions League place as Manchester City – and now possibly Liverpool – have moved ahead of them. As a manager often stereotyped for his activity in the transfer market, Redknapp needs to engage in some.
And the net effect of that is? Tottenham stay the same but also possibly stagnate
Big question for the new season did the distractions of last season’s Champions League ironically allow both Manchester City and Liverpool to oust them from qualifying in future? Did they do enough to build on the potential last season offered?
They’re aiming for a Champions League place
They’ll likely get a Europa League place
If they could sign one player from their past Jimmy Greaves (1961-70)
In games against the likes of West Ham, West Brom and Wigan last season, Tottenham failed to finish. That was never a problem for Greaves.
Their home kit should be a beret
Carries the veneer of the continent. But few who spend any amount of time there would actually wear it. Rather, much more likely to be adorned by temporary tourists.

West Brom

What’s changed since last season? With a full summer to work with a well-bolstered squad, Roy Hodgson will have further firmed up their framework. Expect a lot less than the 71 goals they conceded last year. Ben Foster will likely help in that given that, just like his manager, he seems to produce his best form when free of the pressures of a big club.
At the other, Shane Long provides an extra angle for West Brom’s array of adept attacking midfielders. On the whole, we’re likely to see drama replaced with discipline at the Hawthorns.
And the net effect of that is? A team that’s much more cohesive and much less chaotic
Big question for the new season In his first full season with Fulham, Hodgson took them to seventh. Is the same anyway possible at West Brom?
They’re aiming for mid-table
They’ll likely get solid mid-table
If they could sign one player from their past John Wile (1970-83)
The defensive base of Ron Atkinson’s brilliant team of the late ’70s, Wile would help Hodgson shore up that backline.
Their home kit should be King George VI’s formal wear
After a series of traumatic ups and downs, clear-sighted thinking restores quiet dignity despite a speech impediment.

Wigan Athletic

What’s changed since last season? They’ve lost the goals of Charles N’Zogbia and graft of Tom Cleverley. But, much more importantly after Aston Villa’s other approach to the club, they’ve kept the guile of Roberto Martinez.
In April of last season, the Spaniard told this journalist that “we’ve finally clicked as a team. It’s a real shame that we haven’t got another 30 games to go because I think we would see the real measure of this squad.”
Now’s the time to prove it. Martinez has some exceptional young players capable of playing some exquisite football – most notably James McCarthy. But do they have the experience?
To be fair, Martinez did say then that – from his previous episodes with Swansea – successful relegation battles are “like gaining three or four years of experience”. But has the loss of that midfield two offset what they gained in May? Martinez’s man-management is going to be key.
And the net effect of that is? On balance, a squad of around the same total quality.
Big question for the new season Has Roberto Martinez now sufficiently integrated a young, passing team in order to kick on and avoid another relegation battle?
They’re aiming for a more comfortable season
They’ll likely get another struggle but salvation again
If they could sign one player from their past Joe Parkinson (1989-93)
Having proved himself in the Premier League with Everton, Parkinson would have given Wigan a bit of badly needed bite.
Their home kit should be Hobbits’ waistcoats
Worn proudly by a diminutive group who refuse to be patronised. And, to be fair, they can be entertaining and find themselves in hugely decisive moments. Even if, at the end of it all, they just go back to being small.

Wolves

What’s changed since last season? More battle-hardened in the Premier League, better squad. On Monday, Stephen Ward said that this is the happiest Mick McCarthy has ever been with the team. And, most pressingly, Roger Johnson should shore up a defence short on cleansheets last season.
Indeed, the biggest problem with Wolves’ time in the Premier League is that they were every changing: underachieving one minute, overachieving the next as Stuart James put it. McCarthy should have the right mix now to provide at least some stability.
And the net effect of that is? A more settled side in every sense.
Big question for the new season who are the real Wolves? The team that can get hammered by relegation rivals or beat the champions?
They’re aiming for Lower mid-table
They’ll likely get a few worries about relegation before ultimate safety
If they could sign one player from their past Ron Flowers (1952-67)
Would add league-winning class to Wolves’ undermanned central midfield
Their home kit should be Private First Class uniform
Worn doing lots of running around while getting barked at by an obstinate man with an unfeasibly loud voice. You know, underneath it all, he loves them really though.

30

If United could sign one player from their past it would be Roy Keane. They never replaced him.

I noticed the majiority of the pundits on the Bbc site went for United with a few for City but Mark Bright went for Liverpool. :lol:

31

Will Enrique Iglesias be in the Liverpool squad for tomorrow or was the deal concluded too late?

32

He wont be the Hero tomorrow for Liverpool.

33

+1 on Keane, thought Utd might have gone for De Rossi thus summer but it looks like Sneijder is the target. Getting very tired of the saga now.

Mark isn’t very is he?

Runt. Enrique is eligible for this weekend acoording to BBC

34

+1

35

Can’t see Newcastle going down(as much as I’d like to see it happen again) there are just too many poor teams in the EPL at the moment. Wigan, Wolves, QPR , Swansea, Norwich are all worse than Newcastle .

36

keane was shit & dressed as a leprechaun for a walkers add

37

He beat Juventus on his own though.

38

Norwich away at Wigan looks good value to me to get their EPL season off to a flier. I envisage their formation and movement troubling the rigid/shit Wigan defence.

I’ve doubled them with Fulham to win at home to Villa.

39

Mental just mental backing teams early in the season

40

Fulham are good at home. They are also well into their season having played eurpoa league since the start of July. I think they’ll be good enough to beat a Villa shorn of their wingers. Norwich is a punt based on the fact that they will be eager and attacking and that Wigan don’t seem to have strengthened hugely and will be missing McCarthy with Rodallega late back from Copa action.
And I like yellow.

I also will also enjoy supporting both Ipswich and Leicester -1 this week.