It’s the 2012/13 season. And it’s going to be exciting. Therefore, I’ve decided to expand my blog beyond Manchester United. Each week, I will predict all 10 games of the week, plus give a detailed analysis of all Manchester United games. Here we go!
Table Predictions
Winners: Manchester United
Runner-ups: Manchester City
Champions League: Chelsea, Newcastle
Europa League: Liverpool
Additional potential Europa League: Arsenal, Tottenham
Relegation: Southampton, Norwich, Wigan
1 MANCHESTER UNITED
Two days ago, I wouldn’t have pipped Man United to win the title. However, the signing of ex-Arsenal captain, Robin van Persie changes everything.
Strengths:
Van Persie was the best player in the league last season, and he will only get better. Him and Rooney form perhaps the deadliest strike duo in the league, so I expect United to score a lot of goals this season. Also, the United defense missed captain Nemanja Vidic immensely, and his impending return can only make United stronger. As well, Darren Fletcher could make a comeback into the team with Shinji Kagawa adding to the creativity.
Weaknesses:
United clearly lack in central midfield. Tom Cleverley is still young and developing, while Paul Scholes cannot play week in week out. In an ideal world, United should have signed another midfielder rather than a striker, and missing out on Lucas Moura could be vital. Another area United lack in is left-back. There is no one to cover for Patrice Evra should he get injured. There has been talk of Leighton Baines signing for the club, but nothing has materialized so far.
Conclusion:
With the strikers at United’s disposal and the flair and pace of their wingers, they’re going to score a lot of goals. When you score a lot of goals, you almost certainly win games.
2 MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City haven’t made a big signing all transfer season. And this could be why they won’t go all the way.
Strengths:
Manchester City have the squad with the most depth. They have several players covering each position. This gives them a lot of options, and competition for places only brings out the best in you. Carlos Tevez looks rejuvenated and Mario Balotelli may have learned a few valuable lessons post-season. City have a brilliant leader in the shape of Vincent Kompany and arguably, the League’s best goalkeeper in Joe Hart. Hard to break down and hard to defend against. It’s the perfect combination.
Weaknesses:
City have allowed too much drama to happen of late, mainly from Tevez and Balotelli, which naturally hurt their progress last season. That cannot continue. Also, it will be a real challenge for Roberto Mancini in keeping the entire squad happy. If you tinker too much with the squad, it causes instability. Most importantly, it’s hard enough to win the title. But much harder to defend it.
Conclusion:
I believe that while City will put up a big fight for the title, it wouldn’t be enough. A lack of signings could be the thin line between both Manchester clubs.
3 CHELSEA
Spending over £60m in the transfer market means Chelsea could do a lot better than last season.
Strengths:
The key for Chelsea is that they have stuck with Roberto Di Matteo. Di Matteo turned around Chelsea’s faltering season by leading his side to the Champions League title. He was instrumental to the club’s success, and this could continue this season. Fernando Torres is improving, and the club have not held back in the transfer market. Eden Hazard and Oscar are both exciting and able players and should be what Chelsea need to finish in the Top 3.
Weaknesses:
Chelsea have lost their talisman, Didier Drogba. The striker has been absolutely fantastic for the London club over the years and he will be missed. Also, the departure of Jose Bosingwa could mean that the club will be a little short of full-back cover. The ongoing ‘trial’ of John Terry with the FA makes matters worse.
Conclusion:
With the new signings, Chelsea could really mount a title bid, though they still need to do a lot of work if they are to topple the Manchester clubs.
4 NEWCASTLE
Newcastle were the surprise team last season, and if they continue where they left off, could surprise everyone again.
Strengths:
The Magpies have managed to hold on to most of their star players. What they had last season was consistency and resilience, and in Tim Krul have one of the best shot-stoppers in the game. Key to their success was the 16 clean sheets they kept. The signing of Ajax midfielder Vurnon Anita could provide them with that extra man in midfield.
Weaknesses:
Newcastle’s away form was awful last season. They would need to improve on that. While the pairing of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse sounds deadly on paper, it was the opposite on the field. Adding to the trouble are Europa League matches, which could be seen as an unnecessary distraction.
Conclusion:
Newcastle’s main advantage is that their immediate rivals, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham, haven’t built on from last season and this could help them finish in a Champions League place.
5 LIVERPOOL
A change in manager could see Liverpool back in the hunt for Europa League soccer.
Strengths:
Liverpool were going nowhere under Kenny Dalglish. A change in manager is exactly what they needed. They went out and brought in a manager who instilled free-flowing and exciting soccer into his team. Steven Gerrard still has the goods to deliver, while the signing of Fabio Borini and the return of Joe Cole could be crucial.
Weaknesses:
Dirk Kuyt, who has probably been Liverpool’s best player for the last few seasons, is no longer with the club. In addition, Craig Bellamy has departed and Andy Carroll does not feature heavily in Brendan Rogers’ plans, so I wonder where the goals are going to come from? Defensively, they are weak as well and have insufficient cover.
Conclusion:
Liverpool will play exciting soccer this season, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll win games.
6 ARSENAL
Having lost their captains in two success seasons, things are looking a bit grim for Arsenal.
Strengths:
Arsenal have done really well in the transfer market, in terms of buying players. I’ve always like Lukas Podolski and the effervescent Santi Cazolra should provide the team with pace and creativity that they need. Jack Wilshere is back, and he is like a new signing. Thomas Vermaelen has been promoted to skipper, which should add more confidence in the Arsenal defense.
Weaknesses:
Three words. Robin van Persie. When you lose your best player and captain, you don’t expect to do well. The Dutchman’s goals will be missed, and Arsenal are only half as strong without him. Add Alex Song to the departure list and you have a real worry. There is talk of Nuri Sahin coming in to replace him, but until that happens, I don’t see Arsenal going anywhere this season.
Conclusion:
It’s a bold statement, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this will be Arsene Wenger’s last season at Arsenal.
7 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
You don’t get rid of your best player. And you don’t get rid of your best manager. Unfortunately, Spurs have committed both crimes.
Strengths:
Gareth Bale is the Spurs’ new talisman. He will need to be at his very best if Spurs are to do well this season. Jermain Defoe is STILL one of the best finishers in the league and he would need to start games. The signing of young manager Andre Villas-Boas means that the team will continue to play attacking soccer, which may help their cause.
Weaknesses:
It is no secret that Luka Modric had been wanting to leave the club for a while now. And he finally had his wish granted. He was the best player at the club, and he will be a massive loss. The departures of Steven Pienaar and Niko Kranjcar leaves the Spurs short in midfield and this could hurt them. Former manager Harry Redknapp led the side to 4th last season, which was a pretty good finish, but it wasn’t enough for the chairman. It seems that Villas-Boas would need to do even better than that, which puts him under a lot of pressure.
Conclusion:
Spurs will be lucky to finish 7th with the changes that have taken place at the Lane, provided that Everton have a rare off-season.
