Were those home grown rules even passed yet?
AberdeenFC said:
they might win a few fights with there thug players but they sure as hell wont win any trophys
Bwahaha
Anyway, its going to be even harder this year, but of course my money is on the blues to pull it off. Jose bought smarter, and even if there are injuries, which I fully expect to hurt us more this year, Jose has actually been buying smart this year, and Im sure will make full use of the January window.
If Chelsea cannot pull it off, then I think United is going for one last huzzah with their older generation. Theyre getting solskjaer back, horseface should stay fit, and since Kleberson is about to be sold, Keane should have some cover. Despite that, I still think they need a better CB partner for Rio than Silvestre. Add to that the youth and agressive streak, as well as the capabilities of guys like Giggs, Scholes, Neville, and VdS, and I think they have the stuff. I really think Arsenal will be a bit lost without someone to fill Viera's spot, and that Henry will struggle in his new role as captain. If they lose Campbell and plan on a Senderos-Toure CB pairing, then I think theyre in real trouble. I still think they could take the FA cup again, though.
I think Liverpool have to now be ready to compete domestically and beat the minnows they couldnt tackle last year. The confidence has to be there, Gerrard is on board for good, looks like, and Benitez's brilliance has been confirmed. Their goalkeeping seems sorted out, with Reina, and Carson able to be called back, but I doubt injuries will kill them as much as last year. I still dont understand the logic that states Crouch>Baros, though.
Lemme see if I cant get a trend going: Top 7, bottom 3
1. Chelsea
2. ManYoo/Liverpool
3. Liverpool/ManYoo
4. Arsenal
~~~~~~~~~~
5. Spurs
6. Boro
7. Everton/Brum
18. Fulham
19. Wigan
20. WBA
The top 4 are obvious. Spurs I believe will push for a CL spot all season, and will cause alot of trouble and angst for the top 4. Its all Jol Jol Jol. Im sure Davids will turn out to be a real leader and a motor in the middle. I think they could end their winless streak against Chelsea this year, though it would be a shame
Newcastle have to get better, but if Souness stays for even the first 2 months of the season, I fail to see how they can even recover after that. I think Boro will cruise to UEFA cup place, and I'd say a rearmed Everton can probably nick 7th.
For relegation, I think one long tenured team will join West Brom and a promoted side in relegation. I know I put Fulham, but it could easily be Pompey too. I McCarthy is too good with the additions he has made to let Sunderland slip, and I think WHU's recent top flight experience is gonna serve them well. Wigan simply need more, and Im not convinced West Brom have done enough.
Quick Superlative Predictions:
Best Signings: Jose Reina, SWP, Scott Parker, Edgar Davids
Worst Signings: Crouch, Zenden
Most Improved: Joe Cole, and Im serious, Senderos, Alan Smith
Predicted Flop: Bellamy, Crouch
Top Scorers: Henry, Big Hernan Crespo, Rooney, Forssell, Yakubu
Best/Worst Diciplinary Team: Everton/Blackburn
Manager of the Year: Martin Jol, Jose of course, Benitez
Quickest Fired: SOUNESS
Biggest Surpise: EMRE!!! Zoltan Gera, Aiser Del Horno, Carrick, Pandiani, Hasselbaink, Baros if he is still there, Crespo Crespo Crespo, the Donkey Drogba (and yes, goals will be the surpising part, you smartasses
)
Big Year/Play out of the minds: Duffer, Ledley King, Zat Knight, Fred Ljungberg, Michael Carrick, Forssell, Malbronque, Konchesky, Danny Murphy, Xabi Alonso, Arteta
Phew, that was alot of bulls
hit, so I dont blame people for not reading it. But the rankings and superlatives would be a great trend to start.
And seriously lads, great idea on the thread and all, but lets keep it going and not neglect it.
Last years was a futile endeavour for me and a few others to try and keep up, and it does save on starting threads for smaller teams. Plus, we can show those Serie A loving bastards what were made of
bitches 