While I love my home domestic league, Major League Soccer, my first footballing love is England, specifically the Barclay's Premier League. I'm very excited about the prospects for the upcoming season, and here are my non-expert thoughts and predictions on the new year.
The TOP FOUR: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Who Are Ya designs has a shirt that's emblazoned with the Barclay's Lion and reads "Fourth is the new first." In this era of the Premier League, this is really true. For most clubs, you can fail to win the title, but still be viewed as having a successful campaign if you land in one of the top four spots that qualify for the big money of the UEFA Champions League. Here's who I bet on seeing there next spring, in no particular order:
We'll start with the defending champs. Manchester City has not been active at all in the offseason, but they've retained the services of key men and I can't really say as I've seen another team pass them up in the transfer market. I fully expect City's stingy defense, top 'keeper in Joe Hart, and potent attack to have them at least back in the Champions League spots at the end of the season.
How about their cross-town rivals, Manchester United? They'll be looking for redemption this season. Not only did they lose the Premiership title to the "noisy neighbors" at City, but they exited the Champions League after the group stage and finished without a trophy. They've upgraded some, acquiring Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund. At the time of this writing, they're still in the mix to land Robin Van Persie as well. My question about United is at the back though. Can they stay healthy, and can David De Gea round into form as top EPL 'keeper? Whether they push for the title or not, I can't see them not being in the top four.
Next up is Chelsea FC. After winning the Champions League and FA Cup in underdog fashion last year, I look for the Blues to be a lot better in league form. Yes, they lost Didier Drogba, and that's a huge blow. Fernando Torres will need to step big time. Daniel Sturridge will need to regain some of his form as well. The Blues are still in the running to acquire Hulk from Porto, which I think would be a great pickup. The midfield is stacked with guys like Lampard, Mata, Ramires, and new arrivals Eden Hazard and Marko Marin, who can play on the wing as well. The question is, can they hold together at the back after some less than impressive defensive performances in the preseason. David Luiz will have to show some maturity for sure. There's no reason why the Blues should not compete for the title and the Champions League spots, and the pressure will be on if they stumble out of the gate.
I really have questions about who will get the other spot. I believe Arsenal will have issues without Van Persie, but I don't think Andre Villas-Boas is a good fit at Spurs, who also look likely to be losing Modric in the next 48 hours. I'm going to go with Newcastle United here. The Magpies were a force to be reckoned with last season, and if they can stay healthy, they have a good shot at making a run for the top of the table. If Demba Ba can stay healthy and team up with Papiss Cisse, Alan Pardew could have a top attack on his hands. Cisse was unstoppable toward the end of last year. Pardew will get the most out of them, and I expect them to land in the Champions League Spots.
Movin On Up--EVERTON
Speaking of managers who get the most out of their sides, don't be surprised to see David Moyes and Everton hanging out in the upper part of the table, maybe even with an outside shot at a top 4 spot. Losing Tim Cahill is blow, but despite his enormous work rate, had a real tough time figuring prominently at Everton last season. While the Toffees have not been able to secure the services of Landon Donovan, they did bring Steven Pienaar back from Tottenham, and finally were able to sign former Ranger Steven Naismith, who can play either in the midfield or at forward. Pair him up with Nikica Jelavic (above) and the Toffees, who were formidable during the second half last season, could see a rise up the table. I'd put them just outside the top four, with a chance to take one of the domestic cups.
Might Be a long year for--LIVERPOOL
Last year I picked Liverpool to regain their form and finish in the top four. Well, we saw how that worked out. King Kenny is gone. Craig Bellamy is gone. Dirk Kuyt is gone. Andy Carroll may be gone, but Liverpool seem to have too high of an asking price. Brendan Rodgers is set to bring a new philosophy to Anfield, but I'm not sold on it. He's brought in Italian attacker Fabio Borini and a Swansea holdover in Joe Allen, but the Reds will need more than that. They've been linked with Clint Dempsey, but apparently have not met either Fulham or maybe Dempsey's price. In the end, I just don't see them improving much. If Liverpool supporters want back in the top four, they'll need more patience than Hodgson or King Kenny were given.
And the winners will be: MANCHESTER CITY
Last year my creed during the season was that I wouldn't bet against United. This year, I won't be betting against City. The key here is what I mentioned earlier: City have not been big spenders, but I don't see anyone as quite catching up to them. Both Chelsea and United have improved significantly (especially with United on the verge of signing Van Persie) but I think both of those squads have questions at the back, where City does not. I look for the Citizens to repeat their Barclay's Premier League winning campaign.
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