This man represents my biggest question going into the EPL season. (Manchester United Press)
The new Barlcay's Premier League season gets underway this weekend, and there's a lot of new aspects to be digested, especially for us fans here in United States. This season the coverage shifts from Fox Soccer to the NBC Sports Network, which should mean more viewers for the league here in the states. Plus NBC will be offering all matches on TV via their "Premier League Extra Time" and online via their streaming service. It's quite exciting!
Of course there's plenty of new in the league itself, and none of the stories are bigger than the new managers at three of the league's top four clubs. With Sir Alex retiring, Manchester United handed the reigns to Everton boss David Moyes. Chelsea washed their hands of Rafa Benitez and brought Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge for another go 'round. Meanwhile, another Champions League failure and the loss of the EPL title cost Roberto Mancini his job at City, where he was replaced by Manuel Pellegrini, lately of Malaga fame. In my opinion, these three men will largely shape the title race, and here's how I think it will shake out:
UEFA Champions League Places:
1. Chelsea FC--Last year I bet against Manchester United in the title race, and I got shown up. Alas, I'm going to do it again. I think having Mourinho back in the fold is going to make a huge difference for the Blues, and they've all seemed pretty positive. The Blues have also gotten quite a bit younger, and I think they have a good mix of old guard and new. The preseason buzz has largely surrounded the Blues pursuit of Wayne Rooney. Ultimately, I don't see United selling him to a title rival, but we'll see. Samuel Eto'o has also emerged as a dark horse possibility. However, I'm looking for this guy to have a BIG impact this year:
When the Blues first signed Romelu Lukaku, he was hailed as "the next Drogba." To my mind, he hasn't done anything to lose that reputation as he torched the league on loan with West Brom last year. He should do even better under the Special One.
2. Manchester City--Pellegrini is a solid manager with tried and true experience in Europe. Honestly, I look for City to have an improved Champions League campaign this year and to push Chelsea for the title all season long. Edin Dzeko could be key for city, with Tevez and Balotelli both finally out of the way. He's certainly a shoe-in for my fantasy squad. Hopefully a lot of City's off the pitch issues exited with Tevez, Balotelli, and Mancini, giving Pellegrini a clean and quiet slate to work with. Expectations will be high though, and he best meet some of them.
3. Manchester United--Do not adjust your screens. I'm putting United in third. Now, to give a little perspective, the title could come down to just a few points. I expect United to contend all season long. As for Moyes, it's time to see what happens. For years people have been wondering what he could do if he had a big payroll and a big budget. That day is here. Unfortunately, Cesc Fabregas is not here, and as of yet United haven't seemed to be able to bolster that midfield. Last year Van Persie was the man for United, and it's safe to say that he will be again, but does Moyes have the Sir Alex gusto that will take to push through to the title? We'll see.
4. Arsenal.--It seems like fourth place has been a trophy in and of itself for Arsenal lately, and honestly, I don't see them getting much higher this year. The summer transfer window has once again been devoid of significant action while Chelsea, City, and United have been more active. If they can add another piece or two, they'll be outside contenders for the title, but I look for them to have another solid season and hit the Champions League spots for next year. The question is, when is that going to stop being good enough?
THE BEST OF THE REST
5. Swansea City--The scary thing is, not only did Swans hold on to what was theirs in the off season. They got better. Micheal Laudrup not only has Michu at his disposal, but also newly acquired Ivory Coast International Wilfried Bony, who scored 32 goals last year in the Dutch league. Swans will be a threat for the domestic cups, and if somebody in the top 4 slips up, they could have an outside chance for a Champions League spot.
6. Everton--No Moyes? No problem. That's been the attitude for Everton so far in the preseason, where they have looked really fresh and up for the competition. New manager Roberto Martinez has the Toffees playing really attractive football, and they've just gotten deeper during the summer. (I'm looking at you Gerard Deulofeu.) It could be an exciting year for the Toffees, with Europe not out of the question.
Now to finish out the top 10:
7--Tottenham
8--Liverpool
9--West Ham
10--West Brom
Who is going to relegated? Sorry for fans of:
Southampton
Hull "Tigers"
Crystal Palace (I wish it were going to be otherwise.)
So there's my take on the EPL this season. Good luck to everyone, the first fixtures are almost here!
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