Premier League preview: Why Chelsea will win the league title Premier League champions Chelsea Despite a rare trophyless season for the Blues last season, José Mourinho has added some key personnel to strengthen his side despite losing a number of experienced players in the shape of Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard – as well as the departure of David Luiz to PSG. The acquisition of Cesc Fàbregas from Barcelona was a shrewd one, and with the arrivals of Diego Costa and Filipe Luis from Atlético Madrid and the return of Didier Drogba to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea look to have all the weaponry they need to bring silverware back to wst London. Defending champions Manchester City will have a lot to say about it and a revitalised Arsenal will be buoyed by their performance in the Community Shield, but Mourinho’s men should just have enough to finish top of the pile. _________________________________________________________ Top Four Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United While the title race itself will start as a three-horse race between Chelsea, City and Arsenal, that should be narrowed to two with the Gunners not quite having the staying power to mount a proper challenge this year. Despite a fantastic campaign last season, Liverpool have probably missed their opportunity at the top table and will struggle to cope with European commitments for the first time in a few years. A resurgent Manchester United under Louis van Gaal will be contenders this season, perhaps not in title terms but certainly for finishing in the top four. No mid-week European football will see them in good stead and they should pip Liverpool and Tottenham to fourth place. __________________________________________________________ Relegation Southampton, West Brom, Burnley As last season showed, reputation doesn’t make you exempt from relegation. Fulham, one-time European finalists, struggled in the league, and it will be difficult for teams coming up from the Championship. Many have touted Southampton to go down this year, due in no part to the mass exodus that seems to have taken place at St. Mary’s with a number of first team players moving away from the south coast. They have signed a few players but it will be hard to see how they can fill the cavernous void left by the departures. Elsewhere West Brom have had their struggles and have also lost a number of key players, including Zoltan Gera, Liam RidgeweLl and Diego Lugano. Of the newly promoted sides, Burnley look the most likely to get relegated with Queens Park Rangers and Leicester City both buying well and strengthening in key areas. ___________________________________________________________ FA Cup Winners Manchester United The excitement surrounding Old Trafford this summer is palpable ahead of the new season. A new manager fresh from guiding Holland to third place in the World Cup and a couple of marquee signings to whet the appetite of the Stretford End faithful. The buzz word around the red side of Manchester this season will be progress. Perhaps a season early to be title contenders, the lack of European football will allow Van Gaal a chance to focus on the top four and the cup competitions. A piece of silverware would be great for United and the FA Cup looks like a good choice for it. Finishing outside of the Europa League places could prove a blessing in disguise for Van Gaal and his side. _________________________________________________________ Best Signing Alexis Sánchez The pint-sized Chilean was a star in Rio as his side almost caused the upset of the tournament by knocking out the hosts Brazil, only to lose on penalties. Arsène Wenger is realising that to be serious contenders, money does have to be spent and over the past two seasons, he has brought some real class to The Emirates. Alexis Sánchez is one such player and has looked impressive in preseason and during the Community Shield. __________________________________________________________ Surprise Package Gylfi Sigurdsson Tottenham’s loss is most definitely Swansea’s gain. The Iceland midfielder is real class but never really got going at White Hart Lane. He will certainly add to the Swans attacking intent and with the prospect of regular football for Sigurdsson, he could become a fan favourite at the Liberty Stadium very quickly. ___________________________________________________________ Biggest Flop Jack Colback The ex-underland midfielder made the unthinkable move across the north-east to Newcastle United and will have to get going quickly to avoid criticism from the home fans. The pressure will be on Colback to prove himself, and while he was beginning to establish himself in the Sunderland team, he may struggle to do so at St James’ Park. ___________________________________________________________ Most looking forward to… Bojan Krkic Stoke City are not famed for the beautiful football but Mark Hughes has made a real signal of intent by signing Bojan from Barcelona. He has looked sharp in pre-season and will had a touch of class to solid team. He has the class to light up the Britannia Stadium and should have fans going potty over him, the home side looking to build on a good finish to last season.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 19:18:21 +0000
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