Premier League Season Preview

by Bodog Sports | Aug 13 2008

Premier League Title & Champions League Spots

Let’s get straight to the point. There are only four sides that can realistically win the Premier League title – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd.

Arsenal
It would seem that Arsenal’s decision to invest in the Emirates Stadium will continue to inhibit their title chances. Samir Nasri cost just shy of £16 million but they’ll need more than the former Marseille man to overhaul their rivals.

Arsene Wenger’s side played some beautiful football last season with Cesc Fabregas conducting affairs from midfield and if he has a stunning year the Gunners can go close... but no cigar.
Prediction: 4th

on Arsenal to win the Premier League

Chelsea
The arrival of Gene Hackman, sorry Felipe Scolari, at Stamford Bridge is sure to provide us with spades of fun and games. Big Phil has won the biggest competition of the lot with Brazil and will surely take Chelsea close with the summer additions of Jose Bosingwa and Deco, but his lack of Premiership savvy will just count against him.
Prediction: 3rd

on Chelsea to win the Premier League

Liverpool



The arrival of Robbie Keane at Anfield has evoked misty eyed memories of Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush on Merseyside. Could the Irishman’s partnership with Fernando Torres finally deliver a league title after a drought of 18 years?

The signs look promising. In a pre-season game against Lazio there was definitely something in the air as the pair came together for the first time. This could really be a year for a shock. If Rafa Benitez plays his best 11 every week the Scousers could be smiling next May.
Prediction: 1st

on Liverpool to win the Premier League

Man Utd
United are Bodog’s outright favourites and it’s hard to argue with that given their brilliance last term in scooping the Premier/Champions League double. If there is one chink of light for their challengers it could be United’s over reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo. What happens if he can’t score as many goals and play as well as last season?

The crocked Portuguese ace will likely miss United’s first half dozen games and when he does return it will be interesting to see what kind of reaction he receives from the Old Trafford mob after a summer of shenanigans between himself and Real Madrid.
Prediction: 2nd

on Man Utd to win the Premier League


UEFA Cup Spots

Aston Villa



Outside the big four we like the chances of Martin O'Neill’s improving Aston Villa. The Irishman has had a busy summer in the transfer market and latest signing Carlos Cuellar will beef up the defence significantly.

Nicky Shorey and Luke Young will provide further defensive reinforcement that will make Villa so tough to beat. Sixth last season - fifth is definitely on the cards.
Prediction: 5th

on Aston Villa to win without the top four

Everton
David Moyes has proved his doubters wrong and usually we’d say don’t bet against his side taking fifth spot. But it seems everyone’s moved on this summer except Everton. There are still no new faces at Goodison Park and with Andy Johnson having left there is a lot of pressure on Yakubu’s shoulders.

By the time you read this Moyes could well have strengthened his squad with the rumoured £20m+ burning a hole in his pocket. We’re thinking not, especially with the manager yet to sign a new contract – this could prove to be a disappointing season for the blue side of the Mersey.
Prediction: 8th

on Everton to win without the top four

Man City
A month or so ago Man City fans were jumping up and down about their prospects this season, what with the arrival of Mark Hughes as boss and the £19m acquisition of Brazilian striker Jo. However, the past couple of weeks have left a sour taste in the mouth. With a chairman in exile and facing FA probes, and rumours of Hughes making an early exit before the season even begins this could prove to be one of those shambolic football dramas last seen at Elland Road.
Prediction: 13th

on Man City to win without the top four

Portsmouth
Harry Redknapp is finally getting the credit he deserves. He’s worked wonders at Pompey the past few years, and by signing Peter Crouch he’s given himself the best chance yet of making the top six. Sulley Muntari’s sale to Inter is a bit of a blow, but Nike Krancjar should prove to be the key in midfield.

Despite a great squad the top six could prove one step too far, particularly if they put together a good run in the UEFA Cup.
Prediction: 7th

on Portsmouth to win without the top four

Tottenham Hotspur



The other north Londoners have spent bombs but have sold key man Robbie Keane, and that will prevent them from challenging the big four. A UEFA spot is well within reach though as Juande Ramos’ side do what Spurs are best at – entertaining. Fans will be drooling at the prospect of skill merchants Luka Modric and Gio Dos Santos taking heir place in the starting line up.

Sixth place and good runs in the FA and League Cups look the call.
Prediction: 6th

on Tottenham to win without the top four


Relegation Candidates

Bolton
If you look elsewhere many pundits are predicting the drop for Gary Megson’s Trotters. We don’t think so. It was a messy season last year, with Sammy Lee lasting just three months, and then top scorer Nicolas Anelka leaving in the January sales.

This season should be much steadier. Bolton have finally replaced Anelka with Swede hitman Johan Elmander up front, and the addition of ex-Arsenal youngster Fabrice Muamba could prove to be an astute piece of business. Megson may even win round some of his doubters.
Prediction: 15th

on Bolton to be relegated

Fulham
Roy Hodgson pulled off a near miracle by saving the Cottagers last season but it looks like being another long struggle for a club that has inexplicably forked out over £10m for crocked Andy Johnson from Everton. David Moyes is one of the best judges of a player in football and if he’s prepared to let Johnson go then you have to suspect he’s past his best.
Prediction: 18th

on Fulham to be relegated

Hull
Sadly for Tigers’ fans Hull are absolute certainties for relegation. The calibre of players brought in by boss Phil Brown has not been good enough and the writing will be on the wall by Christmas when they have failed to reach double figures in the points table. Enjoy your season in the sun lads.
Prediction: 20th

on Hull to be relegated

Middlesbrough
It’s make or break season for Gareth Southgate. When you see an average player like Luke Young being poached away, and star performer Stewart Downing being linked with table neighbours Sunderland the signs aren’t good.

Southgate’s hopes will rest on striker Afonso Alves. The Brazilian has now had eight months at the Riverside so it’s time he started paying back some of that hefty price tag. If he doesn’t, it could be curtains for the manager and possibly his side’s Premier League status.
Prediction: 16th

on Middlesbrough to be relegated

Stoke
Tony Pulis’ side has the advantage of going into this season with the least amount of press – there are basically no expectations on Stoke surviving. That’s why we think this will work in their favour.

Pulis has a big side – with the addition of Kitson up front - this could lead to some rather unattractive, but effective long ball football. It’s going to be a tough old season, and they jump up the table straight away, ala Reading/Wigan/West Ham, but we fancy a last day survival.
Prediction: 17th

on Stoke to be relegated

West Brom
Named West Brazil by sections of the Baggies support on account of the passing game deployed by Tony Mowbray. Those tactics might have worked against Championship sides but they won’t cut it against the big boys. Losing Kevin Phillips could prove to be a bigger blow than was first felt.
Prediction: 19th

on West Brom to be relegated