6. Who's going to win the Champions League at the Bernabeau?
Part of me wants to say Real Madrid. But I am feeling a little bit kind and might just tip Chelsea to tick that big old Champions League box this year. Ancellotti has done it before.
7. Who are the PFA going to dub 'Player of the Season'?
This year, I have really given it a lot of thought. Once I recovered from my headache I decided that this could be a defensive player's year. Joleon Lescott. You read it here first.
8. Who's going to be the PFA's 'Young Player of the Season'?
Young player of the year is a tough shout, but maybe we could see a great debut season from Rafael at United. With Ronaldo gone, Fergie could be looking for a lot more from his full backs going forward.
9. Which manager's going to have a season to remember?
That's going to be Owen Coyle. Being a Scot, you can't look beyond him piping up in a Fergie style.
10. Which manager's going to have a season to forget?
I hate to say it, but super Roy Hodgson might struggle to find that extra spark this season as he will be under a lot more pressure to deliver during this campaign.
11. Give us a random prediction?
Steve Coppell to get a job with a Premier League club.
Showing posts with label Season Predictions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Season Predictions. Show all posts
Friday, 7 August 2009
Thursday, 6 August 2009
James Hoxey's 2009/2010 Predictions: Part 1
1. Who's going to be in the top four, and in what order?
1. Man Utd
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal
This order I feel will be the one come the end of the season. Ferguson could single handedly enter the record books ahead of Liverpool for league titles and finally 'knock them off their f***ing pedestal'. Ronaldo might be gone, but they have strength and depth, and I can see Ferguson playing a narrower formation this season, using the skill and power of the team through the middle channels.
Chelsea are certainly going to look at proving they can still be a force, and it's a good thing they've hired Ancellotti as he is a specialist in managing cultured, seasoned players. With key figures at the club aging, Lampard and Drogba are in their 30s now, maybe the Italian will get a couple more Big Four standard years from this squad.
Liverpool seem to be taking a huge step backwards in selling Alonso and ultimately, Gerrard will have to drop deep to compensate for this, meaning Liverpool will lose a big lump of their attacking force.
Arsenal will probably hang in there, with Wenger proving you can just about stay in the Big Four with kids...
2. Who's going down?
18. Hull
19. Birmingham
20. Stoke
Hull haven't strengthened enough, and, considering their dependence on Premier League veterans such as the heroic Nicky Barmby, it will be only be a matter of time before they lose their legs in the last 10 minutes of games and leak goals.
Birmingham have strengthened, but they seem to lack that special player which many promotion sides bring in to provide those moments of class in a game, like Geovanni offered Hull when they were finding their Premier League 'legs'.
Stoke will be on their way with a severe case of 'Readingitis'; when you combine a great debut season and no strengthening, the only way is down. You can't rest staying up on Delap-mans shoulders.
3. Which team is going to show the biggest improvement?
It has got to be Manchester City. If they keep all of these new players fit, they should be able to improve on last seasons performance you would hope.
4. Who's going to bang in the most goals?
This season will be Fernando Torres' year, he is looking to be the only out and out goal scorer Liverpool play this year, and he's certainly potent enough in front of goal.
5. Who's going to win the FA Cup?
Liverpool. Rafa needs to grab some sort of Silverware this season, I fancy him to make sure Liverpool are at Wembley this year.
1. Man Utd
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal
This order I feel will be the one come the end of the season. Ferguson could single handedly enter the record books ahead of Liverpool for league titles and finally 'knock them off their f***ing pedestal'. Ronaldo might be gone, but they have strength and depth, and I can see Ferguson playing a narrower formation this season, using the skill and power of the team through the middle channels.
Chelsea are certainly going to look at proving they can still be a force, and it's a good thing they've hired Ancellotti as he is a specialist in managing cultured, seasoned players. With key figures at the club aging, Lampard and Drogba are in their 30s now, maybe the Italian will get a couple more Big Four standard years from this squad.
Liverpool seem to be taking a huge step backwards in selling Alonso and ultimately, Gerrard will have to drop deep to compensate for this, meaning Liverpool will lose a big lump of their attacking force.
Arsenal will probably hang in there, with Wenger proving you can just about stay in the Big Four with kids...
2. Who's going down?
18. Hull
19. Birmingham
20. Stoke
Hull haven't strengthened enough, and, considering their dependence on Premier League veterans such as the heroic Nicky Barmby, it will be only be a matter of time before they lose their legs in the last 10 minutes of games and leak goals.
Birmingham have strengthened, but they seem to lack that special player which many promotion sides bring in to provide those moments of class in a game, like Geovanni offered Hull when they were finding their Premier League 'legs'.
Stoke will be on their way with a severe case of 'Readingitis'; when you combine a great debut season and no strengthening, the only way is down. You can't rest staying up on Delap-mans shoulders.
3. Which team is going to show the biggest improvement?
It has got to be Manchester City. If they keep all of these new players fit, they should be able to improve on last seasons performance you would hope.
4. Who's going to bang in the most goals?
This season will be Fernando Torres' year, he is looking to be the only out and out goal scorer Liverpool play this year, and he's certainly potent enough in front of goal.
5. Who's going to win the FA Cup?
Liverpool. Rafa needs to grab some sort of Silverware this season, I fancy him to make sure Liverpool are at Wembley this year.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Dale McCarthy's 2009/2010 Predictions: Part 2
6. Who's going to win the Champions League at the Bernabeau?
Going to plump for Chelsea. The are well overdue, Lampard and co. get so close every year and they have to win it soon.
7. Who are the PFA going to dub 'Player of the Season'?
Andrei Arshavin was outstanding for Arsenal when he came into a faltering team last season. Arsenal’s Russian playmaker can be devastating and he’s carried last season’s form into pre-season. The Gunners won 50% of games without him last year compared to 67% when he’s in the team, and their points per game increases from 1.79 to 2.42, quite staggering. His starring role at Anfield was one of the greatest performances in Premier League history and he’s only played in 16 league games.
8. Who's going to be the PFA's 'Young Player of the Season'?
If Jack Wilshire gets enough playing time, he's in with a shout of scooping all of individual awards for youngsters, and he could even head to the world cup (he is that good). But Wenger may be cautious in his developmentm which will may see his first team chances limited this term. If this is the case, Lee Cattermole might be a candidate. If he continues to improve, he’ll be undervalued at 10million by Wigan. Personal problems and night clubbing aside, this player could be very special.
9. Which manager's going to have a season to remember?
Anchelotti will make this one to remember by giving Chelsea their first title since 2006.
10. Which manager's going to have a season to forget?
Phil Brown will not be singing at the KC come May -- I’ll be surprised if he makes it to Christmas.
11. Give us a random prediction?
Aston Villa may struggle to finish in the top ten this term. The top four will be occupied by the Big Four. Man City and Spurs will improve on last season. Everton are always there. As I’ve explained, I think Sunderland will climb the table, only leaving two places in the top ten. The loss of Barry will hurt them and Martin No’deals inactivity in the transfer market makes Arsene Wenger look like Florentino Perez.
Going to plump for Chelsea. The are well overdue, Lampard and co. get so close every year and they have to win it soon.
7. Who are the PFA going to dub 'Player of the Season'?
Andrei Arshavin was outstanding for Arsenal when he came into a faltering team last season. Arsenal’s Russian playmaker can be devastating and he’s carried last season’s form into pre-season. The Gunners won 50% of games without him last year compared to 67% when he’s in the team, and their points per game increases from 1.79 to 2.42, quite staggering. His starring role at Anfield was one of the greatest performances in Premier League history and he’s only played in 16 league games.
8. Who's going to be the PFA's 'Young Player of the Season'?
If Jack Wilshire gets enough playing time, he's in with a shout of scooping all of individual awards for youngsters, and he could even head to the world cup (he is that good). But Wenger may be cautious in his developmentm which will may see his first team chances limited this term. If this is the case, Lee Cattermole might be a candidate. If he continues to improve, he’ll be undervalued at 10million by Wigan. Personal problems and night clubbing aside, this player could be very special.
9. Which manager's going to have a season to remember?
Anchelotti will make this one to remember by giving Chelsea their first title since 2006.
10. Which manager's going to have a season to forget?
Phil Brown will not be singing at the KC come May -- I’ll be surprised if he makes it to Christmas.
11. Give us a random prediction?
Aston Villa may struggle to finish in the top ten this term. The top four will be occupied by the Big Four. Man City and Spurs will improve on last season. Everton are always there. As I’ve explained, I think Sunderland will climb the table, only leaving two places in the top ten. The loss of Barry will hurt them and Martin No’deals inactivity in the transfer market makes Arsene Wenger look like Florentino Perez.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Dale McCarthy's 2009/2010 Predictions: Part 1
1. Who's going to be in the top four, and in what order?
1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Arsenal
4. Liverpool
As I have written in the ‘Do Chelsea stick or twist this summer?’ article, I feel that Chelsea are nailed on to win the title this season. They have quality from back to front, and strong cover in every position. They are also the only side in the top four who haven’t lost key players (assuming that Xabi Alonso departs for Madrid). Ronaldo is a huge loss for Manchester United, and although a fit Michael Owen will score 20+ goals, Ronaldo's presence will be sorely missed. The laughable suggestion that City are going to displace Arsenal needs to be addressed. Yes, City have signed lots of players, and no, Arsenal haven’t, but Arsenal are still stronger at the back, in midfield and in attack. In Cesc Fabregas and Andrei Arshavin Arsenal have two of the leagues outstanding players. Do City have any outstanding players aside from Shay Given? No. Toure was sold because he would have been third choice centre back and Adebayor’s disruptive influence has been replaced by ‘new signing’ Eduardo’s professionalism and undoubted talent. With better full backs, better centre backs, better attacking midfielders and better strikers, Arsenal are only weaker in defensive midfield positions. Arsenal and Man City -- no contest. Can City finish above Arsenal with a team that needs to gel and personalities like Robinho, Bellamy and Adebayor? Not this year. As for Liverpool, their incredible run at the end will be affected by the loss of Alonso, and their lack of attacking depth options means a loss of Gerrard or Torres could see them struggle, but I still see them miles ahead of City.
2. Who's going down?
18. Birmingham
19. Burnley
20. Hull
I see four teams in there this season: Birmingham, Hull, Burnley, and Wolves. I really can’t see any of the other sixteen being dragged in. Of the four, I think Wolves will stay up. They are doing what a lot of successful promoted teams have done in recent seasons and allowing the team that got them promoted the chance to play in the Premier League whilst bringing in new faces with proven Premier League quality such as Kevin Doyle. Birmingham have made lots of changes and whilst I rate McLeish highly, they have’t learnt from teams such as Derby and I see them going straight back down. Burnley will fancy their chances in the top flight after seeing off Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham in the Carling Cup before demolishing Spurs during normal time in their semi-final second leg. Even with those scalps they weren’t facing full strength Arsenal and Chelsea teams. As a team that like to get the ball down and play, Coyle’s men will probably suffer the same fate as West Brom. If Burnley go to Anfield or Old Trafford and try to play that way, they will be torn apart. Hull may have defied the odds to stay up last year but their form at the back end of the season was Derby-esque. Their only win in their last 21 games was a 1-0 win at Fulham where they were battered for 90 mins before Manucho scored at the death. Even with Bullard returning, I see them finishing rock bottom.
3. Which team is going to show the biggest improvement?
With Steve Bruce at the helm the managerial uncertainty at the black cats has cleared, in Bruce they have one of the finest English managers currently plying their trade in any league. Lorik Cana is a fantastic signing, the Albanian was outstanding against Gerrard in Stade Veledrome last September in the Champions League. If Sunderland manage to get Darren Bent, who scored as many Premier league goals as Wayne Rooney and more than Robin Van Persie, they will have a young striker of true Premier League pedigree who will be playing for a chance to get on Capello’s plane to South Africa. I see them challenging for the Europa spots this year, a vast improvement on last seasons 16th.
4. Who's going to bang in the most goals?
Fernando Torres will defiantly win it if he remains fit. He will score the lion's share of Liverpool’s goals as everything in the attacking third will go through him. Expect Owen to challenge him if he can stay fit, but that is doubtful. Van Persie is an outside bet because he has Eduardo, Roisicky, Arshavin, Fabregas, Walcott and Nasri playing behind him. If he can convert the sixteen shots of his that hit the woodwork last year into goals, he’ll be up there.
5. Who's going to win the FA Cup?
Anyone can win the FA Cup.
1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Arsenal
4. Liverpool
As I have written in the ‘Do Chelsea stick or twist this summer?’ article, I feel that Chelsea are nailed on to win the title this season. They have quality from back to front, and strong cover in every position. They are also the only side in the top four who haven’t lost key players (assuming that Xabi Alonso departs for Madrid). Ronaldo is a huge loss for Manchester United, and although a fit Michael Owen will score 20+ goals, Ronaldo's presence will be sorely missed. The laughable suggestion that City are going to displace Arsenal needs to be addressed. Yes, City have signed lots of players, and no, Arsenal haven’t, but Arsenal are still stronger at the back, in midfield and in attack. In Cesc Fabregas and Andrei Arshavin Arsenal have two of the leagues outstanding players. Do City have any outstanding players aside from Shay Given? No. Toure was sold because he would have been third choice centre back and Adebayor’s disruptive influence has been replaced by ‘new signing’ Eduardo’s professionalism and undoubted talent. With better full backs, better centre backs, better attacking midfielders and better strikers, Arsenal are only weaker in defensive midfield positions. Arsenal and Man City -- no contest. Can City finish above Arsenal with a team that needs to gel and personalities like Robinho, Bellamy and Adebayor? Not this year. As for Liverpool, their incredible run at the end will be affected by the loss of Alonso, and their lack of attacking depth options means a loss of Gerrard or Torres could see them struggle, but I still see them miles ahead of City.
2. Who's going down?
18. Birmingham
19. Burnley
20. Hull
I see four teams in there this season: Birmingham, Hull, Burnley, and Wolves. I really can’t see any of the other sixteen being dragged in. Of the four, I think Wolves will stay up. They are doing what a lot of successful promoted teams have done in recent seasons and allowing the team that got them promoted the chance to play in the Premier League whilst bringing in new faces with proven Premier League quality such as Kevin Doyle. Birmingham have made lots of changes and whilst I rate McLeish highly, they have’t learnt from teams such as Derby and I see them going straight back down. Burnley will fancy their chances in the top flight after seeing off Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham in the Carling Cup before demolishing Spurs during normal time in their semi-final second leg. Even with those scalps they weren’t facing full strength Arsenal and Chelsea teams. As a team that like to get the ball down and play, Coyle’s men will probably suffer the same fate as West Brom. If Burnley go to Anfield or Old Trafford and try to play that way, they will be torn apart. Hull may have defied the odds to stay up last year but their form at the back end of the season was Derby-esque. Their only win in their last 21 games was a 1-0 win at Fulham where they were battered for 90 mins before Manucho scored at the death. Even with Bullard returning, I see them finishing rock bottom.
3. Which team is going to show the biggest improvement?
With Steve Bruce at the helm the managerial uncertainty at the black cats has cleared, in Bruce they have one of the finest English managers currently plying their trade in any league. Lorik Cana is a fantastic signing, the Albanian was outstanding against Gerrard in Stade Veledrome last September in the Champions League. If Sunderland manage to get Darren Bent, who scored as many Premier league goals as Wayne Rooney and more than Robin Van Persie, they will have a young striker of true Premier League pedigree who will be playing for a chance to get on Capello’s plane to South Africa. I see them challenging for the Europa spots this year, a vast improvement on last seasons 16th.
4. Who's going to bang in the most goals?
Fernando Torres will defiantly win it if he remains fit. He will score the lion's share of Liverpool’s goals as everything in the attacking third will go through him. Expect Owen to challenge him if he can stay fit, but that is doubtful. Van Persie is an outside bet because he has Eduardo, Roisicky, Arshavin, Fabregas, Walcott and Nasri playing behind him. If he can convert the sixteen shots of his that hit the woodwork last year into goals, he’ll be up there.
5. Who's going to win the FA Cup?
Anyone can win the FA Cup.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Josh Hortin's 2009/2010 Predictions: Part 1
1. Who's going to be in the top four, and in what order?
1. Man Utd
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Man City
Man Utd will win it again as Fergie is still as passionate as ever and will want to be the manager of the first team to win four in row. Rooney, Berbatov (now fully settled) and Owen will compensate for the goals that Tevez and Ronaldo scored last campaign. Chelsea will finish second, they were nearly there last year, and did this in spite of the comotion surrounding Big Phil and a sometimes unruly squad. Plus, they were missing Essien. Ancelotti's arrival should provide the stability for them to grab this position. Liverpool for third as I think they have enough quality, even if we assume that they will lose Alonso. As always, it all depends on the fitness of Gerrard and Torres. Man City for fourth. Arsenal are handing it over to them by not strengthening. But, it will be a few more seasons until they are challenging the top three.
2. Who's going down?
18. Birmingham
19. Burnley
20. Hull
Birmingham have strengthened considerably, but I just don't think they will cut it. Burnley have some very very talented youngsters, but again, when it gets to the last ten minutes, will they have the bottle to get a result? Hull, for the simple fact that no one wants to join them as their relegation this year seems to be a forgone conclusion. They desperately lack power up front.
3. Which team is going to show the biggest improvement?
Last season, Man City finished tenth. I think they will do a tad better this season.
4. Who's going to bang in the most goals?
I honestly can't choose. Rooney, given the opportunity to play centrally, will score more frequently. Torres, who continues to get sharper every year. Drogba, because his efforts in pre-season have shown that the old lethal Drogba is back. Owen (there is always a dark horse) has looked sharp in pre-season, and now he's actually at a club he wants to play for, the injuries may just mysteriously disappear. I'm staying on the fence.
5. Who's going to win the FA Cup?
I think a top team will win it this year. I'm going for United, as it's been an oddly long time since this trophy resided at Old Trafford.
1. Man Utd
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Man City
Man Utd will win it again as Fergie is still as passionate as ever and will want to be the manager of the first team to win four in row. Rooney, Berbatov (now fully settled) and Owen will compensate for the goals that Tevez and Ronaldo scored last campaign. Chelsea will finish second, they were nearly there last year, and did this in spite of the comotion surrounding Big Phil and a sometimes unruly squad. Plus, they were missing Essien. Ancelotti's arrival should provide the stability for them to grab this position. Liverpool for third as I think they have enough quality, even if we assume that they will lose Alonso. As always, it all depends on the fitness of Gerrard and Torres. Man City for fourth. Arsenal are handing it over to them by not strengthening. But, it will be a few more seasons until they are challenging the top three.
2. Who's going down?
18. Birmingham
19. Burnley
20. Hull
Birmingham have strengthened considerably, but I just don't think they will cut it. Burnley have some very very talented youngsters, but again, when it gets to the last ten minutes, will they have the bottle to get a result? Hull, for the simple fact that no one wants to join them as their relegation this year seems to be a forgone conclusion. They desperately lack power up front.
3. Which team is going to show the biggest improvement?
Last season, Man City finished tenth. I think they will do a tad better this season.
4. Who's going to bang in the most goals?
I honestly can't choose. Rooney, given the opportunity to play centrally, will score more frequently. Torres, who continues to get sharper every year. Drogba, because his efforts in pre-season have shown that the old lethal Drogba is back. Owen (there is always a dark horse) has looked sharp in pre-season, and now he's actually at a club he wants to play for, the injuries may just mysteriously disappear. I'm staying on the fence.
5. Who's going to win the FA Cup?
I think a top team will win it this year. I'm going for United, as it's been an oddly long time since this trophy resided at Old Trafford.
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