The new season’s just days away, get yourself into gear with a closer look at how we see things panning out in 2013/14.
With now only a week to go before the start of the Premier League season, the long wait for football is almost over. Clubs and staff alike will be trying to tie down late transfers to give themselves the best chance for success, whether that is winning the league, continental qualification, or Premier League survival. Here is my club-by-club season preview.
Arsenal. Last Season’s Finish: 4th. Expectations: Top 4. Predicted Finish: 4th.
The Gunners have been surprisingly quiet during the transfer window thus far, not really utilising this £80million warchest Arsene Wenger has been given this summer, having only brought in highly-rated French youngster Yaya Sanogo in on a free transfer. That’s not to say they have been unlucky, missing out on key transfer targets Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic to those willing to pay more, and they are locked in negotiations for Luis Suarez. That’s what they are lacking for them to take the next step, a world class forward.
Options are pretty thin right now in the market, they’ll have to pay big money to bring Suarez in, in excess of £50million, the question is, will Wenger pay it? They now have the supporting cast in place to be successful in the league, but lack the 25 goal a season striker. They have managed to ship out a lot of ‘deadwood’ players, with Marouane Chamakh, Gervinho, Denilson, Sebastien Squillaci and Andre Santos all off the clubs books, with a couple more players expected to follow suit.
Key Player: Santi Cazorla. Hopefully he doesn’t suffer from a second season syndrome like many foreign players, he needs to continue working away in midfield playing the creative role and support the likes of Giroud, Walcott and Podolski up top, and maybe chip in with 6-8 goals this season. He is the lynchpin to their success going forward, his consistency is key.
Aston Villa. Last Season’s Finish: 15th. Expectations: Avoid Relegation. Predicted Finish: 13th
Manager Paul Lambert heavily relied on his young guns to steer Villa away from the drop, and was successful doing so, and now, with a years’ experience under their belt, many expect them to build on the foundations in place and have a successful season. I think retaining Christian Benteke was a must this summer, and it appears as if they have done as much. Their defensive unit was poor last year, and needed improving, and they have done so, bringing in Antonio Luna from Sevilla and highly-rated Danish defender Jores Okore should help add depth and strengthen the back line, where we hope to see further development of Nathan Baker and Matt Lowton.
The Villains will be a much improved side this season, safely avoiding the drop for me. They could do with adding some experience and creativity in midfield during the remainder of the window, the likes of Mathieu Flamini have been linked with a move, and bringing experience in would only be beneficial to their young stars as they embark on another tough season.
Key Player: Christian Benteke. He is their attack essentially. With Darren Bent being shown the exit door, it all really lies upon his shoulders to score the vital goals this season. He has the talent to do so, to be a 20 goal a season striker, it’s whether they can give him the service to perform at the same level he did last season.
Cardiff City. Last Season’s Finish: Promoted. Expectations: Avoid Relegation. Predicted Finish: 18th.
Malky Mackay has done well identifying where they needed to strengthen coming into the Premier League. Survival in this league is really dependant on two things: home form and defensive record. Bringing in Steven Caulker from Tottenham for a club record fee is helping them build the foundations at the back to be successful, defensively. He is a marked improvement on those they had in the Championship, and also John Brayford brought in from Derby will be a key addition at the back. You need to be able to score goals in the Premier League, and they have talented forwards Frazier Campbell and Nicky Maynard at the club already, but signing Andreas Cornellius from Copenhagen is great business, the highly-rated youngster was one of hottest properties in Europe.
Gary Medel who signed earlier this week was a smart addition for the club, adding depth to the midfield, which gives them a fighting chance. I feel Cardiff are just shy of survival however, I question the strength of the midfield, even with Medel in the mix, will it be able to compete with other clubs battling near the bottom, I’m not sure. I think they’ll have the best chance of the promoted sides, but the need to bring in midfield reinforcements.
Key Player: A mix of Peter Whittingham and Craig Bellamy will be vital this season for the Blue Birds. Both are very creative, and Whittingham’s set pieces will be essential for Cardiff to score goals. Bellamy is a terror for back lines, his pace and trickery is still there, and his personality will irritate the opposition, which is seen as a good thing.
Chelsea. Last Season’s Finish: 3rd. Expectations: Win the League. Predicted Finish: 1st
Right now, I deem Chelsea the best team and the best squad in the Premier League. The Blues now have Jose Mourinho back at the helm, which is a massive boost and he will have this team organised and ready from Day 1. They haven’t been too active in the transfer window, but then again, they have a very big squad of players. Andre Schurrle brought in from Leverkusen is a welcome addition on the left side and also gives them forward depth, and Marco van Ginkel is a very talented youngster who will get some game time.
Fernando Torres and Demba Ba are questionable attacking options, and neither appears to be in their best form at the club, Mourinho could look to bringing in another striker into the mix. Wayne Rooney could be the guy who tips them over the edge for sure this season. The midfield trio of Juan Mata , Oscar and Eden Hazard are so talented, the best midfield in the Premier League, they should excel with Mourinho there and give every defence problems.
Key Player: Romelu Lukaku could be the main man at Chelsea now. Impressing on loan at West Brom last season, he is their best option. A nightmare for centre backs league-wide, he has the power, the aerial ability and composure in front of goal to score 20 goals a season for the Blues. Juan Mata will also have another wonderful season, my tip for Player of the Season.
Crystal Palace. Last Season’s Finish: Promoted. Expectations: Avoid Relegation. Predicted Finish: 20th.
As much as I love manager Ian Holloway, I just don’t think this squad has the quality to stay up this season, especially with how tough it is down at the bottom. The failure to recapture Wilfried Zaha on loan from Manchester United will take its toll on their attacking output this season, and their failure to replace him worries me even more. The have signed Dwight Gayle from Peterborough this summer also, a player who was playing non-league football two seasons ago, for £8million. That’s a lot of money to pay for an unproven forward.
Although he impressed at Peterborough before signing, I question whether this move will work out, and his failure to produce at the highest level could be their downfall. Defensively, I question `them. Holloway’s philosophy is to outscore your opponents, no matter how many you concede. We saw what happened to Blackpool last time he was in the league, they were relegated. The emphasis on attacking leaves them wide open at the back and they will be exploited.
Key Player: Yannick Bolasie will be pressured this summer to replace the creative influence lost when Zaha joined United. The tricky winger has his moments but lacks real consistency, which must change this season. The service to Gayle, Glenn Murray and Marouane Chamakh this summer must be spot on if they have any chance of survival.
Everton. Last Season’s Finish: 6th. Expectations: Top 6. Predicted Finish: 8th.
Everton under David Moyes were the very definition of consistency, but now with him gone and Roberto Martinez leading Everton onwards and hopefully upwards, I have my doubts about whether they will be as good. Not losing much in terms of personnel this summer, they have brought in a few players, notably former Wigan players, to add to the lacking depth in the squad. Arouna Kone was a smart addition from relegated Wigan. The Ivorian chipped in with vital goals for the Latics last season, and will help push Nikica Jelavic to find his previous form.
The loan signing of Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona is one I can’t wait to see how it develops. One of the most talented players to come out of the La Masia academy in recent memory, he will get his first chance of regular football at a high level. The tricky winger, who can play either side, is expect to feature regularly for the Toffees this season, and he could be a revelation for the club.
Key Player: The club holding onto both Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines is vital to their success. Baines’ deliveries from set plays on down the left were key to their success was their man creative influence last season. Fellaini’s goals an presence in midfield will pressure the opposition, and he too will chip in with key goals.
Fulham. Last Season’s Finish: 12th. Expectations: Top 10. Prediced Finish: 16th.
I’m not that keen on Fulham having a successful season this year, I think they’ll be in the relegation scrap at the business end of the season. Even though they moved swiftly to bring in fresh faces at Craven Cottage this summer, with the likes of Fernando Amorebieta, Derek Boateng and Maarten Stekelenberg all joining the club this summer, Fulham still have an ageing squad which may not be able to keep up with the fast pace of the Premier League this season. They are a club that only need a couple more additions to steer themselves clear of relegation, but lacking forward options this season could be costly.
Dimitar Berbatov is the only real threat going forward for Fulham, Hugo Rodallega and Brian Ruiz need to start chipping in with some goals to take the pressure off of Berbatov. Adel Taarabt joining on loan provides some much needed creativity in midfield, which will help their fight against the drop.
Key Player: Dimitar Berbatov needs to show up again this season and be the bell-cow forward the desperately need. A minimum of 15 goals out of him will surely be enough for them to avoid the drop if the supporting cast pitch in also with key goals. Unfortunately, their lack of firepower and failure to truly address the issue in the summer may cost Martin Jol his job come this time next year.
Hull City. Last Season’s Finish: Promoted. Expectations: Avoid Relegation. Predicted Finish: 19th.
Steve Bruce guided Hull to promotion last season, building a successful team based on a solid defensive structure and scoring enough goals to get by. The Tigers will be resolute at the back in the Premier League, keeping their fair share of clean sheets and will be strong, but again like many of those teams at the bottom, lack that true forward who they can rely upon.
Scoring the least amount of goals in the top half of the Championship last season, winning 18 of their games by a one goal margin, doesn’t bode well for them. Danny Graham gives them a fighting chance, successful record at Swansea but has failed to impress at Sunderland, and new signing Yannick Sagbo is an unknown quantity. Sagbo has been linked with a move to the Premier League before with West Ham and Newcastle, but both turned him down because they found better options. Will these two players be the key to their survival? I’m not banking on it.
Key Player: Sone Aluko and Ahmed Elmohamady need to provide top drawer service to Sagbo and Graham all season long if they wish to stay in the Premier League. Defensively they are ok, its scoring the necessary goals to stay up which is the key for the Tigers.
Liverpool: Last Season’s Finish: 7th. Expectations: Top 6. Predicted Finish: 7th.
I am a believer in what Brendan Rodgers is doing at Liverpool. He is building a competitive squad and attempting to rectify the mess he unfortunately took control of. Bringing in Phillipe Coutinho in January has proved to be a masterstroke by Rodgers as the young Brazilian has impressed at Anfield. With Luis Suarez expected to leave the club this summer, it’s down to Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini, two very injury prone forwards, to make up for the lost production, and new signings Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto need to contribute in their first season at the club.
Adding depth has been the name of the game for the Reds this summer, Kolo Toure signed on a free transfer will replace Carragher at the club, but still looking for that extra defender, with Aly Cissokho heavily linked with a move. If they let go of Suarez, he too will need to be replaced if they have an hope of European qualification this summer.
Key Player: Phillipe Coutinho needs to be able to regularly produce chances for the forwards at the club. Playing in between the lines will give him space to work with, but Daniel Sturridge also needs to have a big season if he wishes to secure a regular place in the Liverpool and England set-ups.
Manchester City. Last Season’s Finish: 2nd. Expectations: Win the League. Predicted Finish: 2nd.
New manager Manuel Pellegrini needs instant success having replaced Roberto Mancini at the club. Having spent nigh on £100million already this summer, expectations are that City will win the Premier League and make it through the group stage in the Champions League, something they are yet to accomplish. Replacing Carlos Tevez with Stevan Jovetic will be seen as a good move, Jovetic’s versatility along the forward line will suit how City play, and Jesus Navas will add some much needed creativity into midfield.
David Silva looked worn out and tired at times last season, Navas’ involvement would help keep him fresh and raring to go. Fernandinho will partner Yaya Toure in the deep midfield roles, giving them two big, rugged midfielders who can break away from deep and make surging runs. City need to resolve their defensive issues, whether it’s a back three or back four, they need to sort out the right combination which gives them the best chance of success.
Key Player: Sergio Aguero needs to have a bounce-back season this year for Manchester City. An injury-plagued second season in England proved costly for City in their title challenge, and his fitness and goals will make them contenders once more. The need to be more creative in midfield, looking flaccid at times last season, Silva and Navas need to produce regular chances for the forwards.
Manchester United. Last Season’s Finish: 1st. Expectations: Win the League. Predicted Finish: 3rd.
New manager David Moyes has failed thus far to bring in anyone of note into his squad this summer, and the lack of new faces at the club will cost them the title. Their main challengers for their crown: Manchester City and Chelsea have both improved their squad with the necessary quality, especially in the midfield areas, so they can dominate United. When you look at their squad, United’s midfield lacks depth, quality and consistency. Besides Michael Carrack, you probably couldn’t name a regular starter in midfield.
They lack creativity, and missing out on former targets Lucas Moura and Eden Hazard in recent years has cost them now. They have the defensive structure and attacking firepower to compete with City and Chelsea, they now need to shell out money on a world class midfielder, someone who can create chances on regular basis, like a David Silva or Juan Mata, and if they can find one they will be up there challenging.
Key Player: Consecutive Golden Boot winner Robin van Persie will be the focal point of the United attack once more. Bagging a brace in the Community Shield was a great way to start the season and he needs to continue his form and push towards the 30-goal mark for United, especially if Wayne Rooney leaves this summer.
Newcastle United. Last Season’s Finish: 16th. Expectations: Top 10. Predicted Finish: 9th.
Their main objective this summer was to find a replacement for Demba Ba who left the club in January, and they have done so by signing Loic Remy on loan from QPR with a view to buy next summer. Remy will be a nice complement to Papiss Cisse who failed to regularly deliver last season. The Toon are not a bad side, they were burdened last season by a lack of squad depth and regular European competition, resulting in an increased fixture list and an extraordinary amount on injuries.
They brought in several players in January to add depth, and the influx of players into the first team brought no fluidity too their play, but now with a full pre-season together they should’ve gelled well together, not to mention they still have quality players such as Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa in midfield. I expect a bounce back season for Newcastle and a Top 10 finish is not out of reach.
Key Player: Hatem Ben Arfa will not only need to stay fit and healthy all season long which is a rarity, but produce consistently. We say moments of brilliance like the goal against Aston Villa, we need more of this, he has so much talent, he needs to just display it on a regular basis.
Norwich City. Last Season’s Finish: 11th. Expectations: Mid-Table. Predicted Finish: 11th
Chris Hughton has realised what he needed to do for Norwich to excel this season and it was to bring in some quality into his side, and he has done this early in the window. Talented forwards Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper give them a great tandem going forward who should score more than enough goals this season. Signing Javier Garrido permanently is an underrated move, arguably the Canaries’ best defender last season and strengthening the midfield with Leroy Fer gives them a powerhouse in the middle to break up play and get the attacks starter, like a Yaya Toure-esque role.
Nathan Redmond has been brought in to play opposite Robert Snodgrass, and Hughton has built a really talented and young squad. Norwich are in that grouping with Newcastle, West Ham and Southampton this season, just below the Top 8 but have potential to be better, the foundations are in place for a great season.
Key Player: Gary Hooper. All the talk has been about van Wolfswinkel this summer, but Gary Hooper will be the key man, his clinical nature in front of goal will be vital for Norwich this season, and with a solid season under his belt he could be pushing for an England call up in the future.
Southampton. Last Season’s Finish: 14th. Expectations: Mid-Table. Predicted Finish: 12th.
Mauricio Pochettino gets his first full season in charge of Southampton and has the chance to bring his own players in to strengthen the side, and that’s what he has done. Releasing some of the deadwood players from the squad has freed up wages for new signing Victor Wanyama and Dejan Lovren. Both players are defensive minded, strengthening their main weakness. Lovren brings some stability back to the defence and will go up against the league’s top marksmen and hold his own, and Wanyama, who can also play at the back, is a defensive midfielder who will break up the play and intercept the ball from the opposition, and is always a threat from set pieces.
Really pushing to bring in an extra forward to join Ricky Lambert, fresh off his maiden England call-up, and Jay Rodriguez, who hopes to continue his late season form. Players such as Pablo Osvaldo and Leandro Damiao have been linked with the club, and it’s pretty evident that Pochettino wants to bring in that top drawer forward to take them to the next level.
Key Player: We failed to see the best of Gaston Ramirez last season since his arrival from Bologna. He needs to prove why he was worth all that money in the first place. The attacking midfielder needs to be more creative and produce on a regular basis; we saw flashes of real quality last season, now it’s time to produce.
Stoke City. Last Season’s Finish: 13th. Expectations: Mid-Table. Predicted Finish: 17th.
Stoke are at real risk of relegation this summer, I feel they have failed to bring in the necessary quality to keep them safe this season. Losing manager Tony Pulis has been understated in my opinion, deciding now was the time to take a break from management, his leadership and organisational skills will be a key loss. I think we could see a similar fall from grace for Stoke that Charlton endured when Alan Curbishley left the club. Mark Hughes has come in and hasn’t really been active in the transfer window, but bringing in Erik Pieters from PSV will improve the questionable left back position at the club, apart from his arrival they have been dormant.
They have lost a number of squad players this summer who played key roles in the side, the likes of Dean Whitehead and Rory Delap have left the club with no replacements brought in. They have a thinning squad lacking real quality in any position; I think it will be a tough season.
Key Player: Charlie Adam needs to run the midfield and spread the ball around and really instigate their play going forward. His set pieces need to be spot on for the likes of Peter Crouch and Robert Huth to capitalise from; I don’t see Stoke threatening from open play much this season.
Sunderland. Last Season’s Finish: 17th. Expectations: Mid-Table. Predicted Finish: 14th.
Paolo Di Canio has been quietly going about his business this summer making some smart additions to his squad. Signing highly-rated forward Jozy Altidore from AZ Alkmaar this summer was a brilliant acquisition, his partnership with Steven Fletcher will be key this season, possibly the strongest striking duo in the bottom-half. Sunderland were shaky at the back, so bringing in Lazio defender Modibo Diakite on a free transfer, snatching him away from the likes of Inter Milan was a must needed addition.
They also lacked creativity at times, so Emanuele Giaccherini coming in from Juventus should rectify this going forward. They have balanced exits with arrivals this summer and have really strengthened in all phases of the game; the Black Cats will have a good season, and a good platform to build from next summer to break into the Top 10.
Key Player: Sunderland are very much a form team, so they need to get off to a solid start, Jozy Altidore needs to score a few early goals to settle the nerves so he can get into his stride and be a regular contributor in front of goal.
Swansea City. Last Season’s Finish: 9th. Expectations: Top 8. Predicted Finish: 6th.
Michael Laudrup is really building a strong Swansea squad fit for European competition. Winning the Capital One Cup last season and a respectable 9th place finish is a brilliant start to his managerial career in England. With no notable exits from the club, they have done well thus far to retain their prized assets Michu and co. Being very active in the transfer market they have done their business early and added depth to all area of the squad, including who I think will win signing of the summer.
Wilfried Bony took the Eredivisie by storm these past couple of seasons, scoring 31 times last year in particular, and only costing the club £12million for a top quality forward will be a bargain. Michu can play in a slightly deeper role which he prefers, and Bony will be the main marksman. Jonjo Shelvey impressed against Malmo in their first competitive game of the season, and will provide the creativity in the middle and chip in with key goals. Continuing to develop their Spanish contingent at the club, Jose Canas, Jordi Amat and Alex Pozuelo have all joined for small fee’s this summer. Laudrup is taking advantage of the cheap quality available in Spain. Arguably the most balanced side in the Premier League, they will take the league by storm and have a terrific chance of finishing in the Top 6.
Key Player: The combination of Michu and Bony up front will be vital for the clubs success. They showed against Malmo they can play with each other effectively, scoring 3 goals between them, they will look to score at least 30 goals between them, and should fire them into European contention.
Tottenham Hotspur. Last Season’s Finish: 5th. Expectations: Top 4. Predicted Finish: 5th.
Spurs have missed out on the Champions League for the past few seasons now and I expect this trend to continue. No one can really pinpoint where they are going wrong, they just lack the consistency in the latter half of the season. They have done their best to bring in real quality this summer, Paulinho will strengthen the deeper midfield areas and play alongside Sandro, and Nacer Chadli provides great depth for Gareth Bale assuming he stays. If he stays, Spurs have every chance of finishing Top 4, but I think they cave sooner or later and sell, and they again miss out on the Top 4. Roberto Soldado gives Spurs a real world class forward; he is your 30 goal a season man they have been lacking for some time.
He will replace the goals lost by Gareth Bale this season, but the will need to replace his creativity. Someone like Fiorentina’s Adem Ljajic or Ajax’s Christian Eriksen would be a welcome addition to this Spurs line-up. Etienne Capoue will replace Steven Caulker, as his versatility is appealing to Andre Villas-Boas, but this will be a season of so close, but yet so far for Spurs in terms of the League but they could contend in the Europa League.
Key Player: Roberto Soldado will need to be a regular scorer in the Premier League if they have any Champions League hopes. Spurs need to create chances for him, which he will put away; he is as clinical as the come.
West Brom. Last Season’s Finish: 8th. Expectations: Mid-Table. Predicted Finish: 15th.
The Baggies certainly overachieved last season, they are not as good as an 8th place finish would suggest in my view. Losing Romelu Lukaku who has returned to Chelsea is a big loss for the side, and without really replacing him either was a poor move. Nicolas Anelka has been brought in, but who knows how fit he is, whether he can still produce at this level, and how much game time he’ll get. West Brom relied upon strong organisation and counter attacking football, and losing their main striker will not help them.
They do not have great squad depth, but the midfield is the key to their success. Mulumbu and Yacob in the middle will need to replicate their performances and control the play. The addition of Diego Lugano at the back will add some much needed quality in that position, but they still need two or three new faces at the club this summer. With the uncertainty over the future of Peter Odermwingie, and the lack of production from Markus Rosenberg, the Baggies need to bring in another forward who will contribute.
Key Player: Shane Long needs to score regularly this season with Lukaku out of the mix. He needs some service around him also. Chris Brunt and James Morrison will need to dictate the play in the attacking areas and their creative influence should create enough chances for Long to convert.
West Ham. Last Season’s Finish: 10th. Expectations: Top 10. Predicted Finish: 10th.
Sam Allardyce has made sure none of his key players left the club this summer, with Mohamed Diame, Mark Noble and James Tomkins all remaining at the club. Lacking the main forward needed to score the goals, resigning Andy Carroll was the main priority this summer, and they managed to bring him back from Liverpool on a permanent basis. The service to him is vital for the Hammers to score goals this season, and the imminent arrival of Stewart Downing will help provide from the wider areas. Defensively, the Hammers are a strong unit, and adding Razvan Rat at left-back will improve them defensively and going forward, supporting Matt Jarvis on that left-hand side, and also his set-piece deliveries will be essential for their success.
Often criticised for their style of football, West Ham are effective in what they do, and their home form and solid defensive structure is the key to early success in the Premier League. Expect a regular role for Ravel Morrison this season, scoring 6 goals in pre-season has impressed Allardyce, and Morrison’s creative influence from midfield is just what the Hammers need, without any real creative spark in the middle.
Key Player: Andy Carroll will need to justify the £15million the club paid for him this summer with a decent return. Knowing Kevin Nolan will score double digits from midfield again, Carroll will need to push onwards and upwards of 15 goals this season, and the supporting cast will need to contribute also. Carroll’s fitness is vital for their success as there is no other option.