Premier League Top 4
Man Utd
Chelsea
Man City
Arsenal

Man Utd have bought in quality to supplement an already very good squad, plus Sir Alex has built a team ethic like no other. Possibly adding Schneider to the midfield to replace Scholes just makes them even more appealing in my eyes. I genuinely don’t see an ageing Chelsea squad managing to overtake Utd this season, though ‘new manager’ syndrome will get them off to a good start. I am still far from convinced that Man City are the finished article, spending money does not guarantee success, they need to build a winning team mentality and I am not the sure the treatment of some players, plus the attitude of others will give them what they need. Wenger’s dogged reluctance to buy in talent will see them struggle again to compete at the top, though they’ll still play some nice football.

Going down
QPR
Swansea
Norwich

I just can’t see these teams managing to make up the gap to the other teams around them. QPR may prove me wrong, but I sense unrest off the itch will cause more damage than good.

FA Cup
Man City

I suspect squad depth will win out in this one and give the City 2nd string a good run out.

Carling Cup
Aston Villa

Well you can dream, but to paraphrase Keegan, “I’d love us to win it, I really would”, or at least give it a damn good go.

Europa League Places
Liverpool
Spurs

Not sure how many spaces are up for grabs, but I think Liverpool with recent squad additions will go well this season. I expect pretty much the same from Spurs again next season as this season. Sadly the top 6 looks like a lock out to me, though the degrees of separation between teams may vary compared to this season.

EPL Golden Boot
Andy Carroll

I reckon that with better delivery from Adam, Henderson and Downing that this will be the year of a resurgent Liverpool with Carroll taking advantage of a much better midfield behind him. Much like Shaun Goater – feed him and he will score. Has both an aerial threat as well as ability on the deck, don’t think he really cares about the price tag on his back, will score for fun.

Player of the Year
Wayne Rooney

Will only get better with more quality around him and probably score a hatful of goals, some with his usual spectacular ability. Brings more than goals to his game, movement etc are excellent, if he can keep his trap shut, focus on playing and steer clear of injury, he’ll be hard to ignore.

Young Player of the Year
Marc Albrighton

I really hope we see young Marc give us a season to remember as an emerging talent. He has shown many glimpses of having that little bit extra, something a bit special, and I sincerely hope he gets better as the season goes on. I predict he’ll be a real threat with N’Zogbia going forward and supplying Bent.

Manager of the Year
Roy Hodgson

I just think he’ll repeat his performance with Fulham and turn the Baggies into a difficult side to beat with some astute purchases and loans. The man can work miracles, seems to have the knack for working well with the underdog and I think the Liverpool episode was a blip. Will see them finish top half easily with a solid cup run.

Sack Race Winner
Warnock or McLeish

Warnock’s position looks precarious even before the season starts with much unrest in the boardroom and I suspect they will struggle, probably gone by Xmas, definitely if they are bottom when I eat my Turkey.

If McLeish has a bad start to the season with our perceived ‘easy start’, if we are in the bottom 3 before we start the tough Xmas period, Randy will be able to hear the boos and “McLeish out” chants in Cleveland! McLeish has made a difficult trip across the city for some, sold the best players, not bought a lot and needs a good start to buy some time. Any blip, and the knives will be out fast.

Champions League Winner
Barcelona

Not sure anyone can touch them to be honest. Made Man U look like mugs, no one in Europe is buying big, it is theirs to lose in my opinion. They will also win it with some flair, making those of us watching on both envious and awestruck simultaneously.

Aston Villa Player of the Year
Jean II Makoun

Will become the ‘pass master’ and really start to make our midfield tick. Will bring out the best in those around him including Ireland. Will weigh in with some vital goals.

Aston Villa Young Player of the Year
Marc Albrighton

See above, I really really think he will step up and make his mark this season, getting better as the season goes on. The opportunity is there if he has the desire to match his talent, and I reckon he does.

Leave a Reply