In keeping with the predictions ahead of the start of the season, Eamon McElwee gives his thoughts.
Premier League Winners – Manchester City
FA Cup – Chelsea
Carling Cup – Aston Villa
European Places – Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal
EPL Golden Boot – Luis Hernandez
Player of the Year – Vincent Kompany
Young Player of the Year – Jack Wilshere
Manager of the Year – Roberto Mancini
Sack Race Winner – Steve Kean
Champions League Winner – Barcelona
Aston Villa Player of the Year – Darren Bent
Aston Villa Young Player of the Year – Fabian Delph
Premier League – Manchester City – Despite their recent defeat to United the blue half of Manchester will be celebrating come May. They unquestionably have the squad tnow hey just need to find a settled team and toward the end of last season, i thought they’d found it. The Tevez saga will hurt despite Aguero coming in and they can strengthen further if needed.
Elsewhere in England, City will be joined in the Champions League places by United, Chelsea and Arsenal in that order.
FA Cup – Chelsea. Villas-Boas will be keen to win any trophy in his first season and they have bought well in Lukaku in particular. If they see a reinvigorated Torres they will go close in the league although FA Cup glory will have to sufffice.
I think Villa for the League Cup – Maybe biased but we have a decent record in the tournament both recently and overall and in McLeish we have the manager of the last winners. Would be a great start and presents the best cahnce of silverware in B6 this season.
Champions League – Barcelona. Conquered Europe in some fashion last season and will do so again. Have bought well in Sanchez and Fabregas (if they get him) although their defence is a year older which might just leave them vulnerable if i can critique.
Individual Awards will go to:
Player of the Year – Vincent Kompany. The man who could lead City to glory. A key player, possibly under-rated he captains the team and is a rock at the back
Young Player of the Year – Jack Wilshere. I expect he’ll progress further then flop at Euro 2012 under the weight of expectation. Now considered a first choice.
EPL Golden Boot – Luis Hernandez – Scores goals for fun. Lethal and like quick-silver in movement the Mexican is only going to improve and he’ll get a lot of service at OT.
Manager of the Year – Roberto Mancini – It always goes to whoever wins the league. Very short-sighted award generally.
Sack Race Winner – Steve Kean – I’d be surprised if he’s still there by Christmas. Neil warnock is his main rival for this crown.
AV Player of Year – Darren Bent. A guarantee of goals. His goals are vital to our chances. Just scores goals, simple as that. Did i mention his goals?
AV Young Player – Fabian Delph – He’ll start the season as back-up to Petrov i’d imagne but by season’s end he’ll be considered first choice. Tough tackler and can strike from distance also he just needs some luck with reagrd injuries.
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