Having settled the top four in last weeks preview, the main interest here is on the drop, with the relegation places decided in this, Part 2. The newly promoted teams all face a tough season and look weaker this year as a group compared to recent seasons, however, I do think they will grace the PL will good football and have some fine players among their ranks. So without further ado, here are my predictions for teams starting N to W.
Newcastle: Alan Pardew has done sterling job at St. James’ and deserves a lot of credit whether you agree with his appointment or not. This summer he has gambled the Carroll money by going all French/French Speaking (to date). It will be interesting to see how they adapt to life in the northeast, however, all look decent buys, and Ba will be expected to provide the goals this time around. It is in defence where they may struggle, although the midfield reinforcements will be expected to offer protection. Will be an interesting tussle with rivals Sunderland for regional bragging rights.
Star Man: Demba Ba. A goalscorer in Germany and with a struggling West Ham side, he is a big threat.
One to Watch: Yohann Cabaye. Box-to-box type CM, he was a title winner with Lille last term.
Prediction: 8th
Norwich City: Following consecutive promotions, Norwich are back in the big-time and the Canaries will hope to maintain the momentum of recent years. Their fans will undoubtedly add some colour to the PL adorned in canary yellow, and Paul Lambert is one of the most up-and-coming managers in the country. His European experience as a player with Dortmund has served him well. Will struggle if anything happens to Grant Holt, who was their main supply of goals in the lower leagues, and the signing of Bradley Johnson from Leeds should ensure decent supply. There are concerns about overall squad depth and Lambert will have to be at his most shrewd to keep them in the top flight: a tall order given resources.
Star Man: Grant Holt. Their main goal supply. Strong and an aerial threat, although not the quickest.
One to Watch: Wes Hoolahan. Attacking midfielder with an eye for goal.
Prediction: 20th
Queens Park Rangers: The Superhoops are back and a team I have a fondness for, however, I see a long season ahead. They have struggled to bring in new faces, gambling on injury-stricken Kieron Dyer. Jay Bothroyd should provide a handful for opposing defences, and in the tight surroundings of Loftus Road they should battle gamely. In Neil Warnock they have an outspoken manager who isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he wears his heart on his sleeve and I admire this. They have a large squad, however, it’s not PL quality, and as much as it pains me to say it their stay in the top flight will be but brief.
Star Man: Adel Taarabt. The word mercurial was invented for this boy—skillful, sublime, and stroppy in equal measure.
One to Watch: Petter Vaagen Moen. Good delivery from LW or CM the Norwegian international will be hoping to impress in his first full season.
Prediction: 19th
Stoke City: They have their critics, but Tony Pulis has worked wonders at the Britannia and deserves a lot of credit. He has built a strong, imposing side with lots of height and it’s in the air where they pose the greatest goal threat—their strikers being fed with pinpoint accuracy from the wings. They are much more than the one-dimensional team that their critics portray, however, and underestimate them at your peril. Very good at home, they tend to park the bus when away, and want a little more invention on the road this time. A team of few stars with an incredible work ethic they should be set for another season of comfortable mid-table safety.
Star Man: Robert Huth. A real handful in both penalty areas, the German typifies their style.
One to Watch: Matty Etherington. Much like Pennant on the other side, his delivery is first class.
Prediction: 11th
Sunderland: No-one has had a busier transfer window to date than the Black Cats, with Steve Bruce bringing in 10 and releasing the same number. Time will tell if this overhaul will prove dividends, although they should not have any worries after an alarming slide down the table last term. They are stronger in defence and midfield this time around, however, they have signed no-one to make the pulse quicken. A huge responsibility falls on Asamoah Gyan to get the goals with Welbeck moved on. Again, away from home they will be vulnerable. That said, Bruce is creating a decent team and upper mid-table beckons.
Star Man: Asamoah Gyan. I’d be surprised if he’s still there next summer but if he fires, Sunderland should go ok.
One to Watch: Connor Wickham. Debut season in PL for a much-vaunted young striker, but his strike rate at Ipswich doesn’t inspire.
Prediction: 9th
Swansea City: Brendan Rodgers has done an amazing job in bringing top-flight football back to Wales and I think he will surprise and keep them up. They have a good team, play good football, and can count on a raucous home support. Not many will fancy a trip to the Liberty and it’s their home form which will be vital to their chances. The biggest question mark is between the sticks, with last year’s first-choice, Dorus De Vries, moved on to Wolves and a reliable stopper is a must. Their promotion came on the back of a miserly defence, and with goals among their front men, Rodgers will be keeping the dream alive for another year at least.
Star Man: Scott Sinclair. The main goal threat and England U21 international.
One to Watch: Angel Rangel. Tireless RB who is a marauding presence going forward.
Prediction: 16th
Tottenham Hotspur: Their Champions League form probably cost them a top-four spot last season and I think they will just fall short again. A very strong squad, but with little money to strengthen they could be forced to sell to buy, and personally I would sell Modric to make funds available. Unless they do, with virtually the same squad, I can’t see any improvement. A decent shout for Europa League glory, however, if they take it serious.
Star Man: Rafael van der Vaart. Delightful Dutch attacking midfielder who pulls the strings.
One to Watch: Kyle Walker. Could be the year he stakes his claim to the starting RB position.
Prediction: 6th
West Bromwich Albion: The appointment of Roy Hodgson completely turned around their fortunes last year and I think they will improve again this term. A shrewd leader of lesser lights, Hodgson got a raw deal at Liverpool and he is moulding a decent team who play attractive football while retaining pragmatism. They have also made the Hawthorns a tricky away day for even the best of sides. A goalkeeper is a must with Carson moved on over the summer—however, I feel he is little loss. If Ben Foster comes in as touted they will have a more reliable number 1.
Star Man: Peter Odemwingie. Fifteen goals in his debut season last year, he is a very good player. Think Gabby Agbonlahor with composure.
One to Watch: Youssuf Mulumbu. DM with an eye for goal, having scored against both Villa and Blues last season.
Prediction: 13th
Wigan Athletic: A pretty turbulent summer between ourselves and Wigan resulted in the Latics losing star winger Charles N’Zogbia but retaining their manager, who was shortlisted for our own vacancy. The result of losing the former will be too much to bear and I feel that without the France international Wigan are doomed to relegation. He was their tormentor in chief and his value to them must not be underestimated. I actually like Wigan, and they play an attractive game with some really good players, in particular James McCarthy and Hugo Rodallega. But without N’Zogbia I predict a season of struggle that ultimately will see them drop.
Star Man: Hugo Rodallega. His goals are vital if they are to have any chance
One to Watch: James McCarthy. Improving all the time, he would grace most top sides. Certain to move next summer.
Prediction: 18th
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Wolves fans will be hoping for none of the final-day drama they witnessed last term when Wanderers almost threw away their PL status. McCarthy has made some positive moves in the transfer market, however, and the capture of Roger Johnson and Dorus De Vries should help shore up a porous back line. Add to that the permanent signing of Jamie O’Hara, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Molineux, and there are reasons for cautious optimism. Wolves must start to play more consistently as a team—too often they look like a collection of individuals each on a different wave length. That said, however, they will be safe if they can continue to get results at home.
Star Man: Roger Johnson. Will be vital in plugging the gaps, which nearly cost Wolves so dearly last time around.
One to Watch: Matt Jarvis. Can add to his reputation if he produces as he did last term. An England call-up awaits if he does.
Prediction: 15th
So that’s your lot. For me, at least, Man City are Champions, Man Utd, Chelsea, and Arsenal make up the top four, taking the CL spots, and Liverpool will take the Europa spot. At the other end there will be tears at Loftus Road, the DW Stadium, and Carrow Road, as QPR, Wigan, and Norwich fall. Maybe you fancy something completely different—if so let me know.
I also promised a round-up across the remaining English leagues and so here are my tips:
Championship Winner: Leicester City. Promoted: West Ham & Ipswich Town. Relegated: Doncaster, Peterboro & Barnsley
League One Winner: Huddersfield. Promoted: Sheffield Wednesday & Sheffield United. Relegated: Stevenage, Tranmere, Yeovil & Rochdale
League Two Winner: Bristol Rovers. Promoted: Crawley Town, Northampton Town & Gillingham. Relegated: Morecambe & Plymouth
Europa League: Roma/Tottenham both E/W if you are betting
Champions League: Barcelona. Man City/Bayern Munich E/W—both have value
Euro 2012: Germany
Bozzy’s Banker: Germany (Euro 2012): Spain will be undoubted and worthy favourites, however, I feel that Joachim Low’s Germany will triumph. A strong showing at last summer’s WC has boosted confidence and with a flood of exciting young talent coming into the squad they will feel right at home in neighbouring Poland. They have just the right blend of youth and experience and the time is just right.
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