In keeping with our predictions theme, Martin Laurence offers his thoughts.
EPL Table
1 – Manchester United – stronger this year than title-winning team last despite retiring stalwarts. Showed in Community Shield how far ahead of City they are.
2 – Chelsea – expect it to be closer this year with Villas-Boas promoting free-flowing football but have failed to add thus far.
3 – Liverpool – astute signing in Downing to supply Carroll and Suarez is first class
4 – Manchester City – can’t buy team spirit. Lack attacking freedom, too tampered with
5 – Arsenal – Still feel that both Nasri and Fabregas will leave so will be tough but good signing in Gervinho. Expect big things next time around from Wilshere/Ramsey
6 – Tottenham – excellent squad but no real additions thus far. Keeping Modric a must
7 – Aston Villa – extremely biased but signings of N’Zogbia and Given superb. Bent goals for whole season should secure top half at least
8 – Everton – cannot buy and in turn strengthen. Could understanding between squad though and will no doubt remain outsiders for Europe
9 – Sunderland – some good signings this summer and great depth in squad now
10 – Fulham – Bobby Zamora fit and firing will be key in attack. Extremely solid defence and a great new manager
11 – WBA – Great end to the season under Hodgson though Di Matteo should be credited for Odemwingie/Mulumbu signings. Foster in goal – great business
12 – Bolton – great signing in Reo-Coker. Villa foolish to let him go. Holden back fit will be vital
13 – Newcastle – despite some high profile departures I expect big things from Cabaye and Marveuax and a good new target man in Ba
14 – Stoke – The team everyone hates playing will remain that way
15 – Wolves – Johnson capture should see them safe. Great leader from the back. O’Hara, Fletcher and Doyle will see enough goals scored
16 – QPR – best team by a long way in Championship last year and now have firepower in Bothroyd/Campbell partnership
17 – Blackburn – will be lucky to avoid the drop. New owners don’t have a clue and haven’t backed an average manager with money
18 – Norwich – Paul Lambert is one for the future and has made some good signings, Naughton in particular, but reliance on Holt who is an exceptional lower league striker could prove costly
19 – Wigan – lost best player in N’Zogbia. Rodallega doesn’t score enough but will be clincher. Al-Habsi and McCarthy also key
20 – Swansea – attractive football promoted like at Wigan but not enough strength in depth to cope in my opinion
FA Cup
Liverpool – inundated with midfielders and talented defenders coming through likely to prove enough for early rounds. Likes of Gerrard, Suarez and Carroll could clinch it for a side who will not have to focus on league title in latter stages of the season I feel.
Carling Cup
Aston Villa – about time we won a trophy having been robbed two years ago in the same tournament. McLeish won it last year and knows silverware will be held in high regard by the fans
European places – as above
Golden Boot
Andy Carroll – with supply from Downing, Adam and Gerrard when fit again he has 3 of the league’s best deliverers of a ball to profit from as well as guile of Suarez
Player of the Year
Wayne Rooney – may seem an obvious choice but assuming he can stay on form he is untouchable, unplayable and all the other uns you can think of!
Young Player of the Year
Jack Wilshere – already being raved about in England more than any other player since Rooney at his age. Nation’s hearts are now his burden
Manager of the Year
Andre Villas-Boas – never tends to go to 2nd placed side but his attempts to lead an aging Chelsea side to glory will be intriguing
Champions League Winner
Barcelona – the best, by a long, long way!
Aston Villa Player of the Year
Jean Makoun – expecting big things from the little man this season. Once Villa player’s understand his eye for a pass he should prove crucial
Aston Villa Young Player of the Year
Barry Bannan – from pre-season alone he has been the best of the bunch, proved a good indicator for Albrighton last term!
The Author
