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It has often been the case that the results in December and January decide the fate of the EPL. Maybe it is because they are really cramped months, in terms of fixtures. Or because the holidays are around and the team is maybe distracted. And to make this critical time more interesting, we have the January transfer window to entertain us. While there are some coaches who detest doing serious business in January, it is also true that you need to do what you have to do to salvage the season and the mid season transfer window would be just as opportune a time as any to make those crucial tactical and as a result personnel changes.
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Let us take a look at the big 6 EPL teams and what is the sort of business that they need to do. And lets keep the discussion to the absolute minimum that they need to bring in, i.e. the one person or position that needs filling in for the rest of the season.
1. Arsenal: Can I call them the surprise team of the season? Well there have been so many surprise teams this season, but I suppose Arsenal’s consistency has been a surprise too. They struggled to make it to the Champions League spots in the last two seasons. But this season, they have been a revelation. Almost anyone who matters is in form and the results are proof of that. But it is not like they dont have any chinks in their armour. As hard as it may be to believe, Ramsey’s goals will dry up and in spite of Walcott coming back to fitness, the frontline of Arsenal needs some reinforcing. I wouldn’t expect any world class striker to be available this season in the transfer window, but there may be a couple of premier league squad options around. Maybe Chelsea would break the bank for a forward and result in Demba Ba being available. Seems difficult, considering the injury to Eto’o. Or maybe they can woo Benteke in. Post Ozil, Wenger is the new negotiation beast, so who knows?
2. Liverpool: Another surprise team of the season, Liverpool have been off the pace the last few seasons. But this season has been very different. They look like a good all around unit this season. They have one of the best forward pairings in EPL, the midfield seems solid with back to consistency Gerrard and back to fitness Lucas doing a fine job. The defense doesn’t seem to be missing Carragher yet and have enough squad depth, if needed. And Mignolet is doing quite well for himself in goal. So, in short, I dont think Liverpool needs to do any critical business this transfer window.
3. Chelsea: In spite of all the Mourinho talk, the season hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the London club. They are still in contention, but haven’t shown enough to ease the nerves of the Stamford loyalist. While goals from the front line remain a worry, what is the more obvious worry is the lack of creativity from deep midfield. While there can be many who can fill this role, I think there is one player who will fit the role and could even be available, and that is Moussa Dembele. He is clearly fighting for his place in the Spurs squad who (like Mata) has been a crowd favourite before the new wave of players came into the club. And since this is world cup time, every player wants play time aand this could be the motivation for Dembele to look out.
4. Manchester City: Having done all the spending before the season started, Pellegrini is still not getting the results he has been hired for. Though Aguero and Negredo have formed a good partnership, and the midfield still seems as functionally creative as it has been the last couple of seasons, the defence is a very very different story. Kompany has been sourly missed would be an understatement. With Kolo Toure not around and Lescott not in the managers good books, Nastasic has been the senior member in centre of defence and that says a lot about the problems that Man C are facing in the EPL. When looked around in EPL, there aren’t many disgruntled good defence players around. Maybe David Luiz, but then, Chelsea are unlikely to sell to Man C.
5. Manchester United: Almost anybody who has seen Man U play this season knows that they have a heap of problems that needs fixing. It is not like Moyes broke the whole setup, but he is facing a situation where a majority of the squad is out of form and it has cost them dearly already. But the one problem which is not a question of form, but of class is midfield. They know they need to buy and I think they will buy! They may be too optimistic in trying for Iniesta, but I am sure there is some talent around to pick from (Mata anyone?).
6. Tottenham Hotspur: Daniel Levy must be so riled up with the Spurs performance this season. Continiuing his ominous reputation of being a shrewd and heavily disliked transfer window merchant, he has managed to sell a superstar and bring several stars into the team. But, to his utter dismay, they just ain’t clicking as a unit. AVB does not have a plan B and in fact doesn’t have the squad to do a plan B. But if you had to point to one problem that needs fixing, it is the front line. Soldado for all his touches and runs, has been a flop. Defoe just cant get into the EPL squad though being a regular in Europe. So, they need to buy a striker and a one who gives you goals if nothing else. AVB will find it difficult to get Levy to loosen his purse and even if he does manage to get the money, where is the mid season talent to buy? They dont need a squad player, they need the main guy upfront. The only one I can see in the horizon is Man U’s Chicharito, but would Man U sell him mid season? I fear for Spurs, I really do.
Hoping for some exciting business in the January transfer window and as a result some more interesting football in the best and tightest league in world football!
