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So, this is it. Less than a week to go for the Barclays Premier League 2013-14 campaign to kick off. This is what every BPL fan has been waiting for. If these three months were the best time of your life, the rest of the year can only get better.
As we ponder upon who is going to win the title this season, it cannot get more closer than this. There have been too many changes this season. Sir Alex Ferguson has finally retired after dominating English football for a little more than a quarter of a century, Jose Mourinho is back to the “special” zone, Manuel Pellegrini is with City and is sitting pretty with a loads of money to spend and meanwhile, things have hardly changed for the Gunners, as Arsene Wenger is yet to make a signing. Liverpool suddenly look less meager to the term dark horses as they seem to possess the strength to be title contenders. Spurs have managed to gallop great players hiding in the shadows of the Spurs-Bale dilemma.
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There is always a gut feeling at the start of the season that every fan would have. You would always feel that a particular club has an edge over the others. This is probably the first time that we are clueless and that is what makes this season exciting. Here are the predictions for the top four teams this season.
Jose Mourinho hopes for a trophy-laden season at Chelsea
Chelsea have had a rather disappointing campaign last year, managing to win only the Europa League out of all the competitions they took part in. Chelsea seem to have gotten a new life since the return of Jose Mourinho from Real Madrid. The Blues are brimming with confidence and looks like they cannot wait for the season to start.
Although Chelsea looks the strongest team in the league, their attack looks a bit incomplete. It looked like Torres was crawling back into form at the end of the last season, as he is hardly close to his Liverpool days. It will be too big a gamble for Mourinho to rely on Romelu Lukaku every match, while Demba Ba is already thinking about his next possible club.
Chelsea will have the last laugh if they manage to sign Wayne Rooney, since his future is uncertain at Manchester United. With a solid back four and a classy midfield, Chelsea look like the favourites to paint the trophy blue.
Manchester United
United have probably been in the limelight more than any other club in England. Sir Alex’s retiremnet, Moyes sworn in as new manager, the never-ending Rooney transfer tale and the club’s need to sprinkle some stardust into United’s midfield is just the prologue of their season.
United and Moyes did not have a great pre-season, winning only two games. Their 1-3 loss against Sevilla at Old Trafford found the players gasping for breath as they were outpaced by the mid-table Spanish club. New signing Wilfried Zaha and United wonderkid Adnan Januzaj have been the stars of their Asian tour and Moyes would be banking on these two to deliver results.
Its just 42 days since Moyes became United’s manager and he already has the FA Community Shield to his name. Moyes is the man of the hour and all his actions will be scrutinized in gory detail. Although United don’t have the best team on paper, Red Devils don’t like to lose and won’t go down without a fight. At the end of the day, they are the champions.
Pellegrini takes charge of Manchester City
This big spending Manchester Club have become a major title contender in the past few years, typically throwing money at their problems. Since the change of ownership in 2008, City have spent lavishly making it the highest spending club in the English Premier League.
This season is no different as they have spent approximately £85 million on four players. After the exit of Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini filled his shoes following his success at Malaga FC.
Although City finished 2nd in the league, inconsistent performance in crucial matches cost them the title. Pellegrini would expect City to convert more chances into goals, as his new signings add more creativity and flair to his team.
City has never had a good time in the Champions League and its high time that the noisy neighbors show their worth in Europe. Even though City looks a strong team, the league title is something which does not have a price tag.
AVB aiming for a Top 4 spot
Even when the race to the title is done and dusted, the spot for the fourth place still has its takers. Spurs have battled hard for the 4th place in the past few seasons only to end up on the wrong side. As Arsenal are losing its grip in the top 4, Spurs look like they are finally ready to snatch it from their rivals.
As the tension between Gareth Bale and Spurs has heated up, André Villas-Boas has quietly pulled off two massive signings in midfielder Paulinho and Valencia striker Roberto Soldado. Last season, Spurs was heavily dependent on Gareth Bale without much support from the strikers or the midfield. These two signings are a huge boost to their campaign, regardless of whether Bale leaves or not.
Spurs have strong defenders in Jan Vertonghen and Michael Dawson while Scott Parker’s role as a typical defensive midfielder is well balanced with Paulinho’s attacking prowess. Aaron Lennon would look to put more crosses and use his pace to get past defenders.
All this time, Spurs have always ended up on the wrong side and the North London club’s desire to play Champions League football could very well be fulfilled come next May.
