Yes, the day that millions of fans were anticipating is finally here! The new season of EPL is about to kick off today evening IST. The going has been tough in the last two months or so, as an avid football enthusiast and a devout EPL follower. Being treated to a series of lame friendlies that did not possess enough firepower as a build up to the World’s Most watched and followed league, an EPL fan surely deserves better.
More or less, friendlies these days have become a money minting racket for the Big 4 of EPL with the Gunners, The Blues, the Reds and the Red Devils all facing inconsequential sides in their respective friendly tours. Agreed, clubs need to consider the financial aspect but when on tour, most of the star players are absent or on national duty. The hordes of fans queuing up to see their favorite footballers in action by paying a large sum especially in the Asian region, felt cheated being ‘treated’ to a squad consisting of a majority second rung players instead.
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Thankfully, the above described frivolities have come to an end and business as usual will resume in London from today with teams squaring up against each other. Consistently, the following line has been used before any EPL season commences, but again reiterating the same line, EPL is going to be really tight this season. Fans and audience alike must be geared up to witness a topsy turvy season complete with all the unexpected twists and turns. My prediction for this season is that either Manchester United/Chelsea will lift the cup followed by Manchester City in the third spot.
City appeared to be a vastly improved side in the Community Shield against their arch rivals United last season. If they are able to hold on to their horses in the form of a defensive unit which has at times looked frail and an eclectic striker whose temperament is a serious matter of concern, City are a major threat to any top side on a given day.
Liverpool on the other hand are experiencing a fresh lease of life at Anfield thanks to Dalglish who seems to have infused fresh vigour and belief in the team, something that other parting Liverpool coaches were not been able to achieve in their entire tenure. With Suarez in the form of his life and an exciting mid-field filled with creativity combined the recent addition of Blackpool captain Charlie Adam to their armour, Liverpool very much are in the hunt to finish inside top 4 this season.
Chelsea with an ageing squad under newly appointed coach Villas-Boas need to pull their socks up quickly and erase memories of a painful last season riddled with inconsistency and injuries to key players at crucial moments. Another notable factor is that Villas-Boas is younger than some of the senior players in the squad! The Portuguese coach renowned for his no-nonsense approach is expected to produce instantaneous results at Stamford Bridge and his job is clearly cut-out.
The EPL 2011-2012 season shall in all probability, prove to be a fight till the last match with every team itching to prove their mettle on the big stage!
