by Cool Hand Luke » Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:26 am
Although it is difficult to tell since there is still 6 weeks for players to leave and arrive, this is how it stands at the moment in my opinion:
Arsenal: Still a very good side but have lost so many good experienced players over the last 2/3 years, people may laugh at the like of Keown, Parlour, Wiltord, Kanu, etc, but they were experienced Premiership players who knew how to come in an do a good job. Add to that the exit of the majestic Patrick Viera, and now Sol Cambell, and they are looking vulnerable in my opinion. The physical state of Henry is also an issue, last year it was clearly noticeable that he was tiring much quicker towards the ends of games, he is 28 now and is carrying a long standing achilles injury. They haven’t enough experienced Premiership players to mount a serious challenge to Chelsea. Their central midfield is too week in my opinion, while Cesc is a talented player, he is overrated, and is physically not ideal for a Premiership central midfielder, up until February he is very average, their only option is to use a 3 man central midfield on certain occasions when playing against better or more physical sides. In terms of the stadium, it wont be a few years until they start seeing the finical rewards in terms of transfer funds. Overall I feel Arsenal would need to buy about 3 first team players in order to mount a serious challenge.
Chelsea: They are too strong, they have added 2 world class players to their first team and no other club in the WORLD can afford to sustain the wage bill of 24 man squad of that quality. They already have a very strong base and it looks like they will keep Gallas (a vital player). I can see them winning the Premiership.
Man Utd: They are still a very good side. Their biggest issue is the central midfield, if Fergie went out and got a top quality central midfield partnership they could mount a challenge. But now they have the issue of RVN leaving, he is going to be very hard to replace, but they do have a basis of a quality team.
Liverpool: Our squad is stronger and more balance than it has ever been. We have quality competition all over the pitch, and if we can add a quality right winger and a quality striker to our first team I think we will be the closest to Chelsea.
My money is on the top 4 being this:
Chelsea
Liverpool
Man Utd
Arsenal
I think Arsenal and Man Utd losing Campbell and RVN has given us a boost, both are proven top quality Premiership players. Last season we made huge strides but we mustn’t forgot how fortunate we were with injuries from November onwards. I would be happy if we came second, achieved 85+ points and gave Chelsea a real run for their money (excuse the pun), we need Chelsea to look over their shoulders for most of the season, they need to know their in a fight. If things go to plan I think we can make a genuine challenge for the title come the 2007/2008 season.
i think yes what about you