Premier League Predictions

Who will be celebrating come May?

The Premier League season is now only a day away and after all of the changes this summer it looks like another fantastic season is on its way. Jose Mourinho finished trophy-less last season - surely it cannot happen two years in a row? Can Manchester City become the first team since Manchester United in the 2008/09 season to retain the title? How will Liverpool adapt without Suarez? Will Louis Van Gaal be a success? and will Arsenal finally buy a quality striker and defensive midfielder? 

The battle for the top four begins with both North-London and Merseyside clubs eyeing four spot. How will the newly promoted sides do? Who's staying up and who's going down?

Time for me to predict the season as I feel it would turn out should the current squads still be the same come September 1st.

TITLE - CHELSEA 

Personally I do feel the winner will be Chelsea. I tipped them last season but Mourinho's failure to sort out the midfield as well as the lack of a world class front man played its part.

The latter of which has now been taken care of with the arrival of Diego Costa. Now I am a huge fan of this player. I really believe he will be a hit in the Premier League. He's big, powerful and a genuine goal scorer. I honestly expect 20+ goals in the Premier League this season from him.

Costa to fire Chelsea to the title

My concern is the midfield. For me Mourinho last season put his faith in the wrong players too often. Oscar is a classic example of this. Players like Schurrle should have been in that starting team every week. I also feel Kevin De Burnye got some rough treatment as I was impressed with his performances.

Now this season Fabregas is the main man. Huge season for the former gunner. He will get plenty of game time and will be crucial if Chelsea are to regain the Premier League crown.

It is difficult to see where the weaknesses are as they seem so strong all over the field. Also unlike Manchester City I do not think their attitude and application week in week out will be an issue. 

2ND - MANCHESTER CITY 
Title holders Manchester City have kept the main bulk of the squad from last season without too many stand-out first-team additions. Caballero, Sagna and Fernando will add to the already impressive squad depth and provide further competition for the likes of Hart, Zabaleta and Fernandinho.

The main area that needed addressing was the centre of defence. City have for years been searching for someone decent to partner Kompany. Eliaquim Mangala is the latest man to try and fill this void. £32 million is a huge price tag for a defender but he comes with a very good reputation. Personally I have not seen him play so will reserve judgement at this time.

The main problem with City is as I said last year. It is the attitude of the players. I watched them last year throw away points away at sides like Aston Villa and Cardiff. Luckily for them in the end it did not matter as many of the other teams were doing the same. This year though it will cost them. Manuel Pellegrini has a job on to keep them focused week in week out. One of the problem is that the team is so strong that most weeks they know they are far superior to the opposition however this can make them lazy. Instead of getting 2/3 up they too often sit on a 1-0 lead and then end up in a needlessly precarious position towards the end of the game. Last season this cost them numerous points. If I were a fan this would frustrate me hugely.

Having said this they have a formidable front line and the ability to hit nearly any team in the league for six. 

On paper they are extremely strong and will be in and around the top 2/3 for the whole season. They will without doubt be a major threat in all competitions again this season. 

3RD- ARSENAL 
Yet again Arsene Wenger managed to get Arsenal into the top four last season despite not addressing key issues with the team. For the first half of last season Arsenal were flying. Top of the table and Aaron Ramsey could do no wrong. However as ever with Arsenal injuries to key personnel played a key role in destroying the fans dreams of a league title. Ramsey, Wilshire, Gibbs and Walcott were just some of the casualties who headed to the treatment room.

Predicting Sanchez to be a hit

They also capitulated in key games being hammered by both Chelsea and Liverpool in embarrassing circumstances. For me the same problems have persisted for years and Wenger has ignored them. Arsenal are too easily bullied by the bigger sides all over the field. This is still and problem and I expect it to happen again this season as it still has not been addressed. In midfield they have a number of fantastically skilled players but they are all very lightweight and they seem only a light tackle away from a lengthy lay off.

They still ended the season top four and with an FA Cup win much to the fans delight as it is hoped this will be the springboard for more honours to come.  Last weeks Community Shield victory against a sub-stanadrd Manchester City team should also provide them with the confidence to push on this season.

Wenger has recruited some top players this summer. Alexis Sanchez is a great player who I think will adapt to the Premier League quicker and more successfully than Mesut Ozil. Matheiu Debuchy will also add a competitive edge at right back. Personally I see this as an upgrade on Sagna. Also the signing of youngster Callum Chambers from Southampton is an interesting one. No doubt the lad has potential and I look forward to seeing him develop hopefully into a England player.

No main goalscorer and no midfield leader are the main issues for me. I am at a complete loss as to why they have not tried harder to sign Loic Remy. He would be ideal, cheap in comparison to others and would fit right into the team.

Oliver Giroud and Yaya Sanogo will not fire Arsenal to the title.

4TH - LIVERPOOL
The loss of Luis Suarez is sure to have a huge impact on Liverpool. Despite my own personal dislike of the man, his contribution in making Liverpool title contenders last season was there for all to see. Personally I do think they were right to get rid and considering his indiscretions the offer was too good to turn down. I expect a major star-studdied signing from Liverpool is the next few weeks to replace Suarez. Falcao and Balotelli have both been linked and of the two Falcao would be the preferred option. Balotelli is high risk both on and off the field. He would also not bring the consistency to make them title winners this year.

For me a striker is a must. Lambert will be useful in the squad given the number of games they will have to play this season but he is not your main man. Daniel Sturridge is far too inconsistent for me, as I have said on numerous occasions and proved at the World Cup. He will get goals again this season because he gets so many chances in the league given the quality of the midfield supplying him however in those big games, maybe even in the Champions League, I would have no faith in him burying his maybe only chance.

Brendan Rogers has brought in Lovren, which in theory will be a good signing if he can replicate his Southampton form, even if £20 million was a tad overpriced. However one signing is simply not enough in this area. For me both full-backs are weaknesses, especially Glen Johnson at right-back. This man is a liability at the top level and will cost Liverpool numerous points this season.

I think the midfield area is strong again, with the introduction of both Adam Lallana and Emre Can only improving squad depth. Raheem Stirling will be the star again and I would expect 15 league goals at least from him.

I think Liverpool will struggle with the schedule of being back in the Champions League but do still expect a top four finish.

5TH - MANCHESTER UNITED

Tough first season for LVG ahead

A new era at Manchester United has begun. New manager, new captain and maybe a new lease of life. Louis Van Gaal is in and looks like he means business. I expect a vast improvement on last season from United however if they are to finish in the top four or challenge for the title then signings are required. The current squad is not good enough for me to challenge for the title. They still lack a midfield powerhouse and defensive leaders. The back four or three depending on if he plays his favoured 3-5-2 looks weak. It is a massive season for Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Johnny Evans. For me all three will be out the door this time next year should they fail. These are not three defenders I would trust given the performances I have seen from them. Also at full-back Luke Shaw is a great talent but is he ready? and Rafael has for me has always been a weak link/liability. I always feel the man is a red card waiting to happen. There seems far too many weaknesses in the defence and squad depth also appears an issue in this area.

Wayne Rooney has been given the armband and much is expected from him this season - they hope in leading United back to the top. He was woeful in the World Cup (as always) but expect a good season from him for United. I also expect Juan Mata to have a good year and start to stand out in United's matches.

Personally if the defensive area is not addressed LVG will not make them title contenders. They will be in a top four scrap and the weak defence means they will just miss out. 

6TH - TOTTENHAM

Last season Tottenham were a disaster. The Bale money was not used in the wisest way and the team suffered. As I predicted last season centre-back was going to be a major weakness and it was with Spurs shipping far to many goals. Defensively I still think they are weak but the signing of young Englishmen Eric Dier could improve things.  

I expect an improvement from new man Maurico Pochettino who did a great job at Southampton. It will take a while to maybe see the improvement but I expect that by the end of the season we will have seen a change in Spurs' play. Players such as Christian Erikson and forgotten man Eric Lamela will be the key to their successes this season.

Personally I can not see them getting in the top four.

7TH - EVERTON

Roberto Martinez did a great job last season and the permanent signings of Lukaku and Barry will aid their top four ambitions this season. For me they will fall short due to squad depth and like Hull City are contending with the Europa League. I expect a good season from Everton and probably a good run in the Europa League but their domestic form will suffer and end their dreams of the top four for this season at least.

I am interested to also see how Ross Barkley continues to develop and if Seamus Coleman can have another quality season.

8TH - SWANSEA

Last season the Europa League had a major affect of Swansea's season. The squad was not strong enough the deal with it. Add to this the loss of Michu and Swansea were in trouble. However in Wilfried Bony they had a top striker and one who kept them in the league. Bony was hugely impressive and it is surprising he is still at Swansea. It will be interesting to see how he gets on in his second season - will it be second season syndrome like maybe Benteke suffered from or will he go from strength to strength?

Gary Monk has recruited well with Bafetimbi Gomis looking like he is going to be a handful. Also the return of Gylfi Sigurdsson is a great signing and I expect him to return to form this season finishing the season with about 10 goals.

Good season for Swansea and I wouldn't rule out as an outsider for the FA Cup.

9TH - NEWCASTLE

Much expected of talented Cabella this season

Now where to start. Newcastle have recruited 7 players into the first team squad this summer and as a fan I am still reeling. It needed to be done however I had no faith it would be. The signings are promising with Siem De Jong and Remy Cabella the eye-catchers. 

Another one I am interested to see is young left winger Rolando Aarons. He has looked fantastic in pre-season and for a me he must be pushing starting XI.

Major concern is still the defence - and as a fan this has been the case my entire life. Also with Loic Remy gone they desperately need new boy Emmanuel Rivere is step up. The lad has looked useful in pre-season and I am hoping for good things.  Loic Remy and Yohan Cabaye contributed 20 goals last season and looking at the squad at the moment it is difficult to see them finding those goals from elsewhere. That is the big question with Newcastle, where are the goals coming from? 

I am going to be positive and hope the new players do live up to or even surpass expectations leading to a good year for Newcastle. 

Another dream in a good cup run. 

Here's hoping that Pardew can get it right and the new players settle in quickly. 

10TH - STOKE

I admit last season I got it wrong. I thought Mark Hughes would be a disaster and Stoke would go down. In fact they did extremely well finishing just inside the top half. Credit where credit is due he did a great job. This season the fans will be expecting as he has now had a year to 'change the style' as well as three transfer windows to improve the side.

The stand out capture is that of Bojan. The ex-Barcelona man is a great talent and one that many Stoke fans as well as neutrals are eager to see in the Premier League. He has been in top form in pre-season and I think could be the star of the season.

Expect Stoke to build on last season with a solid defensive record but Bojan will provide more attacking potency . 

11TH -  SOUTHAMPTON
It has been a tough summer for Saints fans having lost many of their star players. Lallana, Shaw and Lambert were all key components to their success last year and will be sorely missed. Losing your best players is bad enough but losing your manager also really is a disaster.

Ronald Koeman has come in and I think he has recruited ok. The signing of Shane Long will prove vital as this is a man who will get you 10-12 goals.

Heard plenty about Tadic and am looking forward to seeing how he fairs this season. One position that had been crying out for improvement was goalkeeper. I said it last season that the obvious target should be Fraser Forster and low and behold that's exactly who that got. He is a quality keeper and I am delighted to see him get a well deserved chance to impress in the Premier League.

Not as good as last season but a safe and solid season for Southampton.

12TH - HULL CITY

Hull have recruited well by getting Tom Ince, Harry Maguire and Robert Snodgrass. All three will add to an already solid squad. I expect them to be defensively strong again with Curtis Davies having another strong year. 

Concerning that Shane Long has been sold however expect Bruce to splash the cash. Also they have the dreaded Europa League to deal with. It deeply affected Newcastle and Swansea's seasons in recent year with both clubs ending up in relegation fights. Do Hull have the squad to deal with the extra games and the constant Thursday/Sunday schedule and have a good season ? I think no. 

But they will survive.

13TH - QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Mutch was a stand out player for Cardiff last season

Harry Redknapp has been this usual self in the transfer window trying to buy everyone specialising in those past their best and not just on the field after Glen Hoddle joined the coaching staff. Steven Caulker and Rio Ferdinand have been brought in as centre backs which on the face of it is a dream partnership -one young promising and the other with over 10 years of Premier League and International experience. Although given Ferdinand's injury record I cannot see him playing 20 games. Also looking at his performances last season you would be worried. He looked a man way past his best and struggling with almost everything. Expect him to be continually caught out this season - leading to his retirement at the end of it.

Jordan Mutch is a good signing and I think he will impress again just as he did last year with Cardiff. Loic Remy would be a huge asset should he stay and goals would guarantee survival. 

Going to take a gamble and say an up and down season but ultimately staying up as long as Loic Remy stays.

14TH - WEST BROM

Last season was a very tough one for fans of West Bromich Albion. After having a couple of stable years suddenly they were in a relegation dog-fight. The sacking of Steve Clarke for me made this worse and was a woeful decision by the board. Having somehow managed to have scrapped their way to survival this season the fans will be hoping for a more stress-free time. 

Alan Irvine's appointment was not happily received by the fans and this had added more pressure immediately before the season has even started. Jolean Lescott is a good signing and will bring experience with Craig Gardener whilst Brown Ideye is the big money goalscoring hope. 

The core of the squad with the likes of Morrison, Brunt, Dorrans, Foster, Sessegnon and youngster Berahino means they will they will be safe.

15TH - CRYSTAL PALACE

The departure of Tony Pulis is a huge blow to Palace. Before this announcement, despite having a quiet summer transfer window, I was predicting them a safe, solid season finishing 11th. However I am really not sure. The squad does not have the obvious quality to survive and without Pulis' organisation they could be in trouble. 

Fraiser Campbell will provide an added goal-threat and Brede Hangeland will aid the defence.

I am predicting they will survive but without a manger going into opening weekend it is not looking ideal for Palace.

16TH - WEST HAM

Another manager in serious trouble is Sam Alladyce. I am will amazed if he is still in charge come November 1st. West Ham have had a dire pre-season and with the news of Carroll out until Christmas as well as the off-field disagreements with the board it is not difficult to see trouble ahead. 

From what I have seen they are missing a serious goal threat and going forward they have looked very poor indeed. Having said this I am going to take a gamble on Valencia being a hit and helping the hammers to survival - but only just.

17TH - SUNDERLAND

Like for all the sides who I am predicting will be down the bottom the problem is goals. Sunderland are another team who are desperately weak in this area. Now that Poyet has had more time I am sure Sunderland will have more possession however they will have no cutting-edge. This is exactly what he did with Brighton. They played lovely possession football however could not put teams away on a regular basis. I expect a very similar incidence here although unlike the championship they will be punished for this more regularly. 

Borini would be a good signing could they pull it off but he is not the goalscorer they need. Jack Rodwell is another interesting signing but how many games will he play?

Expect many low-scoring games involving Sunderland this season with Sunderland being right at the bottom of the goal-scored chart. 

18TH - LEICESTER CITY

Will Ulloa be a hit in the Premier League?

New boys Leicester like Burnley have not strengthened the squad to what would be perceived as a Premier League standard squad. The addition of Ulloa from Brighton is a gamble given the price tag - £8 million - for a player with only a Championship goal-scoring record. Although he throughly deserves his chance in the top flight. However his lack of pace is a problem in the top league. If Leicester decide to play one up I think Ulloa will really struggle but with a partner I can see him getting 10 goals this season.

I cannot see Leicester having enough to survive. 

Nigel Pearson is another one like Sam Alladyce and Paul Lambert who I think will be sacked before November 1st.

19TH - ASTON VILLA

Surely the time has come for Aston Villa. They have been flirting with relegation for the last few years and as the season approaches they are looking just as vulnerable again this season. Paul Lambert is certainly on borrowed time and personally can not see in still being in charge come November 1st. Roy Keane will likely take over however the squad is poor. I can foresee Villa again being on the end of some hammering this season. 

Another relegation scrap looms but this time they will fall short - Villa fans must be worried. 

20TH - BURNLEY 

It is a very easy to write off Burnley this season. They are thought of as almost certainties to be relegated however after what happened with Crystal Palace last season you never know. Although as of this moment in time looking at the squad, with very few new additions, they do not look as if they have the quality to stay in the division.

Danny Ings is the star man but how many chances will he get? 

Premier League Predictions

Will United be celebrating come May?

The Premier League season is now only a day away and after all of the changes this summer I can say that it will be the most interesting season ever. Four of last season's top six have changed their manager and never before has there been so many questions before the start of the season. Will Jose Mourinho be successful again? How will United fare without Sir Alex Ferguson? How will City and new man Pellegrini perform? Rooney/Suarez/Bale transfers? and the age old classic, will Arsenal actually spend any money?  to name but a few.

Astonishingly of the predictions I have seen hardly any pundit is tipping Manchester United for the title. The lack of any summer signings, the departure of Ferguson and suddenly it would seem the champions are vulnerable. It would seem the return of Mourinho has lead many to believe its Chelsea's title. Manchester City have continued spending, splashing out 90 million, but will it bring the title back to the Ethiad?

The battle for the top four begins with both North-London and Merseyside clubs eyeing a top four spot.

How will the newly promoted sides do? Who's staying up and who's going down?

Time for me to predict the season as I feel it would turn out should the current squads still be the same come September 2nd.

TITLE - CHELSEA 

Return of the Special one

Personally I do feel the winner will come from the big three and I, like many of the pundits, am tipping Chelsea. Maybe it is the Mourinho factor but I just feel with Jose in charge they will be on top come May. In Eden Hazard and Juan Mata they have two World Class players which will concern any opposing side. I also like the look of Kevin De Burnye as an attacking option and think we will see plenty of him this year. Also with the experience of Frank Lampard surrounded by such talent really is a side to be feared.

My only concern is Torres due to his form and performances over the past two years. However the return of Lukaku, after a great season at West Brom,  presents a threat to Torres' place in the side. Mourinho still may make a big name signing before the window shuts with Rooney his obvious target.

2ND - MANCHESTER CITY 

For City, it is the attitude of the players. For me they have the best squad of players in the League, as they did last year. But when I watched them last year they looked lazy and I know they have a new manger now but I still think it is questionable. New man Manuel Pellegrini has a job on to focus them and make them a team again. The signing of Jesus Navas has improved the side and I expect a great season from him. City will need David Silva, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany back to form of 2011/12. I fear for the defence as it does look vulnerable and recently performances from Joe Hart do not inspire confidence.

On paper the team is excellent and expect them to give Newcastle a thrashing monday night.

3RD- MANCHESTER UNITED

I think David Moyes will struggle. It is never easy to follow a club legend. It will take time for him to make the squad his own however feel desperately that the squad needs new players to bolster its chances. As of today I think I am being kind in saying they will be third. If they make 3 top signings in the next two weeks then they are right back in it. A world class midfielder is a must and a position that has been calling out for signings for past 3 years.

The likes of Ton Cleverley and Ashley Young for me are not good enough for United. I feel the squad left by Ferguson is not as strong as people have made out and this will be exposed this season. 

The Rooney situation is harming them at present and until this is resolved it will continue to do so. Personally I think his future at United is in jeopardy as so many bridges have been burnt but I think they cannot afford to let him go. 

The air of invincibility seemed to have been removed due to the non-presence of Sir Alex Ferguson and I think his departure will boost others as no longer are you taking on the great Manchester United with a legendary manager.

Robin Van Persie will provide the goals but feel at present that it will be a long, tough season ahead for Moyes.

4TH - TOTTENHAM 

Will he stay or will he go?

Tottenham have brought in the likes of Paulinho, Soldado, Chadli and Capoue, spending 60 million in the process. The squad looks strong and they have cleared many of the weaker players out. The area of concern would be at centre back due to departures of Gallas and Caulker without replacements as of yet. I would say that IF they keep Bale I would tip them for top four and maybe even challenge 3rd. However I think Bale leaves their battle for top four will be lost.

5TH - LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have dreams of the top four and should Liverpool keep Suarez they will feel they have a chance. Coutinho looked a top player when he was signed in January and many have high hopes for him this season. The signing of Kolo Toure will bring experience but personally even with Suarez I do not think Liverpool will make it as they are not strong enough but they will go very close. I do think more signings will come before the window ends. I feel they will just pip Arsenal but only if Suarez stays and wants to play.

6TH - ARSENAL

Arsenal are roundly being tipped to miss out of top four to Spurs. Arsenal fans have had a very frustrating summer having been linked with so many top names but signing.... none one of them. With 17  players gone and only 1 in (20 year-old striker, free transfer from France) fans will wonder what is going on. The only positive is that the 17 players gone will not be missed, much of the deadwood has been cleared leaving room in the squad and money in wages to be spent elsewhere. However with two weeks to go in the transfer window time is running out. Arsene Wenger is under pressure. It would seem they have pinned all their hopes on a deal for Suarez which is looking increasing unlikely to come off. Fans will worry about panic buying in last few days of the window as happened before when Arsenal signed Park and Santos. Two players who never should have been signed.  As of today, with Bale I feel Tottenham are stronger and would tip them for top four. However the loss of Bale and Arsenal suddenly sign the 2/3 top players required then I would tip Arsenal not only for top four but put them in with a title shot as the arrival of big signings could also inspire and lift the hugely talented players already there. The squad clearly has talent but needs a lift or another season of discontent could follow.

7TH - EVERTON

For Everton, Roberto Martinez takes charge of an already top squad of players. The signing of Kone will boost the attacking options and although I think they will impress this season I do not think they will make the top four with the current squad. Keeping the likes of Fellani and Baines will be key to their season ambitions. Fancy Everton for decent run is FA Cup.

8TH - SWANSEA

In terms of a surprise top four contender, as Newcastle were two year back, I think Swansea could be that one. The demands of Europa League will test the squad and so their chances will be affected (look how it affected Newcastle last season). At this moment they would not seem not to have the squad depth or quality to maintain a serious challenge for the top four. Swansea will have a solid year and the signing of Wilfred Bony will take some of the pressure of Michu.

9TH - WEST HAM

Carroll to take West Ham into top half

I feel West Ham will have another good season and do not think they will be in danger of relegation. For West Ham a fit Andy Carroll will provide the goals needed to survive. The recruitment of Stewart Downing has surely been done with providing Carroll in mind. It is a big year for both of these players as the World Cup squad will be a target (should we qualify).

10TH - WEST BROM

I feel West Brom will have another good season and do not think they will be in danger of relegation. Lukaku will be a big miss for West Brom however the signing of Nicolas Anelka and Matej Vydra are promising and they will provide plenty of goal threat. Steve Clarke's side to have a very solid season.

11TH -  SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton played some very good football in the second part of last season and they will hope to reproduce that on a regular basic this year. I think Rickie Lambert will continue to score and Luke Shaw is a promising player. Do feel they overpaid for Celtic's Victor Wanyama and will be interesting to see how he adapts to the Premier League. 

12TH - NORWICH

Norwich have recruited well and I feel Chris Hughton will be delighted with the calibre of players he has brought in. I believe they have enough quality to stay in the division and be a very good side to watch. Only problem I can foresee is getting goals as Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper are unproven at Premier League level.

13TH - FULHAM
The signing of Darren Bent by Fulham is a great bit of business. The striker goal record speaks for itself. I am sure if Bent has an injury free year and gets playing time he will fire Fulham to a safe mid-table position. This along with the class of Berbatov gives Fulham a threatening attacking line-up, which can not be said for others in the division. If these two stay fit a top half finish is not out of there reach.

Never dull when Paulo is around

14TH - SUNDERLAND

With Paulo Di Canio as manager you know it is not going to be a quiet year at Sunderland. They have recruited a number of new players and I expect to see a different Sunderland this year, not so inconsistent. You can be sure they will be a difficult team to beat and will run and run. Scoring goals will be the problem.

15TH - ASTON VILLA

The biggest success for Villa will be keeping Christian Benteke. For this reason alone I think they will avoid relegation. I do not think they will have the good season that people are suggesting they will. For me they are weak. They have been for the last 3 years and in my opinion have been hugely lucky to survive the past two seasons. They will be involved in the scrap but Benteke gives them that quality that other do not have.

Loic Remy: Newcastle's only summer signing 

16TH - NEWCASTLE UNITED

Always a very difficult job predicting a Newcastle season. As a fan I do fear as it is almost the same side from the nightmare campaign of last year. No Europa League this year will help the small squad however its does not look good. A lack of attacking options is a major major concern. Also the defence consists of only Captain fantastic Collocini. Without him they appear are totally lost. 

A tough season for sure without signings in next two weeks, a striker and a centre back are a must. Even with Remy, who I rate very highly, they appear woeful short of attacking options. The Gomis deal looks dead, Bent has gone to Fulham and signings look nowhere near done. Also with rumours of Cabaye's departure, things are looking bleak. I hope the January signings such as Moussa Sissoko can rediscover some form as well as Cisse finding the net again. 

17TH - CARDIFF 

Despite having money I think Cardiff are in real danger of going down. I think they need 3/4 players before the window ends but I think they will get them.  The signing of Steven Caulker should aid a defence who are sure to be busy most weeks. The club has plenty going for it and think they will just survive. Again like many down the bottom the problem is goals.   

18TH - STOKE 

I think Stoke will go down this year. This is Mark Hughes' final chance having had a poor time at Manchester City and QPR. He was a success at Blackburn Rovers but that was years ago now and he has an air of failure about him. I think that despite the criticism he received even from his own fans, this season will reveal the top job Tony Pulis did.

19TH - HULL

Difficult season ahead for Crystal Palace

Steve Bruce's Hull will struggle this season. Signing of Danny Graham, Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore will give them Premier League experience but feel that they will not have enough.

20TH - CRYSTAL PALACE

I think Crystal Palace are going to be on the end of some absolute hammering this season and honestly think they will be bottom of the league. They just do not have the quality to survive. 

Weekend Tips

What a week it has been. Andy Murray has won his first Grand Slam, the first Brit to do so for 76 years and England have started World Cup qualifying with 4 points from 6. However this is still a disappointment. Also the terrible findings of the Hillsborough disaster were released proving that football fans were not to blame, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool raise their game today.

Top flight football is back this week and so a full fixture list to chose from as well as Rugby League and horse-racing from Newcastle,Bath,Chester and Doncaster where Camelot goes for history. Last weeks' bet of the day came through despite Serena Williams giving me a scare. However my prediction of Djokovic would have changed after I knew about the delay, although can take nothing away from Murray he deserved it.

Football: 

Three points for O'Neill today

This week there is one game that for me stands out above the rest. It is the tea-time saturday match between Sunderland and Liverpool. Sunderland under the management of Martin O'Neill (left) are a very difficult team to play against. They have started the season solidly drawing away at Arsenal and home against an in-form Swansea side however their first win will surely happen today. The thing I like about Sunderland is the front three, in James McClean, Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson they pose a very direct threat that will cause many teams problems throughout the season. For me this is a top-half front three. As a result I think Sunderland have goals in them, now when I compare this to Liverpool it is easy to see why the common sense must be a Sunderland win. Liverpool have struggled in their opening three games losing against West Brom (A) and Arsenal (H) and getting a draw against Manchester City (H). They won many plaudits for their performance against City however for me they were playing the best they could and City were at half-pace and used a strange team selection. I look at the Liverpool team and nothing would really worry me if I was Martin O'Neill. The front three of Luis Suarez, Fabio Borini and Raheem Sterling is weaker then that of Sunderland. The boy Sterling looks a great player with plenty of pace however none if them are what I would call goal scorers. Suarez is capable of great skill and incredible goals but is he going to score 20? I dont think so. This for me is Liverpool biggest problem. Both of their goals this season have come from set-pieces.The team does not have goals in them. As a team they create very little and even if they do they have no clinical striker to finish them. In fact for me they have no traditional striker at all now that they have let Andy Carroll go. This decision was an error, Carroll has not had the best of times at Anfield however as a Newcastle fan I know just how good he can be, given the service. This was the same as Alan Shearer. He was also a plan B. Liverpool have all small forwards and are unable to change the game. There is no power up front so arial threat is non existent. Now I know the same could be labelled at Barcelona however they are in a different league, literally and metaphorically, and the players they have are far superior to that of Liverpool. Sunderland are defensively organised and so a shut-out here is very likely. Also worryingly Steven Gerrard looks as if the years of carrying Liverpool and being the 'Roy of the Rovers' have finally taken their toll on him.

I understand what Brendan Rogers is trying to do however I do think he has made mistakes this season already and I do not see things getting any easier for him any time soon. Today will be emotionally charged for Liverpool due to the Hillsborough files however this match will do nothing to raise their spirits.

The records will show any team that struggles for goals will be battling relegation, now I do not think Liverpool will be in such trouble however talk of top 4 is laughable unless of some terrific signings in January and plenty of luck. For me they will be mid-table and they can have no complaint.

SkyBet go 12/5 a Sunderland win which is amazing odds and ones that should not be missed. SkyBet also go  11/10 Liverpool win and the draw is 12/5.

Bet of the day: Sunderland to beat Liverpool 12/5 (SkyBet)

Accumulator bet: Arsenal, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United and Bournemouth @ 20/1 (SkyBet).

Longshot: Stoke to win at home to Manchester City @4/1 (SkyBet). Stoke a very tough place to go and Man City may be thinking of Real Madrid in mid-week.

Also maybe few pounds on Brendan Rogers to be the first manager sacked in the Premier League at 20/1.

Racing:

Camelot goes for history and I think he should do it. At 2/5 it is too short for me however it will be major shock if he fails.

Win bet: 1.50 @Doncaster- Invisible Man @4/1 (SkyBet)

Each-Way: 3.00 @Doncaster- Steps @10/1 (SkyBet)

Rugby League:

It is play-off weekend and so three matches left to bet on. Treble for me; Leeds, Hull and Warrington at 11/10 (SkyBet).

Good luck with your bets today. 

Who has got it right?

This summer we have seen no less then 6 managerial changes with  Liverpool, Tottenham, Swansea, Norwich, Aston Villa and West Brom all with new men in the hotseat. However which club have made the right appointment?

Is Rodgers the right man?

Liverpool took the decision early on in the summer to remove Kenny Dalglish from his position. For me this was no surprise as Liverpool had a poor season on and off the field. Despite a League Cup victory and an FA Cup final, finishing the season in 7th was simply not good enough. Their performances were poor as they really struggled to find the back of the net. Dalglish spent over 100 million in 18 months and unfortunately for him many of his signings did not perform. Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique, Sebastian Coates and Jordan Henderson all had poor seasons and as a result Dalglish took much of the criticism. Also off the field, the Luis Suarez race row caused nothing but poor publicity for Liverpool. The way it was handled was appalling and the behaviour of Dalglish throughout was totally unprofessional. It was this for me that sealed his fate.

Brendan Rogers offers a new approach to Liverpool. He has won many plaudits for his management of Swansea and the football they played but this is a huge jump for him. This job is totally different. The expectations as well as the size of the job. For me Liverpool are further away from a title win as I can remember. I admit leading Swansea to the Premiership and keeping them up against the odds was a remarkable achievement. However I did feel that towards the end of last season they had been found out and would have said they will struggle this coming season.

Rogers has made some signing so far with Fabio Borini from Lazio, Joe Allan from Swansea and Oussama Assaidi from Heerenveen all joining and I expect more with Clint Dempsey being heavily linked. However I do think it will be a huge error to let Andy Carroll leave and one that could leave Rodgers with egg on his face.

I expect Liverpool to have a very tough season and that will start with a tricky trip to West Brom on saturday. For me a 6th place finish is the best they can hope for however I would predict the same as last year and 8th.

Is Rogers the right man to lead Liverpool to glory? Maybe, however it will take him 2/3 years at least to build them but will he get such time? For me he is not the right man but only time will tell.

Verdict: 5/10       Prediction for Season: 8th          

Laudrup faces tough test

Having lost Brendan Rogers many, including myself, have tipped Swansea for relegation. The loss of Gyfi Sigurdsson, Joe Allan and soon that of Scott Sinclair will affect them. Swansea finished last season poorly just as Bolton did the year before they went down. Swansea have turned to the legendary ex- Danish, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Ajax and Juventus star Michael Laudrup (left) to make sure they survive a second season in the Premier league. It is an obvious match for both man and club due to the philosophy that they both have. As a player Laudrup's talents can not be questioned however as a manger such a reputation he does not hold. He has had success at Bronby and did well with limited finances at Getafe and Real Mallorca. Although he has no experience of the Premier League and English football apart from TV. He will learn quick no doubt however for me he is up against it.

He has made signings, bringing in former players who he knows and trusts which is always a good move. Jonathan de Guzman,Chico Flores and Miguel Michu are players I have seen very little of. All three have come from Spanish or Italian football and it will be interesting to see how they adapt. They have also signed young right-back Curtis Obeng who is a great player. I saw him playing for Wrexham last year and he looked like he could play at a much higher level. Will be interesting to see how he develops. Also they have signed a striker Preston Jamie Proctor from League One Preston and Kyle Barkley from Arsenal and Itay Scechter from Kaiserslautern. I expect more signings  especially if Sinclair does leave. My concern for Swansea is goals. Is Graham going to get 10-15 goals? Sinclair and Sigurdsson scored over 20 goals between them last year and these will be hard to replace. So the pressure on the likes of Graham and the new guys such as Michu is great. Laudrup needs to unearth a gem or face relegation.

I would like to see Laudrup do well and not become another former great player to fail as a manger as Ruud Gullit and Bryan Robson have.

Verdict: 6/10        Prediction: 18th

Tottenham took the hugely unpopular yet predictable decision of replacing Harry Redknapp. Tottenham's collapse last year was a nightmare for fans as they lost third place from a position of such strength. Redknapp's course case, the England job possibility and that 'ghost' goal in the FA Cup semi-final seemed to suggests the way things were going for Spurs. Didier Drogba's penalty in Germany in the Champions League final sealed in the nightmare meaning Spurs missed out of Champions League football. Such a promising year had ended in despair.

Villas Boas needs success

Daniel Levy has opted for Andre Villas Boas as the man to lead the Tottenham charge for success and a top-four finish. Villas Boas has a nightmare at Chelsea and was removed by player power. The Chelsea players were never with him their performances clearly showed that. Due to that experience many fans may be sceptical of his appointment. For me he deserves a chance however this is it. Every manager gets sacked and offered things just do not work out however for this to happen twice in a row with two major English clubs with ambition will affect his reputation. If he fails at Spurs expect him to return to Europe and I would guess he will not be back for a long time, if ever. 

Spurs are almost certain to lose Luka Modric, which is a big blow however I expect them to re-invest the 30million+ they will receive for him. They have been linked with the likes of Moussa Dembele, Willan and Joao Moutinho. For me they are looking a little light up front and so getting Emmanuel Adebayor back seems to be an obvious move considering the success he had last year. 

The signing of Jan Vertonghon is a great signing and I expect more signing of such pedigree to follow.

Verdict: 7/10  Prediction: 6th

Clarke's first chance in the hot seat

West Brom have opted for the vastly experienced assitant-manager Steve Clarke (right). Clarke has had spells at Newcastle,Chelsea,Liverpool and West Ham while working with some top managers. People may say that this is a gamble considering he has never held a top job position. This on top of the fact that he is replacing the experienced man that is Roy Hodgson who really developed West Brom into a safe mid-table Premier League side. He is a tough man to follow no doubt. I do believe that Steve Clarke had deserved a chance and will flourish in his new position. 

West Brom have largely kept the same squad as last year which is a positive. The squad has the quality to survive another Premier League season in comfort I feel.

The signing of Romelu Lukaku is one that I am interested to see. This is a man who arrived at Chelsea with a big reputation and promise however he was never seen. For a 18 year-old he is physically huge. For me he is suited to the Premier League due to his power and pace. I think he will be a big hit this during this loan spell. West Brom will undoubted add to their squad and I think it will put them in a good position for a mid-table finish. 

Verdict: 7/10      Prediction: 11th

Not even Lambert can save Villa 

Aston Villa are a team in all sorts of trouble. It has been a decline since Martin O'Neill left the club. Alex Mcleish and Gerard Houllier  both endured poor seasons at Villa park. I heavily tipped Villa to be relegated last season and they were so lucky to survive. For only managing to win 7 games all season, they deserved to be relegated. 

Villa have opted for Paul Lambert (left). Lambert has huge success at Norwich leading them from League One to the Premier League and then survival in three years. Lambert is a good manager no doubt, however the Villa job promises something very different. the club is in decline and going down. If will take one hell of a manager to lift such a club and turn its fortunes around. A task I feel is beyond Lambert. 

I look at the squad and it is so poor. I know there is still time to buy however they need 6/7 quality players I feel. Throughout the team I would worry. Shay Given is no where near the player he was, saw that at the Euros, Richard Dunne must be 3 stone over weight. He is slow and cumbersome, as proved at the Euros. Then they have signed Vlaar, who was appalling at the Euros. If defence they have nothing and they will be shipped goals on a regular basic. In midfield, unless someone new has turned up I see nothing that would worry me. It is only Darren Bent. He is the only one to get goals and goals win games. Injury to Bent and their goals will disappear.   

They have relegation written all over them. Opening three games of the season will leave Villa bottom with 0points for sure. Home against Everton and away at newly promoted West Ham and Newcastle. Lambert is a good choice and if I were a Villa fans I would be happy with it however for me noting can save them. 

Verdict: 8/10   Prediction 19th

Hughton he right man

Norwich fans will have be saddened to lose Paul Lambert to Villa during the summer after they have endured three wonderful seasons under his tenure. They have replaced Lambert with Chris Hughton (right). This for me is a great move for the club. Chris has done terrifically well at Newcastle, where all agree he was unlucky to be sacked and at Birmingham City leading them to the play-offs despite all the off the field issues.

Norwich fans will be wary of the 'second season sydrome' however for me they will be safe. Hughton will make some new signing to improve the squad. Also I do not foresee them losing anyone. The bulk of last year's team will remain. I do think they will find it more difficult this year but will survive. They are in far better shape then Aston Villa. 

Verdict: 9/10         Prediction: 15th 

Other Predictions:

Title : Manchester United

Top Four: Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton

Relegation : Swansea, Reading and Aston Villa 

King Kenny's reign comes to an end

Down and out- Dalglish sacked after poor season

It has been announced this afternoon that Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been sacked. The news comes after days of speculation in which a trip to Boston for a meeting with the Liverpool owners was reported to have not gone well.

Fenway Sports Group released this statement:

"Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Liverpool Football Club announced that Kenny Dalglish is to leave his post today as manager after having his contract terminated.After a careful and deliberative review of the season, the club came to the decision that a change was appropriate. It is not a decision that was reached lightly or hastily. The search for a new manager will begin immediately."

T-Shirt debactle

For me this decision has been coming. The sacking of Damien Comolli proved that the writing was on the wall. Liverpool spent an awful lot of money on players this season and in truth the returns have been poor. Signing such as Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique, Stewart Downing and Sebastian Coates have all not been impressive. None have had good seasons. An eighth place league finish is simply not good enough. The performances themselves have also been very poor as they have struggled all year. Dalglish's handling of the Luis Suarez racism issue was also appalling. That episode brought the whole of Liverpool football club into disrepute. The way they conducted themselves was awful. The T-Shirts (above) were a disaster as Luis Suarez was found to be guilty. Even after this Dalglish seemed to never regret his actions. He was forced to make an apology by the club. His attitude towards the press was terrible. The arrogance of the man was unbelievable as he would just walk out on interviews. I doubt any journalist will shed a tear over this decision.

For me Dalglish has got exactly what he deserved. I did personally think that the Carling Cup win and a FA Cup Final would have brought him some time however it would appear not. Their season can be categorised as nothing but failure for a team of Liverpool's stature. The fans will still mourn his departure as he will always be regarded as a 'god-like' figure. Although Liverpool are now better off. They can now move forward with a new manager. It will not be easy, the team needs serious investment in the right type of players. If Liverpool do not get this appointment right they could continue to slip and remain outside of those Champions League places for years to come. The two Manchester clubs will continue to improve as will Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea. If Newcastle can perform again next season, or a team such as Everton continue their great form Liverpool will again be struggling to be in the top six. The Premier League is a very very tough league and it will not be getting easier for Liverpool anytime soon.

Is Martinez the answer 

The next appointment will be interesting SkyBet has Wigan manager Roberto Martinez (right) as the 7/4 favourite. Martinez has been linked with the Aston Villa and West Brom jobs in recents days however this is by far a much bigger job. If Liverpool will actually go with him I am not sure. Is he the man to take Liverpool forward? Only managed a team at the lower end of the Premier League will low expectations and no european experience. He does not seem the sort of man they will go for to me. He has done wonders at Wigan by keeping them in the Premier League year after year and likes to play a good brand of football. I do think he can manage at the bigger club however this jump may just be too far too soon. I am sure Martinez will be extremely keen to get this job. Liverpool desperately want to end their wait for a league title is Martinez the man to supply that? For me Liverpool are so far away from the title that it will take years to even get close.  It is a massive job as serious rebuilding needs to take place.

Other candidates include that of former manager Rafa Benitez (4/1 SkyBet), former England Fabio Capello (10/1 SkyBet), former Chelsea Andre Villas Boas (10/1 SkyBet) and current Swansea manager Brendan Rogers (6/1 Skybet). I am sure that over the coming days the number of names linked with this job will rise and rise. I am sure Sven Goran Eriksson will suddenly express an interest soon as he does in all available jobs. I have heard numerous fans saying how they would not mind Benitez back however I feel that this would be a disaster.

For me I have no idea who they will go with. However @25/1 (Skybet) Guus Hiddink would be a wonderful appointment and maybe worth a few quid.