2012/2013: 10th
Transfer(s) In: Stuart Downing (Liverpool, £5 Million), Andy Carroll (Liverpool, £15 Million), Adrian (Atletico Madrid, Free), Razvan Rat (Shakhtar Donetsk, Free), Danny Whitehead (Stockport, Undisc)
Transfer(s) Out: Carlton Cole, Gary O'Neil, Frederic Piquionne (Released)
Transfers Review:
Big Sam has been active in this transfer window, bringing in several new faces, a couple of which are truly impressive captures. If we look at my West Ham season review from last season, we can see that I suggested the area that they most needed to strengthen was in central defence. However, West Ham have done exactly opposite, choosing to sign more attack minded players. Andy Carroll was a signing that we all knew was on the horizon at the end of the last season. After a successful loan spell at Upton Park, the tall Geordie was always likely to go where he was wanted. The more impressive signing is that of Stuart Downing for a fee of just £5 Million. Having said publicly that he felt Downing was priced out of their league, Allardyce must have performed well in the negotiations, as he got his man. After a much more encouraging season last campaign, the formed England winger has a chance to carry that form into his new club.
Other than raiding Liverpool, the Hammers have brought in an attacking midfield in the shape of Atletico Madrid's Adrian. He looks a prospect, with an eye for goal, as well for a pass, and I am certain he will chip in with a goal or two this season. At the back, one of the earliest signings of the summer was Shakhtar Donetsk's experienced wing back Razvan Rat. Having experienced World Cups with Romania, as well as Champions League and Europa League football, he will be a valuable asset to West Ham, both on the field and off it.
Another transfer area that Big Sam will be pleased with is that fact that they have managed to retain their core squad from last season. The impressive Matt Jarvis remains with club, as does the defensive duo of James Collins and James Tomkins. This will allow the Hammers to build upon their relatively comfortable season from last time around, and they will hope to consolidate and push on this time around.
Pre-Season:
West Ham have had a pre-season that has been undertaken mostly in the British Isles. Starting with a trip to Ireland to play Cork City Foras, a game that the East London club won emphatically. Goals from Diarra, Cole, Taylor, McCallum, Noble and Morrison left the scoreline at a comfortable 6-2. 3 games against lower league English opposition followed in July, with the Hammers seeing off Boreham Wood 3-0 before beating Bournemouth by 2 goals to 0, and finishing the mini-tour off with a 2-1 success over Colchester. The games in July came thick and fast, and the Hammers finished their unbeaten month with the best result yet. A trip to Germany to face Hamburg resulted in a 3-1 success, setting them up nicely for their tour of Portugal in August.
That tour, however, did not start as successfully. Against Champions League opposition in the form of Braga, the Hammers tried valiantly, but eventually had to succumb to a 1-0 defeat, ending their 100% pre-season record. Just one match remained in West Ham's preparations for the new season, against Portuguese top division side Pacos Ferreira. Allardyce's side will be pleased to have ended in the manner they did, with a 2-1 success. This will give them confidence going into the opening weekend of the season.
Key Players:
Jussi Jaaskelainen was, in my opinion, the club's best player last time around, and the Hammers will need the veteran keeper to be at his best again this term. He led the league in terms of shots stopped, and the ex-Bolton man seems to like the East End, as he is playing some of his best football. His reflexes are superb, and his understanding and anticipation make him one of the most respected goalkeepers in the league.
Sam Allardyce has spoken at length about how expects this to be the breakthrough season for youth prospect Ravel Morrison. After several troubles at Manchester United, including run-ins with the police, Big Sam insists that the young man has changed his mindset, and is now able to deal with the pressure of the Premier League. He clearly has talent, but whether he will simply become another Mario Balotelli is yet to be seen. It will certainly be a interesting watch though.
Key Fixture Dates:
24/08/2013: Newcastle vs West Ham United
15/09/2013: Southampton vs West Ham United
02/11/2013: West Ham United vs Aston Villa
30/11/2013: West Ham United vs Fulham
14/12/2013: West Ham United vs Sunderland
01/01/2014: Fulham vs West Ham United
18/01/2014: West Ham United vs Newcastle
08/02/2014: Aston Villa vs West Ham United
22/02/2014: West Ham United vs Southampton
29/03/2014: Sunderland vs West Ham United
Top Goalscorer:
After he bedded in so quickly at the Hammers last time around, I think that this year could see Andy Carroll back to his Newcastle form that saw Liverpool pay £35 Million for his services. The Hammers' style of play suits the big powerful striker, and we will see him terrorise defences in the air lots this season. Not many of his goals will be the pretty kind, but they all count!
Prediction:
Threats of the 'Second Season Syndrome' will always be ever present, and I feel this will have an effect on the Hammers this season. However, they have the squad to deal with the pressure, and after a couple of worrying times in the season, I am certain that they will finish in a very comfortable mid-table position. They may not hit the heights of a top-10 finish, but I am sure that they will be safe from the drop, which I am sure will please Hammers' fans.
West Ham United 2013/2014: 13th
Analysis of sporting events, talking points and controversies.
Showing posts with label Preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Preview. Show all posts
Saturday, 17 August 2013
Friday, 16 August 2013
West Bromwich Albion: Can The Baggies Bounce Back Into The Top Half?
2012/2013: 8th
Transfer(s) In: Matej Vydra (Udinese, Loan), Diego Lugano (Paris Saint Germain, Free), Nicolas Anelka (Shanghai Shenhua, Free), Goran Popov (Dinamo Kiev, Loan), Scott Sinclair (Manchester City, Loan), Victor Anichebe (Everton, £5 Million), Stephane Sessegnon (Sunderland, £6 Million), Morgan Amalfitano (Marseille, Loan)
Transfer(s) Out: Marc-Antoine Fortune, Gonzalo Jara, Jerome Thomas (Released), Peter Odemwingie (Cardiff City, £2 Million)
Transfers Review:
West Brom are in the very fortunate position this season of being able to make only a couple of changes to a squad that has proven to be highly successful in the Premier League, finishing in an all time high of 8th. If we look at the predictions that I made at the end of the season, I said that a central defender and a more creative wide player would be required, citing Ryan Shawcross and Scott Sinclair as potential targets. Whilst Shawcross was never talked about as a target in reality, they certainly filled that position with Lugano. The addition of Scott Sinclair certainly fill that void of a winger. As I stated in my review post, I think he would add a lot to West Brom, and they would be doing him a favour by playing him regularly.
In terms of who they have brought in thus far this summer, they have a good mix of youth and experience. The major loss to the Baggies happened up front, with the in form Romelu Lukaku returning to his parent club Chelsea. After such an excellent season on loan to West Brom, they will miss his strength and goals. In order to replace those goals, Clarke moved quickly to bring in the ex Bolton, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka. His experience will inevitably be as valuable as his goals, especially when considering the young striker he has signed since. Matej Vydra, after a fantastic goalscoring season on loan from Udinese, has been loaned in again. I have no doubt about his ability to step up, and with a partner in the form of Anelka, he will learn much from the Baggies. Similarly, in central defence, the more experienced Diego Lugano, who is quite a capture for West Brom, being the Uruguayan national captain, will train the young centre-back Popov. I full expect all to be important in West Brom's season.
Pre-Season:
West Brom began their pre-season preparations with a friendly match in Hannover, a match that ended with a 2-1 defeat. Bearing in mind that this Hannover side was recently playing European football, this cannot be considered a complete disaster. The Baggies then took part in three further matches during the month of July, giving themselves little time to rest or recuperate. They began with an exhibition game against a Puskas FC Academy XI, which they dominated from start to finish, with a comfortable margin of victory, winning by 3 goals to 0. Next, they returned to England to face Derby County. Once again, the Premier League side were victorious, though this was by a slimmer margin that they perhaps would have liked, winning only 2-0. They finished July with a home game against Greek side Atromitos. After a poor start, which saw them fall behind to a Karagounis goal, they fought back after the break, with goals from Anelka, Berehino and Rosenberg rounding off a 3-1 victory to keep the Baggies tremendous run of form going.
August proved as busy a month as the one before, with three pre-season games in nine days. However, the period did not start well, with a home loss against Genoa. After just a five day rest, the Baggies travelled to Ireland to take on Cork City Foras. The defeat seemed not to affect the confidence of the players, who turned on the style for their manager. A 6-0 thrashing was handed out to the Irish Premier League side, boosting morale in the West Brom camp. They finished their preparations with a more challenging game against Bologna, and they came away with arguably, an even more impressive result than the one that came before it. A 2-0 win over the Serie A side finished the pre-season tour in the best possible manner, and gave them the perfect pedestal to move into the league season.
Key Players:
A key player for the Baggies this campaign will undoubtedly be Chris Brunt. The creator of many of West Brom's opportunities last season, the captain will have a crucial role to play once more this year. His deadly delivery from set pieces and his vision with a through ball will make him a vital asset this time around. If they are to repeat last year's heroics, a solid season from their captain will be required.
If they are to replace Romelu Lukaku's goals, Shane Long will also have a critical role to play. His pace and skill make him a threat to any defence in the Premier League, but he will need to be more clinical when he gets his chances if he is to hit the 15 goal mark.
Key Fixture Dates:
31/08/2013: West Brom vs Swansea
21/09/2013: West Brom vs Sunderland
25/11/2013: West Brom vs Aston Villa
30/11/2013: Newcastle vs West Brom
28/12/2013: West Ham vs West Brom
01/01/2014: West Brom vs Newcastle
28/01/2014: Aston Villa vs West Brom
01/03/2014: Sunderland vs West Brom
15/03/2014: Swansea vs West Brom
26/04/2014: West Brom vs West Ham
Top Goalscorer:
If Long adds goals to his ability to irritate defences, I am certain that he will claim this accolade. As it is, the experience of Anelka, along with his goalscoring ability, makes me think that the Frenchman will claim it this season. He has scored goals at every club he has been, and while I do not expect him to hit 20 this season, the mid teens is quite possible, especially if the club performs as they did last time around.
Prediction:
I have a feeling that West Brom have got themselves out of the 'boing boing' mentality now, with the Baggies repeatedly safe from relegation, culminating in the fabulous success of last season. Whether it was a flash in the pan, or the beginning of a push for Europe will only be seen in time. I think that we will see a repeat of their last season form, resulting in them finishing in the same end result.
West Bromwich Albion 2013/2014: 8th
Transfer(s) In: Matej Vydra (Udinese, Loan), Diego Lugano (Paris Saint Germain, Free), Nicolas Anelka (Shanghai Shenhua, Free), Goran Popov (Dinamo Kiev, Loan), Scott Sinclair (Manchester City, Loan), Victor Anichebe (Everton, £5 Million), Stephane Sessegnon (Sunderland, £6 Million), Morgan Amalfitano (Marseille, Loan)
Transfer(s) Out: Marc-Antoine Fortune, Gonzalo Jara, Jerome Thomas (Released), Peter Odemwingie (Cardiff City, £2 Million)
Transfers Review:
West Brom are in the very fortunate position this season of being able to make only a couple of changes to a squad that has proven to be highly successful in the Premier League, finishing in an all time high of 8th. If we look at the predictions that I made at the end of the season, I said that a central defender and a more creative wide player would be required, citing Ryan Shawcross and Scott Sinclair as potential targets. Whilst Shawcross was never talked about as a target in reality, they certainly filled that position with Lugano. The addition of Scott Sinclair certainly fill that void of a winger. As I stated in my review post, I think he would add a lot to West Brom, and they would be doing him a favour by playing him regularly.
In terms of who they have brought in thus far this summer, they have a good mix of youth and experience. The major loss to the Baggies happened up front, with the in form Romelu Lukaku returning to his parent club Chelsea. After such an excellent season on loan to West Brom, they will miss his strength and goals. In order to replace those goals, Clarke moved quickly to bring in the ex Bolton, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka. His experience will inevitably be as valuable as his goals, especially when considering the young striker he has signed since. Matej Vydra, after a fantastic goalscoring season on loan from Udinese, has been loaned in again. I have no doubt about his ability to step up, and with a partner in the form of Anelka, he will learn much from the Baggies. Similarly, in central defence, the more experienced Diego Lugano, who is quite a capture for West Brom, being the Uruguayan national captain, will train the young centre-back Popov. I full expect all to be important in West Brom's season.
Pre-Season:
West Brom began their pre-season preparations with a friendly match in Hannover, a match that ended with a 2-1 defeat. Bearing in mind that this Hannover side was recently playing European football, this cannot be considered a complete disaster. The Baggies then took part in three further matches during the month of July, giving themselves little time to rest or recuperate. They began with an exhibition game against a Puskas FC Academy XI, which they dominated from start to finish, with a comfortable margin of victory, winning by 3 goals to 0. Next, they returned to England to face Derby County. Once again, the Premier League side were victorious, though this was by a slimmer margin that they perhaps would have liked, winning only 2-0. They finished July with a home game against Greek side Atromitos. After a poor start, which saw them fall behind to a Karagounis goal, they fought back after the break, with goals from Anelka, Berehino and Rosenberg rounding off a 3-1 victory to keep the Baggies tremendous run of form going.
August proved as busy a month as the one before, with three pre-season games in nine days. However, the period did not start well, with a home loss against Genoa. After just a five day rest, the Baggies travelled to Ireland to take on Cork City Foras. The defeat seemed not to affect the confidence of the players, who turned on the style for their manager. A 6-0 thrashing was handed out to the Irish Premier League side, boosting morale in the West Brom camp. They finished their preparations with a more challenging game against Bologna, and they came away with arguably, an even more impressive result than the one that came before it. A 2-0 win over the Serie A side finished the pre-season tour in the best possible manner, and gave them the perfect pedestal to move into the league season.
Key Players:
A key player for the Baggies this campaign will undoubtedly be Chris Brunt. The creator of many of West Brom's opportunities last season, the captain will have a crucial role to play once more this year. His deadly delivery from set pieces and his vision with a through ball will make him a vital asset this time around. If they are to repeat last year's heroics, a solid season from their captain will be required.
If they are to replace Romelu Lukaku's goals, Shane Long will also have a critical role to play. His pace and skill make him a threat to any defence in the Premier League, but he will need to be more clinical when he gets his chances if he is to hit the 15 goal mark.
Key Fixture Dates:
31/08/2013: West Brom vs Swansea
21/09/2013: West Brom vs Sunderland
25/11/2013: West Brom vs Aston Villa
30/11/2013: Newcastle vs West Brom
28/12/2013: West Ham vs West Brom
01/01/2014: West Brom vs Newcastle
28/01/2014: Aston Villa vs West Brom
01/03/2014: Sunderland vs West Brom
15/03/2014: Swansea vs West Brom
26/04/2014: West Brom vs West Ham
Top Goalscorer:
If Long adds goals to his ability to irritate defences, I am certain that he will claim this accolade. As it is, the experience of Anelka, along with his goalscoring ability, makes me think that the Frenchman will claim it this season. He has scored goals at every club he has been, and while I do not expect him to hit 20 this season, the mid teens is quite possible, especially if the club performs as they did last time around.
Prediction:
I have a feeling that West Brom have got themselves out of the 'boing boing' mentality now, with the Baggies repeatedly safe from relegation, culminating in the fabulous success of last season. Whether it was a flash in the pan, or the beginning of a push for Europe will only be seen in time. I think that we will see a repeat of their last season form, resulting in them finishing in the same end result.
West Bromwich Albion 2013/2014: 8th
Tottenham Hotspur: Does The Season Hinge On Bale?
2012/2013: 5th
Transfer(s) In: Nacer Chadli (FC Twente, £7 Million), Paulinho (Corinthians, £17 Million), Roberto Soldado (Valencia, £26 Million), Etienne Capoue (Toulouse, £9 Million), Vladimir Chiriches (Steaua Bucharest, £7.5 Million), Erik Lamela (AS Roma, £25 Million), Christian Eriksen (Ajax, £11 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Tom Huddlestone (Hull, Undisc), Tom Livermore (Hull, Loan), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders, £6 Million), Steven Caulker (Cardiff, £8 Million), David Bentley, William Gallas (Released), Scott Parker (Fulham, Undisc), Gareth Bale (Real Madrid, £85.3 Million)
Transfers Review:
Andre Villas Boas has been tasked with bringing Champions League football to White Hart Lane in 2014, and to do that he has made signings totalling over £110 Million. All will add massively to the current Spurs squad, but the most interesting signing for me is Paulinho. The young Brazilian defensive midfielder is the ideal signing for Spurs, who have lacked bite and flair in the central positions. Paulinho impressed me with his performances at the Confederations Cup, and I am certain that he will be an excellent addition to Tottenham's squad. The other position the Lily Whites desperately needed at the end of last season was an out and out striker, with only the aging Jermain Defoe, and the out of touch Emmanuel Adebayor to show for the forward line. This left a heavy burden on the midfield to score goals, a feat which was taken by one man. However, Spurs have attempted to rectify this situation for the new season, with 29 year old Roberto Soldado being recruited from Valencia. A bit of a risk, as at 29, his best years are probably behind him, making £26 Million a lot to pay. However, his clinical finishing and awareness means that I still think he will propel Spurs towards that 4th spot this year.
Other than those two, AVB has strengthened their already abundantly talented wings, with Nacer Chadli being brought in from Holland, and, more recently, another central midfielder has joined the side, in the form of Etienne Capoue. Both of these will probably be used as cover for the first team, but they are both high quality players, and simply go to show the strength in depth that Spurs have at White Hart Lane. In the days leading up to the deadline, Vladimir Chiriches, Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen would all be signed to cover for Gareth Bale, who eventually moved to Madrid.
In terms of outgoings, Spurs's summer has been dominated by the attention that last year's PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale has been receiving from Real Madrid. With the Spanish side reported to have offered a world record £85 Million for the winger, chairman Daniel Levy has apparently had to issue a hands-off warning to the La Liga giants. However, the longer this saga dragged on, the more it appeared that the Welshman would be on his way to Madrid this summer, especially seeing as Tottenham could not offer him the Champions League football he so craved. This was the case on Sunday 1st September, as the world record deal was finally concluded. Other than this, Tottenham have managed to hold onto many of their star names from previous seasons, with Clint Dempsey and William Gallas the regular starters for the Lily Whites to have departed.
Pre-Season:
Tottenham began their pre-season preparations with a game away at Swindon Town, before setting off to take part in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong. After a Gareth Bale goal to hand Spurs the lead, Swindon levelled and held on to claim a 1-1 draw. Just before Tottenham set off on their Asia Trophy adventure, the news broke that Real Madrid were interested in the Welsh forward. Around that time, the forward got a mysterious 'injury', ruling him out of the competition, and, as it proved, the rest of Tottenham's pre-season.
In his absence, the Tottenham squad had a poor first performance against Sunderland in their semi-final, eventually losing the game 3-1. The following day they played the third place playoff match against South China. Here we saw the North London side back to their best, with goals from Dempsey, Townsend, an own goal and a hat-trick from Defoe gave them a 6-0 victory on an awful playing surface. After the disappointment of losing the chance to play for a trophy, Spurs moved back to Europe to play an exhibition match against big spending Monaco in the principality. Here, their Champions League credentials were tested, and they came up very short. A Radamel Falcao hat-trick condemned Spurs to their second pre-season defeat, this time conceding 5 in a 5-2 demolition. Spurs finished their turbulent preparation with a 1-1 draw against Espanyol, not exactly propelling them into a league season. The Gareth Bale saga still rumbles on, and threatens to derail their start.
Key Players:
This could prove to be a big season for Aaron Lennon. The English wide man will find himself under increasing pressure from the likes of Nacer Chadli this season, but normally, the best players will perform best when under pressure for their places. I feel that this will be the season that we see the speed freak back to his best, terrorising defences both domestically and on the continent with his pace, and providing many goals for his team mates.
Jan Vertonghen will also need to carry his excellent form from last season into this campaign if Spurs are to go one better this time around. The Belgian got progressively better and better as the season went on, and I would not be surprised if he became the rock at the back for the Lily Whites this season.
Key Fixture Dates:
01/09/2013: Arsenal vs Tottenham
28/09/2013: Tottenham vs Chelsea
03/11/2013: Everton vs Tottenham
23/11/2013: Manchester City vs Tottenham
30/11/2013: Tottenham vs Manchester United
14/12/2013: Tottenham vs Liverpool
01/01/2014: Manchester United vs Tottenham
29/01/2014: Tottenham vs Manchester City
08/02/2014: Tottenham vs Everton
08/03/2014: Chelsea vs Tottenham
15/03/2014: Tottenham vs Arsenal
29/03/2014: Liverpool vs Tottenham
Top Goalscorer:
After the big money signing, I would be very surprised if Roberto Soldado didn't finish up as the Tottenham top scorer this season. His international and continental experience will provide him with an excellent basis for scoring goals in whatever competition he wants. I don't necessarily expect him to win the Golden Boot this year, but a 20 goal season is the least that Spurs fans can expect after the massive amount that was spent to bring him to London.
Prediction:
In reality, the two major contenders for the fourth place finish this season are the two North London clubs, with Liverpool the dark horse. Based solely on the squads, you would have to say that seeing as Arsenal have failed to add to theirs, whilst Tottenham have now got strength in all areas after spending that £110 Million, I would have to conclude that Spurs are now the favourites for the final Champions League spot. I still fancy them to just nick it whatever happens, but it certainly has potential to be the most interesting season yet.
Tottenham Hotspur 2013/2014: 4th
Transfer(s) In: Nacer Chadli (FC Twente, £7 Million), Paulinho (Corinthians, £17 Million), Roberto Soldado (Valencia, £26 Million), Etienne Capoue (Toulouse, £9 Million), Vladimir Chiriches (Steaua Bucharest, £7.5 Million), Erik Lamela (AS Roma, £25 Million), Christian Eriksen (Ajax, £11 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Tom Huddlestone (Hull, Undisc), Tom Livermore (Hull, Loan), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders, £6 Million), Steven Caulker (Cardiff, £8 Million), David Bentley, William Gallas (Released), Scott Parker (Fulham, Undisc), Gareth Bale (Real Madrid, £85.3 Million)
Transfers Review:
Andre Villas Boas has been tasked with bringing Champions League football to White Hart Lane in 2014, and to do that he has made signings totalling over £110 Million. All will add massively to the current Spurs squad, but the most interesting signing for me is Paulinho. The young Brazilian defensive midfielder is the ideal signing for Spurs, who have lacked bite and flair in the central positions. Paulinho impressed me with his performances at the Confederations Cup, and I am certain that he will be an excellent addition to Tottenham's squad. The other position the Lily Whites desperately needed at the end of last season was an out and out striker, with only the aging Jermain Defoe, and the out of touch Emmanuel Adebayor to show for the forward line. This left a heavy burden on the midfield to score goals, a feat which was taken by one man. However, Spurs have attempted to rectify this situation for the new season, with 29 year old Roberto Soldado being recruited from Valencia. A bit of a risk, as at 29, his best years are probably behind him, making £26 Million a lot to pay. However, his clinical finishing and awareness means that I still think he will propel Spurs towards that 4th spot this year.
Other than those two, AVB has strengthened their already abundantly talented wings, with Nacer Chadli being brought in from Holland, and, more recently, another central midfielder has joined the side, in the form of Etienne Capoue. Both of these will probably be used as cover for the first team, but they are both high quality players, and simply go to show the strength in depth that Spurs have at White Hart Lane. In the days leading up to the deadline, Vladimir Chiriches, Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen would all be signed to cover for Gareth Bale, who eventually moved to Madrid.
In terms of outgoings, Spurs's summer has been dominated by the attention that last year's PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale has been receiving from Real Madrid. With the Spanish side reported to have offered a world record £85 Million for the winger, chairman Daniel Levy has apparently had to issue a hands-off warning to the La Liga giants. However, the longer this saga dragged on, the more it appeared that the Welshman would be on his way to Madrid this summer, especially seeing as Tottenham could not offer him the Champions League football he so craved. This was the case on Sunday 1st September, as the world record deal was finally concluded. Other than this, Tottenham have managed to hold onto many of their star names from previous seasons, with Clint Dempsey and William Gallas the regular starters for the Lily Whites to have departed.
Pre-Season:
Tottenham began their pre-season preparations with a game away at Swindon Town, before setting off to take part in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong. After a Gareth Bale goal to hand Spurs the lead, Swindon levelled and held on to claim a 1-1 draw. Just before Tottenham set off on their Asia Trophy adventure, the news broke that Real Madrid were interested in the Welsh forward. Around that time, the forward got a mysterious 'injury', ruling him out of the competition, and, as it proved, the rest of Tottenham's pre-season.
In his absence, the Tottenham squad had a poor first performance against Sunderland in their semi-final, eventually losing the game 3-1. The following day they played the third place playoff match against South China. Here we saw the North London side back to their best, with goals from Dempsey, Townsend, an own goal and a hat-trick from Defoe gave them a 6-0 victory on an awful playing surface. After the disappointment of losing the chance to play for a trophy, Spurs moved back to Europe to play an exhibition match against big spending Monaco in the principality. Here, their Champions League credentials were tested, and they came up very short. A Radamel Falcao hat-trick condemned Spurs to their second pre-season defeat, this time conceding 5 in a 5-2 demolition. Spurs finished their turbulent preparation with a 1-1 draw against Espanyol, not exactly propelling them into a league season. The Gareth Bale saga still rumbles on, and threatens to derail their start.
Key Players:
This could prove to be a big season for Aaron Lennon. The English wide man will find himself under increasing pressure from the likes of Nacer Chadli this season, but normally, the best players will perform best when under pressure for their places. I feel that this will be the season that we see the speed freak back to his best, terrorising defences both domestically and on the continent with his pace, and providing many goals for his team mates.
Jan Vertonghen will also need to carry his excellent form from last season into this campaign if Spurs are to go one better this time around. The Belgian got progressively better and better as the season went on, and I would not be surprised if he became the rock at the back for the Lily Whites this season.
Key Fixture Dates:
01/09/2013: Arsenal vs Tottenham
28/09/2013: Tottenham vs Chelsea
03/11/2013: Everton vs Tottenham
23/11/2013: Manchester City vs Tottenham
30/11/2013: Tottenham vs Manchester United
14/12/2013: Tottenham vs Liverpool
01/01/2014: Manchester United vs Tottenham
29/01/2014: Tottenham vs Manchester City
08/02/2014: Tottenham vs Everton
08/03/2014: Chelsea vs Tottenham
15/03/2014: Tottenham vs Arsenal
29/03/2014: Liverpool vs Tottenham
Top Goalscorer:
After the big money signing, I would be very surprised if Roberto Soldado didn't finish up as the Tottenham top scorer this season. His international and continental experience will provide him with an excellent basis for scoring goals in whatever competition he wants. I don't necessarily expect him to win the Golden Boot this year, but a 20 goal season is the least that Spurs fans can expect after the massive amount that was spent to bring him to London.
Prediction:
In reality, the two major contenders for the fourth place finish this season are the two North London clubs, with Liverpool the dark horse. Based solely on the squads, you would have to say that seeing as Arsenal have failed to add to theirs, whilst Tottenham have now got strength in all areas after spending that £110 Million, I would have to conclude that Spurs are now the favourites for the final Champions League spot. I still fancy them to just nick it whatever happens, but it certainly has potential to be the most interesting season yet.
Tottenham Hotspur 2013/2014: 4th
Swansea City: European Adventure, League Consolidation?
2012/2013: 9th
Transfer(s) In: Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem, £12 Million), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool, £6 Million), Jonathan De Guzman (Villareal, Loan), Jordi Amat (Espanyol, £2 Million), Jernade Meade (Free Agent, Free), Alejandro Pozuelo (Real Betis, Free), Jose Canas (Real Betis, Free), Alvaro Vasquez (Getafe, Loan)
Transfer(s) Out: Kemy Augustien (Brighton, Free), Kyle Bartley (Birmingham: Loan), Dwight Tiendalli, Luke Moore (Released)
Transfers Review:
Swansea, after a silverware-winning season last campaign, have made several signings that will not look out of place on the Europa League stage. The headline making signing came in the form of Wilfried Bony, with the Ivorian costing the best part of £12 Million. However, he seems an excellent player, and with a goalscoring record that many would have envied last season, albeit in Holland, he seems appropriate qualified to succeed in the Premier League. The addition of Jonjo Shelvey is also an impressive one, as he was once tipped to be Liverpool's next talismanic central midfielder. He will only get better with age, and at 22, he has plenty of time to improve! Once again, Michael Laudrup has used his knowledge of the Spanish game to attract several La Liga signings, with the likes of Amat, Pozuelo and Canas all following the Dane from Spain. If they perform anything like Michu managed, they will all be huge successes in South Wales.
If we consider my predictions in my Swansea season review post from a couple of months ago, I suggested that Swansea most needed a central midfielder and a striker in order to press on from their excellent season last time around. Looking at their signings, Wilfried Bony and Jonjo Shelvey are exactly both of those things. Whilst they may not be the exact people that I recommended, I do feel some aspect of pleasure that the positions were correct.
Another important aspect to Swansea's summer is that they have not allowed many of their key players from last season to leave. After such a successful season, managing to keep hold of 20 goal Michu would have been a struggle this time around. However, the Dane has kept both Williams and Michu, giving the Swans a strong backbone to the squad this campaign.
Pre-Season:
Due to their involvement in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League, thanks to their Capital One Cup victory last year, Swansea have been unable to take part in an extensive pre-season campaign. However, this may actually be an advantage, as they have been able to take part in competitive matches before the start of the league season. The only real test of the Swans on their early pre-season tour of the UK was against recently relegated Reading. A fantastic performance from Bony, laying on goals for Shelvey and Pablo Hernandez, after Michu had opened the scoring, meant that Swansea won the game 3-0.
And so to the qualifying round of the Europa League campaign, in which the Swans were drawn against Swedish side Malmo. The first leg of the tie was where Bony really made the £12 Million look a reasonable fee. After Michu opened the scoring ten minutes before the break, the Ivorian stole the show with two quick goals after half time. New boy Pozuelo then rounded off the night to make the scoreline a comfortable 4-0 lead going into the return leg. Having changed almost the entire squad for the trip to Sweden, the Swans were unable to build upon the lead, instead settling for 0-0 draw, taking them through 4-0 on aggregate and setting them up nicely for the visit of Manchester United on Saturday.
Key Players:
In Ashley Williams, the Swans have one of the most sought after defenders in the land. With Arsenal and Liverpool both reportedly interested in the Welsh centre-back, Swansea have done well to retain his services at the Liberty. His pace and reading of the play make him a fantastic defender, and a natural leader on and off the field. Last season represented an all time high for the young defender, and I am certain that he will consolidate his status as one of the best in the Premier League this time around.
Pablo Hernandez is another one that I could see shine this campaign. After a hit and miss second half to the season last year, the Spaniard has real potential to be an excellent winger, as his performances at Valencia show. If he can build upon his strength, he will fit into the Premier League well, and I am certain that he will become the chief outlet for goals.
Key Fixture Dates:
31/08/2013: West Brom vs Swansea
16/09/2013: Swansea vs Liverpool
03/11/2013: Cardiff vs Swansea
21/12/2013: Swansea vs Everton
08/02/2014: Swansea vs Cardiff
22/02/2014: Liverpool vs Swansea
15/03/2014: Swansea vs West Brom
22/03/2014: Everton vs Swansea
Top Goalscorer:
After his £12 Million move from Vitesse, Wilfried Bony has hit the ground running, and I expect him to continue this form into the Premier League season. However, as they already have a proven goalscorer in Michu at the club, Bony may have to wait his turn for the top goalscorer position this year. The Spaniard was impressive last year, with his creativity, anticipation and finishing attributes all at an outstanding level. I expect both to score well into the teens, but I feel that Michu will just edge it this season.
Prediction:
Many sides seem to have a problem with balancing success in Europe with success domestically, with their league form suffering. Newcastle last year would be an excellent example of this, with the Magpies struggling to stay in the league after an outstanding 5th place finish the year before. For Swansea, I think this will not be as large an issue. This season they will not be looking upwards in the league, but more to consolidate the position they got last year, a safe top table finish. This, with the squad that they have, is totally achievable. Europe may be an adventure, and one I think they will do well in, but domestic form is essential.
Swansea City 2013/2014: 8th
Transfer(s) In: Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem, £12 Million), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool, £6 Million), Jonathan De Guzman (Villareal, Loan), Jordi Amat (Espanyol, £2 Million), Jernade Meade (Free Agent, Free), Alejandro Pozuelo (Real Betis, Free), Jose Canas (Real Betis, Free), Alvaro Vasquez (Getafe, Loan)
Transfer(s) Out: Kemy Augustien (Brighton, Free), Kyle Bartley (Birmingham: Loan), Dwight Tiendalli, Luke Moore (Released)
Transfers Review:
Swansea, after a silverware-winning season last campaign, have made several signings that will not look out of place on the Europa League stage. The headline making signing came in the form of Wilfried Bony, with the Ivorian costing the best part of £12 Million. However, he seems an excellent player, and with a goalscoring record that many would have envied last season, albeit in Holland, he seems appropriate qualified to succeed in the Premier League. The addition of Jonjo Shelvey is also an impressive one, as he was once tipped to be Liverpool's next talismanic central midfielder. He will only get better with age, and at 22, he has plenty of time to improve! Once again, Michael Laudrup has used his knowledge of the Spanish game to attract several La Liga signings, with the likes of Amat, Pozuelo and Canas all following the Dane from Spain. If they perform anything like Michu managed, they will all be huge successes in South Wales.
If we consider my predictions in my Swansea season review post from a couple of months ago, I suggested that Swansea most needed a central midfielder and a striker in order to press on from their excellent season last time around. Looking at their signings, Wilfried Bony and Jonjo Shelvey are exactly both of those things. Whilst they may not be the exact people that I recommended, I do feel some aspect of pleasure that the positions were correct.
Another important aspect to Swansea's summer is that they have not allowed many of their key players from last season to leave. After such a successful season, managing to keep hold of 20 goal Michu would have been a struggle this time around. However, the Dane has kept both Williams and Michu, giving the Swans a strong backbone to the squad this campaign.
Pre-Season:
Due to their involvement in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League, thanks to their Capital One Cup victory last year, Swansea have been unable to take part in an extensive pre-season campaign. However, this may actually be an advantage, as they have been able to take part in competitive matches before the start of the league season. The only real test of the Swans on their early pre-season tour of the UK was against recently relegated Reading. A fantastic performance from Bony, laying on goals for Shelvey and Pablo Hernandez, after Michu had opened the scoring, meant that Swansea won the game 3-0.
And so to the qualifying round of the Europa League campaign, in which the Swans were drawn against Swedish side Malmo. The first leg of the tie was where Bony really made the £12 Million look a reasonable fee. After Michu opened the scoring ten minutes before the break, the Ivorian stole the show with two quick goals after half time. New boy Pozuelo then rounded off the night to make the scoreline a comfortable 4-0 lead going into the return leg. Having changed almost the entire squad for the trip to Sweden, the Swans were unable to build upon the lead, instead settling for 0-0 draw, taking them through 4-0 on aggregate and setting them up nicely for the visit of Manchester United on Saturday.
Key Players:
In Ashley Williams, the Swans have one of the most sought after defenders in the land. With Arsenal and Liverpool both reportedly interested in the Welsh centre-back, Swansea have done well to retain his services at the Liberty. His pace and reading of the play make him a fantastic defender, and a natural leader on and off the field. Last season represented an all time high for the young defender, and I am certain that he will consolidate his status as one of the best in the Premier League this time around.
Pablo Hernandez is another one that I could see shine this campaign. After a hit and miss second half to the season last year, the Spaniard has real potential to be an excellent winger, as his performances at Valencia show. If he can build upon his strength, he will fit into the Premier League well, and I am certain that he will become the chief outlet for goals.
Key Fixture Dates:
31/08/2013: West Brom vs Swansea
16/09/2013: Swansea vs Liverpool
03/11/2013: Cardiff vs Swansea
21/12/2013: Swansea vs Everton
08/02/2014: Swansea vs Cardiff
22/02/2014: Liverpool vs Swansea
15/03/2014: Swansea vs West Brom
22/03/2014: Everton vs Swansea
Top Goalscorer:
After his £12 Million move from Vitesse, Wilfried Bony has hit the ground running, and I expect him to continue this form into the Premier League season. However, as they already have a proven goalscorer in Michu at the club, Bony may have to wait his turn for the top goalscorer position this year. The Spaniard was impressive last year, with his creativity, anticipation and finishing attributes all at an outstanding level. I expect both to score well into the teens, but I feel that Michu will just edge it this season.
Prediction:
Many sides seem to have a problem with balancing success in Europe with success domestically, with their league form suffering. Newcastle last year would be an excellent example of this, with the Magpies struggling to stay in the league after an outstanding 5th place finish the year before. For Swansea, I think this will not be as large an issue. This season they will not be looking upwards in the league, but more to consolidate the position they got last year, a safe top table finish. This, with the squad that they have, is totally achievable. Europe may be an adventure, and one I think they will do well in, but domestic form is essential.
Swansea City 2013/2014: 8th
Thursday, 15 August 2013
Sunderland: Stadium of Light At The End Of The Tunnel?
2012/2013: 17th
Transfer(s) In: Modibo Diakite (Lazio, Free), Emmanuele Giaccharini (Juventus, £6.5 Million), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, £5 Million), Vito Mannone (Arsenal, £2 Million), Valentin Roberge (Maritimo, Free), Ondrej Celustka (Trabzonspor, Loan), El-Hadji-Ba (Le Havre, Free), David Moberg Karlsson (Free Agent, Free), Cabral (Free Agent, Free), Duncan Watmore (Altrincham, Free), Charis Mavrias (Panathinaikos, £3 Million), Ki-Sung Yeung (Swansea City, Loan), Fabio Borini (Liverpool, Loan), Andrea Dossena (Napoli, Free)
Transfer(s) Out: Danny Graham (Hull, Loan), Ahmed Elmohamedy (Hull, £2 Million), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool, £9 Million), James McClean (Wigan, Loan), Connor Wickham (Sheffield Wednesday, Loan), Matthew Killgallon, Titus Bramble, James McFadden (Released)
Transfers Review:
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Wearside team have been one of the most active in this transfer window, strengthening with no fewer than 14 players, and letting go, either permanently or temporarily, of another 8. Paolo Di Canio is clearly stamping his authority on the club, re-shaping it into the image that he finds most suitable to achieve his objectives. The eccentric Italian has made several key, and very impressive signings. Most notably, the capture of Juventus winger Emmanuele Giaccherini is quite a find for a team struggling against relegation last campaign. His Italian connections also snared the Lazio defender Modibo Diakite on a free transfer, again a highly impressive signing. The ex-West Ham star has made additions all over the field, from Vito Mannone to replace the departed Simon Mignolet, Valentin Roberge to give a bit more width to the defence, Giaccharini and El-Hadji Ba to strengthen the midfield, and American Jozy Altidore to add some goals and firepower up front. Though these signings will take time to gel, I am positive that with their collective experience, we will see a vast improvement from Sunderland this campaign.
In order to recoup some of the money outlayed on transfer fees, di Canio has also shifted some of the dead weight. The underperforming Graham and Elmohamedy both went to newly promoted Hull, lowering the wage outlay and bringing in £2 Million, both McClean and Wickham went out on loan to gain valuable experience of the league below and the big money mover was Mignolet, with the Belgian leaving for Liverpool for a reported fee of £9 Million in an attempt to balance the books.
Pre-Season:
Sunderland's pre-season consisted entirely of a tour of the UK and taking part in the Barclays Asia Trophy. During the tour of the UK, di Canio used mostly youth players, as he was seemingly too busy signing players to take part in exhibition matches! The most useful part of their pre-season was travelling to Hong Kong to take part in the Barclays Asia Trophy. In the semi-final, the Mackems were drawn against Tottenham. On an atrocious playing surface, Sunderland were dominant during the first half, taking a 2-1 lead into the break. After half time, Tottenham fought back. But Di Canio will be glad to see them weather the storm, and they sealed the win late on, with a breakaway goal. Bearing in mind that Spurs are expected to be challenging for the top 4 this season, and they are the same amount of time along in their preparations for the new season, this result was particularly impressive.
In the final, Sunderland met Manchester City. In a tight game, City stuck early through a fabulous volley from Edin Dzeko. As time went on, Sunderland managed to retain the ball better, but they lacked that killer ball to split open the City defence. On the one or two occasions when they did have a good sight of goal, the accuracy of their strikers was ever so slightly off. Nevertheless, a successful tournament for the Mackems, especially when they entered it as the 3rd best team in the competition of 4.
Key Players:
With Giaccherini on the opposite wing, I think that this will be the season that makes or breaks Adam Johnson. After his big money move from Manchester City last season, the England winger was fairly ineffective at The Stadium of Light, with his highlight being a goal in the Tyne Wear derby at St James' Park. He will need to rediscover the form that took him to the cusp of an England call up for the 2010 World Cup if he wants to hold down a regular place. I think that he is more than capable of producing good performances, and I would be surprised if he didn't return to his best this campaign.
This season is also an opportunity to right a few wrongs in English football for Jozy Altidore. The American striker previously had a brief spell in the Premier League with Hull a few seasons back, only to score once in 22 appearances. Form certainly not good enough for the top flight. However, since that disappointment the US international has been on fire in Holland, finishing last season with close to a goal a game average. He will want to dethrone Steven Fletcher at Sunderland as top goalscorer for his first objective.
Key Fixture Dates:
17/08/2013: Sunderland vs Fulham
24/08/2013: Southampton vs Sunderland
27/10/2013: Sunderland vs Newcastle
30/11/2013: Aston Villa vs Sunderland
14/12/2013: West Ham United vs Sunderland
01/01/2014: Sunderland vs Aston Villa
11/01/2014: Fulham vs Sunderland
18/01/2014: Sunderland vs Southampton
01/02/2014: Newcastle vs Sunderland
29/03/2014: Sunderland vs West Ham United
Top Goalscorer:
Though I do think that Altidore will be a success at Sunderland, I am still expecting Steven Fletcher to retain his top goalscorer status. It will inevitably take time for the American to re-acclimatize to life in the Premier League, during which Fletcher may have got out of sight, especially if he starts like last season! The Scot is deadly either in the air or on the ground, and it is even more impressive that he is achieving this with mid to lower table teams in Sunderland and Wolves before that.
Prediction:
Paolo di Canio showed us enough tactical ability last season to convince me that Sunderland will improve this season. The calibre of his signings have reinforced that opinion for me. Though they will take time to bed into the squad and get used to the English game, I feel like there will be one or two standout performers over the course of the season, propelling Sunderland up the table. I think they will finish well above last year's aberration, and they may even nip infront of their hated neighbours Newcastle for that final top 10 spot.
Sunderland 2013/2014: 10th
Transfer(s) In: Modibo Diakite (Lazio, Free), Emmanuele Giaccharini (Juventus, £6.5 Million), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, £5 Million), Vito Mannone (Arsenal, £2 Million), Valentin Roberge (Maritimo, Free), Ondrej Celustka (Trabzonspor, Loan), El-Hadji-Ba (Le Havre, Free), David Moberg Karlsson (Free Agent, Free), Cabral (Free Agent, Free), Duncan Watmore (Altrincham, Free), Charis Mavrias (Panathinaikos, £3 Million), Ki-Sung Yeung (Swansea City, Loan), Fabio Borini (Liverpool, Loan), Andrea Dossena (Napoli, Free)
Transfer(s) Out: Danny Graham (Hull, Loan), Ahmed Elmohamedy (Hull, £2 Million), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool, £9 Million), James McClean (Wigan, Loan), Connor Wickham (Sheffield Wednesday, Loan), Matthew Killgallon, Titus Bramble, James McFadden (Released)
Transfers Review:
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Wearside team have been one of the most active in this transfer window, strengthening with no fewer than 14 players, and letting go, either permanently or temporarily, of another 8. Paolo Di Canio is clearly stamping his authority on the club, re-shaping it into the image that he finds most suitable to achieve his objectives. The eccentric Italian has made several key, and very impressive signings. Most notably, the capture of Juventus winger Emmanuele Giaccherini is quite a find for a team struggling against relegation last campaign. His Italian connections also snared the Lazio defender Modibo Diakite on a free transfer, again a highly impressive signing. The ex-West Ham star has made additions all over the field, from Vito Mannone to replace the departed Simon Mignolet, Valentin Roberge to give a bit more width to the defence, Giaccharini and El-Hadji Ba to strengthen the midfield, and American Jozy Altidore to add some goals and firepower up front. Though these signings will take time to gel, I am positive that with their collective experience, we will see a vast improvement from Sunderland this campaign.
In order to recoup some of the money outlayed on transfer fees, di Canio has also shifted some of the dead weight. The underperforming Graham and Elmohamedy both went to newly promoted Hull, lowering the wage outlay and bringing in £2 Million, both McClean and Wickham went out on loan to gain valuable experience of the league below and the big money mover was Mignolet, with the Belgian leaving for Liverpool for a reported fee of £9 Million in an attempt to balance the books.
Pre-Season:
Sunderland's pre-season consisted entirely of a tour of the UK and taking part in the Barclays Asia Trophy. During the tour of the UK, di Canio used mostly youth players, as he was seemingly too busy signing players to take part in exhibition matches! The most useful part of their pre-season was travelling to Hong Kong to take part in the Barclays Asia Trophy. In the semi-final, the Mackems were drawn against Tottenham. On an atrocious playing surface, Sunderland were dominant during the first half, taking a 2-1 lead into the break. After half time, Tottenham fought back. But Di Canio will be glad to see them weather the storm, and they sealed the win late on, with a breakaway goal. Bearing in mind that Spurs are expected to be challenging for the top 4 this season, and they are the same amount of time along in their preparations for the new season, this result was particularly impressive.
In the final, Sunderland met Manchester City. In a tight game, City stuck early through a fabulous volley from Edin Dzeko. As time went on, Sunderland managed to retain the ball better, but they lacked that killer ball to split open the City defence. On the one or two occasions when they did have a good sight of goal, the accuracy of their strikers was ever so slightly off. Nevertheless, a successful tournament for the Mackems, especially when they entered it as the 3rd best team in the competition of 4.
Key Players:
With Giaccherini on the opposite wing, I think that this will be the season that makes or breaks Adam Johnson. After his big money move from Manchester City last season, the England winger was fairly ineffective at The Stadium of Light, with his highlight being a goal in the Tyne Wear derby at St James' Park. He will need to rediscover the form that took him to the cusp of an England call up for the 2010 World Cup if he wants to hold down a regular place. I think that he is more than capable of producing good performances, and I would be surprised if he didn't return to his best this campaign.
This season is also an opportunity to right a few wrongs in English football for Jozy Altidore. The American striker previously had a brief spell in the Premier League with Hull a few seasons back, only to score once in 22 appearances. Form certainly not good enough for the top flight. However, since that disappointment the US international has been on fire in Holland, finishing last season with close to a goal a game average. He will want to dethrone Steven Fletcher at Sunderland as top goalscorer for his first objective.
Key Fixture Dates:
17/08/2013: Sunderland vs Fulham
24/08/2013: Southampton vs Sunderland
27/10/2013: Sunderland vs Newcastle
30/11/2013: Aston Villa vs Sunderland
14/12/2013: West Ham United vs Sunderland
01/01/2014: Sunderland vs Aston Villa
11/01/2014: Fulham vs Sunderland
18/01/2014: Sunderland vs Southampton
01/02/2014: Newcastle vs Sunderland
29/03/2014: Sunderland vs West Ham United
Top Goalscorer:
Though I do think that Altidore will be a success at Sunderland, I am still expecting Steven Fletcher to retain his top goalscorer status. It will inevitably take time for the American to re-acclimatize to life in the Premier League, during which Fletcher may have got out of sight, especially if he starts like last season! The Scot is deadly either in the air or on the ground, and it is even more impressive that he is achieving this with mid to lower table teams in Sunderland and Wolves before that.
Prediction:
Paolo di Canio showed us enough tactical ability last season to convince me that Sunderland will improve this season. The calibre of his signings have reinforced that opinion for me. Though they will take time to bed into the squad and get used to the English game, I feel like there will be one or two standout performers over the course of the season, propelling Sunderland up the table. I think they will finish well above last year's aberration, and they may even nip infront of their hated neighbours Newcastle for that final top 10 spot.
Sunderland 2013/2014: 10th
Stoke City: Are They At The End Of The Line?
2013/2014: 13th
Transfer(s) In: Marc Muniesa (Athletic Bilbao, Free), Erik Pieters (PSV Eindhoven, £3 Million), Mark Hughes (Free Agent), Oussama Assaidi (Liverpool, Loan), Steven Ireland (Aston Villa, Loan), Marco Arnautovic (Werder Bremen, £2.5 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Michael Owen (Retired), Rory Delap, Carlo Nash, Mamady Sidebe, Dean Whitehead, Matthew Upson (Released), Tony Pulis (Sacked)
Transfers Review:
The most important transfers that have been made at the Britannia this season have been made in the dugout rather than on the pitch. After his second spell of over half a decade in the Potteries, Tony Pulis was sacked after a poor season last time around. His replacement was, to the despair of many Stoke fans, former Blackburn, Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Hughes. Whilst many were disappointed with his appointment, I actually do not see him as too bad a choice. His high profile failures with both Manchester City and QPR were at clubs with a considerable amount of money, a feature some managers find it difficult to handle. At Blackburn, where the kitty was considerably lower, he was hailed as a bargain-hunter, with the likes of Roque Santa Cruz one of his greatest buys. Stoke appear to fit more into the second category, and I actually believe that Hughes is a reasonable choice.
His ability to make shrewd aquisitions has been illustrated by his five signings this summer. Marc Muniesa, a large part of Athletic Bilbao's run to the final of the Europa league a couple of seasons ago, was signed on a free transfer, and Erik Pieters, a Dutch central midfielder with good potential, was signed for a miserly sum (in footballing terms at least!) of £3 Million. Later on, two loan deals for Oussama Assaidi and Steven Ireland from Liverpool and Aston Villa, before a final deal for Werder Bremen's enigmatic Marko Arnautovic for a reported £2.5 Million. However, all of these players hardly fit the 'Stoke mould' under the stewardship of Tony Pulis. This implies that Hughes is attempting to stamp his authority on this Stoke team by altering their playing style from the long ball game we have all become so accustomed to.
There has also been a fair clearout of the more experienced players in the Stoke squad, with the majority of them being part of the side that took the Potters to the Premier League. Names like Upson, Whitehead, and even club legend Rory Delap, will not be on show at the Britannia next season, after all were released at the end of last campaign. This once again indicates a significant shift in regime, as Hughes wants rid of all of those considered to be surplus to requirements, and those more experienced players that were the core of the long ball game.
Pre-Season:
The Potters' pre-season has been indicative of a side that is going through a significant transitionary period, with performances perhaps not at the level that would otherwise have been expected. After a brief tour of America, during which they played teams like MLS side Philadelphia Union, they returned to the UK to face a couple of sides from the lower divisions as we moved into August. They opted to take part in friendlies against Blue Square Premier sides Macclesfield and Wrexham, and though they won the pair, they only managed to beat each side by the odd goal, which for a club four divisions above is simply unacceptable.
Their final pre-season match came against the Serie A side Genoa. Despite producing a much improved performance than those that preceeded it, Stoke were unable to find that goalscoring touch, a feature of their game that Hughes will be keen to eradicate. Last season, they were far too guilty of not scoring enough goals, and as a result drew too many games, putting them in danger of relegation.
Key Players:
If Stoke are to stave off relegation again this season, they will need their player of the season last year to be on top form once again. After much speculation, they will be glad to have retained the services of Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian, who has proven himself to be amongst the top 5 goalkeepers in the Premier League, is a good reason for so many of the clean sheets that the Potters have kept over the last few years. His reflexes and command of his area are superb, and it is little wonder that top 4 teams, such as Arsenal, have been reported to be watching him with interest.
In order to score more goals this campaign, the pace, skill and delivery of Jermaine Pennant will be vital. His quiet season last year meant that it was hardly a coincidence that the Potters found themselves in trouble come April. If the Englishman should stay fit and in form, Stoke will fancy themselves to stay away from trouble this time around.
Key Fixture Dates:
24/08/2013: Stoke vs Crystal Palace
29/09/2013: Stoke vs Norwich
04/12/2013: Stoke vs Cardiff
14/12/2013: Hull vs Stoke
18/01/2014: Crystal Palace vs Stoke
08/03/2014: Norwich vs Stoke
29/03/2014: Stoke vs Hull
19/04/2014: Cardiff vs Stoke
Top Goalscorer:
The change of tactics under Mark Hughes seemingly signals the end to the long ball/long throw game made famous under Pulis. This will have consequences for the goal tally of Peter Crouch. The lanky Englishman has always been superb in the air, but his touch has at times been suspect. This is why I will go for Jonathan Walters to cement the title he won last season. Although his tally was low (11), he was the main threat up front for the Potters, and I expect that to continue again this campaign.
Prediction:
As I said earlier, the appointment of Mark Hughes is, in my opinion, not a bad one for a club with the spending power of Stoke. However, with the Welshman attempting to change the style of the Stoke City team's play, I think that the job is a bit of poisoned chalice. The old way had seemingly stopped working by the end of last season, and with an overhaul so difficult to complete quickly, I fear for the survival of the Potters. I have a feeling that, after a good 6 years in the top flight, this season could see the end of Stoke's Premier League status.
Stoke City 2013/2014: 18th
Transfer(s) In: Marc Muniesa (Athletic Bilbao, Free), Erik Pieters (PSV Eindhoven, £3 Million), Mark Hughes (Free Agent), Oussama Assaidi (Liverpool, Loan), Steven Ireland (Aston Villa, Loan), Marco Arnautovic (Werder Bremen, £2.5 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Michael Owen (Retired), Rory Delap, Carlo Nash, Mamady Sidebe, Dean Whitehead, Matthew Upson (Released), Tony Pulis (Sacked)
Transfers Review:
The most important transfers that have been made at the Britannia this season have been made in the dugout rather than on the pitch. After his second spell of over half a decade in the Potteries, Tony Pulis was sacked after a poor season last time around. His replacement was, to the despair of many Stoke fans, former Blackburn, Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Hughes. Whilst many were disappointed with his appointment, I actually do not see him as too bad a choice. His high profile failures with both Manchester City and QPR were at clubs with a considerable amount of money, a feature some managers find it difficult to handle. At Blackburn, where the kitty was considerably lower, he was hailed as a bargain-hunter, with the likes of Roque Santa Cruz one of his greatest buys. Stoke appear to fit more into the second category, and I actually believe that Hughes is a reasonable choice.
His ability to make shrewd aquisitions has been illustrated by his five signings this summer. Marc Muniesa, a large part of Athletic Bilbao's run to the final of the Europa league a couple of seasons ago, was signed on a free transfer, and Erik Pieters, a Dutch central midfielder with good potential, was signed for a miserly sum (in footballing terms at least!) of £3 Million. Later on, two loan deals for Oussama Assaidi and Steven Ireland from Liverpool and Aston Villa, before a final deal for Werder Bremen's enigmatic Marko Arnautovic for a reported £2.5 Million. However, all of these players hardly fit the 'Stoke mould' under the stewardship of Tony Pulis. This implies that Hughes is attempting to stamp his authority on this Stoke team by altering their playing style from the long ball game we have all become so accustomed to.
There has also been a fair clearout of the more experienced players in the Stoke squad, with the majority of them being part of the side that took the Potters to the Premier League. Names like Upson, Whitehead, and even club legend Rory Delap, will not be on show at the Britannia next season, after all were released at the end of last campaign. This once again indicates a significant shift in regime, as Hughes wants rid of all of those considered to be surplus to requirements, and those more experienced players that were the core of the long ball game.
Pre-Season:
The Potters' pre-season has been indicative of a side that is going through a significant transitionary period, with performances perhaps not at the level that would otherwise have been expected. After a brief tour of America, during which they played teams like MLS side Philadelphia Union, they returned to the UK to face a couple of sides from the lower divisions as we moved into August. They opted to take part in friendlies against Blue Square Premier sides Macclesfield and Wrexham, and though they won the pair, they only managed to beat each side by the odd goal, which for a club four divisions above is simply unacceptable.
Their final pre-season match came against the Serie A side Genoa. Despite producing a much improved performance than those that preceeded it, Stoke were unable to find that goalscoring touch, a feature of their game that Hughes will be keen to eradicate. Last season, they were far too guilty of not scoring enough goals, and as a result drew too many games, putting them in danger of relegation.
Key Players:
If Stoke are to stave off relegation again this season, they will need their player of the season last year to be on top form once again. After much speculation, they will be glad to have retained the services of Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian, who has proven himself to be amongst the top 5 goalkeepers in the Premier League, is a good reason for so many of the clean sheets that the Potters have kept over the last few years. His reflexes and command of his area are superb, and it is little wonder that top 4 teams, such as Arsenal, have been reported to be watching him with interest.
In order to score more goals this campaign, the pace, skill and delivery of Jermaine Pennant will be vital. His quiet season last year meant that it was hardly a coincidence that the Potters found themselves in trouble come April. If the Englishman should stay fit and in form, Stoke will fancy themselves to stay away from trouble this time around.
Key Fixture Dates:
24/08/2013: Stoke vs Crystal Palace
29/09/2013: Stoke vs Norwich
04/12/2013: Stoke vs Cardiff
14/12/2013: Hull vs Stoke
18/01/2014: Crystal Palace vs Stoke
08/03/2014: Norwich vs Stoke
29/03/2014: Stoke vs Hull
19/04/2014: Cardiff vs Stoke
Top Goalscorer:
The change of tactics under Mark Hughes seemingly signals the end to the long ball/long throw game made famous under Pulis. This will have consequences for the goal tally of Peter Crouch. The lanky Englishman has always been superb in the air, but his touch has at times been suspect. This is why I will go for Jonathan Walters to cement the title he won last season. Although his tally was low (11), he was the main threat up front for the Potters, and I expect that to continue again this campaign.
Prediction:
As I said earlier, the appointment of Mark Hughes is, in my opinion, not a bad one for a club with the spending power of Stoke. However, with the Welshman attempting to change the style of the Stoke City team's play, I think that the job is a bit of poisoned chalice. The old way had seemingly stopped working by the end of last season, and with an overhaul so difficult to complete quickly, I fear for the survival of the Potters. I have a feeling that, after a good 6 years in the top flight, this season could see the end of Stoke's Premier League status.
Stoke City 2013/2014: 18th
Southampton: Marching In Or Crumbling? The Dreaded Second Season
2012/2013: 14th
Transfer(s) In: Dejan Lovren (Lyon, £8.5 Million), Victor Wanyama (Celtic, £12.5 Million), Pablo Osvaldo (AS Roma, £15 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Steve De Ridder, Richard Chaplow (Released), Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace, Loan)
Transfers Review:
Southampton have opted to stay with the core squad that put them safely into mid-table last campaign, choosing to add only 2 higher value players to their roster. In Dejan Lovren, they have added a highly capable central defender, whose pace, strength and technical abilites are all outstanding. He can certainly be the rock that Southampton lacked at the back for times last season. Further forward, Southampton's addition of Victor Wanyama, is, in my opinion, about the most perfect buy they could have made for their side. Full of energy, passing and great vision, the youngster has phenomenal potential, and despite being tracked by Liverpool, Manchester United and a host of other clubs, Southampton have done exceptionally well to persuade the Kenyan to move to St Mary's. More recently, the Saints have shattered their transfer record for a second time this summer, managing to secure striker Pablo Osvaldo from AS Roma for a reported £15 Million. The Italian is a proven goalscorer, and will bring his strength and ability in the air to the South Coast, where I am convinced he will be a success.
The fact that they have kept hold of other critical players, such as Gaston Ramirez, Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw, means that they can afford to move for just a couple of higher ticket players in a transfer window. Keeping those big names is also important, as they all played a big role in the Saints' return to the Premier League.
Pre-Season:
Southampton's pre-season has been fairly ineventful, with only the one pre-season game of note. But at least it everything, to prepare the Saints for every eventuality that they may face in the Premier League. The Saints took the lead after just 7 minutes, with Lallana latching onto a Lambert through ball to finish neatly. They dominated the early stages, but a defensive error from the Saints rear guard meant that it was Sociedad who scored the leveller, with Elustondo the recipiant. Back came Southampton, with Wanyama threading a pass into Schneiderlin to finish well and give the Saints the lead back. But once again they let it slip, in a thrilling opening half hour. Just five minutes after falling behind, Carlos Vela beautifully controlled a through ball and fired beyond the despairing keeper to put the game back to level terms. Even then, the first half scoring wasn't complete. A Southampton corner on half time yielded the fifth goal, with Jos Hooiveld climbing highest to nod home.
The tempo didn't let up in the second half, causing an open and attractive game. With Southampton leading, the onus was on the Spaniards to come out and attack, and push forward they did. Once again, the Southampton defence seemed incapable to resist, conceding a third goal on the hour mark, as Haris Seferovic fired home to level for the third time. The longer the game went on it seemed inevitable that it would end a draw, but that all changed in the 83rd minute. Jason Puncheon found himself free in the box after a nice move, and he drove the ball home to hand the Saints an excellent and morale-boosting 4-3 victory. The only worries from a Southampton point of view were the injuries sustained to Nathaniel Clyne and Luke Shaw, the latter potentially ruling the young left back out of the early part of the new Premier League season.
Key Players:
It may well be his last season at the top level, but I still believe that Rickie Lambert has much to give the Saints again this campaign. Having the honour of scoring at all four league levels, the Scouser has found his true home in the Premier League. His power in the air and on the ground makes him an exceptional number 9, even getting him a call up to the England squad for the game last night against Scotland. The goal with his first touch shows that his form is not on the decline, and he can go for a couple of years yet!
Captain Alan Lallana is also a vital part of the squad on the south coast. Despite his lack of years, he has proven himself to be a superb leader, both on and off the field, and often chips in with valuable goals from midfield. His organisation and motivational skills means that Southampton miss his presence massively when unavailable, and his staying fit aids their push up the table.
Key Fixture Dates:
24/08/2013: Southampton vs Sunderland
15/09/2013: Southampton vs West Ham United
26/10/2013: Southampton vs Fulham
03/12/2013: Southampton vs Aston Villa
14/12/2013: Newcastle vs Southampton
18/01/2014: Sunderland vs Southampton
01/02/2014: Fulham vs Southampton
22/02/2014: West Ham United vs Southampton
29/03/2014: Southampton vs Newcastle
19/04/2014: Aston Villa vs Southampton
Top Goalscorer:
Whilst Rickie Lambert is crucial to the success of the Southampton side, I actually believe that this is going to be the season where we see Jay Rodriguez come of age. The ex-Burnley man found it difficult initially to acclimatise to life in the Premier League, meaning that he recieved only a handful of appearances, and even less goals in the first half of last season. However, as time continued, the Englishman eventually broke into the Saints side, and I feel that improvement will only continue in the months to come. He may not score more than 10, but I still think that will be enough for the accolade.
Prediction:
As much as the signings that Southampton have made are good, and the manager Mauricio Pochettino is a promising talent, we have seen the curse of the Second Season Syndrome come back and bite teams. Even last year, QPR fell to the same curse, and I expect Southampton to be the side that feels its effects this time around. Whilst I think they have the squad to resist the dreaded drop, I sense that this will be a season of consolidation and damage-limitation rather than pushing for a top-10 place.
Southampton 2013/2014: 15th
Transfer(s) In: Dejan Lovren (Lyon, £8.5 Million), Victor Wanyama (Celtic, £12.5 Million), Pablo Osvaldo (AS Roma, £15 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Steve De Ridder, Richard Chaplow (Released), Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace, Loan)
Transfers Review:
Southampton have opted to stay with the core squad that put them safely into mid-table last campaign, choosing to add only 2 higher value players to their roster. In Dejan Lovren, they have added a highly capable central defender, whose pace, strength and technical abilites are all outstanding. He can certainly be the rock that Southampton lacked at the back for times last season. Further forward, Southampton's addition of Victor Wanyama, is, in my opinion, about the most perfect buy they could have made for their side. Full of energy, passing and great vision, the youngster has phenomenal potential, and despite being tracked by Liverpool, Manchester United and a host of other clubs, Southampton have done exceptionally well to persuade the Kenyan to move to St Mary's. More recently, the Saints have shattered their transfer record for a second time this summer, managing to secure striker Pablo Osvaldo from AS Roma for a reported £15 Million. The Italian is a proven goalscorer, and will bring his strength and ability in the air to the South Coast, where I am convinced he will be a success.
The fact that they have kept hold of other critical players, such as Gaston Ramirez, Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw, means that they can afford to move for just a couple of higher ticket players in a transfer window. Keeping those big names is also important, as they all played a big role in the Saints' return to the Premier League.
Pre-Season:
Southampton's pre-season has been fairly ineventful, with only the one pre-season game of note. But at least it everything, to prepare the Saints for every eventuality that they may face in the Premier League. The Saints took the lead after just 7 minutes, with Lallana latching onto a Lambert through ball to finish neatly. They dominated the early stages, but a defensive error from the Saints rear guard meant that it was Sociedad who scored the leveller, with Elustondo the recipiant. Back came Southampton, with Wanyama threading a pass into Schneiderlin to finish well and give the Saints the lead back. But once again they let it slip, in a thrilling opening half hour. Just five minutes after falling behind, Carlos Vela beautifully controlled a through ball and fired beyond the despairing keeper to put the game back to level terms. Even then, the first half scoring wasn't complete. A Southampton corner on half time yielded the fifth goal, with Jos Hooiveld climbing highest to nod home.
The tempo didn't let up in the second half, causing an open and attractive game. With Southampton leading, the onus was on the Spaniards to come out and attack, and push forward they did. Once again, the Southampton defence seemed incapable to resist, conceding a third goal on the hour mark, as Haris Seferovic fired home to level for the third time. The longer the game went on it seemed inevitable that it would end a draw, but that all changed in the 83rd minute. Jason Puncheon found himself free in the box after a nice move, and he drove the ball home to hand the Saints an excellent and morale-boosting 4-3 victory. The only worries from a Southampton point of view were the injuries sustained to Nathaniel Clyne and Luke Shaw, the latter potentially ruling the young left back out of the early part of the new Premier League season.
Key Players:
It may well be his last season at the top level, but I still believe that Rickie Lambert has much to give the Saints again this campaign. Having the honour of scoring at all four league levels, the Scouser has found his true home in the Premier League. His power in the air and on the ground makes him an exceptional number 9, even getting him a call up to the England squad for the game last night against Scotland. The goal with his first touch shows that his form is not on the decline, and he can go for a couple of years yet!
Captain Alan Lallana is also a vital part of the squad on the south coast. Despite his lack of years, he has proven himself to be a superb leader, both on and off the field, and often chips in with valuable goals from midfield. His organisation and motivational skills means that Southampton miss his presence massively when unavailable, and his staying fit aids their push up the table.
Key Fixture Dates:
24/08/2013: Southampton vs Sunderland
15/09/2013: Southampton vs West Ham United
26/10/2013: Southampton vs Fulham
03/12/2013: Southampton vs Aston Villa
14/12/2013: Newcastle vs Southampton
18/01/2014: Sunderland vs Southampton
01/02/2014: Fulham vs Southampton
22/02/2014: West Ham United vs Southampton
29/03/2014: Southampton vs Newcastle
19/04/2014: Aston Villa vs Southampton
Top Goalscorer:
Whilst Rickie Lambert is crucial to the success of the Southampton side, I actually believe that this is going to be the season where we see Jay Rodriguez come of age. The ex-Burnley man found it difficult initially to acclimatise to life in the Premier League, meaning that he recieved only a handful of appearances, and even less goals in the first half of last season. However, as time continued, the Englishman eventually broke into the Saints side, and I feel that improvement will only continue in the months to come. He may not score more than 10, but I still think that will be enough for the accolade.
Prediction:
As much as the signings that Southampton have made are good, and the manager Mauricio Pochettino is a promising talent, we have seen the curse of the Second Season Syndrome come back and bite teams. Even last year, QPR fell to the same curse, and I expect Southampton to be the side that feels its effects this time around. Whilst I think they have the squad to resist the dreaded drop, I sense that this will be a season of consolidation and damage-limitation rather than pushing for a top-10 place.
Southampton 2013/2014: 15th
Norwich City: Can New Strikeforce Help Canaries Into Harmony?
2012/2013: 11th
Transfer(s) In: Gary Hooper (Celtic, £5 Million), Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers, Undisc), Nathan Redmond (Birmingham City, Undisc), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon, £7.5 Million), Javier Garrido (Lazio, Undisc), Leroy Fer (FC Twente, Free), Carlo Nash (Stoke, Free), Johan Elmander (Galatasaray, Loan)
Transfer(s) Out: Grant Holt (Wigan, £2 Million), Leon Barnett (Wigan, Undisc), James Vaughan (Huddersfield, Undisc), Andrew Surman (Bournemouth, Loan), Declan Rudd (Preston North End, Loan), Chris Martin (Derby County, Free), Simeon Jackson, Lee Camp, Elliot Ward (All Released)
Transfers Review:
Norwich have been one of the most active teams in the transfer market this summer, making no fewer than 7 signings, and letting 9 first team members leave. This can have a detrimental effect on the team in the forthcoming season, as having a revolving door transfer policy tends to throw up a team that finds it difficult to gel. However, the signings that Chris Hughton has made seem to be more experienced than their current squad, with some even having continental experience. Once the initial settling-in period has passed, one would expect them to perform well in the league.
If we look at who has been signed, we see a wide range of positions across the field, concentrated mostly on bringing in a striker who has the potential to score 15 goals a season. The signings of Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel have attempted to rectify this problem, as the Canaries found it difficult to score last campaign. Both have had Champions League and Europa League experience, and are proven goalscorers in their previous countries. Forging a partnership should be the only challenge for this pair, as I am certain they will both score goals. In the midfield, Leroy Fer has been brought in to provide a bit of strength and defensive ability, and Nathan Redmond, who was looked upon as one of the hottest prospects during his time at Birmingham, will add pace and creativity on the wing. After a successful loan period, ex-Manchester City defender Javier Garrido has been signed on a permanent deal to bolster their defensive options, with Martin Olsson also brought in to give a wing-back option to attacking from defence. In goal, Carlo Nash has been enlisted. The veteran goalkeeper has presumably been signed mostly for his ability to teach the younger goalkeepers rather than as first team cover, as he has not managed to play top flight football for some time. If we look at my predictions in my Norwich season review post, we can see that I suggested that a winger would be most useful for the Canaries this campaign. In Nathan Redmond, they have a gem, and one that they can build into their squad for many years to come.
Whilst they have made a significant amount of signings, they have also let several first-team players go. They have managed to hang onto the likes of Robert Snodgrass, John Ruddy and Anthony Pilkington, all players that have played an integral part of their Premier League adventure, which is obviously positive. However, allowing players like Grant Holt and Leon Barnett to leave will leave the squad short on depth, though the fact that they have replaced them minimises the damage. The rest of the departees are mostly utility players, on the fringes of the Norwich team, so most Canaries fans will not be too sorry to see them leave. Overall, Norwich have been one of the more successful sides in the transfer market, and after they have settled, I expect most of the new signings to be successes at Carrow Road.
Pre-Season:
Norwich began their pre-season tour with a trip to America, where they played two exhibition matches.The first one was against Club Dorados de Sinoloa in Sacramento. Goals from Luciano Becchio, Anthony Pilkington and Josh Murphy sealed a superb 3-0 win to open their preparations. They followed this up with a narrow 1-0 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes, before returning to English soil.
The Canaries continued their pre-season tour with a brief set of fixtures against English lower league clubs. Games against Brighton and Cambridge did not really indicate much about Norwich's form, but it did prepare them nicely for their final pre-season friendly, at home to Greek side Panathinaikos. An encouraging 2-0 win followed over the Greeks, but the more worrying news came in the shape of a potentially serious injury to new striker Gary Hooper. If he were to miss a large chunk of the start to the season, Norwich may be in trouble as he struggles to regain fitness and chemistry. Luckily for the Canaries, reports suggest that the injury is not as serious as intially feared, meaning that Hooper may well be available for Norwich's early season matches.
Key Players:
Whilst Norwich's signings are all good prospects, it is a midfield stalwart that may prove the linchpin in any success that the Norfolk side have this campaign. Bradley Johnson, one of three ex-Leeds United players currently plying their trade at Carrow Road, is arguably the most important of them. The defensive midfielder has improved year on year, and is relied upon heavily to break up the play in the centre of midfield, enabling Norwich to get back on the attack. He will need to continue this rate of progression if Norwich are going to steer clear of the relegation battle this time around.
Of all of their new recruits, Ricky van Wolfswinkel is arguably the most impressive. The former Sporting Lisbon man is a born goalscorer, and has good European pedigree, having taken part in both the Europa and Champions League. What he lacks in strength, he more than makes up for in agility, pace and finishing, meaning that Norwich now have a front line that many envy.
Key Fixture Dates:
24/08/2013: Hull vs Norwich
29/09/2013: Stoke vs Norwich
26/10/2013: Norwich vs Cardiff
30/11/2013: Norwich vs Crystal Palace
01/01/2014: Crystal Palace vs Norwich
18/01/2014: Norwich vs Hull
01/02/2014: Cardiff vs Norwich
08/03/2014: Norwich vs Stoke
Top Goalscorer:
This season, assuming that he recovers quickly from his injury, I expect Gary Hooper to win the race for the top goalscorer's accolade at Norwich this season. Ricky van Wolfswinkel will score several goals this season, but he will take time to adjust the pace and physicality of the English league. Hooper, on the other hand, has hand experience in the leagues both north and south of the border. With previous stints at Celtic and Scunthorpe United, he has the goalscoring ability to win matches for the Canaries this term.
Prediction:
With all of their signings, Norwich have the basis for a very successful team in the near future. However, with any major overhaul of a squad, it will take time to gel this group of individuals together. Chris Hughton is an excellent manager, but even he will take a while to get all 7 working to potential into the squad. As a result, I am expecting the Norfolk team to be involved in another relegation scrap this season. Should they survive, which I expect them to, I think that they will perform much better next campaign.
Norwich City 2013/2014: 17th
Transfer(s) In: Gary Hooper (Celtic, £5 Million), Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers, Undisc), Nathan Redmond (Birmingham City, Undisc), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon, £7.5 Million), Javier Garrido (Lazio, Undisc), Leroy Fer (FC Twente, Free), Carlo Nash (Stoke, Free), Johan Elmander (Galatasaray, Loan)
Transfer(s) Out: Grant Holt (Wigan, £2 Million), Leon Barnett (Wigan, Undisc), James Vaughan (Huddersfield, Undisc), Andrew Surman (Bournemouth, Loan), Declan Rudd (Preston North End, Loan), Chris Martin (Derby County, Free), Simeon Jackson, Lee Camp, Elliot Ward (All Released)
Transfers Review:
Norwich have been one of the most active teams in the transfer market this summer, making no fewer than 7 signings, and letting 9 first team members leave. This can have a detrimental effect on the team in the forthcoming season, as having a revolving door transfer policy tends to throw up a team that finds it difficult to gel. However, the signings that Chris Hughton has made seem to be more experienced than their current squad, with some even having continental experience. Once the initial settling-in period has passed, one would expect them to perform well in the league.
If we look at who has been signed, we see a wide range of positions across the field, concentrated mostly on bringing in a striker who has the potential to score 15 goals a season. The signings of Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel have attempted to rectify this problem, as the Canaries found it difficult to score last campaign. Both have had Champions League and Europa League experience, and are proven goalscorers in their previous countries. Forging a partnership should be the only challenge for this pair, as I am certain they will both score goals. In the midfield, Leroy Fer has been brought in to provide a bit of strength and defensive ability, and Nathan Redmond, who was looked upon as one of the hottest prospects during his time at Birmingham, will add pace and creativity on the wing. After a successful loan period, ex-Manchester City defender Javier Garrido has been signed on a permanent deal to bolster their defensive options, with Martin Olsson also brought in to give a wing-back option to attacking from defence. In goal, Carlo Nash has been enlisted. The veteran goalkeeper has presumably been signed mostly for his ability to teach the younger goalkeepers rather than as first team cover, as he has not managed to play top flight football for some time. If we look at my predictions in my Norwich season review post, we can see that I suggested that a winger would be most useful for the Canaries this campaign. In Nathan Redmond, they have a gem, and one that they can build into their squad for many years to come.
Whilst they have made a significant amount of signings, they have also let several first-team players go. They have managed to hang onto the likes of Robert Snodgrass, John Ruddy and Anthony Pilkington, all players that have played an integral part of their Premier League adventure, which is obviously positive. However, allowing players like Grant Holt and Leon Barnett to leave will leave the squad short on depth, though the fact that they have replaced them minimises the damage. The rest of the departees are mostly utility players, on the fringes of the Norwich team, so most Canaries fans will not be too sorry to see them leave. Overall, Norwich have been one of the more successful sides in the transfer market, and after they have settled, I expect most of the new signings to be successes at Carrow Road.
Pre-Season:
Norwich began their pre-season tour with a trip to America, where they played two exhibition matches.The first one was against Club Dorados de Sinoloa in Sacramento. Goals from Luciano Becchio, Anthony Pilkington and Josh Murphy sealed a superb 3-0 win to open their preparations. They followed this up with a narrow 1-0 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes, before returning to English soil.
The Canaries continued their pre-season tour with a brief set of fixtures against English lower league clubs. Games against Brighton and Cambridge did not really indicate much about Norwich's form, but it did prepare them nicely for their final pre-season friendly, at home to Greek side Panathinaikos. An encouraging 2-0 win followed over the Greeks, but the more worrying news came in the shape of a potentially serious injury to new striker Gary Hooper. If he were to miss a large chunk of the start to the season, Norwich may be in trouble as he struggles to regain fitness and chemistry. Luckily for the Canaries, reports suggest that the injury is not as serious as intially feared, meaning that Hooper may well be available for Norwich's early season matches.
Key Players:
Whilst Norwich's signings are all good prospects, it is a midfield stalwart that may prove the linchpin in any success that the Norfolk side have this campaign. Bradley Johnson, one of three ex-Leeds United players currently plying their trade at Carrow Road, is arguably the most important of them. The defensive midfielder has improved year on year, and is relied upon heavily to break up the play in the centre of midfield, enabling Norwich to get back on the attack. He will need to continue this rate of progression if Norwich are going to steer clear of the relegation battle this time around.
Of all of their new recruits, Ricky van Wolfswinkel is arguably the most impressive. The former Sporting Lisbon man is a born goalscorer, and has good European pedigree, having taken part in both the Europa and Champions League. What he lacks in strength, he more than makes up for in agility, pace and finishing, meaning that Norwich now have a front line that many envy.
Key Fixture Dates:
24/08/2013: Hull vs Norwich
29/09/2013: Stoke vs Norwich
26/10/2013: Norwich vs Cardiff
30/11/2013: Norwich vs Crystal Palace
01/01/2014: Crystal Palace vs Norwich
18/01/2014: Norwich vs Hull
01/02/2014: Cardiff vs Norwich
08/03/2014: Norwich vs Stoke
Top Goalscorer:
This season, assuming that he recovers quickly from his injury, I expect Gary Hooper to win the race for the top goalscorer's accolade at Norwich this season. Ricky van Wolfswinkel will score several goals this season, but he will take time to adjust the pace and physicality of the English league. Hooper, on the other hand, has hand experience in the leagues both north and south of the border. With previous stints at Celtic and Scunthorpe United, he has the goalscoring ability to win matches for the Canaries this term.
Prediction:
With all of their signings, Norwich have the basis for a very successful team in the near future. However, with any major overhaul of a squad, it will take time to gel this group of individuals together. Chris Hughton is an excellent manager, but even he will take a while to get all 7 working to potential into the squad. As a result, I am expecting the Norfolk team to be involved in another relegation scrap this season. Should they survive, which I expect them to, I think that they will perform much better next campaign.
Norwich City 2013/2014: 17th
Newcastle United: Will Too Many Cooks Spoil Their Season?
2012/2013: 16th
Transfer(s) In: Loic Remy (QPR, Loan)
Transfer(s) Out: James Perch (QPR, Undisc), Steve Harper (Hull, Free), Shane Ferguson (Birmingham, Loan), Danny Simpson (Released)
Transfers Review:
Not much activity at St James Park this season. Despite the well publicised return of Joe Kinnear, with the promise of incomings, only Loic Remy to show for his efforts. All his return has seemed to do is create tensions and cracks between the management and the boadroom. With Alan Pardew having 6 years of an 8 year contract left to run, he isn't going anywhere. Therefore, bringing an ex-manager that criticises most of what the current man does into the club seems a poor idea. Remy looks a fantastic signing for Newcastle though, as his pace and skill put QPR back in with a shout of staving off relegation, and he will do similar things with Newcastle, just firther up the table.
The one benefit of this transfer window for Newcastle is the fact that they have managed to keep all of their star players from the previous seasons. For them to have kept players like Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko and Papiss Cisse is impressive, and they stand a good chance of a top 10 finish this season.
Pre-Season:
Newcastle's pre-season has been similarly anonymous, with only two pre-season matches of note. As we came into August, Newcastle took part in two games, against Rangers and Braga. Both games finished 1-1, giving us no real insight into the form or ability of this Newcastle side. Mostly, pre-season has been dominated by the inter-management squabbles, preventing Pardew from doing his job properly. This, along with the problem about Papiss Cisse, who refused to wear the club's sponsor, Wonga.com on their shirts, means that Newcastle's season has been rather turbulent, even before the actual league has begun.
Key Players:
If Newcastle are to have a successful season, then the midfield duo of Moussa Sissoko and Yohan Cabaye will have to contribute significantly. Sissoko, after he burst onto the Geordie scene with those two goals to win the home game against Chelsea in February, has looked an inspired signing for Alan Pardew. His pace, creativity and goalscoring ability means that he is the perfect person to push forward and support Cisse and Remy up front.
Cabaye, on the other hand, will provide the defensive work that Sissoko lacks, breaking up attacks and setting Newcastle away on forward bursts. His free-kicks are often exceptional, creating goals from corners as well, and his range and accuracy of passing means that he can often be as deadly from the half way line as Sissoko will be on the edge of the 18 year area. That partnership in the middle of the park could make or break Newcastle's season.
Key Fixture Dates:
24/08/2013: Newcastle vs West Ham United
31/08/2013: Newcastle vs Fulham
14/09/2013: Aston Villa vs Newcastle
27/10/2013: Sunderland vs Newcastle
14/12/2013: Newcastle vs Southampton
18/01/2014: West Ham United vs Newcastle
01/02/2014: Newcastle vs Sunderland
22/02/2014: Newcastle vs Aston Villa
15/03/2014: Fulham vs Newcastle
29/03/2014: Southampton vs Newcastle
Top Goalscorer:
Whilst Loic Remy is a good signing, and will score goals for his new club, I'm going to go with Papiss Cisse. If the Senegalese striker can reclaim some of the form that saw him score an average of nearly a goal a game in the 2011/2012 season, since joining from Freiburg in the January, I think that the Geordie contingent will be on for another memorable season.
Prediction:
Unfortunately for Newcastle, the 5th place finish a year ago has meant that expectations were unfairly raised for the next campaign, meaning that the relegation battle that they fell into was a much bigger shock than it needed to be. For me, with all the off-field distractions, I think that Newcastle will return to the position that their squad suggests: mid-table. They should be comfortable this year, without being spectacular, and I do believe that a solid season this time around could lay the foundations for a push up the table next time around.
Newcastle United 2013/2014: 10th
Transfer(s) In: Loic Remy (QPR, Loan)
Transfer(s) Out: James Perch (QPR, Undisc), Steve Harper (Hull, Free), Shane Ferguson (Birmingham, Loan), Danny Simpson (Released)
Transfers Review:
Not much activity at St James Park this season. Despite the well publicised return of Joe Kinnear, with the promise of incomings, only Loic Remy to show for his efforts. All his return has seemed to do is create tensions and cracks between the management and the boadroom. With Alan Pardew having 6 years of an 8 year contract left to run, he isn't going anywhere. Therefore, bringing an ex-manager that criticises most of what the current man does into the club seems a poor idea. Remy looks a fantastic signing for Newcastle though, as his pace and skill put QPR back in with a shout of staving off relegation, and he will do similar things with Newcastle, just firther up the table.
The one benefit of this transfer window for Newcastle is the fact that they have managed to keep all of their star players from the previous seasons. For them to have kept players like Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko and Papiss Cisse is impressive, and they stand a good chance of a top 10 finish this season.
Pre-Season:
Newcastle's pre-season has been similarly anonymous, with only two pre-season matches of note. As we came into August, Newcastle took part in two games, against Rangers and Braga. Both games finished 1-1, giving us no real insight into the form or ability of this Newcastle side. Mostly, pre-season has been dominated by the inter-management squabbles, preventing Pardew from doing his job properly. This, along with the problem about Papiss Cisse, who refused to wear the club's sponsor, Wonga.com on their shirts, means that Newcastle's season has been rather turbulent, even before the actual league has begun.
Key Players:
If Newcastle are to have a successful season, then the midfield duo of Moussa Sissoko and Yohan Cabaye will have to contribute significantly. Sissoko, after he burst onto the Geordie scene with those two goals to win the home game against Chelsea in February, has looked an inspired signing for Alan Pardew. His pace, creativity and goalscoring ability means that he is the perfect person to push forward and support Cisse and Remy up front.
Cabaye, on the other hand, will provide the defensive work that Sissoko lacks, breaking up attacks and setting Newcastle away on forward bursts. His free-kicks are often exceptional, creating goals from corners as well, and his range and accuracy of passing means that he can often be as deadly from the half way line as Sissoko will be on the edge of the 18 year area. That partnership in the middle of the park could make or break Newcastle's season.
Key Fixture Dates:
24/08/2013: Newcastle vs West Ham United
31/08/2013: Newcastle vs Fulham
14/09/2013: Aston Villa vs Newcastle
27/10/2013: Sunderland vs Newcastle
14/12/2013: Newcastle vs Southampton
18/01/2014: West Ham United vs Newcastle
01/02/2014: Newcastle vs Sunderland
22/02/2014: Newcastle vs Aston Villa
15/03/2014: Fulham vs Newcastle
29/03/2014: Southampton vs Newcastle
Top Goalscorer:
Whilst Loic Remy is a good signing, and will score goals for his new club, I'm going to go with Papiss Cisse. If the Senegalese striker can reclaim some of the form that saw him score an average of nearly a goal a game in the 2011/2012 season, since joining from Freiburg in the January, I think that the Geordie contingent will be on for another memorable season.
Prediction:
Unfortunately for Newcastle, the 5th place finish a year ago has meant that expectations were unfairly raised for the next campaign, meaning that the relegation battle that they fell into was a much bigger shock than it needed to be. For me, with all the off-field distractions, I think that Newcastle will return to the position that their squad suggests: mid-table. They should be comfortable this year, without being spectacular, and I do believe that a solid season this time around could lay the foundations for a push up the table next time around.
Newcastle United 2013/2014: 10th
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Manchester United: Replacing the Irreplaceable
2012/2013: 1st
Transfer(s) In: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, £15 Million) Alvaro Varela (Penarol, £2.5 Million), Marouane Fellaini (Everton, £27.5 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Paul Scholes, Sir Alex Ferguson (Retired)
Transfers Review:
Drawn out transfer sagas have characterised Manchester United's summer so far, with rumours about potential incomings and outgoings rife. These, without the actual signings of any marquee signings, have led many football commentators to question if players are as interested in playing under the guidance of David Moyes as they were under Sir Alex Ferguson, and whether this will have an impact on Manchester United's season. I wonder if Moyes is to be known as a 'nearly man' at Manchester United, having come close to signing several big names only to see them slip from within their grasp. Midfielders Thiago Alcantara went to Bayern Munich, whilst their main target Cesc Fabregas has elected to stay at Barcelona, after several failed bids. These failures have left Manchester United fans disenchanted with the new Chief Exec Ed Woodward and the manager, before the season has even really begun.
The signings that they have made appear ones for the future. Whilst Wilfried Zaha's transfer did officially go through in January, he has recently started breaking into the first team, seemingly suggesting that he plans on being a core part of the Manchester United squad. The first signing made during the summer transfer window was a relatively unknown defender called Alvaro Varela, who has been tipped to be an excellent prospect for the future. United fans expected further signings, as they fear the strength of both the Chelsea and Manchester City teams. Eventually, they got their wish, with Marouane Fellaini following Moyes from Everton, for a grossly inflated fee of £27.5 Million. However, if we consider my season review post for United from a couple of months ago, we see that I actually said that David Moyes getting to grips with the current United team would be the most important aspect of their pre-season. Certainly he has had the time to do that, but repeated rejections doesn't look particularly good.
Another important aspect for United, if they were unable to sign any big names, would be to keep hold of their current ones. Of the first team, only Paul Scholes has left, due to his second retirement. However, another transfer saga has dominated United's pre-season, with Wayne Rooney apparently unhappy and confused with his position at United under Moyes. After comments the new manager made to the press, which stated that Rooney would only be backup to Robin van Persie, Rooney has been looking for a new club. With Chelsea having two bids rejected already, I see this saga travelling right the way to the wire, as United seemingly want to keep the England striker, or if he is to leave, sending him to a title rival is probably not the smartest move!
Pre-Season:
David Moyes's Manchester United career started in the worst possible manner, with a 1-0 loss on their first pre-season match in their tour of Japan. After that defeat by the Singha All Stars, Moyes tasted victory for the first time with an emphatic 5-1 win over the A-League All Stars, with goals from Lingard, Welbeck and van Persie. Despite that morale-boosting victory, they then fell to their second defeat on tour, 3-2 to Yokohama F. Marinos, before only managing a draw to Cereso Osaka. They managed to end their tour with another emphatic win, 5-2 against Kitchee, with Wilfried Zaha looking particularly good in Asia, however, there will be much that Moyes will be concerned about over the next few months.
Their final two pre-season matches will have worried Moyes further. Starting with a trip to Stockholm to face AIK, and only managing a draw against a much weaker Swedish side, before a poor performance in a 3-1 defeat in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial against a Sevilla side missing several key players from the previous season. Those matches would have certainly not settled the nerves of the new United manager, especially before the curtain raiser of the season at Wembley stadium in the Charity Shield. However, they needn't have worried. They cruised through the game against Wigan, winning 2-0. To be fair, they were playing a full strength team against what is a side a league below them. Nevertheless, a win is a win, and it will give them momentum going into the season.
Key Players:
Without any big new signings, Manchester United run the risk of becoming a one-man team. In Robin van Persie, they have a man capable of winning the Golden Boot regardless of the team. He carried Arsenal for several years, and seems like he is beginning to carry this United team too. He has incredible ability both on the ground and in the air, and seems to have a predatory instinct for goal. I fully expect him to be back among the Golden Boot contenders once again this time around. United will be hoping that his injury-prone nature will not come back to haunt them.
David de Gea will also prove pivotal to United's season, as they were often accused of being poor in defence last campaign. De Gea was hailed as a great signing last year, and he will need to continue that form into this year. His reflexes are undoubted, and he has got better during his two years in England, but he still seems to struggle with crosses. He will have to improve that if they want to keep their title.
Key Fixture Dates:
26/08/2013: Manchester United vs Chelsea
01/09/2013: Liverpool vs Manchester United
22/09/2013: Manchester City vs Manchester United
10/11/2013: Manchester United vs Arsenal
30/11/2013: Tottenham vs Manchester United
03/12/2013: Manchester United vs Everton
01/01/2014: Manchester United vs Tottenham
18/01/2014: Chelsea vs Manchester United
11/02/2014: Arsenal vs Manchester United
01/03/2014: Manchester United vs Manchester City
15/03/2014: Manchester United vs Liverpool
19/04/2014: Everton vs Manchester United
Top Goalscorer:
A simple decision: Robin van Persie. He will definitely be around the top scorers charts again, without any injuries. I don't know if he will win his third successive crown, but I wouldn't put it past him. Whether he will score outrageous volleys like against Aston Villa and Everton, or deflected ones like against Wigan, any will be equally appreciated by United fans.
Prediction:
After Fergie bowed out at the end of an incredible two decades in charge, all the questions have been about whether Moyes can succeed him. In terms of signings, certainly not so far. In terms of performances, in pre-season it suggests not, but only time will tell if his league form can be compared to Sir Alex. However, it will take time, and with less experience than either of his title rivals, I think that Manchester United will finish behind the pair of them this season. But United tend to give their managers time, so Moyes will bounce back.
Manchester United 2013/2014: 3rd
Transfer(s) In: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, £15 Million) Alvaro Varela (Penarol, £2.5 Million), Marouane Fellaini (Everton, £27.5 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Paul Scholes, Sir Alex Ferguson (Retired)
Transfers Review:
Drawn out transfer sagas have characterised Manchester United's summer so far, with rumours about potential incomings and outgoings rife. These, without the actual signings of any marquee signings, have led many football commentators to question if players are as interested in playing under the guidance of David Moyes as they were under Sir Alex Ferguson, and whether this will have an impact on Manchester United's season. I wonder if Moyes is to be known as a 'nearly man' at Manchester United, having come close to signing several big names only to see them slip from within their grasp. Midfielders Thiago Alcantara went to Bayern Munich, whilst their main target Cesc Fabregas has elected to stay at Barcelona, after several failed bids. These failures have left Manchester United fans disenchanted with the new Chief Exec Ed Woodward and the manager, before the season has even really begun.
The signings that they have made appear ones for the future. Whilst Wilfried Zaha's transfer did officially go through in January, he has recently started breaking into the first team, seemingly suggesting that he plans on being a core part of the Manchester United squad. The first signing made during the summer transfer window was a relatively unknown defender called Alvaro Varela, who has been tipped to be an excellent prospect for the future. United fans expected further signings, as they fear the strength of both the Chelsea and Manchester City teams. Eventually, they got their wish, with Marouane Fellaini following Moyes from Everton, for a grossly inflated fee of £27.5 Million. However, if we consider my season review post for United from a couple of months ago, we see that I actually said that David Moyes getting to grips with the current United team would be the most important aspect of their pre-season. Certainly he has had the time to do that, but repeated rejections doesn't look particularly good.
Another important aspect for United, if they were unable to sign any big names, would be to keep hold of their current ones. Of the first team, only Paul Scholes has left, due to his second retirement. However, another transfer saga has dominated United's pre-season, with Wayne Rooney apparently unhappy and confused with his position at United under Moyes. After comments the new manager made to the press, which stated that Rooney would only be backup to Robin van Persie, Rooney has been looking for a new club. With Chelsea having two bids rejected already, I see this saga travelling right the way to the wire, as United seemingly want to keep the England striker, or if he is to leave, sending him to a title rival is probably not the smartest move!
Pre-Season:
David Moyes's Manchester United career started in the worst possible manner, with a 1-0 loss on their first pre-season match in their tour of Japan. After that defeat by the Singha All Stars, Moyes tasted victory for the first time with an emphatic 5-1 win over the A-League All Stars, with goals from Lingard, Welbeck and van Persie. Despite that morale-boosting victory, they then fell to their second defeat on tour, 3-2 to Yokohama F. Marinos, before only managing a draw to Cereso Osaka. They managed to end their tour with another emphatic win, 5-2 against Kitchee, with Wilfried Zaha looking particularly good in Asia, however, there will be much that Moyes will be concerned about over the next few months.
Their final two pre-season matches will have worried Moyes further. Starting with a trip to Stockholm to face AIK, and only managing a draw against a much weaker Swedish side, before a poor performance in a 3-1 defeat in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial against a Sevilla side missing several key players from the previous season. Those matches would have certainly not settled the nerves of the new United manager, especially before the curtain raiser of the season at Wembley stadium in the Charity Shield. However, they needn't have worried. They cruised through the game against Wigan, winning 2-0. To be fair, they were playing a full strength team against what is a side a league below them. Nevertheless, a win is a win, and it will give them momentum going into the season.
Key Players:
Without any big new signings, Manchester United run the risk of becoming a one-man team. In Robin van Persie, they have a man capable of winning the Golden Boot regardless of the team. He carried Arsenal for several years, and seems like he is beginning to carry this United team too. He has incredible ability both on the ground and in the air, and seems to have a predatory instinct for goal. I fully expect him to be back among the Golden Boot contenders once again this time around. United will be hoping that his injury-prone nature will not come back to haunt them.
David de Gea will also prove pivotal to United's season, as they were often accused of being poor in defence last campaign. De Gea was hailed as a great signing last year, and he will need to continue that form into this year. His reflexes are undoubted, and he has got better during his two years in England, but he still seems to struggle with crosses. He will have to improve that if they want to keep their title.
Key Fixture Dates:
26/08/2013: Manchester United vs Chelsea
01/09/2013: Liverpool vs Manchester United
22/09/2013: Manchester City vs Manchester United
10/11/2013: Manchester United vs Arsenal
30/11/2013: Tottenham vs Manchester United
03/12/2013: Manchester United vs Everton
01/01/2014: Manchester United vs Tottenham
18/01/2014: Chelsea vs Manchester United
11/02/2014: Arsenal vs Manchester United
01/03/2014: Manchester United vs Manchester City
15/03/2014: Manchester United vs Liverpool
19/04/2014: Everton vs Manchester United
Top Goalscorer:
A simple decision: Robin van Persie. He will definitely be around the top scorers charts again, without any injuries. I don't know if he will win his third successive crown, but I wouldn't put it past him. Whether he will score outrageous volleys like against Aston Villa and Everton, or deflected ones like against Wigan, any will be equally appreciated by United fans.
Prediction:
After Fergie bowed out at the end of an incredible two decades in charge, all the questions have been about whether Moyes can succeed him. In terms of signings, certainly not so far. In terms of performances, in pre-season it suggests not, but only time will tell if his league form can be compared to Sir Alex. However, it will take time, and with less experience than either of his title rivals, I think that Manchester United will finish behind the pair of them this season. But United tend to give their managers time, so Moyes will bounce back.
Manchester United 2013/2014: 3rd
Manchester City: New Man, Same Spending Plan
2012/2013: 2nd
Transfer(s) In: Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk, £30 Million), Jesus Navas (Sevilla, £15 Million), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla, £20 Million), Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina, £22 Million), Manuel Pellegrini (Malaga, Free), Martin Demichelis (Atletico Madrid, £4 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Maicon (AS Roma, £3 Million), Carlos Tevez (Juventus, £12 Million), Kolo Toure (Liverpool, Free), Wayne Bridge, Roque Santa Cruz (Both Released), Roberto Mancini (Sacked), Scott Sinclair (West Bromwich Albion, Loan), Gareth Barry (Everton, Loan)
Transfers Review:
Yet another season where Manchester City have spent big in the transfer market. After a season where they missed out on many of their targets (Hazard, van Persie), Manchester City ensured that they didn't miss out on their top targets this time around, securing the signatures of Fernandinho and Jesus Navas very early in the window for large fees. Fernandinho's transfer in particular was suggested as being for a highly inflated transfer fee, but with the spending power of City, £30 Million can be spent without thinking. However, with the new Financial Fair Play regulations, arguments have been raised that this is perhaps one of the last seasons where we see inflated transfer fees. I disagree, but it is hard to imagine how a football club can easily circumvent these new rules. If we compare their signings to who I thought they would sign in my season review post, we see that I did actually predict the signing of Jesus Navas, along with a replacement for Mario Balotelli.
They was one transfer target that City did miss out on this season. Edinson Cavani had been admired for a while by the City scouts, and his name repeatedly cropped up on the radar of the world's richest club. However, when Napoli asked for a fee of £55 Million for the striker, City decided that this was too much to pay for the Uruguayan, opting instead for the La Liga striker Alvaro Negredo, and the promising young Montenegran Stevan Jovetic from Fiorentina. This took their summer spending to £90 Million, and with Martin Demichelis being brought in as defensive cover, City decided that the £100 Million mark would not be broken.
In terms of outgoings, Manchester City have let several names go, the most high profile of which was long term wantaway striker Carlos Tevez. After the 'refusing to play' debacle in their title winning season, Tevez returned to the club last year with a better attitude. Having made his intentions not to sign a new contract clear, in order to get any money back for the Argentine, City had to sell him this summer. Juventus got the deal done very quickly, for a reported fee of £12 Million. Other first team departures include Maicon after a brief spell in Manchester, Kolo Toure, after his contract expired, and the failures Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz.
Pre-Season:
Manchester City's pre-season got off to a poor start, with two consecutive defeats in their tour of South Africa. Though the team consisted mostly of youth players, it was hardly the start that Manuel Pellegrini needed for his new club. The first real taste of competitive football came at the Barclays Asia Trophy, where Manchester City were drawn to play South China in the semi-final. On a horrendous pitch, despite dominating the play, City only managed the one goal, scored by Edin Dzeko, taking them to the final. There they met Sunderland, where another Edin Dzeko goal inspired City to their first 'silverware' of their pre-season tour. After the success in Hong Kong, City moved back to Europe to take part in the Audi Cup. In the semi-final, they met AC Milan. In an incredible first half, City took a 5-0 lead after just half an hour, only to see the Rossoneri fight back to reduce the arrears to 2 by half time. A boring second half followed, meaning that City progressed to the final to face Bayern Munich.
The match against the current European champions, who had had a much longer preparation time, seemed the best test of City's European aspirations. It proved that City were close to the European champions, but still needing plenty of practice before they can realistically challenge, as they lost 2-1. They finished their pre-season tour on home soil, with a match at the Emirates to face Arsenal. Here, they suffered arguably their worst pre-season result going down 3-1. This suggests that City's spending has not necessarily improved their chemistry and playing style, but we will only know for sure after the first couple of months.
Key Players:
After a poor season by his own high standards, Vincent Kompany will need to be back to his best if City are going to reclaim the title this season. He proved during the 2011/2012 season that he is one of the best defender in the world. Dangerous from set pieces, as well as having superb anticipation and marking skills, the Manchester City captain is a leader both on and off the field and will need to inspire his teammates this campaign.
Of all the new signings, I think that the one that City most needed was Jesus Navas. I am not just saying that because I predicted that signing in my season review post, but because City had no wide alternative if they failed to steamroller a team through the middle. Now, they have a world class plan B, which Pellegrini may actually turn into plan A. Navas's prodigious pace and skill makes him a threat to all Premier League defences, and I am certain he will make himself a key player this season.
Key Fixture Dates:
22/09/2013: Manchester City vs Manchester United
27/10/2013: Chelsea vs Manchester City
23/11/2013: Manchester City vs Tottenham
14/12/2013: Manchester City vs Arsenal
29/01/2014: Tottenham vs Manchester City
01/02/2014: Manchester City vs Chelsea
01/03/2014: Manchester United vs Manchester City
29/03/2014: Arsenal vs Manchester City
Top Goalscorer:
After an unfortunate season with injuries, I think this will be the season where we see Sergio Aguero back to his best. The title winner missed a couple of months of their defence, which could have proved vital. His goal against Manchester United in April showed that his poaching instinct has not faded, and I am certain that he will challenge for the Golden Boot this time around. I expect at least 20 goals from the Argentine, with his pace and finishing ability being of critical importance for City.
Prediction:
Based on the relative strength of squads, I think few would doubt that Manchester City have the strongest set of individuals this season. However, as with last season, the best set of individuals does not mean the best team. Getting the new players to gel, along with fixing the problems from last campaign, and settling into the Premier League, means that Manuel Pellegrini's job will be considerably more tough than either of the other title contenders. However, 'The Engineer's' experience both in domestic and contintental competitions worldwide means that I feel he will leapfrog his city rivals, but will not do quite enough to clinch the title. Whether he keeps his job will depend on his European credentials.
Manchester City 2013/2014: 2nd
Transfer(s) In: Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk, £30 Million), Jesus Navas (Sevilla, £15 Million), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla, £20 Million), Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina, £22 Million), Manuel Pellegrini (Malaga, Free), Martin Demichelis (Atletico Madrid, £4 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Maicon (AS Roma, £3 Million), Carlos Tevez (Juventus, £12 Million), Kolo Toure (Liverpool, Free), Wayne Bridge, Roque Santa Cruz (Both Released), Roberto Mancini (Sacked), Scott Sinclair (West Bromwich Albion, Loan), Gareth Barry (Everton, Loan)
Transfers Review:
Yet another season where Manchester City have spent big in the transfer market. After a season where they missed out on many of their targets (Hazard, van Persie), Manchester City ensured that they didn't miss out on their top targets this time around, securing the signatures of Fernandinho and Jesus Navas very early in the window for large fees. Fernandinho's transfer in particular was suggested as being for a highly inflated transfer fee, but with the spending power of City, £30 Million can be spent without thinking. However, with the new Financial Fair Play regulations, arguments have been raised that this is perhaps one of the last seasons where we see inflated transfer fees. I disagree, but it is hard to imagine how a football club can easily circumvent these new rules. If we compare their signings to who I thought they would sign in my season review post, we see that I did actually predict the signing of Jesus Navas, along with a replacement for Mario Balotelli.
They was one transfer target that City did miss out on this season. Edinson Cavani had been admired for a while by the City scouts, and his name repeatedly cropped up on the radar of the world's richest club. However, when Napoli asked for a fee of £55 Million for the striker, City decided that this was too much to pay for the Uruguayan, opting instead for the La Liga striker Alvaro Negredo, and the promising young Montenegran Stevan Jovetic from Fiorentina. This took their summer spending to £90 Million, and with Martin Demichelis being brought in as defensive cover, City decided that the £100 Million mark would not be broken.
In terms of outgoings, Manchester City have let several names go, the most high profile of which was long term wantaway striker Carlos Tevez. After the 'refusing to play' debacle in their title winning season, Tevez returned to the club last year with a better attitude. Having made his intentions not to sign a new contract clear, in order to get any money back for the Argentine, City had to sell him this summer. Juventus got the deal done very quickly, for a reported fee of £12 Million. Other first team departures include Maicon after a brief spell in Manchester, Kolo Toure, after his contract expired, and the failures Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz.
Pre-Season:
Manchester City's pre-season got off to a poor start, with two consecutive defeats in their tour of South Africa. Though the team consisted mostly of youth players, it was hardly the start that Manuel Pellegrini needed for his new club. The first real taste of competitive football came at the Barclays Asia Trophy, where Manchester City were drawn to play South China in the semi-final. On a horrendous pitch, despite dominating the play, City only managed the one goal, scored by Edin Dzeko, taking them to the final. There they met Sunderland, where another Edin Dzeko goal inspired City to their first 'silverware' of their pre-season tour. After the success in Hong Kong, City moved back to Europe to take part in the Audi Cup. In the semi-final, they met AC Milan. In an incredible first half, City took a 5-0 lead after just half an hour, only to see the Rossoneri fight back to reduce the arrears to 2 by half time. A boring second half followed, meaning that City progressed to the final to face Bayern Munich.
The match against the current European champions, who had had a much longer preparation time, seemed the best test of City's European aspirations. It proved that City were close to the European champions, but still needing plenty of practice before they can realistically challenge, as they lost 2-1. They finished their pre-season tour on home soil, with a match at the Emirates to face Arsenal. Here, they suffered arguably their worst pre-season result going down 3-1. This suggests that City's spending has not necessarily improved their chemistry and playing style, but we will only know for sure after the first couple of months.
Key Players:
After a poor season by his own high standards, Vincent Kompany will need to be back to his best if City are going to reclaim the title this season. He proved during the 2011/2012 season that he is one of the best defender in the world. Dangerous from set pieces, as well as having superb anticipation and marking skills, the Manchester City captain is a leader both on and off the field and will need to inspire his teammates this campaign.
Of all the new signings, I think that the one that City most needed was Jesus Navas. I am not just saying that because I predicted that signing in my season review post, but because City had no wide alternative if they failed to steamroller a team through the middle. Now, they have a world class plan B, which Pellegrini may actually turn into plan A. Navas's prodigious pace and skill makes him a threat to all Premier League defences, and I am certain he will make himself a key player this season.
Key Fixture Dates:
22/09/2013: Manchester City vs Manchester United
27/10/2013: Chelsea vs Manchester City
23/11/2013: Manchester City vs Tottenham
14/12/2013: Manchester City vs Arsenal
29/01/2014: Tottenham vs Manchester City
01/02/2014: Manchester City vs Chelsea
01/03/2014: Manchester United vs Manchester City
29/03/2014: Arsenal vs Manchester City
Top Goalscorer:
After an unfortunate season with injuries, I think this will be the season where we see Sergio Aguero back to his best. The title winner missed a couple of months of their defence, which could have proved vital. His goal against Manchester United in April showed that his poaching instinct has not faded, and I am certain that he will challenge for the Golden Boot this time around. I expect at least 20 goals from the Argentine, with his pace and finishing ability being of critical importance for City.
Prediction:
Based on the relative strength of squads, I think few would doubt that Manchester City have the strongest set of individuals this season. However, as with last season, the best set of individuals does not mean the best team. Getting the new players to gel, along with fixing the problems from last campaign, and settling into the Premier League, means that Manuel Pellegrini's job will be considerably more tough than either of the other title contenders. However, 'The Engineer's' experience both in domestic and contintental competitions worldwide means that I feel he will leapfrog his city rivals, but will not do quite enough to clinch the title. Whether he keeps his job will depend on his European credentials.
Manchester City 2013/2014: 2nd
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