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I thought I'd talk about the 5 teams that stand a chance of winning the Premiership - read, give your top 5 and why!
Man United are the obvious favourites, but it will be a lot closer, I think.
Manchester United:
Manchester united are the team to beat this forthcoming season, and with Liverpool, Leeds, Arsenal and Chelsea hot on their tales as title contenders, it seems as though it will be a much more open season - either of the 5 mentioned teams could win it in my opinion.
Manchester United though had a fairly quiet season last time around. They walked the premiership with ease, but didn't get as far as they wanted in the champions league - much to Roy Keane's well-publicised annoyance. But Manchester United have won all but two of the league championships, and they have a very strong side that could do it all over again next season. No one significant has left, aside from Staff member and head coach Steve Maclaren, who has joined Middlesboro.
Signings include the two most expensive imports of all time - Veron and Ruud Van Nistlerooy - two incredibly talented players who will undoubtedly get a run out every single game, my view is that Nistlerooy will play up front with Cole or Solskjaer, with Yorke getting frustrated and moving away to somewhere like Chelsea. Or maybe not, but either way, United have strengthened their side, it may have cost them close to £50million, but they'll probably go and win the league again. Sigh.
As for the way they play, well no one else is like them. They're an incredible side and club too, I would never take anything away from them as the standard of football is excellent - in both home and away matches - very smooth style of football, a delight to watch, although it would be nice if another team did win something big for a change.
The best players include free ranging midfielder Roy Keane - his natural ability and incredible determination, far outweigh the man's short temper and aggression. Paul Scholes is one of the most underrated players - he should be the world's greatest player, and I truly mean that. Just look at how many England goals he's scored, look at his work rate, look at that incredible goal of the season last year - the ginger man is a superstar. Ryan Giggs a natural left sided player, always makes darting runs, and can score lots too.
The Neville brothers will be playing week in week out, and rightly so - Dennis Irwin is getting on a bit, but he's been a major influence. Silvestre is another great young left sided defender, very, very fast - he'll be making a lot of runs next year. Barthez is unchallenged in goal - no one will break into the goalkeeping slot. He's got flare, agility and style - a true successor to the mighty, recently joined Aston Villa, Peter Schmeical.
Cole, Yorke, Van Nistlerooy and Solskjaer will be fighting it out for a front row placing each week, my moneys on the new boy and Cole taking the majority of the starts. Of course, how could we forget about David Beckham?!
Well, we couldn't - he's their best player by far, and Veron and the rest will improve all through the season. United look unstoppable, they move as a Unit, as in the name. I still think Leeds, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea will mount a strong challenge, but looking at the quality at Old Trafford, you wouldn't bet against them doing it again. Well you could...
Leeds:
I think Leeds United are a superb side, full of prosperous players, blending youth and experience, but remains mainly a young and vibrant squad - who gel extremely well, and will have a fantastic challenge at the title this season. Last year they had a mountain of injuries, but now they have all their players ready to take on the rest of the Premiership, with the big 5 clubs hoping for a Premiership title race - Chelsea, Leeds, Liverpool, Arsenal and of course the giants Manchester United, who will undoubtedly be stronger than ever before, but then so will all the other teams - hopefully!
Leeds have earned my respect - David O'Leary is a superb manager who always remains calm, cool and collected and is in my view a far superior and nicer manager than the tyrant George Graham, I believe O'Leary is the right man to take his young side to glory - last season, despite a woeful start, Leeds managed to get through to the UEFA Champions League Semis, unfortunately they lost, but it was a brilliant effort and one that all Leeds fans should look back and congratulate their side for - stunning achievement - first time in the Champions League, and they're one of the top 4 European sides. Startlingly impressive, and a credit to the training, coaching and managerial staff at Elland Road.
The stadium is fantastic, housing a 41,000 capacity, the atmosphere is buzzing with every game, although I have only been to see Leeds twice, I can tell you that both trips stand out amongst all the games I have seen in total - stunning stadium, great food, comfortable seats and easy to get there. The pitch always looks in tip-top condition so there's credit to the grounds people.
They have a fabulous squad of players; here is a quick round up of the eleven that I would personally play:
In goal, although he is far less experienced, I would put Paul Robinson in ahead of Nigel Martyn, the reason? I believe he is faster, more agile and is generally a better keeper than the veteran England number 2 - Robinson excelled for Leeds when Nigel was injured, played in some really important games, kept his cool, has now some great experience and in my view should be the number one keeper at Leeds.
Left back position would have to be occupied by none other than the fantastic Ian Harte - he has the best free kick in the world after David Beckham and the amazing Roberto Carlos Da Silva, he can curl them in from up to 30 yards out, is a super defender and will remain in the Leeds first team as long as he remains injury free.
Centre back would have to be the amazing Lucas Radebe, he may have a pineapple on his head but in my view I regard him as one of the best defenders in Europe, and certainly a great at Leeds. He's powerful, has aggression and is a brilliant tackler of the ball, has a superb work rate and is incredibly determined - a real team player.
Centre back two would be Jonathan Woodgate, a brilliant young English defender - incredible talent at such a young age, he's proved he has international credentials, and I believe he'll be one of the most influential Leeds players in the forthcoming season, can't take anything away from him - 'that' court case has thankfully been dealt with, with the players not guilty of the charges.
Rio Ferdinand would definitely be the right back choice - he's the best right back in the country, has made his price tag become a thing of the past, in other words - has shown he's worthy of it, and I believe he is an England regular. No one is better than Rio in this position in my honest opinion, and I believe he'll show the world and the Premier league just why he did cost £18million + from West Ham, although he has proven his talent already.
I'd play 3 midfielders, Lee Bowyer on the left, he's one of the greatest young players Leeds have ever seen and I'd say he should be in the England squad, without a doubt, Lee is fast, can score and is a morale boosting asset to the club - teams need players like him, Leeds have the genuine article and they will only reap the rewards. Well done to Lee Bowyer.
Erik Bakke would play here, here's fast, the Leeds captain (at one stage at least) and will probably continue improving for a long while. Bakke is one of the most dedicated and long serving players at the club, they wouldn't be the same without him. He'll pelt a few in next season I reckon.
This was a tough choice between Jason Wilcox, who normally plays left, Dominic Matteo, signed from Liverpool, and the super Garry Speed, in the end I've selected Speed because he's a great midfielder, has improved beyond recognition since joining from Newcastle, and I firmly believe he'd be the best choice!
I'd play three strikers as I believe last season Leeds let themselves down a little when it came to really pushing for goals, yes Mark Viduka and Alan Smith were astounding, but I would say O'Leary should consider the 4-3-3 formation - and so I'd play Mark Viduka, naturally -ox like built Australian who has an amazing pace - bought from Celtic, Mark took time to adapt into the faster world of Premiership football, but he quickly proved his critics wrong, scoring 4 superb goals in a thriller of a match.
Alan Smith would be in the centre of attack, showing off his amazing young talent - he's a world beater in the making and will be in the England team, much like many Leeds players - the more I think about it, the better chance I feel Leeds have of being 'the' team to beat United next year, Alan Smith has matured as a player - he no longer shouts at the ref - he's calmer, more professional & can score goals like no one you have ever seen.
Harry Kewell would take the right forward position, as Harry is one of the best players in the world - an attacking midfielder who can play on any side and up front - he's like Overmars in terms of pace and skill, but he such a powerhouse in attacking play. Leeds really missed him last season when his injury kept him away from the first team action. Kewell is brilliant, the best Australian player I've seen.
O'Leary is a top manager I think Leeds will mount a reputable championship bid, will excel in Europe, and definitely bring home one piece of silverware! Playing with an unseen energy, a youthful optimism and playing as a team will get Leeds a long, long way, this could be their season you know.
Leeds United, they could do it you know.
Liverpool:
Liverpool is another superb side, that seem to have made last season all theirs, as they won the League trophy, the FA Cup and the UEFA cup - the first team ever to win 3 cups in one season! Quite an incredible year for them and I for one felt proud of them, and respect them a lot more now.
Beating Barcelona in the Semi final of the UEFA was one thing, but they then go and show us the most incredible match against Alaves of Spain, winning 5-4 after extra time!
The FA Cup final looked as though it would be all Arsenals, but thanks to Henri's confused feet, making for some awful shooting, combined with Michael Owen performing some absolute magic, meant Anfield would see the return of the most prestigious cup in English football. The League Cup was an easy victory really, but Birmingham tried hard, but couldn't clinch it!
A storming end to the season meant Liverpool ended in 3rd place, qualifying them for the Champions League - they're going to be playing Bayen Munich in the European Super cup in a couple of weeks, and I have a very strong feeling that the reds will win it, making them effectively the best team in Europe!
The manager Gerard Houllier is the best they have had in recent times, taking over from the great Roy Evans, his French spirit and amazing tactical know how has helped him win over so many fans across the football world.
When they win he is genuinely delighted - he pays tribute to his players, and they have an incredible respect for him, which is why I'd say he is the best manager in the Premiership, and unlike Mr Ferguson or Wenger, he actually seems to show some emotion here and there.
Arsenal could win the Champions League and Wenger would just sit there looking all wrinkly, although Alex Ferguson does stand up and laugh, whilst chewing a never ending portion of chewing gum, but the delight is with Gerard - a superb manager, bringing together a superb squad of top players. Liverpool has a real chance - doing the double over United last season, the only side to beat them twice, I think they could be the strongest opposition.
With Sanders Westerveld in goal, Hyppia, Henchoz being the best two defenders, and a stunning midfield and attacking set of players - Berger, Steven Gerard, Hamann in midfield with what is probably the best strike force in the country - Fowler, Owen, Danny Murphy, Heskey and Nick Barmby - what quality here. Liverpool scored the second highest amount of goals last year it's not hard to see why.
Top 3 definitely, a couple of cups, and maybe the title. Let's wait, pray and sing you'll never walk alone.
Chelsea:
Chelsea are another one of the five sides that I believe stand a realistic chance of mounting a championship challenge this new season in the Premier League, now name the FA Barclaycard Premiership. Better get used to that! Chelsea is a very high profile club, with many stars and many, many foreigners, much to the annoyance of the British players in the side, who have subsequently been squeezed out. In the first team there must be around just 1 or 2 players who aren't from abroad. Scary isn't it, but that's the realism and that's why Chelsea are known as the Italian premier league team.
Ken Bates is the very loud chairman, whose funds have helped Chelsea buy some really superb foreign talent, it's just a shame they don't buy British anymore. Chelsea has a superb stadium - I've been to a couple of games there and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere I have ever been. Buzzing with delight, especially when the Blues win of course, Stamford Bridge is electrifying! No other place like it, and the attendance is around 35,000, seems a lot more though.
Managed by the non English speaking Italian Claudio Ranieri, many thought he would bring doom to the club - getting off to a less than brilliant start, he then went and helped Chelsea finish on a fantastic un of form, and so I think he could take the team higher next season, 5th place wasn't bad, securing a UEFA spot, but I have a feeling Chelsea will bring home at least one piece of silverware next year.
It's ok having an Italian manager, for the players anyway seeing as they're all foreign, but why does Chelsea have so many foreign players? Surely it's demoralising for the cream of British talent! They have a very good squad though, with Ed de Goey in goal, a formidable defence - Frank Leboef, Marcel Desailly, Graeme Le Saux and Thom providing a decent array of skill and determination.
Di Matteo should play more often but rarely gets half a game, most famous for his superb sub 30second opener and winner in the FA Cup of 2000. Gustavo Poyet and Dennis Wise have moved away to Spurs and Leicester respectively, but Zola has stayed, Hasselbaink up front will provide the goals, and there're plenty more Italians and Frenchmen at the club.
Chelsea plays a very quick style of game, they've got an unashamed confidence that helps them to some incredible victories, and they're a delight to watch. I can see a top 4 finish, and they'll beat Arsenal next year.
Arsenal - the dark horse?
Arsenal is a prominent side in the premiership. One of the smartest and most prestigious outfits around, the Gunners are coming back for the 2001/2002 season with a host of new players, and old ones - hopefully retaining their prize possession, Patrick Vieira.
Who knows who'll be at the club when the season starts, I just hope that the manager signs his contract, Vieira shuts ups and stays, and the new signings settle in well and make a very strong impact in an attempt to blow Manchester United from the top spot.
Surely this new season brings hope for at least 5 big clubs to have the chance of capturing the Championship, we're all fed up of Man U winning it (except Manchester United Supporters of course!) and so Arsenal is probably one of the few teams that can mount a formidable challenge.
Who have they bought then? Well, joining the host of talented players, who last season made it to the FA Cup final, Champions League Quarters and finished in second place to Man United, are 4 major signings, namely English players.
Francis Jeffers, Sol Campbell and Richard Wright and the Dutch Van Bronckhurst, costing a combined £22million (plus Campbell's £20million 4 year deal), all hope to make their way into the first team. I think Sol will fit in well, playing alongside Adams or Keown, with Jeffers hopefully getting his chance to shine up alongside the talented Mr Henri!
With so many stars including Seaman, Henri, Kanu, Wiltord, Campbell, Pires, Lauren, and more, Arsenal look to be in with a much, much louder shout this time around. Highbury is still their home, but they're looking to move to a 60,000 + capacity stadium soon. Arsene Wenger is a tough manager, they should do well next year. Could win it in my view.
Here's the team I'd play: A 3:3:1:3 formation:
Seaman in goal, until he starts to fall asleep during play (getting on a bit), then we'd have Wright in place.
Adams, Keown and Campbell as the 3 defenders. Who could get through them?
Pires on the left, Parlour on the right, Vieira in the middle and Bergkamp just in front, playing as an attacking midfielder!
Henri, Kanu and Jeffers in the attack.
It's unlikely to be that formation, but that's how I'd play!
YOUR GO!!
Thanks for reading through all that - believe me, it took longer to write than read!
Man United are the obvious favourites, but it will be a lot closer, I think.
Manchester United:
Manchester united are the team to beat this forthcoming season, and with Liverpool, Leeds, Arsenal and Chelsea hot on their tales as title contenders, it seems as though it will be a much more open season - either of the 5 mentioned teams could win it in my opinion.
Manchester United though had a fairly quiet season last time around. They walked the premiership with ease, but didn't get as far as they wanted in the champions league - much to Roy Keane's well-publicised annoyance. But Manchester United have won all but two of the league championships, and they have a very strong side that could do it all over again next season. No one significant has left, aside from Staff member and head coach Steve Maclaren, who has joined Middlesboro.
Signings include the two most expensive imports of all time - Veron and Ruud Van Nistlerooy - two incredibly talented players who will undoubtedly get a run out every single game, my view is that Nistlerooy will play up front with Cole or Solskjaer, with Yorke getting frustrated and moving away to somewhere like Chelsea. Or maybe not, but either way, United have strengthened their side, it may have cost them close to £50million, but they'll probably go and win the league again. Sigh.
As for the way they play, well no one else is like them. They're an incredible side and club too, I would never take anything away from them as the standard of football is excellent - in both home and away matches - very smooth style of football, a delight to watch, although it would be nice if another team did win something big for a change.
The best players include free ranging midfielder Roy Keane - his natural ability and incredible determination, far outweigh the man's short temper and aggression. Paul Scholes is one of the most underrated players - he should be the world's greatest player, and I truly mean that. Just look at how many England goals he's scored, look at his work rate, look at that incredible goal of the season last year - the ginger man is a superstar. Ryan Giggs a natural left sided player, always makes darting runs, and can score lots too.
The Neville brothers will be playing week in week out, and rightly so - Dennis Irwin is getting on a bit, but he's been a major influence. Silvestre is another great young left sided defender, very, very fast - he'll be making a lot of runs next year. Barthez is unchallenged in goal - no one will break into the goalkeeping slot. He's got flare, agility and style - a true successor to the mighty, recently joined Aston Villa, Peter Schmeical.
Cole, Yorke, Van Nistlerooy and Solskjaer will be fighting it out for a front row placing each week, my moneys on the new boy and Cole taking the majority of the starts. Of course, how could we forget about David Beckham?!
Well, we couldn't - he's their best player by far, and Veron and the rest will improve all through the season. United look unstoppable, they move as a Unit, as in the name. I still think Leeds, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea will mount a strong challenge, but looking at the quality at Old Trafford, you wouldn't bet against them doing it again. Well you could...
Leeds:
I think Leeds United are a superb side, full of prosperous players, blending youth and experience, but remains mainly a young and vibrant squad - who gel extremely well, and will have a fantastic challenge at the title this season. Last year they had a mountain of injuries, but now they have all their players ready to take on the rest of the Premiership, with the big 5 clubs hoping for a Premiership title race - Chelsea, Leeds, Liverpool, Arsenal and of course the giants Manchester United, who will undoubtedly be stronger than ever before, but then so will all the other teams - hopefully!
Leeds have earned my respect - David O'Leary is a superb manager who always remains calm, cool and collected and is in my view a far superior and nicer manager than the tyrant George Graham, I believe O'Leary is the right man to take his young side to glory - last season, despite a woeful start, Leeds managed to get through to the UEFA Champions League Semis, unfortunately they lost, but it was a brilliant effort and one that all Leeds fans should look back and congratulate their side for - stunning achievement - first time in the Champions League, and they're one of the top 4 European sides. Startlingly impressive, and a credit to the training, coaching and managerial staff at Elland Road.
The stadium is fantastic, housing a 41,000 capacity, the atmosphere is buzzing with every game, although I have only been to see Leeds twice, I can tell you that both trips stand out amongst all the games I have seen in total - stunning stadium, great food, comfortable seats and easy to get there. The pitch always looks in tip-top condition so there's credit to the grounds people.
They have a fabulous squad of players; here is a quick round up of the eleven that I would personally play:
In goal, although he is far less experienced, I would put Paul Robinson in ahead of Nigel Martyn, the reason? I believe he is faster, more agile and is generally a better keeper than the veteran England number 2 - Robinson excelled for Leeds when Nigel was injured, played in some really important games, kept his cool, has now some great experience and in my view should be the number one keeper at Leeds.
Left back position would have to be occupied by none other than the fantastic Ian Harte - he has the best free kick in the world after David Beckham and the amazing Roberto Carlos Da Silva, he can curl them in from up to 30 yards out, is a super defender and will remain in the Leeds first team as long as he remains injury free.
Centre back would have to be the amazing Lucas Radebe, he may have a pineapple on his head but in my view I regard him as one of the best defenders in Europe, and certainly a great at Leeds. He's powerful, has aggression and is a brilliant tackler of the ball, has a superb work rate and is incredibly determined - a real team player.
Centre back two would be Jonathan Woodgate, a brilliant young English defender - incredible talent at such a young age, he's proved he has international credentials, and I believe he'll be one of the most influential Leeds players in the forthcoming season, can't take anything away from him - 'that' court case has thankfully been dealt with, with the players not guilty of the charges.
Rio Ferdinand would definitely be the right back choice - he's the best right back in the country, has made his price tag become a thing of the past, in other words - has shown he's worthy of it, and I believe he is an England regular. No one is better than Rio in this position in my honest opinion, and I believe he'll show the world and the Premier league just why he did cost £18million + from West Ham, although he has proven his talent already.
I'd play 3 midfielders, Lee Bowyer on the left, he's one of the greatest young players Leeds have ever seen and I'd say he should be in the England squad, without a doubt, Lee is fast, can score and is a morale boosting asset to the club - teams need players like him, Leeds have the genuine article and they will only reap the rewards. Well done to Lee Bowyer.
Erik Bakke would play here, here's fast, the Leeds captain (at one stage at least) and will probably continue improving for a long while. Bakke is one of the most dedicated and long serving players at the club, they wouldn't be the same without him. He'll pelt a few in next season I reckon.
This was a tough choice between Jason Wilcox, who normally plays left, Dominic Matteo, signed from Liverpool, and the super Garry Speed, in the end I've selected Speed because he's a great midfielder, has improved beyond recognition since joining from Newcastle, and I firmly believe he'd be the best choice!
I'd play three strikers as I believe last season Leeds let themselves down a little when it came to really pushing for goals, yes Mark Viduka and Alan Smith were astounding, but I would say O'Leary should consider the 4-3-3 formation - and so I'd play Mark Viduka, naturally -ox like built Australian who has an amazing pace - bought from Celtic, Mark took time to adapt into the faster world of Premiership football, but he quickly proved his critics wrong, scoring 4 superb goals in a thriller of a match.
Alan Smith would be in the centre of attack, showing off his amazing young talent - he's a world beater in the making and will be in the England team, much like many Leeds players - the more I think about it, the better chance I feel Leeds have of being 'the' team to beat United next year, Alan Smith has matured as a player - he no longer shouts at the ref - he's calmer, more professional & can score goals like no one you have ever seen.
Harry Kewell would take the right forward position, as Harry is one of the best players in the world - an attacking midfielder who can play on any side and up front - he's like Overmars in terms of pace and skill, but he such a powerhouse in attacking play. Leeds really missed him last season when his injury kept him away from the first team action. Kewell is brilliant, the best Australian player I've seen.
O'Leary is a top manager I think Leeds will mount a reputable championship bid, will excel in Europe, and definitely bring home one piece of silverware! Playing with an unseen energy, a youthful optimism and playing as a team will get Leeds a long, long way, this could be their season you know.
Leeds United, they could do it you know.
Liverpool:
Liverpool is another superb side, that seem to have made last season all theirs, as they won the League trophy, the FA Cup and the UEFA cup - the first team ever to win 3 cups in one season! Quite an incredible year for them and I for one felt proud of them, and respect them a lot more now.
Beating Barcelona in the Semi final of the UEFA was one thing, but they then go and show us the most incredible match against Alaves of Spain, winning 5-4 after extra time!
The FA Cup final looked as though it would be all Arsenals, but thanks to Henri's confused feet, making for some awful shooting, combined with Michael Owen performing some absolute magic, meant Anfield would see the return of the most prestigious cup in English football. The League Cup was an easy victory really, but Birmingham tried hard, but couldn't clinch it!
A storming end to the season meant Liverpool ended in 3rd place, qualifying them for the Champions League - they're going to be playing Bayen Munich in the European Super cup in a couple of weeks, and I have a very strong feeling that the reds will win it, making them effectively the best team in Europe!
The manager Gerard Houllier is the best they have had in recent times, taking over from the great Roy Evans, his French spirit and amazing tactical know how has helped him win over so many fans across the football world.
When they win he is genuinely delighted - he pays tribute to his players, and they have an incredible respect for him, which is why I'd say he is the best manager in the Premiership, and unlike Mr Ferguson or Wenger, he actually seems to show some emotion here and there.
Arsenal could win the Champions League and Wenger would just sit there looking all wrinkly, although Alex Ferguson does stand up and laugh, whilst chewing a never ending portion of chewing gum, but the delight is with Gerard - a superb manager, bringing together a superb squad of top players. Liverpool has a real chance - doing the double over United last season, the only side to beat them twice, I think they could be the strongest opposition.
With Sanders Westerveld in goal, Hyppia, Henchoz being the best two defenders, and a stunning midfield and attacking set of players - Berger, Steven Gerard, Hamann in midfield with what is probably the best strike force in the country - Fowler, Owen, Danny Murphy, Heskey and Nick Barmby - what quality here. Liverpool scored the second highest amount of goals last year it's not hard to see why.
Top 3 definitely, a couple of cups, and maybe the title. Let's wait, pray and sing you'll never walk alone.
Chelsea:
Chelsea are another one of the five sides that I believe stand a realistic chance of mounting a championship challenge this new season in the Premier League, now name the FA Barclaycard Premiership. Better get used to that! Chelsea is a very high profile club, with many stars and many, many foreigners, much to the annoyance of the British players in the side, who have subsequently been squeezed out. In the first team there must be around just 1 or 2 players who aren't from abroad. Scary isn't it, but that's the realism and that's why Chelsea are known as the Italian premier league team.
Ken Bates is the very loud chairman, whose funds have helped Chelsea buy some really superb foreign talent, it's just a shame they don't buy British anymore. Chelsea has a superb stadium - I've been to a couple of games there and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere I have ever been. Buzzing with delight, especially when the Blues win of course, Stamford Bridge is electrifying! No other place like it, and the attendance is around 35,000, seems a lot more though.
Managed by the non English speaking Italian Claudio Ranieri, many thought he would bring doom to the club - getting off to a less than brilliant start, he then went and helped Chelsea finish on a fantastic un of form, and so I think he could take the team higher next season, 5th place wasn't bad, securing a UEFA spot, but I have a feeling Chelsea will bring home at least one piece of silverware next year.
It's ok having an Italian manager, for the players anyway seeing as they're all foreign, but why does Chelsea have so many foreign players? Surely it's demoralising for the cream of British talent! They have a very good squad though, with Ed de Goey in goal, a formidable defence - Frank Leboef, Marcel Desailly, Graeme Le Saux and Thom providing a decent array of skill and determination.
Di Matteo should play more often but rarely gets half a game, most famous for his superb sub 30second opener and winner in the FA Cup of 2000. Gustavo Poyet and Dennis Wise have moved away to Spurs and Leicester respectively, but Zola has stayed, Hasselbaink up front will provide the goals, and there're plenty more Italians and Frenchmen at the club.
Chelsea plays a very quick style of game, they've got an unashamed confidence that helps them to some incredible victories, and they're a delight to watch. I can see a top 4 finish, and they'll beat Arsenal next year.
Arsenal - the dark horse?
Arsenal is a prominent side in the premiership. One of the smartest and most prestigious outfits around, the Gunners are coming back for the 2001/2002 season with a host of new players, and old ones - hopefully retaining their prize possession, Patrick Vieira.
Who knows who'll be at the club when the season starts, I just hope that the manager signs his contract, Vieira shuts ups and stays, and the new signings settle in well and make a very strong impact in an attempt to blow Manchester United from the top spot.
Surely this new season brings hope for at least 5 big clubs to have the chance of capturing the Championship, we're all fed up of Man U winning it (except Manchester United Supporters of course!) and so Arsenal is probably one of the few teams that can mount a formidable challenge.
Who have they bought then? Well, joining the host of talented players, who last season made it to the FA Cup final, Champions League Quarters and finished in second place to Man United, are 4 major signings, namely English players.
Francis Jeffers, Sol Campbell and Richard Wright and the Dutch Van Bronckhurst, costing a combined £22million (plus Campbell's £20million 4 year deal), all hope to make their way into the first team. I think Sol will fit in well, playing alongside Adams or Keown, with Jeffers hopefully getting his chance to shine up alongside the talented Mr Henri!
With so many stars including Seaman, Henri, Kanu, Wiltord, Campbell, Pires, Lauren, and more, Arsenal look to be in with a much, much louder shout this time around. Highbury is still their home, but they're looking to move to a 60,000 + capacity stadium soon. Arsene Wenger is a tough manager, they should do well next year. Could win it in my view.
Here's the team I'd play: A 3:3:1:3 formation:
Seaman in goal, until he starts to fall asleep during play (getting on a bit), then we'd have Wright in place.
Adams, Keown and Campbell as the 3 defenders. Who could get through them?
Pires on the left, Parlour on the right, Vieira in the middle and Bergkamp just in front, playing as an attacking midfielder!
Henri, Kanu and Jeffers in the attack.
It's unlikely to be that formation, but that's how I'd play!
YOUR GO!!
Thanks for reading through all that - believe me, it took longer to write than read!
Page:
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Newcastle United are not exactly a team that you would class as one of the best in the premiership, although they have got the money and some good players that could make them a really good team. They have also got a really good manager, but they need to build as a club so that they can start competing at higher levels in football. At the moment, I would say that Newcastle are a top 8 team in the premiership, but they should be higher.
Newcastle have got a great manager in Bobby Robson. A Newcastle supporter since childhood, County Durham-born Robson managed England for eight years between 1982 and 1990 as well as top European clubs Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven. He has also been the manager of Ipswich Town. He is a manager that surely knows a lot about football and when he retires from the game, which he will probably do within the nest few season, he will be remembered by many people all over the world.
Newcastle United have got quite a few decent players in their squad, but they never seem to all be fit at the same time. I would say that their best players are Alan Shearer, Kieran Dyer, Nolberto Solano and Gary Speed.
Alan Shearer is probably Newcastle’s best player, but he has been injured quite a lot over the past couple of years. Newcastle really need him to stay fit so that they have a better chance of doing well. Shearer is a great goal scorer and hopefully he can get back to his best for this season and score many goals. Shearer was the scorer of a hat trick on his debut for Southampton against Arsenal as a 17-year-old in 1988. He then went on to become the first man to score 30 Premier League goals in three successive seasons. He joined Blackburn from Southampton for a then British record £3.6m fee in 1992, and won a championship medal three years later. Shearer joined Newcastle for a then world record 15 million pounds in 1996. Shearer was also the English PFA Player of the Year in 1995 and 1997 and he scored 30 goals in 63 games for England before his retirement from international football last year.
Kieran Dyer is a very talented player. He can play in many positions and he is a player who is probably valued at around 20 million pounds. He has got a lot of speed and he is very skillful too. Another good thing about him is the fact that he is English. He joined Newcastle in 1999 for 6 million pounds and since then, he has got better and better and he has still got quite a few years left to play professional football as he is only about 23.
Nolberto Solano is a very talented midfielder and a very good free kick taker. He scored quite a few goals last season from free kicks and I reckon he is one of the best at them in the premiership. He has got quite a bit of speed and is fairly skillful too, but he is a player that can be sent off in games for stupid challenges.
Gary Speed is an asset to Newcastle. He has been there for quite a few years now and he has always played his beast for them. He has scored many goals from his midfield position and I can see him scoring quite a few this season too. He is a true leader and he will continue to perform at a high standard while playing for Newcastle.
Their stadium, St. James Park, is a very nice stadium and it has got the second largest capacity in the premiership. The capacity of it is about 52,226, behind Man United’s stadium, Old Trafford, which can hold about 68,000.
Overall, Newcastle are a good team, but they really need to gradually work their way up to become one of the best teams in England. I reckon that they will finish about 8th or 9th this season, but I do not think that they will do very well in the cup competitions.
Newcastle United are not exactly a team that you would class as one of the best in the premiership, although they have got the money and some good players that could make them a really good team. They have also got a really good manager, but they need to build as a club so that they can start competing at higher levels in football. At the moment, I would say that Newcastle are a top 8 team in the premiership, but they should be higher.
Newcastle have got a great manager in Bobby Robson. A Newcastle supporter since childhood, County Durham-born Robson managed England for eight years between 1982 and 1990 as well as top European clubs Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven. He has also been the manager of Ipswich Town. He is a manager that surely knows a lot about football and when he retires from the game, which he will probably do within the nest few season, he will be remembered by many people all over the world.
Newcastle United have got quite a few decent players in their squad, but they never seem to all be fit at the same time. I would say that their best players are Alan Shearer, Kieran Dyer, Nolberto Solano and Gary Speed.
Alan Shearer is probably Newcastle’s best player, but he has been injured quite a lot over the past couple of years. Newcastle really need him to stay fit so that they have a better chance of doing well. Shearer is a great goal scorer and hopefully he can get back to his best for this season and score many goals. Shearer was the scorer of a hat trick on his debut for Southampton against Arsenal as a 17-year-old in 1988. He then went on to become the first man to score 30 Premier League goals in three successive seasons. He joined Blackburn from Southampton for a then British record £3.6m fee in 1992, and won a championship medal three years later. Shearer joined Newcastle for a then world record 15 million pounds in 1996. Shearer was also the English PFA Player of the Year in 1995 and 1997 and he scored 30 goals in 63 games for England before his retirement from international football last year.
Kieran Dyer is a very talented player. He can play in many positions and he is a player who is probably valued at around 20 million pounds. He has got a lot of speed and he is very skillful too. Another good thing about him is the fact that he is English. He joined Newcastle in 1999 for 6 million pounds and since then, he has got better and better and he has still got quite a few years left to play professional football as he is only about 23.
Nolberto Solano is a very talented midfielder and a very good free kick taker. He scored quite a few goals last season from free kicks and I reckon he is one of the best at them in the premiership. He has got quite a bit of speed and is fairly skillful too, but he is a player that can be sent off in games for stupid challenges.
Gary Speed is an asset to Newcastle. He has been there for quite a few years now and he has always played his beast for them. He has scored many goals from his midfield position and I can see him scoring quite a few this season too. He is a true leader and he will continue to perform at a high standard while playing for Newcastle.
Their stadium, St. James Park, is a very nice stadium and it has got the second largest capacity in the premiership. The capacity of it is about 52,226, behind Man United’s stadium, Old Trafford, which can hold about 68,000.
Overall, Newcastle are a good team, but they really need to gradually work their way up to become one of the best teams in England. I reckon that they will finish about 8th or 9th this season, but I do not think that they will do very well in the cup competitions.
I have decided to also mention a few other teams in this topic, although they are not really title contenders. I have already talked about the title contenders:
Man United
Liverpool
Arsenal
Leeds United
Chelsea
I feel that teams like Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Sunderland are teams who will be competing to get into Europe. As a Tottenham fan, I have started my own topic on Tottenham and my views on them can be found there.
My next post will be on one of the above teams.
Man United
Liverpool
Arsenal
Leeds United
Chelsea
I feel that teams like Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Sunderland are teams who will be competing to get into Europe. As a Tottenham fan, I have started my own topic on Tottenham and my views on them can be found there.
My next post will be on one of the above teams.
CHELSEA
Chelsea have been said to be the English team, which isn't English. They have got a lot og foreign players in their squad, although they have got a few decent English players, including the likes of Jody Morris and their new signing from West Ham, Frank Lampard. I feel that Chelsea have made a quite a few good signings this summer and I think they will finish in the top 5 in the premiership this season. They will have to do very well to get into the top 3 and into the Champions League, but if their main lpayers stay fit, then they might have a chance.
As I have already said, Chelsea have got quite a few foreign players in their squad and here are the ones that I think are the best and why I think they are really good. Players like Hasselbaink, Zola, Petit and Desailly. All of these players have got a lot of talent and these are the layers who I think will do very well for the club this season.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a world class striker and I think that he will score a lot of goals for Chelsea this season, like he did last season. I think he ended up as the leading goalscorer in the premiership and if he can score as many goals this season, as well as other plays helping him out by scoring goals themselves, then Chelsea could do quite well this season in the premiership and the cup competitions.
Gianfranco Zola is about 34 years old but he is still a very skillful player and a master at scoring great goals. He is a small player but he when he uses his speed and skill, he is a hrad player to tackle and so quite often, it results in Chelsea scoring goals.
Emmanuel Petit is a new summer signing form Barcelona for a fee of about 7.5 million pounds. He is a great defensive midfielder and a very good passr of the ball. He can also score some useful goals, whihc Chelsea will be hoping he does this season.
Marcel Desailly is a great defender and I think that he is a player that Chelsea will be hoping stays fit all season. He is very strong and a good tackler and so if he is fit for most of the season, Chelsea will hopefully not concede so many goals
Chelsea's English stars also deserve a mention as there are not many of them. I reckon that their best English players are Frank Lampard, Jody Morris, Le Saux and John Terry.
Frank Lampard is another summer signing form West Ham United and he was brought for a fee of 11 million pounds. I honestly do not think he is worth that much money but Chelsea are the ones have paid that much money for him and so hopefully, he will prove that he is worth all that money. He is a good attacking midfielder but he should be aiming to core at least 10-15 goals a season at Chelsea. If he doesn't, Chelsea would need to do something about it.
Jody Morris is a young English International and I think he is a very good player. He is very talented and can play in any midfield position. I think that he will not be a first team regular next season for Chelsea, but I think that he could be within a few seasons.
John Terry is a veyr good defender and another young English International. He played for Chelsea in quite a few games last season and he did very well for them. I do not think that he will be a first team regular either, but he is another player who will keep improving and become a great defender.
Overall, Chelsea may have got quite a few foreigners in their squad, but they are still an English club and if they are in Europe, England should be supporting them all the way. I think that this season will also see them have a few good cup runs.
Chelsea have been said to be the English team, which isn't English. They have got a lot og foreign players in their squad, although they have got a few decent English players, including the likes of Jody Morris and their new signing from West Ham, Frank Lampard. I feel that Chelsea have made a quite a few good signings this summer and I think they will finish in the top 5 in the premiership this season. They will have to do very well to get into the top 3 and into the Champions League, but if their main lpayers stay fit, then they might have a chance.
As I have already said, Chelsea have got quite a few foreign players in their squad and here are the ones that I think are the best and why I think they are really good. Players like Hasselbaink, Zola, Petit and Desailly. All of these players have got a lot of talent and these are the layers who I think will do very well for the club this season.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a world class striker and I think that he will score a lot of goals for Chelsea this season, like he did last season. I think he ended up as the leading goalscorer in the premiership and if he can score as many goals this season, as well as other plays helping him out by scoring goals themselves, then Chelsea could do quite well this season in the premiership and the cup competitions.
Gianfranco Zola is about 34 years old but he is still a very skillful player and a master at scoring great goals. He is a small player but he when he uses his speed and skill, he is a hrad player to tackle and so quite often, it results in Chelsea scoring goals.
Emmanuel Petit is a new summer signing form Barcelona for a fee of about 7.5 million pounds. He is a great defensive midfielder and a very good passr of the ball. He can also score some useful goals, whihc Chelsea will be hoping he does this season.
Marcel Desailly is a great defender and I think that he is a player that Chelsea will be hoping stays fit all season. He is very strong and a good tackler and so if he is fit for most of the season, Chelsea will hopefully not concede so many goals
Chelsea's English stars also deserve a mention as there are not many of them. I reckon that their best English players are Frank Lampard, Jody Morris, Le Saux and John Terry.
Frank Lampard is another summer signing form West Ham United and he was brought for a fee of 11 million pounds. I honestly do not think he is worth that much money but Chelsea are the ones have paid that much money for him and so hopefully, he will prove that he is worth all that money. He is a good attacking midfielder but he should be aiming to core at least 10-15 goals a season at Chelsea. If he doesn't, Chelsea would need to do something about it.
Jody Morris is a young English International and I think he is a very good player. He is very talented and can play in any midfield position. I think that he will not be a first team regular next season for Chelsea, but I think that he could be within a few seasons.
John Terry is a veyr good defender and another young English International. He played for Chelsea in quite a few games last season and he did very well for them. I do not think that he will be a first team regular either, but he is another player who will keep improving and become a great defender.
Overall, Chelsea may have got quite a few foreigners in their squad, but they are still an English club and if they are in Europe, England should be supporting them all the way. I think that this season will also see them have a few good cup runs.
I have already talked about Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal and so I have decided to also talk about Leeds United. My next post will be on Chelsea.
Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leeds United and Chelsea are the 5 best teams in the premiership, as most of you will know.
Leeds United have got a very young and talented squad and I thin that they will again do very well in the premiership this season. Realistically, I think that they will finish either 4th or 5th, but I reckon that if they kept all of their best players fit for the majority of the season, then they might be able to fight hard for a Champions League spot. Also, with a great manager and a very nice stadium, which is full to capacity practically every week, Leeds United should have a very good season. Last season, they had a very good season, which saw them get into the semi finals of the Champions League. They also finished 4th in the premiership, although they may have done better, had they not done so well in the Champions League.
As I have already said, Leeds United have got many young, talented players in their squad, and quite a few of them are English, which makes them even better as a team. I reckon that their best young players are Bowyer, Kewell, Woodgate, Smith, Ferdinand and Robinson.
Lee Bowyer is an outstanding midfielder and I would say he will become a future in England star as he has got many years ahead of him for playing football. He is full of energy and can play to his best ability throughout a match, which makes him a very good player. He can score goals, as well as set goals up for other players. He is a credit to the Leeds United squad.
Harry Kewell returned from a long injury last season, but he has not found his form that made him one of the best younger players in the premiership. He is a player like Bowyer, but is left footed and I would say that he can hit a ball a lot harder. When given the oppertunity to hit a long distance shot, he will and quite often , it ends up in the net.
Johnathon Woodgate was out for much of last season, through injury, but he had been playing very well, before he was injured. He is a very good defender and another young Englishman. He is a very good tackler and also a good passer of the ball.
Alan Smith has been known to get in bad moods from time to time, which sees him do stupid things, and it caused him ot be sent off 3times last season. He is quite fast and is a good goalscorer and he even got into the England team last season because of his great form. He and Viduka formed a good partnership at Leeds last season and they will be hoping to do the same again this season.
Rio Ferdinand was signed from West Ham for an amazing 18 million pounds. I honestly did not think he was worth that much but since joing Leeds, Ferdinand has been getting better and better and I can see him becoming a regular in the England squad very soon, probably to partner Sol Campbell. Rio Ferdinand is a tall perosn and is very good in the air. The 1 problem he has is the fact that he makes some passing errors, which can lead to the opposition scoring goals and I think Ferdinand needs to improve his passing.
Paul Robinson is a very good goalkeeper and a future England star, in m yopinion. He is currently battling it out with Martyn for the No. 1 Leeds position, but Martyn is in his 30's where as Robinson is only in his early 20's. Paul is very talented and he will be very successful when he finally becomes the No.1 goalkeepr for both club and country.
Leeds have also got a couple of older players that are very experienced. Players like Viduka and Martyn are players who I think are inspirational to the team. Nigel Martyn is one of the country's best keepers, and has earned his number 1 goalkeeping spot ahead of the talented young Paul Robinson. No one has a better shot stop than the Leeds veteran who is likely to keep his place for aabout 1 or 2 more seasons. He's had international experience and will do well to get a first team place ahead of David Seaman, Richard Wright and David James. I do think that Robinson will take over from Martyn as the No. 1 goalkeeper within a year or 2 as Martyn is on his 30's and Robinson is a very young player. Mark Viduka is a great footballer and he signed for Leeds United last summer in a 6 million pound deal. He scored quite a few goals last season, many of them being very important to the club. He was also in the papers a lot about possible moves from Leeds to Italien clubs. Some clubs were prepared to pay around 20 million pounds for him and with the form that he was in last season, that wasn't suprising. He is very good in the air and he has also got some speed on him, as well as being strong.
Overall, Leeds are a very good team and will again do very well next season, even though they are not in the Champions League, but they are in the UEFA Cup.
Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leeds United and Chelsea are the 5 best teams in the premiership, as most of you will know.
Leeds United have got a very young and talented squad and I thin that they will again do very well in the premiership this season. Realistically, I think that they will finish either 4th or 5th, but I reckon that if they kept all of their best players fit for the majority of the season, then they might be able to fight hard for a Champions League spot. Also, with a great manager and a very nice stadium, which is full to capacity practically every week, Leeds United should have a very good season. Last season, they had a very good season, which saw them get into the semi finals of the Champions League. They also finished 4th in the premiership, although they may have done better, had they not done so well in the Champions League.
As I have already said, Leeds United have got many young, talented players in their squad, and quite a few of them are English, which makes them even better as a team. I reckon that their best young players are Bowyer, Kewell, Woodgate, Smith, Ferdinand and Robinson.
Lee Bowyer is an outstanding midfielder and I would say he will become a future in England star as he has got many years ahead of him for playing football. He is full of energy and can play to his best ability throughout a match, which makes him a very good player. He can score goals, as well as set goals up for other players. He is a credit to the Leeds United squad.
Harry Kewell returned from a long injury last season, but he has not found his form that made him one of the best younger players in the premiership. He is a player like Bowyer, but is left footed and I would say that he can hit a ball a lot harder. When given the oppertunity to hit a long distance shot, he will and quite often , it ends up in the net.
Johnathon Woodgate was out for much of last season, through injury, but he had been playing very well, before he was injured. He is a very good defender and another young Englishman. He is a very good tackler and also a good passer of the ball.
Alan Smith has been known to get in bad moods from time to time, which sees him do stupid things, and it caused him ot be sent off 3times last season. He is quite fast and is a good goalscorer and he even got into the England team last season because of his great form. He and Viduka formed a good partnership at Leeds last season and they will be hoping to do the same again this season.
Rio Ferdinand was signed from West Ham for an amazing 18 million pounds. I honestly did not think he was worth that much but since joing Leeds, Ferdinand has been getting better and better and I can see him becoming a regular in the England squad very soon, probably to partner Sol Campbell. Rio Ferdinand is a tall perosn and is very good in the air. The 1 problem he has is the fact that he makes some passing errors, which can lead to the opposition scoring goals and I think Ferdinand needs to improve his passing.
Paul Robinson is a very good goalkeeper and a future England star, in m yopinion. He is currently battling it out with Martyn for the No. 1 Leeds position, but Martyn is in his 30's where as Robinson is only in his early 20's. Paul is very talented and he will be very successful when he finally becomes the No.1 goalkeepr for both club and country.
Leeds have also got a couple of older players that are very experienced. Players like Viduka and Martyn are players who I think are inspirational to the team. Nigel Martyn is one of the country's best keepers, and has earned his number 1 goalkeeping spot ahead of the talented young Paul Robinson. No one has a better shot stop than the Leeds veteran who is likely to keep his place for aabout 1 or 2 more seasons. He's had international experience and will do well to get a first team place ahead of David Seaman, Richard Wright and David James. I do think that Robinson will take over from Martyn as the No. 1 goalkeeper within a year or 2 as Martyn is on his 30's and Robinson is a very young player. Mark Viduka is a great footballer and he signed for Leeds United last summer in a 6 million pound deal. He scored quite a few goals last season, many of them being very important to the club. He was also in the papers a lot about possible moves from Leeds to Italien clubs. Some clubs were prepared to pay around 20 million pounds for him and with the form that he was in last season, that wasn't suprising. He is very good in the air and he has also got some speed on him, as well as being strong.
Overall, Leeds are a very good team and will again do very well next season, even though they are not in the Champions League, but they are in the UEFA Cup.
Knight
Cummings (Scottish is close enough)
Are both not in the first squad for Chelsea. They are in the reserve and Under 20 squad. If they are in the first squad they would be used more regularing in the premiership. If i can remember Knight played 2 games last season. Sorry, and appearances in the league cup.
But if you count approx. 5 appearances in one season for knight as a first squad player, this would mean that most of the Utd youth players, Greening, O'Shea, Clegg, Djordjic, Fletcher and Rahubuka are all in the first team squad. But they are not they are in the reserves and youth.
Last of all Cummings, to my knowledge i have never seen him play in the Premiership last season or any season!
Sorry Ashley u are wrong!
Cummings (Scottish is close enough)
Are both not in the first squad for Chelsea. They are in the reserve and Under 20 squad. If they are in the first squad they would be used more regularing in the premiership. If i can remember Knight played 2 games last season. Sorry, and appearances in the league cup.
But if you count approx. 5 appearances in one season for knight as a first squad player, this would mean that most of the Utd youth players, Greening, O'Shea, Clegg, Djordjic, Fletcher and Rahubuka are all in the first team squad. But they are not they are in the reserves and youth.
Last of all Cummings, to my knowledge i have never seen him play in the Premiership last season or any season!
Sorry Ashley u are wrong!
HEY!!
How can Ashley win a DVD for a post that is practically all mine?!
WHAT IS GOING ON LADS?
"Dan 2k1:Chelsea are another one of the five sides that I believe stand a realistic chance of mounting a championship challenge this new season in the Premier League, now name the FA Barclaycard Premiership. Better get used to that! Chelsea is a very high profile club, with many stars and many, many foreigners, much to the annoyance of the British players in the side, who have subsequently been squeezed out. In the first team there must be around just 1 or 2 players who aren't from abroad. Scary isn't it, but that's the realism and that's why Chelsea are known as the Italian premier league team.
Ken Bates is the very loud chairman, whose funds have helped Chelsea buy some really superb foreign talent, it's just a shame they don't buy British anymore. Chelsea has a superb stadium - I've been to a couple of games there and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere I have ever been. Buzzing with delight, especially when the Blues win of course, Stamford Bridge is electrifying! No other place like it, and the attendance is around 35,000, seems a lot more though.
Managed by the non English speaking Italian Claudio Ranieri, many thought he would bring doom to the club - getting off to a less than brilliant start, he then went and helped Chelsea finish on a fantastic un of form, and so I think he could take the team higher next season, 5th place wasn't bad, securing a UEFA spot, but I have a feeling Chelsea will bring home at least one piece of silverware next year.
It's ok having an Italian manager, for the players anyway seeing as they're all foreign, but why does Chelsea have so many foreign players? Surely it's demoralising for the cream of British talent! They have a very good squad though, with Ed de Goey in goal, a formidable defence - Frank Leboef, Marcel Desailly, Graeme Le Saux and Thom providing a decent array of skill and determination.
Di Matteo should play more often but rarely gets half a game, most famous for his superb sub 30second opener and winner in the FA Cup of 2000. Gustavo Poyet and Dennis Wise have moved away to Spurs and Leicester respectively, but Zola has stayed, Hasselbaink up front will provide the goals, and there're plenty more Italians and Frenchmen at the club. "
Mine ok?
How can Ashley win a DVD for a post that is practically all mine?!
WHAT IS GOING ON LADS?
"Dan 2k1:Chelsea are another one of the five sides that I believe stand a realistic chance of mounting a championship challenge this new season in the Premier League, now name the FA Barclaycard Premiership. Better get used to that! Chelsea is a very high profile club, with many stars and many, many foreigners, much to the annoyance of the British players in the side, who have subsequently been squeezed out. In the first team there must be around just 1 or 2 players who aren't from abroad. Scary isn't it, but that's the realism and that's why Chelsea are known as the Italian premier league team.
Ken Bates is the very loud chairman, whose funds have helped Chelsea buy some really superb foreign talent, it's just a shame they don't buy British anymore. Chelsea has a superb stadium - I've been to a couple of games there and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere I have ever been. Buzzing with delight, especially when the Blues win of course, Stamford Bridge is electrifying! No other place like it, and the attendance is around 35,000, seems a lot more though.
Managed by the non English speaking Italian Claudio Ranieri, many thought he would bring doom to the club - getting off to a less than brilliant start, he then went and helped Chelsea finish on a fantastic un of form, and so I think he could take the team higher next season, 5th place wasn't bad, securing a UEFA spot, but I have a feeling Chelsea will bring home at least one piece of silverware next year.
It's ok having an Italian manager, for the players anyway seeing as they're all foreign, but why does Chelsea have so many foreign players? Surely it's demoralising for the cream of British talent! They have a very good squad though, with Ed de Goey in goal, a formidable defence - Frank Leboef, Marcel Desailly, Graeme Le Saux and Thom providing a decent array of skill and determination.
Di Matteo should play more often but rarely gets half a game, most famous for his superb sub 30second opener and winner in the FA Cup of 2000. Gustavo Poyet and Dennis Wise have moved away to Spurs and Leicester respectively, but Zola has stayed, Hasselbaink up front will provide the goals, and there're plenty more Italians and Frenchmen at the club. "
Mine ok?
I think its still gonna be Man utd all the way. They have bought two world class players while the rest of the competition have just bought average players. Arsenals spending on all the players was about £25M, UTD spent this much on one player. Van nistelrooy will fit straight into the team, but i think veron might take slightly longer. Usually every attack from Utd goes through Beckham. Veron is known as a world-class playmaker so it will be intresting to see how veron will fit into the picture.
Veiria is reportdly unsettled at Arsenal, Wenger is ranting at Utd for allegedly making an illegal approach, Wiltord has publically said Arsenal should let Veiria leave. Arsenal are falling apart, they still need a decent striker, somone decent to back up vieria. Vieria is good, but he aint no Roy keane.
Liverpool are the only team that willl test united this season, they have got stronger and stronger every year since houlier took over. they already have a decnt squad wit quality throughout. as they showed last season they can beat UTD home and away, but Liverpools problem is repeasting them sort of performences. They just seem to build themselves up for the big games against Utd and Arsenal. this has been the downfall of them for the last few seasons.
I dont fear leeds at all becasue none of their strikers are consistent enough and 3 of thier players will probably get banged up anyway ( well i hope so anyway).
As A UTD fan i'm saying Liverpool will be the team to challenge UTd this year.
Veiria is reportdly unsettled at Arsenal, Wenger is ranting at Utd for allegedly making an illegal approach, Wiltord has publically said Arsenal should let Veiria leave. Arsenal are falling apart, they still need a decent striker, somone decent to back up vieria. Vieria is good, but he aint no Roy keane.
Liverpool are the only team that willl test united this season, they have got stronger and stronger every year since houlier took over. they already have a decnt squad wit quality throughout. as they showed last season they can beat UTD home and away, but Liverpools problem is repeasting them sort of performences. They just seem to build themselves up for the big games against Utd and Arsenal. this has been the downfall of them for the last few seasons.
I dont fear leeds at all becasue none of their strikers are consistent enough and 3 of thier players will probably get banged up anyway ( well i hope so anyway).
As A UTD fan i'm saying Liverpool will be the team to challenge UTd this year.
Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all great teams, but I think that the premierhsip title will go to Man United or Liverpool, followed by Arsenal.
Man United
Man United are currently the best team in England and one of the best teams in the world at the moment. They have got many great players in the squad and they all seem to be able to work together all the time as they are a difficult team to beat. Some people may say that Liverpool are an English team who could challenge Man United now, and I agree because they have also got a great squad, but I do not believe that Arsenal will be able to finish higher than Man United in the league this season as they are not as good as them.
As I have said, United have got many great players in the side, including the likes of Beckham, Giggs, Keane, Scholes, Barthez, Stam and their 2 new summer signings, who are both world class players, van Nistelrooy and Juan Veron. (There are also many other great players at the club.) David Beckham is one of the best free kick takers in the world and probably the best right sided midfielder in the world. He is a great asset to the game and Man United can always count on Beckham to give his best every game. Ryan Giggs is a great left sided midfielder, although I do not think he is as good a plyer as Beckham is on the right. Giggs is a very fast player andhe is also very skillful. He scored one of the best ever F.A Cup goals a couple of season ago when he dribbled the ball at least half the length of the pitch, taking on many Arsenal players as he went, and then blasting the ball past David Seaman. Roy Keane became Man United's first ever player to have a contract worth at least 50,000 pound a week, 2 years ago. He is a great defensive midfield player and he is admired by many Man United fans. He should form a great partnership with United's new signing, Veron. Paul Scholes is not the tallest of players but he has been known to score quite a few gaols with his head. He can also score some spectacular goals from outside the box. He has got a great right foot on him and he is aanother great player. The problem is that now United have signed Veron, I am unsure as to whether Scholes will have to make way or not. He should be a first team regular but I honestly do not know what Man United will do. Fabien Barthez is one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment, probably the best actually. He is a great shot stopper and can also entertain the fans as he sometimes attempts to take the ball round the opposition and I do not know of a time whne he has failed in his attempt. The French gaolkeeper signed for United last season and Man United have finally found a keeper to replace Schemeical, who now plays for Aston Villa. Jaap Stam is a world class defender and a player that United will want to stay at the club for the rest of his career. He is a great tackler and also a good passer of the ball, but on the odd occasion, he makes little errors that can lead to the opposition scoring a goal.
Man United's two summer signings, Veron and Nistelrooy are world class players and I think they will help Man United be quite successful this season. Veron is one of the best midfielders in the world and he is a player who will help United to score even more goals from midfield, and help the strikers score more goals, as he is an attacking sort of player. I think he will form a great partnership with Roy Keane and maybe Paul Scholes, which is what the fans will want to see. Van Nistelrooy is a player that United were going to sign last season but he failed a medical and was injured for quite a few months. He is a great goalscorer, which I think United needed, as they have not really had a player who can finish the leading goalscorer in the premiership, for quite a few season now. He is a player who I feel the crowd will admire.
Liverpool
In my opinion, Liverpool have got one of the best squads in the world, at the moment. They have got many good players and when I say many, I mean that they have got at least 2 teams worth of decent players. They could field one team one week and another team the following week, and perform at a very high level both times.
I feel that Liverpool's best players are many all English, but there area few foreign players who can help turn games around when needed. Players like Owen, Heskey, Barmby, McCallister, Hypia and Gerrard are the main players that Liverpool have got, although they have got many other decent players too. I have always admired Michael Owen as I think he is a great striker and I think he will be one of the elading goalscorers in the premierhsip this season, and probably Liverpool's leading goalscorer in all competitions, as long as he stays fit. I also think that Hypia is a player that can help Liverpool out a lot when they are in trouble. He is a great defender and he can also score goals from a defencive position.
Last season, they had one of the best season that I have ever seen. They finished 3rd in the premiership and they won 3 cup competition, including the F.A Cup, the Worthington Cup and the UEFA Cup. This was great to see as liverpool showed that they can become one of the best teams in the world and it also showed that there is a team in the premierhsip who should be able to challenge Man United, throughout the year. Other than Arsenal, who haven't really done that well, there has not been a good team in the premierhsip who can keep up with Man United throughut the season, but I finally think Liverpool are the team to do it.
Arsenal
Arsenal are a very good team, but I feel that they are not good enough to challenge Man United and Liverpool, all the way through the season and so this is why I do no think that they will win the premierhsip this season. They have got many good players who you could say were world class, but I do not think that as a team, they will be able to keep up with Man United and Liverpool and so I feel they will have to settle for the final Champions League spot in 3rd place. But that could also be tough as Leeds and Chelsea will be fightin for the premiership title too.
Arsenal have made the following summer signings and I will say whether I think they are any good or whether they are a waste of money. Their summer signings are Richard Wright, Sol Campbell, van Bronckhurst ad Jeffers. I think there are also a few others on the way, but they are not done deals yet. Richard Wright is a young English goalkeeper who will be competing for the No 1 goalkeeping spot at Arsenal with fellow Englishman, David Seaman. Seaman has been at the club for a long time and he is now about 34 years old and so I think it will be good for both keepers to fight harder for their place in the team I prefer Seaman and so Richard Wright could prove to be a wrong buy, unless he is picked over Seaman, in which case he will be a good buy for the club. Sol Campbell is a great player and all I really need to say about him is that he should definitely get into the first team as he is better than Arsenal's other defenders. He was signed form Tottenhem on a Free Transfer. Giavani van Bronckhurst is a really good player and I think he should get into the first team quite easily. I think that he could form a good aprtnership with Viera, who is now apparantly staying at Arsenal, which is good news for them. Francis Jeffers is a player who I do not think will get into Arsenal's first team as Arsenal ahve already got 4 strikers who are better than him. He is not worth all of the money the Arsenal paid for him and I think he will prove that Arsenal have wasted a lot of money. He is a young striker but he is not someone known to score many goals and I can't see him scoring many goals for Arsenal.
As I have already said, Arsenal have got quite a few players who you would say were world class and I think that if Arsenal can keep them fit, they could do quite well next season, but I still can't see them finishing higher than 3rd place, behind Man United and Liverpool. Arsenal's best player are in my opinion, Henry, Berghamp, Viera, van Bronckhurst, Pires, Campbell, Adams, Keown and Seaman.
So basically, I think that Arsenal will be battling it out with Chelsea and Leeds for the 3rd Champions League place, but I think they will get it.
Man United
Man United are currently the best team in England and one of the best teams in the world at the moment. They have got many great players in the squad and they all seem to be able to work together all the time as they are a difficult team to beat. Some people may say that Liverpool are an English team who could challenge Man United now, and I agree because they have also got a great squad, but I do not believe that Arsenal will be able to finish higher than Man United in the league this season as they are not as good as them.
As I have said, United have got many great players in the side, including the likes of Beckham, Giggs, Keane, Scholes, Barthez, Stam and their 2 new summer signings, who are both world class players, van Nistelrooy and Juan Veron. (There are also many other great players at the club.) David Beckham is one of the best free kick takers in the world and probably the best right sided midfielder in the world. He is a great asset to the game and Man United can always count on Beckham to give his best every game. Ryan Giggs is a great left sided midfielder, although I do not think he is as good a plyer as Beckham is on the right. Giggs is a very fast player andhe is also very skillful. He scored one of the best ever F.A Cup goals a couple of season ago when he dribbled the ball at least half the length of the pitch, taking on many Arsenal players as he went, and then blasting the ball past David Seaman. Roy Keane became Man United's first ever player to have a contract worth at least 50,000 pound a week, 2 years ago. He is a great defensive midfield player and he is admired by many Man United fans. He should form a great partnership with United's new signing, Veron. Paul Scholes is not the tallest of players but he has been known to score quite a few gaols with his head. He can also score some spectacular goals from outside the box. He has got a great right foot on him and he is aanother great player. The problem is that now United have signed Veron, I am unsure as to whether Scholes will have to make way or not. He should be a first team regular but I honestly do not know what Man United will do. Fabien Barthez is one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment, probably the best actually. He is a great shot stopper and can also entertain the fans as he sometimes attempts to take the ball round the opposition and I do not know of a time whne he has failed in his attempt. The French gaolkeeper signed for United last season and Man United have finally found a keeper to replace Schemeical, who now plays for Aston Villa. Jaap Stam is a world class defender and a player that United will want to stay at the club for the rest of his career. He is a great tackler and also a good passer of the ball, but on the odd occasion, he makes little errors that can lead to the opposition scoring a goal.
Man United's two summer signings, Veron and Nistelrooy are world class players and I think they will help Man United be quite successful this season. Veron is one of the best midfielders in the world and he is a player who will help United to score even more goals from midfield, and help the strikers score more goals, as he is an attacking sort of player. I think he will form a great partnership with Roy Keane and maybe Paul Scholes, which is what the fans will want to see. Van Nistelrooy is a player that United were going to sign last season but he failed a medical and was injured for quite a few months. He is a great goalscorer, which I think United needed, as they have not really had a player who can finish the leading goalscorer in the premiership, for quite a few season now. He is a player who I feel the crowd will admire.
Liverpool
In my opinion, Liverpool have got one of the best squads in the world, at the moment. They have got many good players and when I say many, I mean that they have got at least 2 teams worth of decent players. They could field one team one week and another team the following week, and perform at a very high level both times.
I feel that Liverpool's best players are many all English, but there area few foreign players who can help turn games around when needed. Players like Owen, Heskey, Barmby, McCallister, Hypia and Gerrard are the main players that Liverpool have got, although they have got many other decent players too. I have always admired Michael Owen as I think he is a great striker and I think he will be one of the elading goalscorers in the premierhsip this season, and probably Liverpool's leading goalscorer in all competitions, as long as he stays fit. I also think that Hypia is a player that can help Liverpool out a lot when they are in trouble. He is a great defender and he can also score goals from a defencive position.
Last season, they had one of the best season that I have ever seen. They finished 3rd in the premiership and they won 3 cup competition, including the F.A Cup, the Worthington Cup and the UEFA Cup. This was great to see as liverpool showed that they can become one of the best teams in the world and it also showed that there is a team in the premierhsip who should be able to challenge Man United, throughout the year. Other than Arsenal, who haven't really done that well, there has not been a good team in the premierhsip who can keep up with Man United throughut the season, but I finally think Liverpool are the team to do it.
Arsenal
Arsenal are a very good team, but I feel that they are not good enough to challenge Man United and Liverpool, all the way through the season and so this is why I do no think that they will win the premierhsip this season. They have got many good players who you could say were world class, but I do not think that as a team, they will be able to keep up with Man United and Liverpool and so I feel they will have to settle for the final Champions League spot in 3rd place. But that could also be tough as Leeds and Chelsea will be fightin for the premiership title too.
Arsenal have made the following summer signings and I will say whether I think they are any good or whether they are a waste of money. Their summer signings are Richard Wright, Sol Campbell, van Bronckhurst ad Jeffers. I think there are also a few others on the way, but they are not done deals yet. Richard Wright is a young English goalkeeper who will be competing for the No 1 goalkeeping spot at Arsenal with fellow Englishman, David Seaman. Seaman has been at the club for a long time and he is now about 34 years old and so I think it will be good for both keepers to fight harder for their place in the team I prefer Seaman and so Richard Wright could prove to be a wrong buy, unless he is picked over Seaman, in which case he will be a good buy for the club. Sol Campbell is a great player and all I really need to say about him is that he should definitely get into the first team as he is better than Arsenal's other defenders. He was signed form Tottenhem on a Free Transfer. Giavani van Bronckhurst is a really good player and I think he should get into the first team quite easily. I think that he could form a good aprtnership with Viera, who is now apparantly staying at Arsenal, which is good news for them. Francis Jeffers is a player who I do not think will get into Arsenal's first team as Arsenal ahve already got 4 strikers who are better than him. He is not worth all of the money the Arsenal paid for him and I think he will prove that Arsenal have wasted a lot of money. He is a young striker but he is not someone known to score many goals and I can't see him scoring many goals for Arsenal.
As I have already said, Arsenal have got quite a few players who you would say were world class and I think that if Arsenal can keep them fit, they could do quite well next season, but I still can't see them finishing higher than 3rd place, behind Man United and Liverpool. Arsenal's best player are in my opinion, Henry, Berghamp, Viera, van Bronckhurst, Pires, Campbell, Adams, Keown and Seaman.
So basically, I think that Arsenal will be battling it out with Chelsea and Leeds for the 3rd Champions League place, but I think they will get it.
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