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The new Premiership season kicks-off tommorow at precisely 3:00pm.
All the big-boys remain from the last year, including Double Winners Arsenal. Aswell as these guys there are some new names, who already stand-out as favourites to go right back down again - including Steve Bruce's Birmingham, and West Brom.
But Relegation Battles don't always emerge to be as great as one part of the average season to a large number of us footie-lovin' fans...
There is only one thing that every team has their eye on at the start of a new Premiership Campaign: the trophy itself, and an automatic place in the Champions' League next season.
The first name drawn out of the hat for that top-spot at this time every year is Manchester United, and always will be. But despite their massive world-wide reputation and cabinets full of success and money, it could all go against Sir Alex Ferguson and his men this season - just like it did during the last campaign - and not just in the league!
Arsenal ran away victorious as Double Winners for the second time in their career. And whose to bet against them doing it all-over again this season?
Tony Adams may have left and gone into Retirment now, and Wenger may not have gone on a mad spending-spree for new players from around the globe this time around. But with the addition of Gilberto (who impressed on his debut) along with the stars like Campbell, Bergkamp, Henry and Ljungberg with the return of Pires, Man United and co. may not stand a chance!
Let's forget about the Gunners for a second, and look at some other possibillities...
United may have boosted their defence with the £30m signing of Rio Ferdinand, but it's clear to everyone that they still need a new striker to partner Van Nistelrooy. But even though their squad is huge in depth, unless they hand-over that no.9 shirt to a new name, we may be looking at the 2001/2002 season all-over again!
Second place was occupied by 'team of the 80's' Liverpool, with a lot of praise aimed towards Phil Thompson who came in to take-charge in those desperate times. If you thought their squad was impressive last season, just think of what they'll be like when World Cup Star El-Hadj Diouff and the other Senegalese internationals hit form infront of The Kop!
They're the 3 favourites for the top spot. But you shouldn't write-off too many team - including the following...
Bobby Robson is certainly doing the business up at St.James Park, they're now just one game away from the Champions' League - something they haven't been in for around 5 years. They may have lost-out on their audacious Rivaldo bid, but they still show great ambition in their deep squad of talented player - both old and new. Aswell as Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer, Jermaine Jenas and Laurent Robert will be around to keep the pressure on as The Magpies look to swoop-down on their first ever Premiership Title.
David O'Leary may have been sacked, but Terry Venables showed us at Boro
that he knows what he's doing in this league. They may have also lost Rio Ferdinand, but he was 'apparently' only brought-in as cover for Woodgate in the first place! They're defence is still strong, and dangerous - especially with those Ian Harte free-kicks! But their attack does the most damage, Kewell, Viduka, Smith.... you don't always get much better than that! Leeds were considered as possible candidates for the last season, and the one before. Maybe the 'kids' can turn all that talk into something 'silver an shiny' this time around...
Once again, Claudio Ranieri and his Chelsea team are full of hope as they prepare to force-upon the other 19 teams what they've been calling a 'Real Championship Challenge' for the last few years now!
Their squad may be impressive with names like Hasselbaink, Zola, Desailly and Gudjonsson, but what have they done that really shows how 'great' they are since Vialli was sacked, except spend-and-spend???
Nothing!
And so once again it is likely that the boys from Stamford Bridge will be considered as the 'Jokers of the Pack'!
To be honest, it really is to far too-early to tell who will end up as no.1 come mid-May of 2003, it could go to anyone, even someone off of this list - like back in '95 when Dalglish's Blackburn nicked-it!
If i'm certain of one thing for the coming season, it's this:
This is going to be one NOT too miss!!
And I know we say it every year, but this really will be the greatest Premiership Season EVER!
All the big-boys remain from the last year, including Double Winners Arsenal. Aswell as these guys there are some new names, who already stand-out as favourites to go right back down again - including Steve Bruce's Birmingham, and West Brom.
But Relegation Battles don't always emerge to be as great as one part of the average season to a large number of us footie-lovin' fans...
There is only one thing that every team has their eye on at the start of a new Premiership Campaign: the trophy itself, and an automatic place in the Champions' League next season.
The first name drawn out of the hat for that top-spot at this time every year is Manchester United, and always will be. But despite their massive world-wide reputation and cabinets full of success and money, it could all go against Sir Alex Ferguson and his men this season - just like it did during the last campaign - and not just in the league!
Arsenal ran away victorious as Double Winners for the second time in their career. And whose to bet against them doing it all-over again this season?
Tony Adams may have left and gone into Retirment now, and Wenger may not have gone on a mad spending-spree for new players from around the globe this time around. But with the addition of Gilberto (who impressed on his debut) along with the stars like Campbell, Bergkamp, Henry and Ljungberg with the return of Pires, Man United and co. may not stand a chance!
Let's forget about the Gunners for a second, and look at some other possibillities...
United may have boosted their defence with the £30m signing of Rio Ferdinand, but it's clear to everyone that they still need a new striker to partner Van Nistelrooy. But even though their squad is huge in depth, unless they hand-over that no.9 shirt to a new name, we may be looking at the 2001/2002 season all-over again!
Second place was occupied by 'team of the 80's' Liverpool, with a lot of praise aimed towards Phil Thompson who came in to take-charge in those desperate times. If you thought their squad was impressive last season, just think of what they'll be like when World Cup Star El-Hadj Diouff and the other Senegalese internationals hit form infront of The Kop!
They're the 3 favourites for the top spot. But you shouldn't write-off too many team - including the following...
Bobby Robson is certainly doing the business up at St.James Park, they're now just one game away from the Champions' League - something they haven't been in for around 5 years. They may have lost-out on their audacious Rivaldo bid, but they still show great ambition in their deep squad of talented player - both old and new. Aswell as Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer, Jermaine Jenas and Laurent Robert will be around to keep the pressure on as The Magpies look to swoop-down on their first ever Premiership Title.
David O'Leary may have been sacked, but Terry Venables showed us at Boro
that he knows what he's doing in this league. They may have also lost Rio Ferdinand, but he was 'apparently' only brought-in as cover for Woodgate in the first place! They're defence is still strong, and dangerous - especially with those Ian Harte free-kicks! But their attack does the most damage, Kewell, Viduka, Smith.... you don't always get much better than that! Leeds were considered as possible candidates for the last season, and the one before. Maybe the 'kids' can turn all that talk into something 'silver an shiny' this time around...
Once again, Claudio Ranieri and his Chelsea team are full of hope as they prepare to force-upon the other 19 teams what they've been calling a 'Real Championship Challenge' for the last few years now!
Their squad may be impressive with names like Hasselbaink, Zola, Desailly and Gudjonsson, but what have they done that really shows how 'great' they are since Vialli was sacked, except spend-and-spend???
Nothing!
And so once again it is likely that the boys from Stamford Bridge will be considered as the 'Jokers of the Pack'!
To be honest, it really is to far too-early to tell who will end up as no.1 come mid-May of 2003, it could go to anyone, even someone off of this list - like back in '95 when Dalglish's Blackburn nicked-it!
If i'm certain of one thing for the coming season, it's this:
This is going to be one NOT too miss!!
And I know we say it every year, but this really will be the greatest Premiership Season EVER!
Page:
Solskjær wrote:
> Arsenal ran away victorious as Double Winners for the second time in
> their career.
Oi! Get yer facts straight!
Arsenal have done The Double THREE times!
1970/71, 1997/98 and 2001/02
I thank you.
:-)
> Arsenal ran away victorious as Double Winners for the second time in
> their career.
Oi! Get yer facts straight!
Arsenal have done The Double THREE times!
1970/71, 1997/98 and 2001/02
I thank you.
:-)
As for the relegation issues:
I feel that West Bromwich Albion are doomed before they even kick-off tomorrow. Not least in the sense that their first three games of their season could quite possibly be the three hardest. But since the day they won promotion, last May, they have added no-one of important significance. They lack depth in almost every area of the football field. Unfortunately they will pay, rock bottom is all i can see for them. As for the other hot favourites to go down Birmingham, well i dont see them struggling as badly as WBA, in Clinton Morrison they have a prolofic goalscorer, but will he match up to the premiership standard? Division one and the Premiership are very different leagues. But generally Birmingham have better players and have a minute chance of staying up.
As for the third and final place. Hmm, well it's just about anyone's guess really. Southampton, Everton and Sunderland are the most likely to fill that spot. But who will it be? Well you're guess is as good as mine is, but what i can say is that by Christmas i think the relegation threatened teams will be the ones who stay in that sort of area.
Anyway, roll on tommorrow, and here's to possibly the best Premiership season ever ahead of us.
I feel that West Bromwich Albion are doomed before they even kick-off tomorrow. Not least in the sense that their first three games of their season could quite possibly be the three hardest. But since the day they won promotion, last May, they have added no-one of important significance. They lack depth in almost every area of the football field. Unfortunately they will pay, rock bottom is all i can see for them. As for the other hot favourites to go down Birmingham, well i dont see them struggling as badly as WBA, in Clinton Morrison they have a prolofic goalscorer, but will he match up to the premiership standard? Division one and the Premiership are very different leagues. But generally Birmingham have better players and have a minute chance of staying up.
As for the third and final place. Hmm, well it's just about anyone's guess really. Southampton, Everton and Sunderland are the most likely to fill that spot. But who will it be? Well you're guess is as good as mine is, but what i can say is that by Christmas i think the relegation threatened teams will be the ones who stay in that sort of area.
Anyway, roll on tommorrow, and here's to possibly the best Premiership season ever ahead of us.
For a long time in the Premiership there has always been an elite bracket of 6 or so clubs that could ever realisticly challenge for the title. Man Utd, Arsenal, Leeds, Chelsea and in recent seasons the re-emergence of Liverpool and Newcastle. Although come the end of the season it is unlikely that the title will go to anywhere other than Old Trafford, Highbury or Anfield, which leaves the reamaining three to be pursuing hopes of Champions league and European football.
However difficult it is to predict who the champs will be, it has become suprisingly easy to guess who will probably be playing in the first division next season. Teams like Man City and Middlesborough have almost bought themselves a place in the premiership next season with the quality additions they have made to their squads. Sunderland barely escaped relegation last season and with the fans turning against the team they have been tipped to go down along with Birmingham and West Brom while Southampton, Fulham and Everton are teetering on the edge.
However difficult it is to predict who the champs will be, it has become suprisingly easy to guess who will probably be playing in the first division next season. Teams like Man City and Middlesborough have almost bought themselves a place in the premiership next season with the quality additions they have made to their squads. Sunderland barely escaped relegation last season and with the fans turning against the team they have been tipped to go down along with Birmingham and West Brom while Southampton, Fulham and Everton are teetering on the edge.
Well i mapped out the big three to contest the title for this season:
Manchester United: The signing of Rio Ferdinand will give United the stability at the back which they so desperately needed last season. If he can tighten up the defence, and Ruud do the business up front as he did last season then I can only see the title being brought back to Old Trafford. A trip to Cardiff is also likely this season.
Liverpool: With the arrival of El Hadji Diouf and Slaif Diao, Houllier now has the depth to bring the long awaited premiership title back to Anfield. If Owen and Gerrard stay fit for the bulk of the season then expect Liverpool to be right up their at the top, at least challenging for a champions league spot, but most likely the title itself.
Arsenal: Despite only spending 6.6m over the summer period I can only see a three horserace between with united and Liverpool. Silva adds some much needed spice and Wenger’s men certainly have the belief and depth to deliver back to back title successes. Expect a confident cup run as well.
I find it hard to think that any other team is going to be crowned champions next May. I think there are still a few tams who can cause a few upsets among amongst the top contenders. Namely Middlesbrough. I've been impressed with Mclarens summer dulge into the transfer market, it shows he has a certain amount of ambition to take the club places this season. I can't see Chelsea finishing in the top 6 this season, but as you said it's possibly the hardest season to predict the outcome of for a long long time.
Manchester United: The signing of Rio Ferdinand will give United the stability at the back which they so desperately needed last season. If he can tighten up the defence, and Ruud do the business up front as he did last season then I can only see the title being brought back to Old Trafford. A trip to Cardiff is also likely this season.
Liverpool: With the arrival of El Hadji Diouf and Slaif Diao, Houllier now has the depth to bring the long awaited premiership title back to Anfield. If Owen and Gerrard stay fit for the bulk of the season then expect Liverpool to be right up their at the top, at least challenging for a champions league spot, but most likely the title itself.
Arsenal: Despite only spending 6.6m over the summer period I can only see a three horserace between with united and Liverpool. Silva adds some much needed spice and Wenger’s men certainly have the belief and depth to deliver back to back title successes. Expect a confident cup run as well.
I find it hard to think that any other team is going to be crowned champions next May. I think there are still a few tams who can cause a few upsets among amongst the top contenders. Namely Middlesbrough. I've been impressed with Mclarens summer dulge into the transfer market, it shows he has a certain amount of ambition to take the club places this season. I can't see Chelsea finishing in the top 6 this season, but as you said it's possibly the hardest season to predict the outcome of for a long long time.
The new Premiership season kicks-off tommorow at precisely 3:00pm.
All the big-boys remain from the last year, including Double Winners Arsenal. Aswell as these guys there are some new names, who already stand-out as favourites to go right back down again - including Steve Bruce's Birmingham, and West Brom.
But Relegation Battles don't always emerge to be as great as one part of the average season to a large number of us footie-lovin' fans...
There is only one thing that every team has their eye on at the start of a new Premiership Campaign: the trophy itself, and an automatic place in the Champions' League next season.
The first name drawn out of the hat for that top-spot at this time every year is Manchester United, and always will be. But despite their massive world-wide reputation and cabinets full of success and money, it could all go against Sir Alex Ferguson and his men this season - just like it did during the last campaign - and not just in the league!
Arsenal ran away victorious as Double Winners for the second time in their career. And whose to bet against them doing it all-over again this season?
Tony Adams may have left and gone into Retirment now, and Wenger may not have gone on a mad spending-spree for new players from around the globe this time around. But with the addition of Gilberto (who impressed on his debut) along with the stars like Campbell, Bergkamp, Henry and Ljungberg with the return of Pires, Man United and co. may not stand a chance!
Let's forget about the Gunners for a second, and look at some other possibillities...
United may have boosted their defence with the £30m signing of Rio Ferdinand, but it's clear to everyone that they still need a new striker to partner Van Nistelrooy. But even though their squad is huge in depth, unless they hand-over that no.9 shirt to a new name, we may be looking at the 2001/2002 season all-over again!
Second place was occupied by 'team of the 80's' Liverpool, with a lot of praise aimed towards Phil Thompson who came in to take-charge in those desperate times. If you thought their squad was impressive last season, just think of what they'll be like when World Cup Star El-Hadj Diouff and the other Senegalese internationals hit form infront of The Kop!
They're the 3 favourites for the top spot. But you shouldn't write-off too many team - including the following...
Bobby Robson is certainly doing the business up at St.James Park, they're now just one game away from the Champions' League - something they haven't been in for around 5 years. They may have lost-out on their audacious Rivaldo bid, but they still show great ambition in their deep squad of talented player - both old and new. Aswell as Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer, Jermaine Jenas and Laurent Robert will be around to keep the pressure on as The Magpies look to swoop-down on their first ever Premiership Title.
David O'Leary may have been sacked, but Terry Venables showed us at Boro
that he knows what he's doing in this league. They may have also lost Rio Ferdinand, but he was 'apparently' only brought-in as cover for Woodgate in the first place! They're defence is still strong, and dangerous - especially with those Ian Harte free-kicks! But their attack does the most damage, Kewell, Viduka, Smith.... you don't always get much better than that! Leeds were considered as possible candidates for the last season, and the one before. Maybe the 'kids' can turn all that talk into something 'silver an shiny' this time around...
Once again, Claudio Ranieri and his Chelsea team are full of hope as they prepare to force-upon the other 19 teams what they've been calling a 'Real Championship Challenge' for the last few years now!
Their squad may be impressive with names like Hasselbaink, Zola, Desailly and Gudjonsson, but what have they done that really shows how 'great' they are since Vialli was sacked, except spend-and-spend???
Nothing!
And so once again it is likely that the boys from Stamford Bridge will be considered as the 'Jokers of the Pack'!
To be honest, it really is to far too-early to tell who will end up as no.1 come mid-May of 2003, it could go to anyone, even someone off of this list - like back in '95 when Dalglish's Blackburn nicked-it!
If i'm certain of one thing for the coming season, it's this:
This is going to be one NOT too miss!!
And I know we say it every year, but this really will be the greatest Premiership Season EVER!
All the big-boys remain from the last year, including Double Winners Arsenal. Aswell as these guys there are some new names, who already stand-out as favourites to go right back down again - including Steve Bruce's Birmingham, and West Brom.
But Relegation Battles don't always emerge to be as great as one part of the average season to a large number of us footie-lovin' fans...
There is only one thing that every team has their eye on at the start of a new Premiership Campaign: the trophy itself, and an automatic place in the Champions' League next season.
The first name drawn out of the hat for that top-spot at this time every year is Manchester United, and always will be. But despite their massive world-wide reputation and cabinets full of success and money, it could all go against Sir Alex Ferguson and his men this season - just like it did during the last campaign - and not just in the league!
Arsenal ran away victorious as Double Winners for the second time in their career. And whose to bet against them doing it all-over again this season?
Tony Adams may have left and gone into Retirment now, and Wenger may not have gone on a mad spending-spree for new players from around the globe this time around. But with the addition of Gilberto (who impressed on his debut) along with the stars like Campbell, Bergkamp, Henry and Ljungberg with the return of Pires, Man United and co. may not stand a chance!
Let's forget about the Gunners for a second, and look at some other possibillities...
United may have boosted their defence with the £30m signing of Rio Ferdinand, but it's clear to everyone that they still need a new striker to partner Van Nistelrooy. But even though their squad is huge in depth, unless they hand-over that no.9 shirt to a new name, we may be looking at the 2001/2002 season all-over again!
Second place was occupied by 'team of the 80's' Liverpool, with a lot of praise aimed towards Phil Thompson who came in to take-charge in those desperate times. If you thought their squad was impressive last season, just think of what they'll be like when World Cup Star El-Hadj Diouff and the other Senegalese internationals hit form infront of The Kop!
They're the 3 favourites for the top spot. But you shouldn't write-off too many team - including the following...
Bobby Robson is certainly doing the business up at St.James Park, they're now just one game away from the Champions' League - something they haven't been in for around 5 years. They may have lost-out on their audacious Rivaldo bid, but they still show great ambition in their deep squad of talented player - both old and new. Aswell as Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer, Jermaine Jenas and Laurent Robert will be around to keep the pressure on as The Magpies look to swoop-down on their first ever Premiership Title.
David O'Leary may have been sacked, but Terry Venables showed us at Boro
that he knows what he's doing in this league. They may have also lost Rio Ferdinand, but he was 'apparently' only brought-in as cover for Woodgate in the first place! They're defence is still strong, and dangerous - especially with those Ian Harte free-kicks! But their attack does the most damage, Kewell, Viduka, Smith.... you don't always get much better than that! Leeds were considered as possible candidates for the last season, and the one before. Maybe the 'kids' can turn all that talk into something 'silver an shiny' this time around...
Once again, Claudio Ranieri and his Chelsea team are full of hope as they prepare to force-upon the other 19 teams what they've been calling a 'Real Championship Challenge' for the last few years now!
Their squad may be impressive with names like Hasselbaink, Zola, Desailly and Gudjonsson, but what have they done that really shows how 'great' they are since Vialli was sacked, except spend-and-spend???
Nothing!
And so once again it is likely that the boys from Stamford Bridge will be considered as the 'Jokers of the Pack'!
To be honest, it really is to far too-early to tell who will end up as no.1 come mid-May of 2003, it could go to anyone, even someone off of this list - like back in '95 when Dalglish's Blackburn nicked-it!
If i'm certain of one thing for the coming season, it's this:
This is going to be one NOT too miss!!
And I know we say it every year, but this really will be the greatest Premiership Season EVER!
Page: