Premier League Winners 2008/09

[Philby]

My money is on Chelsea, threw £20 down at 3.15 on betfair.

Who does everyone fancy?

[corkman in dublin]

My money is on Chelsea, threw £20 down at 3.15 on betfair.

Who does everyone fancy?

arsenal or united.not liverpool anyway:vamp:

[Mr.Mister]

Arsenal presuming they sign a striker and keeper.

[CORKBHOY]

Hull I'd say. They're unreal.

[ho chi feen]

I know it's tradition here, but it's far too early to say now. We need to see the finalised squads to have a better idea.

On the face of it, I'd have to say United would be favourites right now. Of course, Queiroz being gone, and Ronaldo's future still being uncertain will have a massive impact. We could take all the money in the world from Real, but we'll not find a 42 goal attacking midfielder. The squad looks fantastic as is.

I don't see Liverpool making the step-up. Dossena will prove to be a fine signing, Degen could be good, but then... Gareth Barry. FFS.

It's all too up in the air at Arsenal. We don't know who's coming and who's going. Should Wenger reinvest some of the cash if Adebayor (for silly money) and Hleb move on, there's no reason why they can't be even better than last season.

Chelsea are hard to call too- I have an inkling that Scolari may need a year to get things rolling. Unlike Avram, he will want to stamp his mark on this side, get them playing his way. Deco will either be the signing of the season, or found to have just a few too many miles on the clock.

Everton won't be able to bridge the gap, Spurs need another year.

In summary, ask me in August.

[Philby]

I know it's tradition here, but it's far too early to say now. We need to see the finalised squads to have a better idea

True that, will be much easier to say at the end of August but I can see Chelsea's price shortening if/when they splash the cash once again and Ronaldo waltzes out of Old Trafford on his injured ankle so I thought I'd have a put now.

[shammy feen]

Philby.

In the spirit of good relations Im going to plump for Liverpool.

Shammy

[Philby]

Philby.

In the spirit of good relations Im going to plump for Liverpool.

Shammy

Surely you have to put down £20 like me as a show of good faith? ;-)

[Teknique]

Has to be United right now...

None of the top 4 teams have made any signing that could signifigantly strengthen their team, maybe chelsea , but could end up losing big players before the season starts, Lamps , Ronnie + Ade

[KolaKubes]

Anderson, Nani, Hargreaves, Tevez bedded in, Ronaldo still on board (I reckon), a refreshed Rooney, one of the best keepers on show at Euro2008 and a fine alternative in Foster, the best defence in the league (who knows, maybe with Gary Nev back as well) and a stronger squad with one more striker and a few young lads back from loan with first team football under their belt.

Should be Utd's.

And, no, I won't be putting money on it.

I've made two bets on football ever, two insurance bets on the competition when Utd were poised for the treble in 1999 and the double in 2008.

Hopefully be making one of those again this May. ;)

[Philby]

Has to be United right now...

None of the top 4 teams have made any signing that could signifigantly strengthen their team, maybe chelsea , but could end up losing big players before the season starts, Lamps , Ronnie + Ade

Despite numerous significant injuries to key players last year Chelsea still brought it to the final day of the season. With renewed resolve after losing out two years in a row I think they will be a very powerful force in the league esp if Essien is played at centre-mid whenever possible and hot shoe-horned into the side at right-back.

The addition of Deco along with the resurgence of Ballack should cushion the potential loss of Lampard and Chelsea won't let Drogba go without securing a big-name, big-money replacement.

Not sure Utd could replace what Ronaldo brought to their side last year quite as easily if/when he does give Manchester the two fingers.

Not much in it but at the available odds Chelsea are good value. Not tempted to part with any money on Liverpool, even at the available 7/1, unless some significant attacking acquisitions are made (which may prove a struggle on a limited budget)

[ho chi feen]

True that, will be much easier to say at the end of August but I can see Chelsea's price shortening if/when they splash the cash once again and Ronaldo waltzes out of Old Trafford on his injured ankle so I thought I'd have a put now.

Good thinking.

[STEVIEG]

It is likely that United will still have Ronaldo

It's very hard to win 3 in a row, only one team have done it in the modern era (guess who?), but since it's harder to to retain the European Cup, and it's equally hard to see a team of United's talents not winning anything next season, i'd have them as slight favourites in the league, with Chelsea again fighting it out with them and the other two going for 3rd and 4th as usual

Too early to call though, especially with loads of transfers to be done

[KolaKubes]

The loss of Queiroz concerns me more than the loss of any one player.

Our defence was at the heart of things last year and went to shit the last time he left.

Worth remembering that the guy was essentially coaching the team with Fergie as more of a general manager.

Squad-wise, it's between Chelsea and Utd again and the former aren't getting any younger.

[Coin]

Arsenal, if they learn from last year.
Chelsea, if they get rid of Lampard and balance that midfield.
Man Utd, if neither of the above happens.
Liverpool, if the other three are docked 20 points each for a some sort of scandal. Maybe 25.

[kevinbitzz]

It is likely that United will still have Ronaldo

It's very hard to win 3 in a row, only one team have done it in the modern era (guess who?), but since it's harder to to retain the European Cup, and it's equally hard to see a team of United's talents not winning anything next season, i'd have them as slight favourites in the league, with Chelsea again fighting it out with them and the other two going for 3rd and 4th as usual

Too early to call though, especially with loads of transfers to be done


heh heh heh, modern era = since 1992?

[ho chi feen]

heh heh heh, modern era = since 1992?

Since the 1930s, AFAIK.

[STEVIEG]

heh heh heh, modern era = since 1992?

It depends

Before that it was the mid 80's, when the competition was arguably weaker and teams like Watford and Southampton were up there as the biggest competitors

a still great Liverpool team got 3 in a row I believe but what age were we all then?:)

Before that you have to go way back

[kevinbitzz]

It depends

Before that it was the mid 80's, when the competition was arguably weaker and teams like Watford and Southampton were up there as the biggest competitors

a still great Liverpool team got 3 in a row I believe but what age were we all then?:)

Before that you have to go way back

10 and 3/4's when they won ther 3rd one.....

i personally would consider the modern era from about 1970 onwards, colour TV and all that jazz.....

[STEVIEG]

10 and 3/4's when they won ther 3rd one.....

i personally would consider the modern era from about 1970 onwards, colour TV and all that jazz.....


fair enough

Twice in the modern era so, and both from teams who won became Champions of Europe (Liverpool 84, United 99)

Before that i think you've got to go back to the great Arsenal team of the 30's, could be wrong though

PS-Think we are the same age!

[KolaKubes]

Arsenal, if they learn from last year.
Chelsea, if they get rid of Lampard and balance that midfield.
Man Utd, if neither of the above happens.
Liverpool, if the other three are docked 20 points each for a some sort of scandal. Maybe 25.

Arsenal: Wenger is never going to learn his lesson.
Chelsea: Balance the midfield by including Deco in it? Bad start. I won't rule them out though, very strong squad and they just kept plugging away at Utd on all fronts right til the death last year.
Liverpool: I'd say 15 points. ;)

[kevinbitzz]

fair enough

Twice in the modern era so, and both from teams who won became Champions of Europe (Liverpool 84, United 99)

Before that i think you've got to go back to the great Arsenal team of the 30's, could be wrong though

PS-Think we are the same age!

Christ but you're old Stevie biy......:-D

And back to the thread title,

i would go for Chelsea,.....

[afeencalleddan]

True that, will be much easier to say at the end of August but I can see Chelsea's price shortening if/when they splash the cash once again and Ronaldo waltzes out of Old Trafford on his injured ankle so I thought I'd have a put now.Yeah, Chelsea are the ones to back. They shouldn't drift too much between now and the start of the season and they may shorten a little bit if certain players leave rival clubs. I wouldn't get too excited though because I doubt they'll shorten a huge amount.

[Loftydog]

Christ but you're old Stevie biy......:-D

And back to the thread title,

i would go for Chelsea,.....

Huddersfield did it, their manager jumped ship to arsenal and then they did it despite the fact that the manager died in the third year. I may be wrong here but was that the last time arsenal retained the league?

[shammy feen]

Has to be United right now...

None of the top 4 teams have made any signing that could signifigantly strengthen their team, maybe chelsea , but could end up losing big players before the season starts, Lamps , Ronnie + Ade


I dunno...

I think Bosingwa significantly improves our right back position...we wont have to play Essien there any longer and he can assume his best position in centre midfield.

Deco gives us a bit more creativity as well...not quite Zola...but better than we have had for a few seasons.

Even if Lampard does go to inter, I think a midfield of Ballack, Essien, Deco and Mikel in the holding (Makalele) role is pretty strong.

If Drogba stays and we sign a top class striker such as Villa or Huntelaar or even if Shevchenko thives under the new Scolari system (which I have a hunch he might if he stays that is) then we will be pretty strong next season

Sidwell is gone. Soon to be followed by SWP, Boulharouz, Pizzaro,Ben Haim and possibly Lampard and Riccy (Hope not!).

Who knows whos coming in? Kaka?;)

Shammy

[STEVIEG]

Sidwell is gone.

And so is Ivanovic (sp?), another player signed so that another team could not get him (it would have been cheaper pissing the money down the toilet but when you have unlimited funds!)

Yeah Chelsea are gonna be good no matter what, it will be interesting to see their starting 11 in August

[Philby]

And so is Ivanovic (sp?), another player signed so that another team could not get him (it would have been cheaper pissing the money down the toilet but when you have unlimited funds!)


I did hear a rumour that they have lined up a deal to somehow sell him on at a profit but who knows if that story has any foundation in fact.

[STEVIEG]

I did hear a rumour that they have lined up a deal to somehow sell him on at a profit but who knows if that story has any foundation in fact.

He was basically saying the other day that he was a far better player than Carvalho and that Chelsea were a bit of a joke, then again, when he signed he predicted that United would win nothing and that Chelsea gave great chances to young players

[Roman Abramovich]

this would easily work for chelsea.

cech
boswinga terry carvalho cole
----------essien------------
anelka--ballack--deco--j.cole
---------drogba------------


deco unlike lampard or ballack can play anywhere and not be innafective. i could even see him playing off drogba in a bergkamp type role

[AmadeusDC]

this would easily work for chelsea.

cech
boswinga terry carvalho cole
----------essien------------
anelka--ballack--deco--j.cole
---------drogba------------


deco unlike lampard or ballack can play anywhere and not be innafective. i could even see him playing off drogba in a bergkamp type role

Nic Le Sulk won't like that one bit!!

-AmadeusDC-

[shammy feen]

Nic Le Sulk won't like that one bit!!

-AmadeusDC-


F*ck Anelka...F*ck him right in the ear.

Lazy french git.

[duffer31]

i wont go into the detail other have all of which is valid.

chelsea- very possible but settling new stars may be a problem. defo in top 2.

man yoo- defo top 2 with or without ronaldo.defo top 2.

arsenal- could easily win or finish 3rd.

liverpool -impossible without a manager that does not pick a team with crayons or out of a hat. same old same old here depite all the noise that will be made. 4th me thinks.

[legend76]

Yeah, Chelsea are the ones to back. They shouldn't drift too much between now and the start of the season and they may shorten a little bit if certain players leave rival clubs. I wouldn't get too excited though because I doubt they'll shorten a huge amount.

Chelski have to be the best value.

as stated earlier a lot could change between now and August re: comings and goings, but I can see Chelski stopping Manyoo getting a three-in-a-row

[johnnyboy]

i wont go into the detail other have all of which is valid.

chelsea- very possible but settling new stars may be a problem. defo in top 2.

man yoo- defo top 2 with or without ronaldo.defo top 2.

arsenal- could easily win or finish 3rd.


How could arsenal win if chelsea and manu are both 'defo top 2'?
do the math!

[CORKBHOY]

As a neutral (I don't follow any Premiership team) I'm going to say Liverpool.















































Thank you, I'm here all week, try the fish.

































Seriously though. It might take Scolari a while to settle. If Ronaldo goes who's going to get 30 goals? A few of Wengers crew out the gap, Hleb the latest.
If Liverpool get in Barrry, Keane and 1 or 2 more and have the backbone to finish off games where they drew so many last year they're in with a shout.

[afeencalleddan]

If Liverpool get in Barrry, Keane and 1 or 2 more and have the backboneWho are the other two? John O'Shea and Anton Ferdinand?

Barry and Keane, pfft. Gimme a fuckin break.

http://stickandballguy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/roflmfao.jpg

[duffer31]

just possibilities johhny boy. im talking about what they may achieve. it ain't an exact science. if it were my name would be john magnier. jjjeeeesseee! ill simplify it for you. its 1 from 3 teams. what about relegation lads. will sunderland stay up considering the 3 teams that came up are probably going back down.

[duffer31]

just possibilities johhny boy. im talking about what they may achieve. it ain't an exact science. if it were my name would be john magnier. jjjeeeesseee! ill simplify it for you. its 1 from 3 teams. what about relegation lads. will sunderland stay up considering the 3 teams that came up are probably going back down.

[RonnyB]

As a neutral (I don't follow any Premiership team) I'm going to say Liverpool.

Thank you, I'm here all week, try the fish.


Seriously though. It might take Scolari a while to settle. If Ronaldo goes who's going to get 30 goals? A few of Wengers crew out the gap, Hleb the latest.
If Liverpool get in Barrry, Keane and 1 or 2 more and have the backbone to finish off games where they drew so many last year they're in with a shout.

Liverpool? Ah c'mon. The still havent signed a winger, Rafa is spending his summer chasing ordinary players like he did last year (Heinze saga anyone?) and also at the moment the top 2 look no weaker than what they did last year.

However I have reservations on Chelsea. Where do Ballack, Lampard & Deco fit into the 1 team? Will Drogba get his wish and go? Will Carvalho stay? And lastly and very important IMO is Cech past his best? With Essien in midfield they'll be hard to beat but whats in front of him will tell a lot.

As for United then things looked settled as you'd expect. This Ronaldo thing will run and run every summer until he leaves. I believe in many ways that he's trying to force United's hand over a pay rise. Madrid cant afford him without part exchange (£80m wont make he Glazer's budge no matter what the debt) so along with his ankle injury I think he's staying.

A new striker will be needed & I'd expect Fergie to have someone signed before August. Cover for Evra would be something that needs looking at too.

As for Arsenal I think they'll struggle unless a replacement for Flamini is got. Adebayor wants out, Hleb looks like he's gone & then theres the weakness in the squad shown by last years injuries. I could se Liverpool move ahead of them this season if Rafa cops on (which hopefully he wont :wink: )

[kevinbitzz]

As a neutral (I don't follow any Premiership team) I'm going to say Liverpool.

Thank you, I'm here all week, try the fish.

Seriously though. It might take Scolari a while to settle. If Ronaldo goes who's going to get 30 goals? A few of Wengers crew out the gap, Hleb the latest.
If Liverpool get in Barrry, Keane and 1 or 2 more and have the backbone to finish off games where they drew so many last year they're in with a shout.

not a hope,


Even the bookies have them at a longer price that normal

[SenorCarlsberg]

I know it's tradition here, but it's far too early to say now. We need to see the finalised squads to have a better idea.

On the face of it, I'd have to say United would be favourites right now. Of course, Queiroz being gone, and Ronaldo's future still being uncertain will have a massive impact. We could take all the money in the world from Real, but we'll not find a 42 goal attacking midfielder. The squad looks fantastic as is.

I don't see Liverpool making the step-up. Dossena will prove to be a fine signing, Degen could be good, but then... Gareth Barry. FFS.

It's all too up in the air at Arsenal. We don't know who's coming and who's going. Should Wenger reinvest some of the cash if Adebayor (for silly money) and Hleb move on, there's no reason why they can't be even better than last season.

Chelsea are hard to call too- I have an inkling that Scolari may need a year to get things rolling. Unlike Avram, he will want to stamp his mark on this side, get them playing his way. Deco will either be the signing of the season, or found to have just a few too many miles on the clock.

Everton won't be able to bridge the gap, Spurs need another year.

In summary, ask me in August.

Anderson, Nani, Hargreaves, Tevez bedded in, Ronaldo still on board (I reckon), a refreshed Rooney, one of the best keepers on show at Euro2008 and a fine alternative in Foster, the best defence in the league (who knows, maybe with Gary Nev back as well) and a stronger squad with one more striker and a few young lads back from loan with first team football under their belt.

Should be Utd's.

And, no, I won't be putting money on it.

I've made two bets on football ever, two insurance bets on the competition when Utd were poised for the treble in 1999 and the double in 2008.

Hopefully be making one of those again this May. ;)

I was sad to see Queiroz leave but i don't think it'll have much impact on team performances. The defence is settled and know each other well. We do need cover for Evra but if we're really stuck John can fill in.

I don't know what others will say but I cannot see us not signing Berbatov now that Ferguson has come out and admitted to making a bid. Wegot our man with Tevez last summer and it'll be he same this time around. The new signings from last summer are all well settled and will be raring to go.

Liverpool will just be another god awful mess as Rafa tinkers from game to game. Everton missed a great opportunity by not signing Sidwell and need to replace Carsley and overall will not be good enough the breach the top 4.

Arsenal lack strength in depth and possibly in the first team with flamini, gilberto and hleb gone. Looking forward to seeing Carlos Vela who is a potential star of the season. They'll challenge Chelsea and United but ultimately fall away.

This new Chelsea are unpredictable but then again we didn't know what to ecpect when Grant came in last season either and the quality of their squad nearly achieved greatness. Scolari will have them there or thereabouts come May I reckon.

I can't wait for it all to begin again

[SenorCarlsberg]

I was sad to see Queiroz leave but i don't think it'll have much impact on team performances. The defence is settled and know each other well. We do need cover for Evra but if we're really stuck John can fill in.

I don't know what others will say but I cannot see us not signing Berbatov now that Ferguson has come out and admitted to making a bid. Wegot our man with Tevez last summer and it'll be he same this time around. The new signings from last summer are all well settled and will be raring to go.

Liverpool will just be another god awful mess as Rafa tinkers from game to game. Everton missed a great opportunity by not signing Sidwell and need to replace Carsley and overall will not be good enough the breach the top 4.

Arsenal lack strength in depth and possibly in the first team with flamini, gilberto and hleb gone. Looking forward to seeing Carlos Vela who is a potential star of the season. They'll challenge Chelsea and United but ultimately fall away.

This new Chelsea are unpredictable but then again we didn't know what to ecpect when Grant came in last season either and the quality of their squad nearly achieved greatness. Scolari will have them there or thereabouts come May I reckon.

I can't wait for it all to begin again

Add one more major signing to that of Keane and i could see liverpool finihsing ahead of arsenal.....still a bit off unitd/chelsea though

[Philby]

Chelsea in to 2.04 and United out to 3.4 on Betfair. While I still maintain that I think Chelsea will win it those odds for United represent decent value esp if you think Liverpool won't last the pace.

[ebenezer]

My money is on Chelsea, threw £20 down at 3.15 on betfair.


Backing against your own side in an attempt to win a few pence.

Avondhu or Avondon't :?:

My apologies, Riera hadn't signed at time of print.

Looking forward to hearing about Big Phil beating your bunch. 8)

[kevinbitzz]

Backing against your own side in an attempt to win a few pence.

Avondhu or Avondon't :?:

My apologies, Riera hadn't signed at time of print.

Looking forward to hearing about Big Phil beating your bunch. 8)



I see nothing at all wrong with trying to win a few pounds EB,

(i would also back Chelsea to win the PL)

[Philby]

Backing against your own side in an attempt to win a few pence.

I bet based on odds & value, not who I support. You'd be an idiot to do otherwise

My apologies, Riera hadn't signed at time of print.

Reira has settled in well, been on the receiving end of a fair amount of praise and you've been shown up as the clueless bluffer that you are

Looking forward to hearing about Big Phil beating your bunch. 8)

You'll be waiting a bit longer for that you clown.

How did Forrrrrest get on at the weekend?

[legend76]

Hull I'd say. They're unreal.

you couldn't have known at time how well they'd actually do, level on points with Chelski

[kevinbitzz]

latest odds on PP

http://www.paddypower.com/bet?action=go_fb_typ e&ev_type_id=9680&ev_oc_grp_ids=60222

Liverpool in from 6/1 yesterday, Chelsea still clear favourites at 6/5

[VzN]

I have a feeling liverpool will bottle it soon. Rafa starts to do well which means only one thing - rotation time.

[xvis]

05 19

[ho chi feen]

you couldn't have known at time how well they'd actually do, level on points with Chelski

No, he did. Told me down the Corner House in the collig. Honest to god!

[ho chi feen]

05 19

Ah, fuck off willa!

[ebenezer]

I bet based on odds & value, not who I support. You'd be an idiot to do otherwise


Evidently, unlike yourself, I believe in loyalty.


Reira has settled in well, been on the receiving end of a fair amount of praise and you've been shown up as the clueless bluffer that you are

Praise from the very honest and professional pundits on SKY Sports (which include Paul Merson). Throw in a few Scouse calls on 'You're On Sky Sports'. Add this with complimentary remarks from Alan Hanson and Phil Thompson. Suddenly Riera is world class. :mrgreen:

You'll be waiting a bit longer for that you clown.

How did Forrrrrest get on at the weekend?

Lost as usual. Not being a blinkered supporter, I'm fully resigned to division 3 again unless Calderwood is sacked very soon. Even then I doubt anyone could save us.

[duffer31]

still chelsea from me from united. bookies still don't fancy liverpool and until they do i'll be reserving my judgment til february.arsenal is also wait and see......

[Philby]

Evidently, unlike yourself, I believe in loyalty.

Even a 10 year old can seperate supporting your team & placing a few speculative pre-season bets.

Praise from the very honest and professional pundits on SKY Sports (which include Paul Merson). Throw in a few Scouse calls on 'You're On Sky Sports'. Add this with complimentary remarks from Alan Hanson and Phil Thompson. Suddenly Riera is world class. :mrgreen:

The opinion across the board (TV, Print, Radio..hell even those on here) is that he has settled well and added an extra dimension to Liverpool's play.

I've said all along that he isn't world-class but that for the relatively modest outlay (compare to Duff, Robben, SWP, Malouda, Ronaldo, Nani etc) he has been a fine buy, so far.

You've been shown up as the bluffer that you are...Andy Reid me bollix!

Lost\ as usual. Not being a blinkered supporter, I'm fully resigned to division 3 again unless Calderwood is sacked very soon. Even then I doubt anyone could save us.

You applaud yourself as a non-blinkered supporter yet feign outrage when I placed a bet on Chelsea...bluffer

[ebenezer]

It's very easy Phil - I'm a hypocrite. :D

You might seem smug now due to Liverpool's start.

But I'll have the last laugh when Philimena's Pretenders breakdown in the championship race - of that I am certain.

[Philby]

It's very easy Phil - I'm a hypocrite. :D

Fair enough.

You might seem smug now due to Liverpool's start.

I don't know where you're detecting this note of smugness from buddy. I'm very realistic about what the first 9 games mean in relation to the outcome of the title race, not a huge amount.

But I'll have the last laugh when Philimena's Pretenders breakdown in the championship race - of that I am certain.

As I've said earlier I fancied Chelsea from the start & still fancy them so please don't come on here in a few months time (if/when Liverpool stumble) pretending that I was cheerleading their chances after the first quarter of the season.

If anything it is the United fans on here who are trying to create a false scouse-bragging atmosphere (19-5 etc) to cover up their niggling doubts about their own side's chances.

[ebenezer]

We need a public 'Premier League winners' poll.

Leave it to me.

[Philby]

My take on the 2008/09 Title Race (with the aid of some classic 1980's imagery)

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SoXJL2hL6kI

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SoXJL2hL6kI

[duffer31]

my opinion has not changed much since i posted here a few months back but at this very moment it could be anyone of the top 3. i don't think arsenal can win it at the moment obvioulsy but none of the other 3 have been world beaters this season and until one of them goes 10 unbeaten im not sure anymore. the bookies haven't budged either so.........

[Philby]

On the left - League winners with their points total at Christmas in brackets.

On the right - Teams who didn't win the league but were top at Christmas with their final points total in brackets.


2008 - Liverpool (42*) winners tbc
2007 - United 87 (42) - Arsenal 43 (83)
2006 - United 89 (47)
2005 - Chelsea 91 (46)
2004 - Chelsea 95 (43)
2003 - Arsenal 90 (39) - Manchester United 40 (75)
2002 - United 83 (35) - Arsenal 39 (78)
2001 - Arsenal 87 (33) - Newcastle - 36 (71)
2000 - United 80 (43)
1999 - United 91 (39) - Leeds 41 (69)
1998 - United 79 (31) - Villa 36 (55)

* - maximum, if they beat Bolton on Stephen's Day

What I read from that...

Roman's Chelsea really raised the bar in 2004/05 with a bumper total & a monstrous 2nd half of the season (52 points from 19 games!) but this has slowly been slipping and that slide is likely to continue this year as well.

Q. Is this due to the fact that:

(a) the "big 4" sides are becoming more evenly matched
(b) the lower/mid tables teams are putting up more of a fight against the top sides
(c) both of the above
(d) something else?

[Up For The Ba]

On the left - League winners with their points total at Christmas in brackets.

On the right - Teams who didn't win the league but were top at Christmas with their final points total in brackets.


2008 - Liverpool (42*) winners tbc
2007 - United 87 (42) - Arsenal 43 (83)
2006 - United 89 (47)
2005 - Chelsea 91 (46)
2004 - Chelsea 95 (43)
2003 - Arsenal 90 (39) - Manchester United 40 (75)
2002 - United 83 (35) - Arsenal 39 (78)
2001 - Arsenal 87 (33) - Newcastle - 36 (71)
2000 - United 80 (43)
1999 - United 91 (39) - Leeds 41 (69)
1998 - United 79 (31) - Villa 36 (55)

* - maximum, if they beat Bolton on Stephen's Day

What I read from that...

Roman's Chelsea really raised the bar in 2004/05 with a bumper total & a monstrous 2nd half of the season (52 points from 19 games!) but this has slowly been slipping and that slide is likely to continue this year as well.

Q. Is this due to the fact that:

(a) the "big 4" sides are becoming more evenly matched
(b) the lower/mid tables teams are putting up more of a fight against the top sides
(c) both of the above
(d) something else?


I think the gulf has been closed between the lesser sides and the top sides. Games between the top 4 could always potentially go any way, but 5/6 years ago you wouldnt see the likes of Stoke and Hull putting it up to the big boys.

[afeencalleddan]

Manchester United will win it again and we can all go back to sleep.