Your Club - Your prediction

[Rebelred]

with the premiership a mere 2 and a half weeks away, its time to put our punditry necks on the line and predict where you're club will finish this season,i'll get the ball rolling...

Manchester United - 3rd

didnt fix the midfield that so badly needed fixing(no disrespect to keane,giggs and scholes,legends,but ageing together),think we'll score more,but wont be enough to catch last seasons top two.

[mithrandir]

Well it's all still up in the air but it seems that Napoli could be promoted to Serie B without having won the playoff from Serie C. If they are promoted to B I predict a top-ten finish. If they languish in Serie C for another year they'll surely finish in the top three.

[Sound]

Liverpool- 3rd.

Rafa has a host of new signings and players like Xabi and Cisse, who might as well be. I'm banking on either Utd or the Arse not having it all their own way this year.

[Coin]

Liverpool - 4th. The only way I can see 3rd is if either Utd or Arsenal pick up a spate of injuries in midfield. With Vieira gone Arsenal in particular will have to rely on inexperience in midfield if they get a few injuries.

Chelsea just look too deep again. Good cover all over the park. The important thing for Liverpool will be to get to about 15 points of the champions, which would be a vast improvement over the last 2 years. They need to establish that there's a top 4, not a top 3.

[MonTheHoops]

With the capture of Nakamura things are looking up for us and we've signed someone of quality. If Sutton & Zurawski play up from together (with Aliadiere pushing them both for a start) then things will go well for us in the league. If Strachan persists with Hartson then we'll finish second. European nights for Celtic are a thing of the past though I think, after this season anyway but we'll bounce back.

Celtic: 1st

[Captain Planet]

Im gonna leave the top two for chelsea and arsenal but i think liverpool can pip utd to 3rd. not so sure what everton will be like. as long as the gap between 1st and liverpool is not 20points+ i'll be happy

[BagaTaytos]

Spurs - 6th

[I_LIKE_R_L]

liverpool - 3rd

assuming they buy a quality centre half

reckon Utd will drop down to 4th... their midfield is not what it used to be....

[Eoin]

Liverpool - 4th.

But I see them running united very close for 3rd spot.

And as captain planet said, as long as the gap to the winners is not huge, I'll be happy.

[STEVIEG]

Man United 1st
Wishful thinking but ya have to be optimistic and a lot of liverpool fans reckon they can increase two places and i don't think it inconceivable that United can do the same

[Waddit*]

Liverpool - 1st.

[Sound]

Man United 1st
Wishful thinking but ya have to be optimistic and a lot of liverpool fans reckon they can increase two places and i don't think it inconceivable that United can do the same

Do you have that much confidence in the new signings Stevie?

[STEVIEG]

I think the team underperformed last year and if they play as a team and FINISH (big if) they can do it.

[afeencalleddan]

Tottenham Hotspur - 5th/6th in league, maybe a cup. Europe has to be reached by hook or by crook this season really. Hopefully those fucking Riversiders will be taken down a peg or two this season. I really hate that club! I would expect a decline in Everton and Bolton's fortunes this season so I think it's achievable. Total fairytale stuff would be if United and/or Liverpool really slipped up and left the door open for 4th place. It did happen last year!

[Langer Dan]

mANCHESTER uNITED -1ST.

Every side is gonna be gunning for Chelsea this season and il think they'll find the championship a lot harder to defend than win.

Arsenal are going to miss Viera in midfield this season. I think they could be found a little toothless in the middle with the loss of Edu and Viera.

United's midfield may be creaking but with a fit Ruud and AN ever improving Rooney coupled with the best back four and at last a solid keeper I think we'll do it.

[Sound]

I think the team underperformed last year and if they play as a team and FINISH (big if) they can do it.

Would you not think that everyone in midfield is either too old or too young for the consistency required for the league? I would be far more confident if they made a midfield signing of note.

[afeencalleddan]

mANCHESTER uNITED -1ST.

Every side is gonna be gunning for Chelsea this season and il think they'll find the championship a lot harder to defend than win.

Arsenal are going to miss Viera in midfield this season. I think they could be found a little toothless in the middle with the loss of Edu and Viera.

United's midfield may be creaking but with a fit Ruud and AN ever improving Rooney coupled with the best back four and at last a solid keeper I think we'll do it.

Hilarious stuff! It seems midfield is unimportant and United's defenders are better than Chelsea's.

[Eoin]

mANCHESTER uNITED -1ST.

Every side is gonna be gunning for Chelsea this season and il think they'll find the championship a lot harder to defend than win.

Arsenal are going to miss Viera in midfield this season. I think they could be found a little toothless in the middle with the loss of Edu and Viera.

United's midfield may be creaking but with a fit Ruud and AN ever improving Rooney coupled with the best back four and at last a solid keeper I think we'll do it.

Arsenal without Viera could drop the standard a bit alright, but I think United are still going to finish behind them. Their midfield was very poor last season(in comparison to previous seasons) and they haven't really bought anyone to stengthen it.

Although if they get Ballack, unlikely as it's looking, that will definitely change things.

[Langer Dan]

Arsenal without Viera could drop the standard a bit alright, but I think United are still going to finish behind them. Their midfield was very poor last season(in comparison to previous seasons) and they haven't really bought anyone to stengthen it.

Although if they get Ballack, unlikely as it's looking, that will definitely change things.


eaara im just optimistic, ya hyave to go for your own team anyhoo.
I think a midfield signing should have bee the close seasons priority but earra we'll have a better idea in a months time.

Chelsea arn't gonna win, it's united or arsenal.

Liverpool don't have a hope, not enough improvement from last year's side.
The signing of Crouch is a step backwards

plus people seem to forget ruud missed half of last deason, he's 7 goals already pre-season. with a fully fit side we can challenge

[Sound]

Hilarious stuff! It seems midfield is unimportant and United's defenders are better than Chelsea's.

Chelsea's defence is by far and away the best in Europe- never mind the PL!

[Eoin]

eaara im just optimistic, ya hyave to go for your own team anyhoo.
I think a midfield signing should have bee the close seasons priority but earra we'll have a better idea in a months time.

Chelsea arn't gonna win, it's united or arsenal.

Liverpool don't have a hope, not enough improvement from last year's side.
The signing of Crouch is a step backwards

plus people seem to forget ruud missed half of last deason, he's 7 goals already pre-season. with a fully fit side we can challenge

I don't see how you can write off Chelsea like that, when all 3 teams have essentially the same squads as last year. what signings have either of Arsenal or united made that can help them close the gap??

I can't see any of them catching chelsea.

Liverpools aim this season is merely to close the gap to the top 3. If they achieve that I'll be happy. And I think they will. I have my doubts about Crouch as well, but i don't think he'll be anything more than a bench warmer with Morientes and Cisse the first choice strikers.

[afeencalleddan]

Chelsea arn't gonna win, it's united or arsenal.

Reason?? "Everybody will be gunning for them" not accepted. Any team who isn't "gunning" for their opposition shouldn't be on the pitch in the first place.

[shammy feen]

Chelsea 1st.

Arsenal 2nd

Man utd 3rd

Newcastle 4th

Liverpool 5th

[afeencalleddan]

Chelsea's defence is by far and away the best in Europe- never mind the PL!

Yes, I know. That's exactly what I was getting at.

[Sound]

Yes, I know. That's exactly what I was getting at.

Indeed.

It's settled then. We are in agreement.

[Eoin]

Chelsea 1st.

Arsenal 2nd

Man utd 3rd

Newcastle 4th

Liverpool 5th

Newcastle???

you're havin a laugh surely. Sounness will never guide a team to the champions league.

Mid-table mediocrity once again for the toon.

[Langer Dan]

I don't see how you can write off Chelsea like that, when all 3 teams have essentially the same squads as last year. what signings have either of Arsenal or united made that can help them close the gap??

I can't see any of them catching chelsea.

.

you forget that defending the title is a lot harder than winning it, Something arsenal have learnt to thyeir cost in recent years. Teams will bust a gut to beat Chelsea this term.Effectively every game Chelsea play this season will be the oppositions cup final.

United's chief problem last season was drawn matches ,not losses. With a fully fit ruud in the side , United will, i feel have the killer instinct in front of goal required to turn draws into wins.

Arsenal have lost two integral midfielders with no immediate replacement I feel they'll struggle this term.

I think it will be united first, 2nd between arsenal and chelsea and Liverpool 4th.

[afeencalleddan]

Newcastle 4th

Too many idiots in all departments at the club. They made some good signings but there are characters there that will wreck everything.

[Sound]

Chelsea 1st.

Arsenal 2nd

Man utd 3rd

Newcastle 4th

Liverpool 5th


Newcastle eh? Think Souness can get on with the rest of the world for a whole season? Parker and Emre are very good signings but can Mr Angry avoid falling out with them....the board....the fans....the tea-lady.....his wife...etc

[Eoin]

you forget that defending the title is a lot harder than winning it, Something arsenal have learnt to thyeir cost in recent years. Teams will bust a gut to beat Chelsea this term.Effectively every game Chelsea play this season will be the oppositions cup final.



That doesn't matter. They're still good enough to beat anyone put in front of them.

They won't lose more than 2 or 3 games all season.

[Langer Dan]

That doesn't matter. They're still good enough to beat anyone put in front of them.

They won't lose more than 2 or 3 games all season.

earra we'll see, no side is unbeatable.

[Eoin]

earra we'll see, no side is unbeatable.

I never said they were.

I just think that united and arsenal are more beatable than Chelsea and will lose more games.

[Langer Dan]

I never said they were.

I just think that united and arsenal are more beatable than Chelsea and will lose more games.


earra
we'll agree to disagree.

you doing the PROC fantasy football league??

[Sound]

No side unbeatable eh?

What about Arsenal two seasons ago. When they went unbeaten? For the season? Nobody beat them? Is that not unbeatable? Remember that? That time no-one beat them? Hmm? Eh?(Say in Stewie's voice from Family Guy.)

[Eoin]

earra
we'll agree to disagree.

you doing the PROC fantasy football league??

Yup.

[afeencalleddan]

you forget that defending the title is a lot harder than winning it, Something arsenal have learnt to thyeir cost in recent years. Teams will bust a gut to beat Chelsea this term.Effectively every game Chelsea play this season will be the oppositions cup final.

You can't compare Arsenal and Chelsea that way. Arsenal under Wenger have always been a team that thrives on momentum and confidence. When they're on fire they're unstoppable but when the bubble burts they lose the plot. Chelsea, on the other hand, are a solid side with more of a team ethic and great belief in themselves. Any time they were criticised last season or threw in a slightly wobbly performance they came back strongly and given the way they are set up and the squad that they have they are still way better than everybody else.

[Langer Dan]

No side unbeatable eh?

What about Arsenal two seasons ago. When they went unbeaten? For the season? Nobody beat them? Is that not unbeatable? Remember that? That time no-one beat them? Hmm? Eh?(Say in Stewie's voice from Family Guy.)


apart form europe and the cup eh?
were those not defeats? huh? hmm? remember that? hows that feel big guy?

(also in stewie's voice)

[Coin]

I was bored. So I went analysing injury losses:

Took a stab at selecting the first choice last season. 11 for each of the top 5. These are the 11 I think each manager would have picked if they were available (and not who the rest of us think should be picked). I realise that sometimes some of these players were occasionally not chosen when available, but I think it averages out. I checked how many games they each played in, added up and found the average number of games played by each first choice 11. So, if a starting 11 averages 30 games, then 8 games are played by second choice players. I am absolutely convinced that this is the reason Everton finished 4th. They're way ahead, and that's allowing 1 of the 11 to be Graveson, who's down games because he was sold, not injured. Here's how it came out:

Chelsea: Total 335 (30.5 per player)
Arsenal: Total 313 (28.5 per player)
Man U: Total 314 (28.5 per player)
Everton: Total 360 (32.7 per player)
Liverpool: Total 315 (28.5 per player)

Not only is there the obvious advantage of having your best players out there, but they learn to play together as the season goes on.

Chelsea, in the 4-3-3 / 4-5-1 formation. I could have put Bridge ahead of Gallas, but Gallas was 1st choice center back at some stages so I gave him the nod.
Cech 35
Terry 36
Carvalho 25
Ferreira 29
Gallas 28
Makelele 36
Tiago 34
Lampard 38
Duff 30
Robben 18
Drogba 26
Total 335 (30.5 per player)

Man U, 4-5-1
Carroll 26 (Feel free to change this to Howard, who was injured a bit and second choice for a bit)
Ferdinand 31
Silvestre 35
Heinze 26
G Neville 22
Keane 31
Scholes 32
Giggs 32
Ronaldo 33
Rooney 29
v Nistelrooy 17
Total 314 (28.5 per player)

Liverpool, the league 4-4-2
Dudek 24 (Again, could be Kirkland, who had just 10 appearances)
Carragher 38
Hyypia 32
Finnan 33
Traore 26
Gerrard 30
Alonso 24
Riise 37
Garcia 29
Baros 26
Cisse 16
Total 315 (28.5 per player)

Arsenal 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, wherever you put Reyes
Lehman 28
Cole 35
Campbell 16
Toure 35
Lauren 33
Pires 33
Ljungberg 26
Vieira 32
Gilberto 13
Henry 32
Reyes 30
Total 313 (28.5 per player)

Everton 4-5-1
Martyn 32
Pistone 33
Weir 34
Stubbs 31
Hibbert 36
Kilbane 38
Cahill 33
Graveson 21
Carsely 36
Osman 29
Bent 37
Total 360 (32.7 per player)

Should also point out that Ferguson appeared 35 times for Everton, (29 as a sub), so their regular 2nd choice striker was available practically the entire season.



Jaysus, I overdid this.

[Langer Dan]

Jaysus, I overdid this.

way too much time on your hands biy!

[afeencalleddan]

I was bored. So I went analysing injury losses:

Took a stab at selecting the first choice last season. 11 for each of the top 5. These are the 11 I think each manager would have picked if they were available (and not who the rest of us think should be picked). I realise that sometimes some of these players were occasionally not chosen when available, but I think it averages out. I checked how many games they each played in, added up and found the average number of games played by each first choice 11. So, if a starting 11 averages 30 games, then 8 games are played by second choice players. I am absolutely convinced that this is the reason Everton finished 4th. They're way ahead, and that's allowing 1 of the 11 to be Graveson, who's down games because he was sold, not injured. Here's how it came out:

Chelsea: Total 335 (30.5 per player)
Arsenal: Total 313 (28.5 per player)
Man U: Total 314 (28.5 per player)
Everton: Total 360 (32.7 per player)
Liverpool: Total 315 (28.5 per player)

Not only is there the obvious advantage of having your best players out there, but they learn to play together as the season goes on.

Chelsea, in the 4-3-3 / 4-5-1 formation. I could have put Bridge ahead of Gallas, but Gallas was 1st choice center back at some stages so I gave him the nod.
Cech 35
Terry 36
Carvalho 25
Ferreira 29
Gallas 28
Makelele 36
Tiago 34
Lampard 38
Duff 30
Robben 18
Drogba 26
Total 335 (30.5 per player)

Man U, 4-5-1
Carroll 26 (Feel free to change this to Howard, who was injured a bit and second choice for a bit)
Ferdinand 31
Silvestre 35
Heinze 26
G Neville 22
Keane 31
Scholes 32
Giggs 32
Ronaldo 33
Rooney 29
v Nistelrooy 17
Total 314 (28.5 per player)

Liverpool, the league 4-4-2
Dudek 24 (Again, could be Kirkland, who had just 10 appearances)
Carragher 38
Hyypia 32
Finnan 33
Traore 26
Gerrard 30
Alonso 24
Riise 37
Garcia 29
Baros 26
Cisse 16
Total 315 (28.5 per player)

Arsenal 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, wherever you put Reyes
Lehman 28
Cole 35
Campbell 16
Toure 35
Lauren 33
Pires 33
Ljungberg 26
Vieira 32
Gilberto 13
Henry 32
Reyes 30
Total 313 (28.5 per player)

Everton 4-5-1
Martyn 32
Pistone 33
Weir 34
Stubbs 31
Hibbert 36
Kilbane 38
Cahill 33
Graveson 21
Carsely 36
Osman 29
Bent 37
Total 360 (32.7 per player)

Should also point out that Ferguson appeared 35 times for Everton, (29 as a sub), so their regular 2nd choice striker was available practically the entire season.



Jaysus, I overdid this.

Coin, fair play for analysing the stats and all but I think it's fairly obvious that's why Everton finished fourth. Everton had a smaller squad than the others and practically had only the Premiership to worry about. The others had European competitions to worry about as well as long cup runs. If Everton had major injuries to key players then there's no way they would have come fourth.

[My dogs called Keano]

Coin, fair play for analysing the stats and all but I think it's fairly obvious that's why Everton finished fourth. Everton had a smaller squad than the others and practically had only the Premiership to worry about. The others had European competitions to worry about as well as long cup runs. If Everton had major injuries to key players then there's no way they would have come fourth.


and s0 say all the Liverpool supporters.


not a bit bitter tho

[afeencalleddan]

and s0 say all the Liverpool supporters.


not a bit bitter tho

Who said anything about Liverpool, nice try...

Tottenham Hotspur - 5th/6th in league, maybe a cup. Europe has to be reached by hook or by crook this season really. Hopefully those fucking Riversiders will be taken down a peg or two this season. I really hate that club! I would expect a decline in Everton and Bolton's fortunes this season so I think it's achievable. Total fairytale stuff would be if United and/or Liverpool really slipped up and left the door open for 4th place. It did happen last year!

[mezdupmaiden]

Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool....
Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool....

Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool....

[mezdupmaiden]

o and i forgot... guess who is gunna kick ass...

Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool....
Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool....
Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool....

[Langer Dan]

o and i forgot... guess who is gunna kick ass...

Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool....
Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool....
Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool....


fuck off WUM

[Sound]

apart form europe and the cup eh?
were those not defeats? huh? hmm? remember that? hows that feel big guy?

(also in stewie's voice)

Is this a thread about the Cup? Or Europe? Hmm? I thought this was about the league? Isn't it? About the league? That English League there? Eh?

[megatron]

chelsea
man u
arsenal
liverpool
everton
spurs

relegation

west brom
fulham
man city

[ho chi feen]

No side unbeatable eh?

What about Arsenal two seasons ago. When they went unbeaten? For the season? Nobody beat them? Is that not unbeatable? Remember that? That time no-one beat them? Hmm? Eh?(Say in Stewie's voice from Family Guy.)

I must have been on drugs when I thought I saw them being ripped apart at highbury by the worst Inter side in living memory then....

[Sound]

I must have been on drugs when I thought I saw them being ripped apart at highbury by the worst Inter side in living memory then....

Your standards are slipping badly Ho Chi. Langer Dan pointed that out on the last page and there were a few posts back and forth about it. Between that and not reading the Carra thread properly, I dont know what to think.

We'll put it down to pre-season rustiness..

[Coin]

Coin, fair play for analysing the stats and all but I think it's fairly obvious that's why Everton finished fourth. Everton had a smaller squad than the others and practically had only the Premiership to worry about. The others had European competitions to worry about as well as long cup runs. If Everton had major injuries to key players then there's no way they would have come fourth.
To be honest I was doing it more for the top three and just threw in Liverpool and Everton for no particular reason. I was trying to see mostly if there was a big difference in the appearances of what I would regard as the spine of a team - keeper, center backs, midfield pair. I think that these are the players who stop you from losing. Once you keep the core steady, the rest should be able to plug in around them. Overall, Chelsea did have a significant 2 game advantage over the other 2 (and yes, I do realise they won the league by more than 6 points).

[markinmanc]

Sunderland. Heart 15th. Head 18th.

MM has put a good squad together, but with little Prem experince it will show. Too prone to bad days at the office as well. I expect about for 4-/5--0 thrashings along the way, but we may manage to survive - mainly due to the deficiencies in other clubs - Baggies, Latics, Fulham for example.

All this is on the assumption MM doesn't get enticed away by a cash rich but struggling club - like the Mags! ;-)

[Comeretamebubbilah]

City - 1st.

[dotty]

1st UNITED
2nd CHELSEA
3rd ARSENAL
4th LIVERPOOL
5th SPURS
6th NEWCASTLE
----------------------
18th WEST HAM
19th FULHAM
20th SUNDERLAND

i know its a bit optimistic and i might be thinking with my heart rather than my head but i feel united underperformed last year and spent a lot of it without an out and out front man.
injuries as always will be key as chelsea easily have the greatest squad depth but if united can keep their strongest 11 fit for the majority of the season i think they will go very close.
the addition of a certain german midfield maestro would certainly help our cause as well!

overall i think it will be a tighter top 4 with a marked improvement from the pool and im sure rafa is hoping he doesnt have to endure the injury problems he had last year.

i dont go along with the whole notion that arsenal wont challenge because they've left edu and vieira go without replacing him - gilbertos value to arsenal was only appreciated through his absence last season and along with the signing of hleb who has looked sharp in pre season they should be there or thereabouts come next may.

[afeencalleddan]

chelsea
man u
arsenal
liverpool
everton
spurs

relegation

west brom
fulham
man city

I thought you were a Spurs fan. Would you not expect to finish ahead of Everton this season?

[megatron]

i do this season moyes is a class manager, spurs still young ,jol will get us there eventually, next season spurs will be hassling the top 4, i'd be happy with 6th

[afeencalleddan]

i do this season moyes is a class manager, spurs still young ,jol will get us there eventually, next season spurs will be hassling the top 4, i'd be happy with 6th

Everybody knows that Moyes is a class manager but this season will be difficult for Everton. The squad is still small but they have more to contend with if they qualify for the champions league group stages. Even if they don't, there will be pressure on them to at least match what they did last season. They don't have the in-depth quality to cope with any injuries or suspensions to major players. That's gotta happen some time, it didn't last season.

[afeencalleddan]

By the way, I'd be happy with 6th too but I don't see Everton finishing ahead of Spurs. If Davids joins and plays well I would definitely expect to finish 5th and maybe give whoever finishes 4th a run for their money.

[steve sanders]

newcaslte - 10th.

i wouldnt mind if we have a very bad start to the season and souness gets sacked, but he might be given more time due to the injury situation.

the idea of souness signing anelka amuses me somewhat. what are the chances of them getting along? souness is some cunt with his 'proper player' bullshit. he's like hoddle in that he thinks he's still better than most if not all of the players.

[General Michael Collins]

Liverpool FC- 2nd
Benetiz proved last season what an outstanding manager he was by leading the club to the Champions League title.Arsenal will be weakened by the loss of Viera and havnt really strengthened there squad.Utd have brought in Park and Van Der Sar,but a lot of there team are ageing,especially in midfield.Lfc will have gained a huge boost in confidence from being crowned Champions of Europe,and if they can bring in a top quality centre half,to add to the other summer additions,then I can see them finishing as runners up.Cant see Lfc making up the 37 points that they finished behind chelsea last season,howver I can see LFC finishing as runners up to the blues next season,maybe about 9 or 10 points behind them.

[afeencalleddan]

newcaslte - 10th.

i wouldnt mind if we have a very bad start to the season and souness gets sacked, but he might be given more time due to the injury situation.

the idea of souness signing anelka amuses me somewhat. what are the chances of them getting along? souness is some cunt with his 'proper player' bullshit. he's like hoddle in that he thinks he's still better than most if not all of the players.

Fair play Steve, good evaluation. You can sign as many "proper players" as you want but if you've still got idiots left, right and centre then there's little hope of any progress.

[Rebelred]

No side unbeatable eh?

What about Arsenal two seasons ago. When they went unbeaten? For the season? Nobody beat them? Is that not unbeatable? Remember that? That time no-one beat them? Hmm? Eh?(Say in Stewie's voice from Family Guy.)
when you think it in stewies voice,thats actually quite funny

[Rebelred]

Man United 1st
Wishful thinking but ya have to be optimistic and a lot of liverpool fans reckon they can increase two places and i don't think it inconceivable that United can do the same
love the optimism Stevie but with the midfield a year older and 4-5-1 still on the scene,we'll do well to be pushing the gunners for second and holding the pool to fourth

[ho chi feen]

Your standards are slipping badly Ho Chi. Langer Dan pointed that out on the last page and there were a few posts back and forth about it. Between that and not reading the Carra thread properly, I dont know what to think.

We'll put it down to pre-season rustiness..

My point is that you can't say they were unbeatable when they did in fact lose a few games. Whether it was domestic, cup, CL or whatever is moot in my opinion. Yeah, I saw your back in forth after but I put it down to pedantic sparring.

No team is unbeatable, ever. Even if they do manage to go undefeated. What would be the point in holding matches if it was otherwise? On another day Ruud's penalty might have gone in, Pires wouldn't have been awarded that penalty... the margins between winning and losing can be that slight.

[ho chi feen]

City - 1st.

I'd say Man City would be doing well to avoid relegation this year, squire.

[KolaKubes]

Chelsea and United to share top two spots, United just need a spark to turn them into a great side, a Ballack wouldn't go astray. Chelsea will find things much tougher as the champions, not that Chelsea fans would know anything about that! :D
Liverpool 3rd, might even push Utd if we don't show the improvement I expect.
Arsenal 4th or worse, I think they could fall apart, maybe even falling below Spurs but Wenger's too good a manager to write them off completely. Their squad looks really really threadbare though and it will require Van Persie, Reyes, Cesc and Owusu-Abeyle to come good very quickly to change things. I just thought their general play was so so poor against Utd in the cup final that I couldn't tip them to do well this year.

[Langer Dan]

I'd say Man City would be doing well to avoid relegation this year, squire.


with andrew cole and vassell up front?
I doubt it

[KolaKubes]

heh heh heh. good one

We'll see sure. I'm still trying to work out how ye snuck into second place after we butt-fucked ye at Highbury before that. Moving to a giant White Elephant stadium ye can't fill or afford, usurped by Chelsea as London's premier team and already a club with more roots in France than England - it could all vanish in a puff of smoke and if you can't see that you're a bigger fool than I thought you were Gooner.

[mezdupmaiden]

Liverpool, Liverpool,Liverpool. ..
Liverpool, Liverpool,Liverpool. ..
Liverpool, Liverpool,Liverpool. ..
Liverpool, Liverpool,Liverpool. ..
Liverpool, Liverpool,Liverpool. ..
Liverpool, Liverpool,Liverpool. ..


Have I stated my opinion yet?

Liverpool, Liverpool,Liverpool. ..
Liverpool, Liverpool,Liverpool. ..
* winks with tongue in cheek*

[Sound]

We'll see sure. I'm still trying to work out how ye snuck into second place after we butt-fucked ye at Highbury before that. Moving to a giant White Elephant stadium ye can't fill or afford, usurped by Chelsea as London's premier team and already a club with more roots in France than England - it could all vanish in a puff of smoke and if you can't see that you're a bigger fool than I thought you were Gooner.

Why is it a white elephant?
Arsenal may have been usurped in London but Chelsea have usurped everyone else too.
French roots? Did they not just sell their French club captain?
Its a bit rich, a Utd fan, saying to anyone else that it could all go tits up- Glazer, Rio, ancient mid-field etc, etc...

[ho chi feen]

We'll see sure. I'm still trying to work out how ye snuck into second place after we butt-fucked ye at Highbury before that. Moving to a giant White Elephant stadium ye can't fill or afford, usurped by Chelsea as London's premier team and already a club with more roots in France than England - it could all vanish in a puff of smoke and if you can't see that you're a bigger fool than I thought you were Gooner.


he's no gooner.

[Coin]

We'll see sure. I'm still trying to work out how ye snuck into second place after we butt-fucked ye at Highbury before that. Moving to a giant White Elephant stadium ye can't fill or afford, usurped by Chelsea as London's premier team and already a club with more roots in France than England - it could all vanish in a puff of smoke and if you can't see that you're a bigger fool than I thought you were Gooner.
Do you ever think before you post? Someone disagreed with you about writing off Arsenal and you automatically assume they're an Arsenal fan, so you go off on an anti-Arsenal rant. If you took any notice at all you'd know he's a Liverpool fan. Just try, once, to give an opinion on something without the Utd bias. Just once.

[jungle]

Chelsea - 1st

We'll win the premiership again because we have the greatest strength in depth. Arsenal will run us closer this year and the title will be decided by 5 points or under. Opponents will have learned how to deal with Mourinho's style of play better next season and we might lose a few matches to teams who shouldn't be beating us

In Europe, we'll get to the quarters or the semis where we'll get put out by an Italian team or possibly another premiership team.

[afeencalleddan]

Arsenal 4th or worse, I think they could fall apart, maybe even falling below Spurs.

This guy obviously knows what he's talking about. Ye really should listen to him lads.

[Langer Dan]

Chelsea - 1st

We'll win the premiership again because we have the greatest strength in depth. Arsenal will run us closer this year and the title will be decided by 5 points or under. Opponents will have learned how to deal with Mourinho's style of play better next season and we might lose a few matches to teams who shouldn't be beating us

In Europe, we'll get to the quarters or the semis where we'll get put out by an Italian team or possibly another premiership team.


"johnny come lately, there's a new kid in town".

So how are you enjoying this "soccer" lark??

[STEVIEG]

Er, he might be a genuine fan.

[KolaKubes]

This "Utd bias" thing, since the Premiership started we have won it 8 times out of 13 and finished second twice. They've won it when almost every Utd fan was writing them off (1996, 2003) let alone everyone else, they've won it with distinct groups of players (Bruce et al being one, Sheringham, Yorke etc, Van Nistelrooy and Ferdinand being another) so anyone would be fucking stupid to say before a ball is kicked that they're out of the running. For all that success, achieved by playing quality, entertaining football, driven by our own fan base rather than the cheque book of a rich businessman, I've never in all that time noticed any let up in the continuous stream of ABU bullshit from most other fans or the popular media at large. Especially Liverpool fans (my apologies though for making the heinous error of mistaking Sound for a Gooner).

Ok, I'll break down what I see as the problems that Arsenal have and the strengths they have shall I? On the plus side, they have the bones of a good young team. I was glad to see Senderos emerge to take Campbell's position, a player I don't rate at all, and Touré will be back to his best again this season. Fabregas, barring him suffering the inconsistency that seems to afflict most Spanish players at some stage, should emerge as one of the best midfielders of his generation and Owusu-Abeyle, at times, looks the business. On the other hand, Van Persie and Reyes, though talented, have very dubious personalities as players and I wouldn't bet on them at all. I've yet to see how Arsenal are going to deal with the dwindling Bergkamp, still one of your most important players and the finest player to grace the Premiership after Sir Royston, and the loss of Vieira is catastrophic however it's being dressed up.
Ashley Cole's loyalty is in serious doubt and Arsenal's future looks to be dominated by foreign players. The cleverest move Chelsea have made is to focus on buying up the best British players they could get their hands on. The net result of Arsenal's policy is (and this is a horrible cliché) that the team are very easily intimidated and toss the dummy out of the pram given the slightest excuse. I can only presume that the Arsenal players bought into the hype surrounding their "invincible" season as they were almost caricatures of the mincing prima donna at times last year. Shooting themselves in the foot through simple ill-discipline.

The best things about this Arsenal squad won't manifest themselves in time to benefit next season, the worst things will be there and festering for the whole year and I am expecting little from them given that they were 'found out' in almost every big game they played last year. In the longer term, I don't expect them to be able to fill Ashburton Grove but, as a well-run and self-made club, I wouldn't like to think of it and it's repayments hamstringing Arsenal in the way that Leeds' debts took their toll.

I accept that the financial security of Utd is in doubt also and, i won't kid you, it really fucking worries me at times. I was a member of Shareholders United and desperately wanted the status quo, perhaps with us fans buying a bigger and bigger stake over the years. That's all a pipe dream now, maybe as it always was, but the club remains one of the most profitable and best run clubs in the world with a solid fan base and that should stand to us in the longer term.

[KolaKubes]

"johnny come lately, there's a new kid in town".

So how are you enjoying this "soccer" lark??

I'll admit to a bit of a smirk at that post but leave the lad alone.

[Mr.Mister]

Arsenal -3rd or 4th this year i think,we'll struggle me thinks...

And a bit of wishful thinking but i'd love to see Chelsea go bankrupt and die...

[xvis]

United - 2nd

but could be anywhere between 1st and 4th, depending on midfield and goalscoring.
The stat of finishing 3rd three times in the last 4 seasons is damning and shows a team in decline.
The back five is fine. up front, if both last seasons 19 year olds rooney and ronaldo can improve further and ruud gets his his old form back then united will win a lot of games.
If fletcher is going to realise his potential then this is the season to do it, and perhaps park will add to the midfield.

expect chelsea to retain

[Langer Dan]

last chance to stake yer claims lads

[Philby]

Arsenal, Liverpool & Man Utd to be seperated be 8 points or less
Carragher to be said (incorrectly) to be a one-season wonder if his form dips below the amazing levels of last year
Spurs to promise much but ultimately bottle it (sound familiar)
C. Ronaldo to develop into something resembling a top-class player
Alonso and/or Gerrard to be in the team of the year
Chelsea to be top after 10 games
Arsenal to start slowly but really hit form after chirstmas

[Captain Planet]

liverpool 3rd. cant remember if i predicted already.

[langball77]

Who gives a f**k about the garison game??? Foreign sport....

[mart]

hmmmmmmm.. lets see here..

Nottingham Forest to finish either 2nd or in the playoffs in League 1 this year.. if not, then fuck them and their tory party third class team of so called "football players".

Celtic to finish 2nd behind Rangers and maybe even 3rd with Hearts overtaking them....(lets pray that dont happen)

Cork City to finish top of the league of ireland!!!!!

[ho chi feen]

Who gives a f**k about the garison game??? Foreign sport....

Someone needs a hug.

[RossiRebel]

Chekski 1st
The Arse 2nd
Pool 3rd
Manure 4th

[Langer Dan]

Chekski 1st
The Arse 2nd
Pool 3rd
Manure 4th


liverpool ahead of united?, yer dreaming.

[STEVIEG]

Who gives a f**k about the garison game??? Foreign sport....

You by the look of it seeing as you regular post on the subject

[Captain Planet]

liverpool ahead of united?, yer dreaming.
why not. i think you're in denial. its very possible.

[Langer Dan]

why not. i think you're in denial. its very possible.


all jokes and bias aside. Id be very surprised if Liverpool wer able to able to gulf the chasm between the two sides evident in the league last season.

Id say united, chelsea and arsenal in some order and Liverpool 4th.

[Captain Planet]

all jokes and bias aside. Id be very surprised if Liverpool wer able to able to gulf the chasm between the two sides evident in the league last season.

Id say united, chelsea and arsenal in some order and Liverpool 4th.
liverpool were truly and utterly fucked last season with injuries. poor mans excuse but if we can stay injury free i think we can either finish ahead of utd or keep the points gap to a minimum. utd do however have an added bonus of ruud and rooney looking quite sharp going into this season

[Sound]

Pains me to agree with Langer but Liverpool need to strengthen considerably before the transfer window ends to break into the top 3. An injury to Carra would really stretch us. But, if anyone can do it, Rafa can.

The same also applies to Utd though and it will be interesting to see how they react if Rooney were to get injured. The season will have some interesting features even if, who's going to win the league is not one of them- Chelsea for me by a street.

[Langer Dan]

Pains me to agree with Langer but Liverpool need to strengthen considerably before the transfer window ends to break into the top 3. An injury to Carra would really stretch us. But, if anyone can do it, Rafa can.

The same also applies to Utd though and it will be interesting to see how they react if Rooney were to get injured. The season will have some interesting features even if, who's going to win the league is not one of them- Chelsea for me by a street.


I think liverpool will struggle to crack into the top three this season, maybe im wrong but thats the way I see it.

As for league winners, my Heart says United but My head says Chelsea.
Twill be a hell of a lot closer than last season tho.

[Sound]

I agreed with you...

[Langer Dan]

I agreed with you...


good, all is well then!

[Coin]

I think liverpool will struggle to crack into the top three this season, maybe im wrong but thats the way I see it.

As for league winners, my Heart says United but My head says Chelsea.
Twill be a hell of a lot closer than last season tho.
Changed your mind since the start of the thread then.

[Langer Dan]

Changed your mind since the start of the thread then.


not really.

I said United, and I stick by that,

but realistically given the strength of Chelsea's squad it looks a fairly difficult task.

[corkmanc]

1 Chelsea
2 MUFC
3 LFC
4 Arsenal

We have made 2 good signings (Park, Van der Dar) but not addressing the problem of the declining Keane and Scholes in mifdield will cost us (again). Also expect the ongoing off-field turmoil about the Glazers and FCUOM to distract the fans, management and players alike. But Rooney will be player of the year though - the lad is a genius.

[mezdupmaiden]

LiverpoolLiverpoolLi verpoolLiverpoolLive rpoolLiverpoolLiverp oolLiverpool

[mezdupmaiden]

Liverpool
Chelsea
Everton
Arsenal


Manu = facing relegation....

[cadger]

Hoping for a rift in the Chelski ranks....
1.Arsenal
2.Liverpool
3.Chelsea

Ahhh pipe dreams...btw I support Liverpool

[mezdupmaiden]

Hoping for a rift in the Chelski ranks....
1.Arsenal
2.Liverpool
3.Chelsea

Ahhh pipe dreams...btw I support Liverpool
Silly eijit!

U typed arsenal in by mistake in the number one!
Men!

[STEVIEG]

No i think he meant it

[mezdupmaiden]

Sure, he'll be proven wrong....

[mezdupmaiden]

let him have his daydream rant...

[Rebelred]

a little early but thought I'd bump this thread out of interest

[Langer Dan]

Chelsea's defence is by far and away the best in Europe- never mind the PL!

nope.

[Sound]

mANCHESTER uNITED -1ST.

Every side is gonna be gunning for Chelsea this season and il think they'll find the championship a lot harder to defend than win.

Arsenal are going to miss Viera in midfield this season. I think they could be found a little toothless in the middle with the loss of Edu and Viera.

United's midfield may be creaking but with a fit Ruud and AN ever improving Rooney coupled with the best back four and at last a solid keeper I think we'll do it.

Nope.

[Sound]

Liverpool- 3rd.

Rafa has a host of new signings and players like Xabi and Cisse, who might as well be. I'm banking on either Utd or the Arse not having it all their own way this year.

Should have backed meself.

[KolaKubes]

Chelsea and United to share top two spots, United just need a spark to turn them into a great side, a Ballack wouldn't go astray. Chelsea will find things much tougher as the champions, not that Chelsea fans would know anything about that! :D
Liverpool 3rd, might even push Utd if we don't show the improvement I expect.
Arsenal 4th or worse, I think they could fall apart, maybe even falling below Spurs but Wenger's too good a manager to write them off completely. Their squad looks really really threadbare though and it will require Van Persie, Reyes, Cesc and Owusu-Abeyle to come good very quickly to change things. I just thought their general play was so so poor against Utd in the cup final that I couldn't tip them to do well this year.

I want some credit for the above post. Had a good old chuckle to myself at all the people poo-pooing the idea of Spurs finishing ahead of them out of hand. Granted though, Arsenal's new side might just have crystallised in time to nick 4th spot and who knows what in Europe. I did predict the first 2/3 of their season very accurately though. 10 defeats in the Premiership.

[FL4ZGN]

10 defeats in the Premiership.

Lets hope its eleven come 6 o'clock Sunday.

[KolaKubes]

Lets hope its eleven come 6 o'clock Sunday.

Ruud 90"

[Lamps]

I want some credit for the above post. Had a good old chuckle to myself at all the people poo-pooing the idea of Spurs finishing ahead of them out of hand. Granted though, Arsenal's new side might just have crystallised in time to nick 4th spot and who knows what in Europe. I did predict the first 2/3 of their season very accurately though. 10 defeats in the Premiership.

kudos to you. it was pretty good alright

[FL4ZGN]

Ruud 90"

Any time will do for me pal just as long as we get three points. The other shower are at home to West Ham and i honestly cannot see them dropping points in that game.

They still have to go away to Newcastle & Bolton so lets just keep our fingers crossed. I feel that if we can win our last six games and keep the pressure on Chelsea then who knows.

[Sound]

I want some credit for the above post. Had a good old chuckle to myself at all the people poo-pooing the idea of Spurs finishing ahead of them out of hand. Granted though, Arsenal's new side might just have crystallised in time to nick 4th spot and who knows what in Europe. I did predict the first 2/3 of their season very accurately though. 10 defeats in the Premiership.

Consider this the official Sound pat on the back. That thar is some good prophesising.

[KolaKubes]

Consider this the official Sound pat on the back. That thar is some good prophesising.

I hear there is a spot available with the Beeb for the WC, I'll be throwing in my CV now I reckon.

[afeencalleddan]

Tottenham Hotspur - 5th/6th in league

Should still happen and I'll be happy with a UEFA spot. Performances lately have been poor though and I would still be wary of Bolton and Blackburn. 7th would be a disaster really.

[Rebelred]

I want some credit for the above post. Had a good old chuckle to myself at all the people poo-pooing the idea of Spurs finishing ahead of them out of hand. Granted though, Arsenal's new side might just have crystallised in time to nick 4th spot and who knows what in Europe. I did predict the first 2/3 of their season very accurately though. 10 defeats in the Premiership.
credit where its due

[ho chi feen]

credit where its due


Yup. Respect!

[ho chi feen]

Liverpool FC- 2nd

Nope.

[STEVIEG]

mANCHESTER uNITED -1ST.



Your club?

[My dogs called Keano]

Manchester United- 1st.

[Myerz]

Arsenal FC - 2nd.