English Premier League Predictions For 2006-2007 Top Three

[Actin The Sham]

In no particular order:

Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal.

Although if pushed:

1. Arsenal
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool


(Assumptions: Walcott blossoms at the World Cup, and Henry stays.)

[gregson1]

Chelsea
Man U
Arsenal

[jungle]

Chelsea
Liverpool
Arsenal

Very tight for first place and the title to still be open going into the last matches of the season.

[Sound]

No idea as no major purchase/personnel changes have been made.

[Teknique]

Give over
Its only finished 3 days ago

[Actin The Sham]

Give over
Its only finished 3 days ago

Here:


www.iwanttostartmyow nforum.com

Or


www.ratemypoo.com


Both of those would be more suitable to you in my opinion.

[Actin The Sham]

No idea

OK, thanks for that, there was no need to share that with the rest of us but thanks anyway.

[Philby]

1. Chelsea
2. Liverpool
3. Man Utd

[Actin The Sham]

1. Chelsea
2. Liverpool
3. Man Utd

Hmm....United to finish above Arsenal?

I can't see that happen to be honest.

[Sound]

OK, thanks for that, there was no need to share that with the rest of us but thanks anyway.

That's democracy for ya. Call it a purposely spoilt vote.

[markyd007]

Hmm....United to finish above Arsenal?

I can't see that happen to be honest.

united did finish 16 points ahead of arsenal this season!!!

[Forsberg]

Again , nobody knows whats gonna happen during the summer but at the mo I's go for

Chelsea
Arsenal
Liverpool

[west cork rebel]

Manchester United
Chelsea
Arsenal

[Roguetrader]

Manchester United
Chelsea
Arsenal


Given,that utd were the only team to sustain any bit of a challenge to Chelsea and also with a makeshift midfield,you'd have to feel that with the right signings in the summer things just might click this year at OT,so how anybody in this thread left utd out of their top 3 is beyond me,WCR i think you called it right.

[west cork rebel]

Given,that utd were the only team to sustain any bit of a challenge to Chelsea and also with a makeshift midfield,you'd have to feel that with the right signings in the summer things just might click this year at OT,so how anybody in this thread left utd out of their top 3 is beyond me,WCR i think you called it right.

thank you, and i was just as amazed as you were, so i thought i'd fix it, and yer right, with the right signings united will have a strong chance, this year they were one of the only teams to beat them.

[Mr. Monty]

Liverpool
Chelsea
Arsenal
Man U

Especially if Ruud and Ronaldo leave as they're reported to be...

[Roguetrader]

Liverpool
Chelsea
Arsenal
Man U

Especially if Ruud and Ronaldo leave as they're reported to be...

Bite my funbag

[Forsberg]

Given,that utd were the only team to sustain any bit of a challenge to Chelsea and also with a makeshift midfield,you'd have to feel that with the right signings in the summer things just might click this year at OT,so how anybody in this thread left utd out of their top 3 is beyond me,WCR i think you called it right.


Any team out of the top 4 will click with the right signings though. Thats a ridiculous statement. I think the Van Nistlerooy situation could end up being a telling factor. As good as Saha as been in 2006, i don't think he's consistent enough to lead the line of a championship winning team.

I personally think it's Chelseas again next season. And Arsenal have made great strides in 2006 and really look like they're over the loss of Viera.

I picked Liverpool for third, although it was a con toss between them and Man U, but I do think that the loss (almost certain) of RVN will be a telling blow

[Roguetrader]

Any team out of the top 4 will click with the right signings though. Thats a ridiculous statement. I think the Van Nistlerooy situation could end up being a telling factor. As good as Saha as been in 2006, i don't think he's consistent enough to lead the line of a championship winning team.

I personally think it's Chelseas again next season. And Arsenal have made great strides in 2006 and really look like they're over the loss of Viera.

I picked Liverpool for third, although it was a con toss between them and Man U, but I do think that the loss (almost certain) of RVN will be a telling blow

What's ridiculous about it? Neither Arsenal nor Liverpool could beat us in the league,and we were the only team out of these to beat Chelsea and that while trying to plug gaps in the midfield with makeshift players so i'd like to see the form guide you're working off,I agree RVN will be a loss but if Saha can stay fit i feel we have enough up front and also we're a bit less predictable without RVN

[Forsberg]

What's ridiculous about it? Neither Arsenal nor Liverpool could beat us in the league,and we were the only team out of these to beat Chelsea and that while trying to plug gaps in the midfield with makeshift players so i'd like to see the form guide you're working off,I agree RVN will be a loss but if Saha can stay fit i feel we have enough up front and also we're a bit less predictable without RVN


Well, if Liverpool were to find one or two top class strikers during the summer, then surely they'd also push for the title and if Arsenal a couple of ball winning midfielders that would toughen up the team, then they would also push for the title. If Chelsea add a 30 a season centrre forward, then they'll probably run away with it. It's all hypothethicaal.

FFS I could make the statement that if Everton made the right sighnings then they could challenge.

I predicted that United won't push as hard based on the fact that they are about to lose a world class centre forward, with nobody as of yeat lined up to replace him.

They also have no one lined up to come into the midfield (afaik) In fact the only team who look certain to improve their team at present is Chelsea ( Ballack) So by logic, one would have to say that Chelsea will, in fact, increse their dominance

[Roguetrader]

Well, if Liverpool were to find one or two top class strikers during the summer, then surely they'd also push for the title and if Arsenal a couple of ball winning midfielders that would toughen up the team, then they would also push for the title. If Chelsea add a 30 a season centrre forward, then they'll probably run away with it. It's all hypothethicaal.

FFS I could make the statement that if Everton made the right sighnings then they could challenge.
I predicted that United won't push as hard based on the fact that they are about to lose a world class centre forward, with nobody as of yeat lined up to replace him.

They also have no one lined up to come into the midfield (afaik) In fact the only team who look certain to improve their team at present is Chelsea ( Ballack) So by logic, one would have to say that Chelsea will, in fact, increse their dominance


Don't be ridiculous........Fe rguson will bring in a goalscorer and at least two midfield players,you'll see in August

[Forsberg]

Don't be ridiculous........Fe rguson will bring in a goalscorer and at least two midfield players,you'll see in August

I'm not saying he won't , but he's not gonna be the only manager to bring in players, and in fact his record in recent years of signing midfielders has hardly been great. This won't be the first time he'll be attempting to bring in a replacement for Keane.

Look I'm not saying that we won't make three greast signings. They could win the league. I can't see into the future. But it's not ridiculous to suggest that Utd could finish outside the top4 next season,, Which I think was your point in the first place

[Roguetrader]

I'm not saying he won't , but he's not gonna be the only manager to bring in players, and in fact his record in recent years of signing midfielders has hardly been great. This won't be the first time he'll be attempting to bring in a replacement for Keane.

Look I'm not saying that we won't make three greast signings. They could win the league. I can't see into the future. But it's not ridiculous to suggest that Utd could finish outside the top4 next season,, Which I think was your point in the first place


It is biy,believe me....COME ON THE REDS!!!!!!!!

[Langer Dan]

Chelsea
United
Liverpool
Arsenal.

United will strengthen in the summer but if Ruud goes they can kiss the title goodbye plus Chelsea will probably splurge the bones of 60million this summer.

Arsenal and Liverpool will not finish above United.

[FL4ZGN]

Manchester United
Liverpool
Chelsea

[Superdave]

Well, if Liverpool were to find one or two top class strikers during the summer, then surely they'd also push for the title and if Arsenal a couple of ball winning midfielders that would toughen up the team, then they would also push for the title. If Chelsea add a 30 a season centrre forward, then they'll probably run away with it. It's all hypothethicaal.

FFS I could make the statement that if Everton made the right sighnings then they could challenge.

I predicted that United won't push as hard based on the fact that they are about to lose a world class centre forward, with nobody as of yeat lined up to replace him.

They also have no one lined up to come into the midfield (afaik) In fact the only team who look certain to improve their team at present is Chelsea ( Ballack) So by logic, one would have to say that Chelsea will, in fact, increse their dominance

my senitments exactly. any of the top 4 could win it next season and any of the top 4 could finish 4th. although not lower in my opinion.

[homer jay]

chelsea
liverpool
man utd

[Sound]

This is all guff. It's based on nothing.

[Coin]

This is all guff. It's based on nothing.
I'd have to agree.

[Captain Planet]

Arsenal and Liverpool will not finish above United.

id have to disagree with you there. Arsenal had a poor domestic season but ive no doubt they'll bounce back next season, as for liverpool, well they're getting better and better. utd missing ruud wont be the same. rooneys gonna have alot of pressure on him.

[shammy feen]

1. West Ham2. Man Utd3. Liverpool

[Captain Planet]

1. West Ham2. Man Utd3. Liverpool

ARE YOU SERIOUS!

UTD WONT FINISH 2ND!:crazyeye:

[KolaKubes]

No idea as no major purchase/personnel changes have been made.

Indeed. Too soon for this thread.

[KolaKubes]

Chelsea
United
Liverpool
Arsenal.

United will strengthen in the summer but if Ruud goes they can kiss the title goodbye plus Chelsea will probably splurge the bones of 60million this summer.

Arsenal and Liverpool will not finish above United.

Ruud is going this summer and Utd will not miss him in the slightest. We do not struggle for goals without him in the side at the moment. In fact, I'm almost convinced his presence is counter-productive in that regard. He might still be well up the goal scoring charts but the club win fuck all for that.

Cheers Ruud and best of luck.

Now, replacing a striker in peak form who scores or makes 50 odd goals a season for you, now there's a challenge....

I'm waiting to see if Arsenal win the CL cause the odds might lengthen. Then I'm slapping a few bob on them finishing outside the CL spots next year. They're a one man team if ever I saw one and it looks like he'll be off.

[Langer Dan]

Ruud is going this summer and Utd will not miss him in the slightest. .

That is to be quite frank, utter bollocks.

[Roman Abramovich]

its ridiculous to be making a prediction now.
harry redknapp could have 100million to spend if the russian wants to take on chelsea.
arsenal could sign two or three world class players to compliment the best stadium in europe.
man utd could sign shevchenko to replace ruud and buy gattuso.
chelsea could fire jose.

come back to me the week before the charity shield.

[Roman Abramovich]

Arsenal and Liverpool will not finish above United.
oh i love langer spam....hes always good for a re-bumped comment.

[Langer Dan]

oh i love langer spam....hes always good for a re-bumped comment.

I stand by that. Neither side are capable of finishing ahead of United at the moment.

[Roman Abramovich]

I stand by that. Neither side are capable of finishing ahead of United at the moment.
heh heh heh

[jungle]

I stand by that. Neither side are capable of finishing ahead of United at the moment.
As a Chelsea fan, I'm more worried about Liverpool next season than United. Liverpool's first team looks to be more balanced than United's and their squad is younger. Also, their manager is better at playing mind games with Mourinho.

The only question I'd have about Liverpool is the depth of their squad if they pick up injuries.

[Actin The Sham]

This is all guff. It's based on nothing.

I know, it's just like hit US sitcom, "Seinfeld," which consistently topped the ratings for eight seasons.

[Philby]

my senitments exactly. any of the top 4 could win it next season and any of the top 4 could finish 4th. although not lower in my opinion.

IMHO there is a miniscule chance of Chelsea finishing 4th next year (barring a breakout of the ebola virus at the bridge).

[Coin]

My only comment would be that I hope the overall league will be more competitive next season, and that hopefully 85 points will win it. Newcastle and Middlesborough both underachieved this season, and new managers might get them both on track. I doubt Spurs will improve much, apart from the younger lads getting a bit more consistent, but they should not get worse. Bolton should continue to be a tough game. If these 4 can take points from the top 4 here and there, it will make things far more interesting. Barring injury disasters, the top 4 will be the same, but if they drop a few points, the first four positions will be closer together.

[Actin The Sham]

My only comment would be that I hope the overall league will be more competitive next season, and that hopefully 85 points will win it. Newcastle and Middlesborough both underachieved this season, and new managers might get them both on track. I doubt Spurs will improve much, apart from the younger lads getting a bit more consistent, but they should not get worse. Bolton should continue to be a tough game. If these 4 can take points from the top 4 here and there, it will make things far more interesting. Barring injury disasters, the top 4 will be the same, but if they drop a few points, the first four positions will be closer together.

Interesting points, well made. And I would also mention Blackburn Rovers as another potential banana skin for teams aiming to win the league.

[STEVIEG]

Can't see the top two changing but i hope they change positions
3 and 4 should remain the same too but maybe not that order
(Hopefully)

1-Man United
2-Chelsea
3-Arsenal/Liverpool (interchangeable)

[Coin]

Interesting points, well made. And I would also mention Blackburn Rovers as another potential banana skin for teams aiming to win the league.
A lot for Blackburn will depend on whether they hang onto Bellamy and Pedersen.

[KolaKubes]

Seeing as how Liverpool still finished behind a stuttering Utd side with Giggs and O'Shea filling in in midfield, I admire the optimism from the Pool fans.

It's kind of cute really.

[EDDIEB]

Seeing as how Liverpool still finished behind a stuttering Utd side with Giggs and O'Shea filling in in midfield, I admire the optimism from the Pool fans.

It's kind of cute really.


When is the fixtures list coming out ? Hope to get to Old Trafford in September.

[KolaKubes]

When is the fixtures list coming out ? Hope to get to Old Trafford in September.

I think it's early enough isn't it. Late June or early July?

[Mr. Monty]

Seeing as how Liverpool still finished behind a stuttering Utd side with Giggs and O'Shea filling in in midfield, I admire the optimism from the Pool fans.

It's kind of cute really.

Well seeing as Utd. had only the league to play for since not long after Christmas, I'd say that pretty much invalidates your argument...

[STEVIEG]

Take out two games against Benfica and the difference in games played wasn't that much i'd say

I don't buy the Giggs/O shea thing though
They actually palyed okay for some of that time
But they wont be Uniteds midfield next season
Same as the Liverpool stikers, who scored a lot since Jan, but will be changed more than likely

Ultimately, these predictions are all up in the air anything can happen in the summer and beyond.....

[KolaKubes]

Take out two games against Benfica and the difference in games played wasn't that much i'd say

I don't buy the Giggs/O shea thing though
They actually palyed okay for some of that time
But they wont be Uniteds midfield next season
Same as the Liverpool stikers, who scored a lot since Jan, but will be changed more than likely

Ultimately, these predictions are all up in the air anything can happen in the summer and beyond.....

The game of football is largely decided by the key battles in central midfield though. Utd have been making do in that area all year. For all the passable performances by the likes of O'Shea and Giggs in the area this year, I'm confident that having actual central midfielders in the position next year will improve us no end.

In contrast, Peter Crouch isn't some sort of soon to be amended mistake by Benitez but a key signing for the syle of football Liverpool play which is heavily dependent on wing play, crosses and set pieces.

Has it escaped anyone's attention that Morientes has consistently been one of the best strikers in Europe throughout much of his career but scarcely gets a sniff of a goal at Anfield? Are we to believe that, say, adding RVN to the Liverpool squad would guaranteee them an additional 20 league goals a season? I doubt it.

The current Liverpool strikers would score more if Benitez asked the team to play in a riskier more positive manner but they mightn't be as effective a team if they did so.

I'd suggest, alright, that a pacy player who was a more clinical finisher than Cisse would improve matters but i wouldn't accept at all that a new striker will solve Liverpool's shortage of goals. That's a more complicated issue. Benitez' Valencia's times weren't exactly graced with top class strikers, I don't think he'd put up with some whining prima donna like that actually and he didn't seem overly bothered about the loss of Owen.

[STEVIEG]

The game of football is largely decided by the key battles in central midfield though. Utd have been making do in that area all year. For all the passable performances by the likes of O'Shea and Giggs in the area this year, I'm confident that having actual central midfielders in the position next year will improve us no end.




Im in total agreement

[ho chi feen]

No idea as no major purchase/personnel changes have been made.

Ditto.

Retarded idea to put this up so early.

[ho chi feen]

Now, replacing a striker in peak form who scores or makes 50 odd goals a season for you, now there's a challenge....

Can you name me a striker who came withing 20 of achieving that this season?

[ho chi feen]

arsenal could sign two or three world class players to compliment the best stadium in europe.

Heh heh heh... and that thing you drive around in isn't a can.

[KolaKubes]

Can you name me a striker who came withing 20 of achieving that this season?

Is Ruud on 25? And like I've been saying, he creates nothing. If Henry did the business on the World stage, together with his domestic form, he should arguably have a few World Player of the Year awards under his belt at this stage.

No club could replace a player like that directly. Which is my point exactly, if Henry goes (and there'll be lots of the top brass sniffing around this summer) it's going to leave an immense void in the Arsenal camp. They seem to have all but collapsed without him when he's been missing in the league. Even when he's been nullified in games (as Utd seem to have worked out how to do) Arsenal look so witless.

The Arsenal defence is firming up though, with Cole and Eboue offering a potentially very dynamic pairing in the full back slots. Fabregas and Diaby will be an excellent pairing in a few years if the Spaniard can be kept in England (something I doubt). Plus Sven has heard that Theo Walcott is just brilliant altogether so I eagerly anticipate seeing him make his bow in top flight football, maybe a debut in the World Cup final? :rolleyes:

[ho chi feen]

Heh heh heh... and that thing you drive around in isn't a van.

Typo alert!:oops:

[ho chi feen]

Is Ruud on 25? And like I've been saying, he creates nothing. If Henry did the business on the World stage, together with his domestic form, he should arguably have a few World Player of the Year awards under his belt at this stage.

No club could replace a player like that directly. Which is my point exactly, if Henry goes (and there'll be lots of the top brass sniffing around this summer) it's going to leave an immense void in the Arsenal camp. They seem to have all but collapsed without him when he's been missing in the league. Even when he's been nullified in games (as Utd seem to have worked out how to do) Arsenal look so witless.

The Arsenal defence is firming up though, with Cole and Eboue offering a potentially very dynamic pairing in the full back slots. Fabregas and Diaby will be an excellent pairing in a few years if the Spaniard can be kept in England (something I doubt). Plus Sven has heard that Theo Walcott is just brilliant altogether so I eagerly anticipate seeing him make his bow in top flight football, maybe a debut in the World Cup final? :rolleyes:

Fair points, but, Henry didn't even make it onto the leaderboard for PL assists this season. Strange, but true.

[FL4ZGN]

Typo alert!:oops:


You were almost Fitzed my stinky companion.
I was just onto it.

[ho chi feen]

You were almost Fitzed my stinky companion.
I was just onto it.


Nah man. Go for it. Has to be done!

[FL4ZGN]

Nah man. Go for it. Has to be done!


You've already recovered as far as i am concerned.

[ho chi feen]

Well seeing as Utd. had only the league to play for since not long after Christmas, I'd say that pretty much invalidates your argument...

Why?

[Superdave]

IMHO there is a miniscule chance of Chelsea finishing 4th next year (barring a breakout of the ebola virus at the bridge).


yeah, that's a fair point actually. the lowest chelsea will finish is prob 2nd but the other 3 places are wide open depending on united getting a midfield and Liverpool getting a strikeforce.

All those saying the pool have no chance of finishing higher than united need to take off the rose tinted glasses. 1 point this year. quite the gap alright. and to pre-empt any "we'd no midfield" argument, we'd no strikers. it's 50-50 next year depending on signings. To write off any of the top 4 as being incapable of finishing ahead of any of the others is short sighted and just plain wrong...... at this point anyway.

[KolaKubes]

yeah, that's a fair point actually. the lowest chelsea will finish is prob 2nd but the other 3 places are wide open depending on united getting a midfield and Liverpool getting a strikeforce.

All those saying the pool have no chance of finishing higher than united need to take off the rose tinted glasses. 1 point this year. quite the gap alright. and to pre-empt any "we'd no midfield" argument, we'd no strikers. it's 50-50 next year depending on signings. To write off any of the top 4 as being incapable of finishing ahead of any of the others is short sighted and just plain wrong...... at this point anyway.

Ya, but, lerra there's a lot of that Liverpool team I feel are performing above themselves at the moment and vice versa with Utd. They're not that much improved a squad from the one that Stevie Gerrard was dead set on leaving little more than two seasons ago after all.

Have improved goalkeeping situation no end but the lack of pace in that Liverpool defence forces the midfield to hold back more meaning they can't get involved in more forceful and meaningful attacking play which is necessary to crack the better teams over a league campaign (it's clearly been more than enough in cup competitions). Liverpool need to score more goals and the way they play at the moment, they won't even if Pele was up front for them.

People often talk about the striking talent Utd have but it's also because they're given more support and more licence than their Liverpool equivalent. Actually, I think our forwards underperformed this year in terms of their goal tallies. Ronaldo's finishing is very wayward, ditto Park and even Rooney and RVN go through poor periods. If you think about games like Newcastle at home where we'd over 20 shots on target but only got one goal, Utd should have come away with 10-20 more league goals this year if our finishing was as clinical as Chelsea's (one technical area at which they absolutely excel).

I can see what Fergie and Queiroz are building towards with this new Utd team but whether they pull it off is another story. Like many other sides, the business that's done this summer will be critical. Chelsea can't really improve (Shevchenko/Adriano?) and complacency will be their main enemy next year if we're all honest.

[KolaKubes]

Ruud is going this summer and Utd will not miss him in the slightest. We do not struggle for goals without him in the side at the moment. In fact, I'm almost convinced his presence is counter-productive in that regard. He might still be well up the goal scoring charts but the club win fuck all for that.

Cheers Ruud and best of luck.

Now, replacing a striker in peak form who scores or makes 50 odd goals a season for you, now there's a challenge....

I'm waiting to see if Arsenal win the CL cause the odds might lengthen. Then I'm slapping a few bob on them finishing outside the CL spots next year. They're a one man team if ever I saw one and it looks like he'll be off.

I wasn't far off with this one though Roman, was I now.

Just overestimated Spurs.

I like your comment about signing Shevchenko as a coup.

In fairness, you weren't the worst in claiming that Utd were finished without the "legend" Ruud up top.

Incidentally, I'm not claiming credit for predicting that Utd would actually win the thing but you can predict who's going to perform and I got that pretty spot on.