As we prepare for another season of relegations and celebrations with plenty of the predicted twists and turns along the way in the Premier League, I think that it could well be another good year for the Premier League’s capital contingent.
Last season proved to be an intriguing journey to the very end, with Chelsea eventually snatching back the title from the very ungrateful hands of Manchester United, who had held it for three seasons previous.
Arsenal continued in steady fashion taking third, whilst Tottenham finally broke into the division’s elusive “big four”, collecting the accolade of Champions League football in the process and I really can’t see them giving up their place in Europe’s elite at the first time of asking.
I can see Chelsea regaining the Premiership crown for the second season running, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s reluctance to spend the money recouped from Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer last summer will begin to catch up on him, as other sides continue to improve their squads.
Every year, people say that if anyone, it’ll be Arsenal that give up their place in the league’s top four. However they flatter to deceive us on a regular basis and I think this year they could make their first real title challenge as some strong signings from Arsene Wenger may bear fruit for the Gunners.
Liverpool’s new manager Roy Hodgson promised that he’d “do his best” to get Liverpool back into the Champions League, however I can’t see that being enough for the Merseysiders, as Tottenham’s evergreen squad continues to look increasingly more potent than Hodgson’s men.
Man City will continue to knock on the door, however I am a strong believer that money doesn't buy success, a strong team ethic and an experienced manager does. City seemed to have neither last season as Roberto Mancini's side faltered horribly in the dying embers of the last campaign and I can't see any reason for this to change in the near future.
At the other end of the division the shouts of “the league is upside down!” will surely be ringing true from Bloomfield Road this year, as Ian Holloway’s lack of quality signings at Blackpool over the summer, look set to see the Tangerines return to the Championship at the first time of asking.
England’s infamous “yo-yo” team West Brom are back for another crack at England’s top flight and I honestly cannot see anything but the Baggies being involved in yet another relegation dog fight come May, despite Roberto Di Matteo’s free flowing football bringing about new found optimism at the Hawthorns. Now when have we heard that before?
However, ending on a positive, I honestly believe that Avram Grant could well be the man to bring some glory back to West Ham next season. There is no doubt that the Hammers have the players to be operating in the upper reaches of the league. Unfortunately, Gianfranco Zola and his predecessors have struggled to control a number of rather over-inflated egoes at Upton Park and the club have suffered seasons of struggle as a result. However, Grant is the right choice for the club and I can see a well overdue top-half finish on the cards for the East Londoners.
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