When August comes, girlfriends and wives of men would be thinking, "Here we go again, did 3 months go by that fast?". They know Saturday, Sunday nights and some weekday a.ms would be very different again. "Sometimes he would spend the whole Saturday evening glued to the TV, doesn't a football match last only 2 hours?". Yes it does, but there's early kickoff at 8.30, normal kickoff at 11 and late kickoff at 1.30. When asked what can be done to appease his other half, a radio listener said what it took was to build a "solid foundation" throughout the day, so when it was time at night to escape to the football world, the transition would be easier. Asia has god to thank for probably the best time zone for watching football. No wonder Asia is indeed the main audience of the Premier League.
Last season, we saw a very consistent Chelsea grab top honours. Being one of the two teams to have successfully defended their title (2005 and 2006) in the Premier League era, it would be a huge achievement to see it done again. The last team that did a back to back was Man Utd in 2008 and 2009. Of course, the Premier League isn't about predictability, and their journey to retain their title this season is not going to be a straightforward task. This summer's transfer window again produced some staggering numbers with likes of City and Utd leading the way on the big deals. The Premier League clubs led the way in Europe, splurging on an estimated £1billion in 2015, a new record. Most of the biggest deals this summer involved Premier League clubs which will be covered later. Some notable transfers outside England would be Arda Turan to Barcelona, Douglas Costa and Arturo Vidal to Bayern Munich, Geoffrey Kondogbia to Inter Milan and Jackson Martinez to Atletico Madrid. No new 'Galacticos' this year.
The Premier League still prides itself as the most exciting league in the world despite the recent slump in representation in the latter stages of the Champions League (CL). The new draw format in the CL sought to give advantage to the teams who are winners of their league. I don't think it has made the intended impact as there are usually two clear stronger teams in each group. The four English teams would be expected to make it to the last 16 based on the recent draw.
Only one combination of team finishing positions will be correct come end of the season, let's see how far mine goes this season. By the order of finishing last season, here are how each team stands this coming season.
Chelsea - Could Be Feeling The Blues
Getting to the top is tough, staying on top is even harder. Chelsea has one man who can do it, Jose Mourinho, the football genius who is one of the most colourful characters we have in the game. He was the first to bring success to Stamford Bridge, he left and went on the manage two big clubs, and he has come back and won it again. Roman's multi billion dollar empire also helped along the way. Last season was quite clear cut, Chelsea bought some fantastic players and they played a great season of football. Players like Hazard, Matic, Fabregas, Costa and a rock solid defence led by John Terry played starring roles in their superb title winning performance. Chelsea this season still looks the same, but would they be good enough to hang on with their rivals having strengthened considerably?
To find fault in the Champions is hard. But after a long hard look, perhaps there are some weaknesses that Chelsea need to deal with this season. In defence, the ever reliable John Terry is counting down his finest days and question marks will be raised whether he still has enough in him to play at this level. His deputy is Kurt Zouma, who is about 14 years his junior. Is he the best guy Chelsea could have? I think there will be parts of the season he would be called upon and there will be a stress test on the Chelsea backline. That will be a key factor in the title race.
There is nothing to comment about their midfield plainly because it's absolutely brilliant with some of finest in the world. Now here is where it gets a bit interesting. Chelsea has four strikers, Costa, Remy and the new arrivals Pedro and Falcao. Costa is proven quality and needs to replicate his goals contribution again this season. There were issues with his fitness last season so Chelsea would be praying hard that he appears on the team sheet throughout the campaign. Pedro, the new £21m signing (quite a bargain) who has an incredible CV comprising of his record breaking success with Barcelona and Spain. He would be a key player for goals this season and should not be needing too much time to deliver for a player at his level. Not being a natural striker, he could be playing just behind the main striker. Remy and Falcao will both be huge gambles this season. Remy has yet to prove that he belongs at a top team despite having a decent record with QPR and Newcastle. On the other hand, it was a surprising move for Falcao, who had a torrid first year in England. He was one of the top strikers a few years back but isn't his recent form a better indication? Jose seems to see something we don't and let's hope he's right.
On a side note, Chelsea has about 33 players loaned out this season. It remains a mystery whether they could have monetised some of the players and further improved their squad. Players like Cuadrado, Moses and Salah could have raised over £30m between them. Time will tell whether it could cost them.
Backbone: Nemanja Matic, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas
Exciting prospect: Pedro
Verdict: Runners up. Retaining their title remains a realistic target. I think the depth in their back four could be called into question this year and they might face challenges in answering them. They are depending on Costa to deliver at least 20 plus goals who needs to get the ball rolling after a slow start. Undoubtedly still one of the best in Europe but the odds are slightly against them.
Man City - Major Warning From The Eastlands
After a rather subdued transfer window last season, the Arabs have reopened the flood gates in style, even the current low oil price regime have not held back their ambitions. Notably with the signings of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Otamendi and Fabian Delph, they have forked an estimated £150m this close season. For people who think money can't buy the title, Man City has followed the footsteps of Chelsea and risen to become a top European powerhouse. Football has undeniably become a game of money buying success. It's not guaranteed but it goes a very long way for sure.
City probably has the most depth and quality defensively. Their defensive midfield itself has Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Fernando and Delph which is a good problem of too many choices. A slight off season for the back four last season warranted a new signing and in came Otamendi , regarded as one of the best in La Liga, arrived to prop up the back four. Their improved defence this season would be vital to be in contention for the title. Offensive wise, they did let go of a few big players like Dzeko, Milner, Negredo and Jovetic. In return, they've 'updated' the list of biggest transfers in the Premier League history by bringing in Raheem Sterling from Liverpool, coming just a few million shy of the record set by Torres. But Man City were not done and went for the home run, shattering that record with a mind boggling £54m fee for Kevin De Bruyne from Wolfsburg. De Bruyne just had a sensational season in the Bundesliga and that would have been priced in by a good margin. Only sold for £18m not too long ago, tripling of his market value however would take time to justify. The signings combined with their already star studded squad with likes of Silva, Nasri, Navas and Toure, would be kept a watchful eye by the rest of Europe.
Despite the big signings, there is still a great deal of burden on Sergio Aguero, who will continue to shoulder the need to bring in 25-30 goals. The only other natural striker would be Wilfried Bony who has yet to show any meaningful returns for his big transfer.
Backbone: David Silva and Sergio Aguero
Exciting prospect: Kevin De Bruyne
Verdict: Champions. Their new signings has re-energised the whole team, added another level of quality and a show of serious intent to wrestle back the title. They have done the best business in Europe and are my team to beat. This could be their best European campaign since the current owners took over.
Arsenal - Same Old Arsenal
It might have been an impeccable pre-season for Arsenal, making a clean sweep of all 3 trophies they competed for, even upsetting league champions Chelsea for the Community Shield. First match into the new season, it was back to reality. Defeat to West Ham indicated Arsenal were still pretenders for the title. It's the same old Arsenal again this season, still lacking a quality centre back and striker. It's not been addressed during this transfer window, making Petr Cech the only significant signing the whole summer. With the goalkeeping woes settled for now and the emergence of Coquelin to do the hard man job in the middle of the park, Arsenal would be considered an improved outfit, albeit by a small margin. Forget about title credentials this year, it's about battling to stay in the top 4 to secure European football.
It's been sheer frustration being a Gooner this summer, there was not one hint of us strengthening the obvious weak spots in the team. Giroud is as close as pleading for someone to back him up and we really need a top class striker who can do the job when Giroud is rested or injured. Benzema was never on the cards and it is hard to believe no other player in this world could meet our quality to budget ratio. That leaves Walcott, Welbeck and Joel Campbell as alternatives to Giroud, which to me are pretty weak choices to have for a top team. Walcott's best position is not up front, Welbeck is out till December and Joel staying was unexpected. A very risky move by Wenger that will only have savings financially to justify his choice. The midfield might be the pride of Arsenal, but there are still dead-weights like Flamini, Rosicky, Arteta and Wilshere, who you would not even bother imagining them in a champion's line up. It's puzzling why we are keeping players who are not good enough for us. Defensively it's also a worry, with Mertesacker lacking consistency and pace, Chambers not ready and Gabriel still finding his way, leaving only Koscielny as the most reliable among them, same old Arsenal?
The few bright spots would be Alexis, Ramsey, Chamberlain, Ozil and Cazorla who will be the key players for us this season. It's one of the most exciting combinations we had in midfield for a long time and we''ll be counting on them to deliver. The lack of activity in the transfer window will cost Arsenal dearly, the reluctance or rather the failure to continue improving the team to keep up with their rivals would undoubtedly extend the league drought and put the team in danger of missing out of Champions League qualification for the first time in 18 years.
Backbone: Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla
Exciting prospect: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Verdict: 4th. At worst 5th. The several unresolved gaps will continue to haunt Arsenal. Periods of inconsistency would again be prevalent, leaving the optimists to continue their wishful thinking.
Man Utd - Van Gaal's Revamp Taking Shape
So where has Van Gaal got it right? The answer is in the very first sentence. The way he has cut losses, corrected mistakes without wasting time and making good football decisions. He has shown that he is absolutely not be messed with judging by the way he has handled player disputes. Whether it was dealing with one of the best keepers in the world (De Gea), their record breaking signing (Di Maria) or players who were unhappy with his style (Valdes), he has shown that he is ready to burn bridges and not think twice about it. His ruthless and speedy 'chop and change' has sent mediocre and uncommitted players packing and leaving the real deals to deliver the results. So far, that intensity of management has definitely won over the majority of the fans. Players like Fellaini and Ashley Young have seen their faltering careers being revived.
Following last season's monstrous spending, this season is a strong follow up. Depay, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Darmian, Romero and Martial altogether cost close to £126m. Net spend was lower due to significant sales proceeds. Schweinsteiger probably is the biggest name of the lot being a World Cup winner. He's at a prime age and his experience would be very valuable. Depay, the Dutch rising star, will add a lot of spark for the Devils with his trickery and pace. The confident and skinful lad will be wearing the iconic number 7. Their best signing to me would be Schneiderlin, who will look to be Carrick's eventual replacement in the middle.
Their biggest signing Anthony Martial was a shocking signing, like a certain Colombian last year, was to me an unusual choice and exorbitant fee (£36m) for a 19 year old. I was rather surprised Man Utd didn't go for a more experienced striker which would be a quicker fix, something they desperately need and could afford, maybe Harry Kane or Sadio Mane? Whether a Henry or Rooney in the making, it's still a strange decision considering Man Utd being in dire need for a ready solution. Their inability (or deliberate attempt on stalling) to sell De Gea was also very questionable as he could very likely leave for free and sign a pre-contract with a new club in 4 months!
The huge sum spent this season haven't showed sufficient strengthening having offloaded several big players like Di Maria, Chicharito, Van Persie, Januzaj and Evans. I don't think Utd has done enough in the transfer window given the financial power and the money they have raised from selling those players. Although there's still plenty of quality in the team with Mata, Rooney, Herrera, Young and their new signings, they would not be mounting a serious title challenge this season.
Backbone: Wayne Rooney and Daley Blind
Exciting prospect: Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial
Verdict: At best 3rd, at worst 4th. I think defensively there is a concern there. There haven't bought a centre back and if Romero is to replace De Gea as first choice, that could lose them some points. A gamble with Martial to bring in the goals with no fully recognised striker other than Rooney. They could still clinch 3rd as Arsenal and Liverpool have their own problems.
Liverpool - Ready to reclaim a European berth?
Being a Liverpool fan is tough, they went through a period without the Champions League, then came back to win it and are out again. Then there is also the league which they last won in 1990. Their 2005 success in Istanbul remains their sole bragging right for many years to come, to Man City and Arsenal fans at least. Liverpool has no doubt been through many challenges, back when Rafa suddenly lost it, Kenny Dalgish's short stint, the battle of ownership of the club, lost of big players, big flop signings and Brendan Rogers' turbulent administration currently. Last season saw Captain Supremo Steven Gerrard bid farewell after an amazing 18 years with the club. A host of under performing players and tactical errors capped off a season to forget, especially the last game against Stoke.
This year, they sold yet another huge player in Raheem Sterling for a colossal £49m. So how have they done this time around? I think they brought in some interesting and much better players this year. Among the notables would be Benteke, Firmino, Milner, Ings, Clyne, Gomez and Origi. To me it's a big improvement compared to last season and less riskier as most of them have experience in the league. Benteke, Origi, Ings and Sturridge are definitely going to spruce up the goal tally this season, something very lacking last season. Benteke being the most experienced, will get the goals if given proper service. Long term absentee Sturridge would be hoping to get back on track. Milner will bring much needed experience and steel in the team with Coutinho, Henderson, Emre Can and Lallana forming a very decent midfield. The Reds would be most excited with their new £29m signing Firmino, who will attempt to bring back the energy and temperature at Anfield.
The centre back positions would be a potential problem this season and it's surprising Rogers hasn't spent much after their lackluster campaign. Lovren will be looking for a better season while Sakho and Gomez will be looking to upstage veterans Skrtel and Toure. It's going to be a uphill battle for the Reds. Can they make a breakthrough with their refreshed squad?
Verdict: 5th. Liverpool are still in a transition and would find it tough to have a crack at the top 4 who have much more established squads. The gap between them and Arsenal have narrowed. Small chance for 4th
Backbone: Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson
Exciting prospect: Roberto Firmino
Prediction
1) Man City
2) Chelsea
3) Man Utd
4) Arsenal
5) Liverpool
That wraps up my analysis on how I think the teams will end up this season. It would be a bonus if I get it right. What's important is we enjoy another amazing season of football ahead. For the love of football, may the best team win.
Thanks for reading
~deyao~
