With the new Premier League season now less than a month away, new kits are being released, new players are being signed, season tickets are being purchased, and every football fan in the country on the planet is eagerly anticipating the start of what promises to be an unforgettable Premier League season.
But what outcome can we predict for the 13/14 season? As always, it’s difficult to try to foresee exactly who will finish where in the league, and that’s what makes the Premier League brilliant – it’s unpredictability. In Spain, it isn’t tough at all to predict who will come out on top at the end of the season; before a ball is even kicked we know it will be Barcelona or Real Madrid, and it’ll be the same this season. In the Premier League, however, there are 4, possibly even 5 teams who could be named Champions in May.
Ordering those 5 teams isn’t easy at all. You have Manchester United, arguably the favorites to repeat last season’s success, Manchester City, who have strengthened their squad significantly following the disappointment of last season. Chelsea, who have their ‘Special One’ back and have added to their squad wisely, Arsenal, who will look to take advantage of the most open campaign for years, and Tottenham, who at the moment boast the best player in the Premier League, Gareth Bale.
For me, the Premier League trophy will be in the hands of either Chelsea or Manchester City on May 11 of next year. As I said previously, allocating a team to a specific position is difficult, but I think it’ll be the two blues battling it out for the top spot come May. Before explaining my reasons for choosing the two I did, let me discuss the reason I don’t think Manchester United will regain their title. For me it’s simple – I don’t believe David Moyes will be able to handle the enormous amounts of pressure heaped upon him by both the media and the supporters. Last season for example, when United fell 1-0 behind at home to Southampton, everybody inside Old Trafford had faith in Alex Ferguson to turn it around. And sure enough, he did. Will United fans have the same amount of belief in Moyes should the same happen to him? Or will they begin to ask questions? I’m skeptical.
For Chelsea fans, they don’t have to worry about their new manager – his methods are tried and tested in the Premier League, and have brought the club success in the past. Jose Mourinho knows the English league inside-out, his tactical abilities are unquestionable, and he’s also a genius when it comes to mind games. Chelsea also have a strong squad, with a mix of experience and youth, and they have added to their squad wisely without spending vast sums of money. They are a club hungry for more success, with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich once again ruthlessly axing managers in the hope the next one will bring more trophies.
Unlikely Chelsea, Man City’s summer has been anything but quiet, with almost £100m already spent on players such as Fernandinho and Negredo. Like Abramovich, City owner Sheikh Mansour is also a man desperate to see his club succeed, both in the Premier League and on the European stage. City were poor last season, of that there is no question. Following another horrendous showing in the Champions League and a tame title defence, boss Roberto Mancini had to go. New man Manuel Pellegrini has been hand picked to take the club forward in the Champions League, but don’t doubt his ability to succeed in Premier League. He accumulated an incredible 96 points during his season at Real Madrid only to be beaten to the crown by 99 point Barcelona.
This season could be one of the most competitive for years, with 5 teams all in with a chance of being crowned Premier League champions in May. An exciting campaign lies ahead…
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