After a stonking World Cup in vibrant Brazil and a stunning season for many underdogs, English teams look set for further intense action when the new Premier League kicks off (pardon the pun). The division has flitted from Manchester United claiming the trophy, to bitter rivals Manchester City, and back and forth a fair few times, but these anticipated winners were rather shaken about in the prior season, and the forecast might not be quite so bright again for either side. With so many invincible alterations to several teams, and some fresh European and South American talent pouring in, it could be a feisty season to remember.
1) Louis van Gaal to Manchester United
The venomous blame culture surrounding ex-boss, David Moyes, of notable Everton fame, is set to finally stop now that Dutch super-coach, Louis van Gaal, is the replacement. He’s been hailed as a tactical genius, but that remains to be seen fully; there’s no doubt that van Gaal should receive praise tenfold, and that the Oranje were fantastic during the World Cup, but his fortunate streak could have been sheer luck. The danger now is that scorned Manchester United fans will pin responsibility for players’ shortcomings, yet again, on van Gaal, in the exact same fashion as they did with Mr Moyes. However, Louis van Gaal has an extremely efficient, apodictic ethic and is bound to pass on his great wisdom to the team. If there was ever to be a huge comeback for Manchester United, with van Gaal’s methodical influence, this could be the time.
2) Liverpool without Luis Suarez
Biting offender Luis Suarez was the goal magician at Liverpool for quite a period, but his recent departure to Barcelona has left fans gutted and subdued. Although the club should feel somewhat relieved that his temper with his teeth will be the burden of another club, he was the man behind the flawless shots and his superb striking ability will be present elsewhere. It has become clear that, despite apprehension, Daniel Sturridge will stand forth as the torchbearer at Anfield, with the fate of Liverpool’s future in the hands of an English national. Frightening. I jest, but do hope this could mark a solid start for home grown players gaining the necessary knack to ensure ball control and a considerable number of goals. Suarez will no doubt be a sore loss for the Scouse side, but it doesn’t have to spell out the end of their glory days.
3) Southampton without Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw
The Saints were pretty unstoppable last season compared to their usual winning drought; youngster, Luke Shaw, was bubbling full of promise and succeeded in the left-back role for the side. His awarded penalty during the game against West Brom saw Rickie Lambert claim a goal for the team, and this was just one of many points that Southampton were visibly gelling in an ideal way. Saints FC have always been something of a production line club; they nurture teenage talent and churn them out with all of the vital skills required for fast-paced football. Yet again, they have done so with their 3 finest. Their latest hotshot signings, Italian striker Graziano Pellè, and Serbian Dušan Tadić, who will flourish in midfield position, will undoubtedly seek to maintain Southampton’s incredible achievements.
4) Arsenal’s relentless new squad
Arsène Wenger has had the pleasure of signing some brilliant players in previous seasons, but following their latest transfers off the back of World Cup, they are bound to bring even more fire. Mesut Özil was packed off to Arsenal a year ago and brought even more potential and German skill to add to into the mix; his fellow Deutsche comrades at the club, including Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker, have always been credits to the side, but it isn’t just the Germans who possess the necessary sparkle. France’s Olivier Giroud and English boys Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, are among the host of raw talent channelled in such harmony. However, with Chile’s Alexis Sánchez now to fit the mould, Arsenal could be looking at wonderful success ahead. I for one would have signed Sánchez myself.
5) Chelsea’s re-shuffle
It seems that the London side were wise and got rid of incompetent Brazilian, David Luiz. Whether he had demonstrated useful performances for the club or not, his recent behaviour in the box (or rather, not in the box as required) has been alarming. Samuel Eto’o has also been released and Ashley Cole is enjoying a new role in the Roma team. On the other, shinier side of the penny, Spanish bigwig Cesc Fabregas could be the next goal-scoring face for Chelsea, coming in for a £27 million fee. Diego Costa is another to relinquish Spanish obligation and join the club, who will undeniably stir things up for Wenger’s chaps. Further still, murmurs about Sami Khedira’s potential place in the team continue, but it remains to be confirmed whether a new friendship will blossom there.
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