Obviously, goals are the lifeblood of football. It’s inspiring to see a nice build-up and final pass into an open space for someone to run-on to but if the ball doesn’t end up in the back of the net, it’s nothing but a let-down. What we need to know is where are the goals coming from and who is likely to score them. If you have the answer to the last part of the last sentence you are on to a winner.
An attacking team used to be one to watch in the past but now most teams prefer to counter-attack. Gone are the days when a team with two wingers were liable to cause havoc in any defence. Gone are the times when an attacking team could garner a dozen or more corner kicks in a game. In the past 8 corner kicks could almost usually be relied on the produce at least one goal. Now it’s more likely to need 10 corners to get the same result.
The problem is the teams preferring to counter-attack rather than play their way upfield. Many teams now opt for midfielders rather than outright attackers. If you have a midfielder who knows where the net is, you’re half way to solving your attacking problems.
The team make-up used to be a couple of full backs, three half-back and five forwards. Now your lucky if there’s one forwrd worth the name.
Today’s match winners, apart from a few out and out strikers, are goalscoring,attacking, midfielders.
We can assume that any one of TEN premier league sides are capable of winning the title. On past performances at any rate.
We must start with LEICESTER CITY (always start at the top?). They are fortunate to have MAHREZ as an attacking midfielder. And he CAN score goals. Stop him and you can shackle them.
MAN CITY. They must come into the reckoning. Their one snag could be their new manager. We know the saying but he just might use the wrong sweeping brush. City have De Bruyne as their outstanding midfielder but Fernandinho is the one to watch.
MAN UTD. They have a couple of midfielders who know where the goal is but in Mkhitaryan they appear to be looking for someone to prepare the ground for Ibrahimovic. It might not come off.
ARSENAL. I don’t think the know themselves what’s what. They have the playes for a strong midfield but who will be the job of scoring and/or assisting fall to? Willshire seems to spend too much time on the couch in the sickbay, so the problem looks to be there for Aaron Ramsey.
‘SPURS. They have all the ammunition providers and Kane as the spearhead. They are well able to give everybody run for their money but will they bottle it like last season.
LIVERPOOL. Last season they showed what they can do when firing on all cylinders. This time around they have more midfielders who are likely to score, Wijnaldum and Mane are signings who have a scoring pedigree.
CHELSEA. They can’t possibly give repeat of last season, can they? Their problem seemed to revolve around their then manager. I can’t see a repeat.With Oscar, Matic and Kante they have a midfield full of goals and providers.
WEST HAM UNITED. Last season’s second most surprising side. They have Payet and Kouyate to provide and probably score a few, as well. If their midfield live up to expectations they’ll give anyone a run for their money.
EVERTON. Last season they were more workmanlike that spectacular. Barry keeps the midfield together. But they need Mirallas and Barclay to find their best form.
My surprise side is STOKE CITY. They have a tough defence but their brand of football hasn’t won many admirers. They have bought Allen from Liverpool and perhaps he’ll provide the spark, and passes, that gets the strikers doing their job.
As ever, I suggest you sit back and wait for the 8th or 9th week before putting serious money on any side. AND THEN, ONLY MONEY You can afford to lose.
