The first weekends of the new season has thrown up some surprises. However a look at the make-up of the sides might be more informative in the long-run.
ARSENAL. I think that Arsene Wenger has a fight on his hands to get his side back into the Champions League for the 2018/19 season. First of all he needs to sort out the Sanchez and Ozil problem. The probability is that both of them will stay. For now at least. His defence think it’s Christmas on too many occasions and his strikers too often go on strike. At least it seems that way.
He can only hope that Lacazette will have the desired effect. Although I think that they have a great bargain in Kolasinac.. Costing only a signing-on fee. With only one first team squad member leaving, Szczesny, there shouldn’t be much bother melding the new guys with the established players. Arsene’s squad seems to be a bit light at present and I believe he needs to get rid of the zonal marking system without delay.
BOURNEMOUTH. They were a revelation at times last season with some very good results against some smart sides/ They did seem to be punching above their weight in some games but at other times appeared amateurish. In Josh King they have a free scoring striker who will probably pass his last seasons total of 13. Incoming players include Nathan Ake, Jermain Defoe and Asmir Begovic. A trio who will almost certainly earn their corn. Especially Defoe. I reckon he will prove the bargain of the window. Whilst not expecting miracles I think they’ll at least equal last seasons final 9th place.
BRIGHTON. Not a lot can be said about them other than they deserved their success of gaining promotion. They only boast one player, Anthony Knockaert with any reasonable experience at this level. Unfortunately, with only one reasonably experienced import, I think they’ll find themselves back amongst old friends next season.
BURNLEY. They escaped relegation last season by 2 games. Can they do that, or better, this season?
In Shaun Dyche they have a good coach but the same cannot be said of the management team? They’ve sold the two stalwarts of last seasons side, Michael Keane and Andre King. They may have pulled in £50 million pounds but they may also have sentenced the team to the Championship next season. They have brought in two ex-Stoke players plus Cork from Swansea and Taylor from Leeds but I can’t see that being enough. So unless they splash the cash I don’t hold out much hope for them.
CRYSTAL PALACE. New coach Frank de Boer has a job on his hands. Whilst he has Christian Benteke and Wilfred Saha to lead the forwards he lacks a solid defence even with Jairo Riedewald from a former club, Ajax. The defence leaked goals at times whilst the forwards found the net just 50 times last season. Not good enough when the defence was breached 63 times. With two loanees
Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea and Fosu-Mensah from Man.U. Will not be enough without some experienced heads.
CHELSEA. Now what a problematic season is ahead for Antonio Conte. First there is the stay away Diego Costa . He wants away to Athletico Madrid, who have been banned from transfer activity until January. Stalemate! Then there is the case of senior players voicing their worries about the squad being too inexperienced and low on numbers for the coming league and European season ahead of them. Even after over £140 millions have been laid out on Morata, Bakayoko and Rudiger. This situation mirrors Jose and Chelsea two years ago and we know were led. Is this a case of deja-vu? If you have a copper or two to spare taking a price about Conte not being around Stamford Bridge for too long might pay dividends. Even with Cahill in defence and Eden Hazard making the chances they need a seasoned strker to put them away. This will be an interesting season for Chelsea and for Antonio Conte.
EVERTON. I personally expect big things from the Goodison team. ( And I’m a Liverpool supporter). They have spent over £100 million and have brought in some exciting players. Sandro seems set to cause trouble for most defences. They’ve bolstered their defence with Michael Keane and the midfield with Danny Klaassen. The loss of Lukaku to Man. United will however be felt and they do need a replacement before the window closes. They’re almost complete but without another striker they will struggle to better their league position of last season.
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN. W hat to say about the Terriers?
If they stay up I will be surprised. They’ve bought-in but by today’s prices £30 million or so for four players is reserve team standard. The one player of reasonable experience is Tom Ince but he may even find himself out of his depth. At 8/15 the bookies don’t offer them much hope either.
LIVERPOOL For as long as I can remember the Reds have been called the Unpredictables. And not for nothing have they earned that nick-name. We saw it last season and they were lucky to finish in 4th place. Playing out of their skins against the best opponents on offer and unable to break sweat against the bottom half teams. Manager Klopp has brought in some interesting players. Salah on one wing and Mane on the other should strike fear into most full backs/ Robertson will hopefully provide the expertise they have cried out for at Leeft-back and a fit Daniel Surridge will be most welcome.
With more to follow I still advise, leave predictions alone for at least the first 8 games have been played. You know it makes sense.
Bet only with cash you can afford to lose.
