Welcome! So with the excitement building and intrigue increasing it'd be rude to force you to wait any longer. Enjoy as our 'Super Massive Season Preview continues... - Rob
Manchester United
Key Signing: David Moyes is
yet to make waves in the market, with several targets not arriving. Expect
United to be busy in August however, as they have money to spend.
MVP: Oh, Robin van Persie. The
former Arsenal striker carried United on his back for half a season, and his
league-leading goalscoring prowess will be needed even more this season, with a
conspicuous absence in the dugout.
Manager: David Moyes. The size of the shoes Moyes has to fill are somewhat
gigantic. He has potential long term, but in the meantime the new gaffer will
be in charge of a transition period.
Prediction: The Ferguson effect cannot be underestimated. I feel we now
have to judge United purely on the ability of its squad, as their extra 10% has
departed. Examine the title contenders’ squads then, and United are weaker than
City and Chelsea, and for me, on a par with Spurs. Moyes has work to do. 4th. Rob's Prediction: 3rd.
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| The influence of perhaps the world's greatest manager is no more |
Newcastle United
Key Signing: Loic Remy. The clinical
Frenchman adds flair to Newcastle's attack and the prospect of a front three of
Remy, Cisse and HBA suddenly has this Newcastle fan counting down the days
until the start of the Premier League season.
MVP: Fabricio Coloccini. A natural
born leader. While much has been made of the club's search for a striker the
Argentinean general will ensure his troops stay organised at the back. His
worth was shown when missed towards the end of the 2012/13 season.
Manager: Alan Pardew. Much will be
expected of Pardew this season following a poor 2012/13 campaign. Blaming his
side's form on injuries Newcastle fans will expect the team to begin this
season strongly with a fully fit squad. Time will tell if the pressure of Joe
Kinnear's appointment will see this silver fox buckle.
Prediction: While strong going
forward Newcastle have failed to strengthen what was the second poorest defence
in the division last season. The forthcoming season will be an improvement on
the last but a mid-table finish is the best that can be expected for the Toon
Army. 12th. Steve's Prediction: 15th.
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| It wouldn't be Newcastle United without off-field aggro now would it? Popularly known as Joke-Innear |
Norwich City
Key Signing: Gary Hooper has
consistently scored goals for the past few seasons, in Scotland and in the
Champions League. Prolific North of the border, the Canaries will be confident
that Hooper earns his stripes in England.
MVP: John Ruddy. The goalkeeper was sorely missed after his thigh injury
picked up midway through, and the big man should make a big difference.
Manager: A primarily defensive coach, Hughton has gambled this season, and
he has pooled all his chips on the duo of Gary Hooper and Ricky van
Wolfswinkel. It represents a bit of a change of impetus, and might see the
Canaries fly up the league table. (sorry)
Prediction: If Norwich can improve a woeful away record and start beating
the teams around them (A lot of points last season were earned against better
placed opposition), there's no reason why they can't challenge for Europe. The
problem was goals, and the problem, may have gone. 8th. Rob's Prediction: 11th.
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| Chris Hughton has raised expectations at Carrow Road |
Southampton
Key Signing: Victor Wanyama was a
beast in the Celtic midfield for numerous seasons, and the Kenyan will bring
protection to the Saints back four, allowing creative forces such as Gaston
Ramirez and Adam Lallana to do what they do best.
MVP: Rickie Lambert. The man is a proven
goal scorer who can single-handedly create something from nothing. Scoring
fifteen league goals in his first ever Premier League season shows just what a
talent the 31 year old is.
Manager: Mouricio Pochettino
The verdict is still out on the former Espanyol boss for me. While the
Argentinian did well to stabilise the Saints when taking over mid-season I
still believe they would have stayed up regardless. I await his first full
season with interest.
Prediction: As one of the most
attractive sides to watch in the division I really hope Southampton can perform
well this season. Wanyama is a fantastic signing and will only improve an
already solid squad. 9th. Steve's Prediction: 10th.
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| Victor Wanyama adds strength to a previously lightweight midfield |
Stoke City
Key Signing: Erik Pieters. The
Dutch left –back has been courted by many a Premier League team, and is an
astute signing. Good on the ball and is a fine crosser. The concern would be
that Stoke have signed no attackers – they lacked for goals last season.
MVP: Robert Huth was made for Stoke City. Tough, uncompromising and strong,
the German has been the lynchpin of one of the league's meanest defences.
Manager: Mark Hughes. Sparky returns to the Premier League, but he could
scarcely wish for more of a challenge. The team is on the decline and perhaps
even set in their ways stylistically. The fans are some of the most boisterous
around too. Their patience could wear thin. An uphill task, then.
Prediction: This could be the season where Stoke's firm grip on the Premier
League is finally loosened. A poor squad, a manager with it all to do and a
crowd who's patience is not one to be tested - it's not looking good for the
Potters. Expect Hughes to fall first, and Stoke City to follow. 18th.
Rob’s Prediction: 17th.
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| Robert Huth is Stoke's man mountain |
Sunderland
Key Signing: Emanuele Giaccherini.
As a member of both the Juventus and the Italian squad the left-sided player is
a real coup for Di Canio. Having proven his talent on the international stage I
have no doubt he can make a huge difference for Sunderland.
MVP: Steven Fletcher. Sunderland's
season potentially rests on the fitness of Steven Fletcher, that's how key I
believe he is to the set up at the Stadium of Light. With an eye for goal he
will thrive on the creativity of Giaccherini et al.
Manager: Paulo Di Canio. As one of
the most unpredictable bosses in the division I'm sure Sunderland fans can
expect a roller coaster ride under the Italian fire cracker this season. He
could be gone by Christmas or he could win them a trophy in his first full season.
Prediction: What fate awaits
Sunderland this season is anyone's guess. It's the top ten or bust in my view
for the Black Cats this campaign. 8th. Steve's Prediction: 13th.
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| Whatever happens, expect fireworks from this man |
Swansea City
Key Signing: Wilfried Bony.
The Ivorian scored goals for fun in the Eredivisie, and whilst we know that's
not necessarily the mark of a world-beater (Step forward Afonso Alves) its not a bad start.
MVP: Michu was utterly magnificent for the Swans last season, but will be
wary of contracting the infamous Second Season Syndrome. The signing of Bony
should help spread the load.
Manager: Michael Laudrup could not have wished for a better debut season. A
trophy won, league stability earned and a star striker unearthed - can he do
the same this time around?
Prediction: It'll be as you were for Laudrup's men this season: great to
watch, capable of the odd scalp and also the odd wobble, you can expect the
Swans to be sitting especially pretty in mid-table. 12th. Rob’s Prediction: 10th.
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| The Swans would do well to repeat last season's success |
Tottenham Hotspur
Key Signing : Roberto Soldado.
The Spaniard arrives in England off the back of scoring 30 goals in all
competitions last season and if Soldado can hit the ground running then he
could prove the crucial difference in firing Spurs into the title hunt.
MVP: Gareth Bale. It goes without
saying really; the man was born with an incredible talent for football. Lose
him (which is looking increasingly likely) and the club will have to spend
wisely to be anywhere near replacing him.
Manager: Andre Vilas Boas. Following
a good first season at White Hart Lane this campaign will prove a true test of AVB and show
whether he has a chance to develop a dynasty at the club. Fail to challenge the
top four and he'll be considered a failure.
Prediction: Tottenham's whole season
depends on the Gareth Bale saga and how the club react to his potential
departure. Signing a replacement is a must and will be a huge test of Vilas
Boas' player judgement. Spurs fans will expect progress and I expect Spurs to
be #1 in North London by the end of the campaign. 4th. Steve's Prediction: 3rd.
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| This man is the key to Tottenham's title tilt |
West Bromwich Albion
Key Signing: Nicolas Anelka.
The experienced Frenchman will bring goals to complement the Baggies' excellent
midfield workers.
MVP: Yousouff Mulumbu. Strong, powerful and a diligent and intelligent
defensive midfielder, his partnership in the midfield anchor position with
Claudio Yacob was brilliant.
Manager: Steve Clarke has always been an excellent coach, and now he's one
of the brightest young managers around. He can really achieve big things at
West Brom.
Prediction: I was one of the
seemingly very few who predicted a top half finish last season for the Baggies,
and I felt very smug about their performances last season. A very efficient
unit, and a threat for the European spots. 10th. Rob’s Prediction: 13th.
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| Steve Clarke has turned the Boing Boing Baggies into European dreamers |
West Ham United
Key Signing: Andy Carroll.
The big man will need to perform from the very start of the season if he is to
begin to show he is worth the £15 million West Ham paid to bring him to Upton
Park. On his day Carroll can be a nightmare for even the world's best, while on
his bad days he can be totally anonymous.
MVP: Kevin Nolan. A natural leader,
Nolan can inspire any team. Very few players in the entire division possess his
work rate and his contribution often proves invaluable, whether it be making
goal line clearances or firing home from the edge of the 6 yard box.
Manager: While personally not a fan
of big Sam, it's impossible to disagree with the fact that he performs well
when at one of the divisions 'smaller clubs.' West Ham will always be safe
while he remains boss, but will equally remain unspectacular.
Prediction: A decidedly average
season awaits for the Hammers. While Andy Carroll will provide a handful of
goals and assists the East Londoners lack the out and out goal scorer which
could have seen them progress. 16th. Steve's Prediction: 14th.
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| Carroll's loan was a success - albeit injury blighted - can the big man hit top form? |
So that's it! Our team-by-team guide to how the Premier League will shape up in season 2013/2014. But how will the teams end up? Here are our final tables:
So there you have it. This, right there, is how the Premier League will finish. Kind of. Well, we know it won't. There'll be so many twists and turns, goals, gaffes and memorable moments. And we cannot bloomin' wait.
We hope you enjoyed this preview, and if you did, please feel free to share on Facebook or Twitter, and give us a comment below, or indeed a tweet. We are @StevenJamieson_ and @roblilley1
Thanks, and enjoy the season.
