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Calling the Premier League season in the air
by Nick Webster
Nick Webster has been a senior writer on FOXSoccer.com for the last 10 years. As the host of the popular Fox Football Fone-In, Nick has the opportunity to sound off each week about world soccer. Nick also works behind the camera and directs and produces Fox Soccer Match Day, a preview of the Barclays Premier League, and Super Sunday+, a review show of all the best action from around the globe.
I've looked at the tea leaves while fondling my crystal ball and with the knowledge that absolute certainty is on my side, this is how the Barclays Premier League will finish on May 9th.
20. Birmingham City
With Alex McLeish already installed, as the bookies favorite to get the chop it isn't going to be pretty at St. Andrews. So much will depend on big summer signing, striker Christian Benitez — although, 'Houston, we have a problem' — he'll miss the start of the campaign through injury. Who does this kind of business?
Key Man: Sebastian Larsson — he keeps them ticking over and occasionally comes up with wonder strikes.
Transfer Business:
In: Christian Benitez (Santos Laguna, £7.7m), Scott Dann (Coventry City, £3.5m), Joe Hart (Manchester City, loan), Lee Bowyer (West Ham United, free), Roger Johnson (Cardiff City, £5m), Barry Ferguson (Rangers, £1.5m), Giovanny Espinoza (Barcelona Sporting Club, free), Stephen Carr (unattached, free)
Out: Stephen Kelly (Fulham, free), Krystian Pearce (Peterborough, loan), Robin Shroot (Burton, loan), James McPike (Kettering, free), Michael McKerr (Oldham, free), Semih Aydilek (released
19. Portsmouth
This is a riches-to-rags story and I really feel for the Pompey fans, who are amongst the best in England. This club is getting ripped apart from within and losing your two best players isn't just careless — it's criminal. Unless new owner, Sulaiman Al Fahim starts spending money like Manchester City, the pre-season bust up with Marc Wilson and David Nuggent will look like a tea party.
Key Man: David James — England's number one — will be shattered by the end of the season, but he'll be battle-hardened for sure.
Transfer Business:
In: Steve Finnan (Espanyol, free), Aaron Mokoena, (Blackburn, free), Antti Niemi (free), Frederic Piquionne (Lyon, loan).
Out: Glen Johnson (Liverpool, £17.5m), Peter Crouch (Tottenham, £9m), Sean Davis (Bolton, free), Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo (Standard Liege, free), Andre Blackman (Bristol City, free), Noe Pamarot (released), Jerome Thomas (released), Lauren (released), Djimi Traore (released), Glen Little (released).
18. Wolves
The early season fixture list is kind to Mick McCarthy and he must take advantage of this to get points in the bag — much like Hull achieved last campaign. Signing a proven Premiership goal scorer in Kevin Doyle is an excellent start, but like all new clubs, squad depth will eventually catch up with them, spank them and eventually relegate them.
Key Man: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake — scoring goals for fun in the Championship is very different to the Premiership.
Manchester United claimed the Premier League last season. Can they do it again? (Adrian Dennis/AFP / Getty Images)
Transfer Business:
In: Ronald Zubar (Marseille, undisclosed), Greg Halford (Sunderland, undisclosed), Nenad Milijas (Red Star, £2.7m), Marcus Hahnemann (Reading, free), Andrew Surman (Southampton, £1.2m), Kevin Doyle (Reading, £6.5m), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea, loan)
17. Hull City
From flirting with Scarlett Johansson to waking up with Susan Boyle, the Tigers started life in the penthouse and ended up all but homeless. Phil Brown will surely show more humility this season with his squad and the media, which I believe, will be the difference. But only just. I'll be looking forward to Jozy Altidore lacing them up and having a go at Tim Howard and Brad Friedel.
Key Man: Michael Turner — defensively solid and a threat at set pieces
Transfer Business:
In: Steven Mouyokolo (Boulogne, undisclosed), Seyi Olofinjana (Stoke, £3m), Jozy Altidore (Villarreal, loan)
Out: Sam Ricketts (Bolton, undisclosed), Wayne Brown (Leicester, free), Matt Plummer (Darlington, free), Dean Windass (Darlington, free), James Bennett (Darlington, free), John Welsh (Tranmere, free), Ryan France (Sheffield United, free), Tom Woodhead (released)
16. Burnley
Why the optimism for the Clarets? It's simple really — they score goals. Admittedly they'll concede a hatful but within the confines of Turf Moor they will play football. Owen Coyle is highly regarded in the coaching fraternity and how he manages a very small squad will either burnish his credentials or send them up in smoke. With the toughest fixture list to start a season, they'll take anything they can get.
Key Man: Brian Jensen — Danish keeper who is part of the furniture at Turf Moor and will be the busiest player this season.
Transfer Business:
In: Tyrone Mears (Derby, £500,000), Steven Fletcher (Hibs, £3m), David Edgar (Newcastle, undisclosed), Richard Eckersely (Manchester Utd, undisclosed), Brian Easton (Hamilton, £350,000)
Out: Alan Mahon (Tranmere, free), Steve Jones (Walsall, free
15. Wigan Athletic
Roberto Martinez is walking into a superb situation as the Latics remain largely intact after a decent campaign last season. Whether he can inspire them to the heights that Steve Bruce managed is another question, and one I think he can't answer. In all honesty, its hard to love Wigan — they just don't do it for me.
Key Man: Mario Melchiot — almost a Premiership original. His experience will be the key between a roller coaster and relative safety.
Transfer Business:
In: Jordi Gomez (Espanyol £1.7m), Hendry Thomas (Olimpia), Jason Scotland (Swansea, £2m), James Mcarthy (Hamilton, £1.2m), Scott Sinclair (Chelsea, loan)
Out: Antonio Valencia (Man Utd, £16m)
14. Bolton Wanderers
I don't know if you know this but anything bad that happens in the world is Gary Megson's fault! Never has there been a manager so unloved, but he does what he's paid to do ... keep Bolton in the Premiership. Look, if you want entertainment, come around my place and watch my two-year-old kick it about, if you want BPL football, Megson is your man.
Key Man: Jussi Jaaskelainen — at times the Fin seems like a pin cushion with the amount of shots he takes however his reaction saves make him one of the best.
Transfer Business:
In: Zat Knight (Aston Villa, £4m), Sam Ricketts (Hull City, undisclosed), Sean Davis (Portsmouth, free), Paul Robinson (West Brom, loan)
Out: Blerim Dzemaili (Torino, undisclosed), James Sinclair (released), Robert Sissons (released), Nathan Woolfe (released)
13. Stoke City
Everybody loves a Cinderella story — especially when it arrives at 70mph courtesy of Rory Delap. In all fairness you can only use what you have, but I can't help but feel that this fairytale still has some legs to it. Don't be surprised when this lot turns over one of the big four at the Britannia.
Key Man: Ricardo Fuller — chinning his captain has revitalized his career!
Transfer Business:
In: Dean Whitehead (Sunderland, £3m)
Out: Seyi Olofinjana (Hull, £3m)
12. Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn is the best value for money in the Premiership. I'm not talking football, but ticket prices. Hey, when Sam Allardyce is the gaffer you don't expect to be entertained on a weekly basis but every once in a while they will serve up a tasty appetizer or two.
Key Man: Morten Gamst Pedersen — needs to recapture the form that made him one of the leagues hottest properties.
Transfer Business:
In: Lars Jacobsen (Everton, free), Steven N'Zonzi (Amiens, undisclosed), Gael Givet (Marseille, £3.5m), Nikos Giannakopoulos (Asteras, £5,000), Elrio van Heerden (Bruges, free), Franco Di Santo (Chelsea, loan), Nikola Kalinic (Hajduk Split, £12m)
Out: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City, £17.5m), Matt Derbyshire (Olympiakos, £3m), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, free), Dean Winnard (Accrington, free), Andreas Arestidou (Shrewsbury, free), Jamie Clarke (Lincoln, free), Tony Kane (Carlisle, free), Keith Treacy (Sheffield United, loan
11. Sunderland
Steve Bruce with a budget of sorts could be a different proposition than a skint SB at Wigan. After escaping the drop at the expense of neighbors Newcastle, the Black Cats have the spotlight to themselves. With the expected strike partnership of Darren Bent and Frazier Campbell duo intent on proving Mr. Redknapp completely wrong, the goals that were in short supply last campaign may begin to flow.
Key Man: Steed Malbranque — for my money one of the most under rated players in the Premiership.
Transfer Business:
In: Darren Bent (Tottenham Hotspur, £10m), Lorik Cana (Marseille, £5m), Fraizer Campbell (Manchester United, £3.5m), Paulo da Silva (Toluca, free).
Out: Michael Chopra (Cardiff, £4m), Dean Whitehead (Stoke City, £3m), Greg Halford (Wolves, £2m), Nick Colgan (Grimsby, free), Peter Hartley (Hartlepool, Free), Arnau Riera (released), David Connolly (released), Dwight Yorke (released), Darren Ward (released).
10. Fulham
Outside of the 'big boys', Fulham were one of the toughest nuts to crack, and credit must go to Roy Hodgson. This under-rated tactical genius took the club from relegation fodder to Europe without the aid of a huge checkbook and he'll be looking to shock the football world again. I like the look of this team and hope that we'll see Clint Dempsey push on this year.
Key Man: Brede Hangeland — a monster for the Cottagers who'll earn a huge money move, if he plays like he did last season.
Transfer Business:
In: Stephen Kelly (Birmingham, free), Bjorn Helge Riise (Lillestrom, undisclosed), Kagiso Dikgacoi (Golden Arrows, undisclosed — subject to work permit approval)
Out: Moritz Volz (released), Julian Gray (released), Troy Brown (Ipswich, free), Olivier Dacourt (Internazionale, end of loan)
9. West Ham
Consistency on-and-off the park will be the mantra that Gianfranco Zola preaches at Upton Park. The financial troubles that took center stage have taken a back seat recently allowing the Italian to concentrate on what he does best ... create a team that plays attractive, flowing, Academy football
Key Man: Mark Noble — the production line of fine Hammer youngsters continues. Will the next stop be the England team?
Transfer Business:
In: Herita Illunga (Toulouse, £2.75m), Luis Jimenez (Internazionale, loan), Frank Nouble (Chelsea, tribunal), Fabio Daprela (Grasshopper, undisclosed), Peter Kurucz (Ujpest, undisclosed), Jack Lampe (Harlow, undisclosed)
Out: Lee Bowyer (Birmingham City, free), Kyel Reid (Sheffield United, free), Joe Widdowson (Grimsby Town, free), Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace, loan), Diego Tristan, Walter Lopez, Jimmy Walker, Tony Stokes, Lucas Neill (released) .
8. Aston Villa
This could be the year that Martin O'Neill and his Villains go backwards. For sure Randy Lerner has been a model owner but with his wallet snapping shut I can't see this side improving. Yes, they're a year older and should be wiser but they've lost two massive influences in Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen — don't be surprised if O'Neill makes an exodus either.
Key Man: Gabby Agbonlahor — drifted away as the previous campaign moved into the later stages, he must find a way to stay fresh this season.
Transfer Business:
In: Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough, £12m).
Out: Gareth Barry (Manchester City, £12m), Stuart Taylor (Manchester City, free), Zat Knight (Bolton Wanderers, £5m), Martin Laursen (retired)
7. Everton
The People's club will maintain their reputation as the hardest working team in England and that will be about it. David Moyes is finding it increasingly hard to attract top talent and with a budget that shrinks every season, he'll continue to bottom feed on scraps. The return of Mikel Arteta from injury will be like getting a new player but it's impossible to wrap a starting XI in cotton wool for 38 games.
Key Man: Tim Cahill — the biggest smallest man in the Premiership continues to improve and will be eyeing a major move if he keeps scoring big goals.
Transfer Business:
In: Jo (Manchester City, loan), Anton Peterlin (Ventura County Fusion, signed), Cody Arnoux (Carolina Dynamo, signed)
Out: Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn, free), Nuno Valente (released), Andy van der Meyde (released), John Paul Kissock (released), John Ruddy (Motherwell, loan)
6. Tottenham Hotspur
There will be no excuses this time around at White Hart Lane. They've got the manager they want and he's got the players he wants — for now! If you look at the talent assembled in North London, a top four challenge must be a realistic expectationm, except that there is no sensible cover for the two most important pieces of fragile bone-china in the team, Jonathon Woodgate and Ledley King.
Key Man: Jonathon Woodgate — will be looking at the England squad knowing that if he stays fit he'll have a chance to go to South Africa.
Transfer Business:
In: Peter Crouch (Portsmouth, £9m); Sebastien Bassong (Newcastle United, £8m); Kyle Naughton (Sheff Utd, Undisclosed); Kyle Walker (Sheff Utd, Undisclosed).
Out: Darren Bent (Sunderland, £10m); Didier Zokora (Seville, £8.5m); Chris Gunter (Nottm Forest, £1.75m); Gilberto (Released); David Button (Crewe, Loan); Adel Taarabt (QPR, Loan); Ben Alnwick (Norwich, Loan); Troy Archibald-Henville (Exeter, Loan); Jacques Maghoma (Burton, Loan)
5. Manchester City
Money rarely buys happiness and when you marry that with a collection of egos, the likes of which only Real Madrid could compete with, you have a recipe of disaster. Personally I don't see how Mark Hughes is going to create chemistry from this band of mercenaries but with the depth they now have, City will surely be there or there abouts when all is said and done.
Key Man: Stephen Ireland — can only improve surrounded by better players. He won't get lost in the shuffle.
Transfer Business:
In: Carlos Tevez (unattached, £25m), Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal, £25m), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn, £17m), Kolo Toure (Arsenal, £14m), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa, £12m), Stuart Taylor (Aston Villa, free).
Out: Elano (Galatasaray, undisclosed), Ched Evans (Sheff Utd, £3m), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea, undisclosed), Jo (Everton, loan), Felipe Caicedo (Sporting Lisbon, loan), Joe Hart (Birmingham, loan), Shaleum Logan (Tranmere, loan), Darius Vassell (Ankaragucu, free), Dietmar Hamann (released), Michael Ball (released), Danny Mills (released), Richard Martin (released), Angelos Tsiaklis (released).
4. Arsenal
Despite all the young bright shinning stars, it feels like the end of an era at the Emirates. The Gunners can't or won't compete in the transfer market as crushing debt strangles the dreams of the Professor and the faithful. Not surprisingly Arsene Wenger was unhappy with certain sections of the home support last season as they vented their bile but unless he brings home silverware this campaign, that relationship will deteriorate even further — hastening the great man's exit.
Key Man: Andrei Arshavin — showed that he is the real deal and with a full season ahead of him I believe he'll become the 'new' Ronaldo of the Premiership.
Transfer Business:
In: Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax, £10m).
Out: Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City, £25m); Kolo Toure (Manchester City, £14m); Abu Ogogo (Dagenham & Redbridge, Free); Rene Steer (Oldham Athletic, Free); Amaury Bischoff (Released); Rui Fonte (Released); Paul Rodgers (Released)
3. Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson maybe the best manager in the world, but losing the best player in the world is a massive hit. The pressure now falls squarely on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, two unlikely characters to lead United into a new era. I know writing off United is a recipe for disaster but there is a whiff of uncertainty surrounding them this year.
Key Man: Rio Ferdinand — Mr. Casual is the beating heart of this team and he must stay healthy.
Transfer Business:
In: Antonio Valencia (Wigan, £16m), Michael Owen (Newcastle, free), Gabriel Obertan (Bordeaux, undisclosed).
Out: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, £80m), Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland, £3.5m), Carlos Tevez (contract expired), Manucho (Real Valladolid, undisclosed), Lee Martin (Ipswich, undisclosed), Richard Eckersley (Burnley, undisclosed), Rodrigo Possebon (Braga, loan).
2. Liverpool
To replace the finest passer of a ball in the Premiership (Xabi Alonso) with a player who is injured (Alberto Aquilani) is hardly a statement that will have you-know-who quaking! Like the previous two seasons, it's all about Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and I don't believe you can sustain the challenge when you're so dependent on two players. If someone else is prepared to step up and accept the pressure of 19 years, they'll need to demonstrate it early.
Key Man: Javier Mascherano — the Argentine is heavily involved in WC 2010 qualifying, how he recovers from trans-Atlantic flights may well define Liverpool's season.
Transfer Business:
In: Glen Johnson (Portsmouth, £18m), Alberto Aquilani (Roma, £20m)
Out: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid, £30m) Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid, £3.5m), Sebastien Leto (Panathinaikos, £1.3m), Paul Anderson (Nottingham Forest, £250,000), Sami Hyypia (Bayer Leverkusen, free), Jermaine Pennant (Espanyol, free), Jack Hobbs (Leicester, free), Astrit Ajdarevic (Leicester, free), Shane O'Connor (Ipswich, free), Ryan Flynn (Falkirk, loan), Dean Bouzanis (Wrexham, loan
1. Chelsea
Carlo Ancelotti has been bequeathed a gem of a club. This squad has not been disrupted, they are injury free, they have bags of experience and they want the Premiership title back. As long as the Italian doesn't get distracted by the cup with big ears, I can't see anyone stopping the Blues once they get up a head of steam.
Key Man: Frank Lampard — wants to be known as the finest midfielder in England and with the team surrounding him he'll never have a better chance to show it.
Transfer Business:
In: Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City, fee to be determined by a tribunal), Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow, £18m), Ross Turnbull (Middlesbrough, free)
Out: Franco Di Santo (Blackburn Rovers, loan), Jimmy Smith (Leyton Orient, free), Ben Sahar (Espanyol, £1m), Frank Nouble (West Ham, nominal), Ryan Bertrand (Reading, loan), Tom Taiwo (Carlisle, loan), Lee Sawyer (Southend, loan)
Until then, I'll see you at the far post.
Fox Soccer Channel's Nick Webster writes about English soccer for FOXSoccer.com, and contributes his blog to interact with his fans.
by Nick WebsterNick Webster has been a senior writer on FOXSoccer.com for the last 10 years. As the host of the popular Fox Football Fone-In, Nick has the opportunity to sound off each week about world soccer. Nick also works behind the camera and directs and produces Fox Soccer Match Day, a preview of the Barclays Premier League, and Super Sunday+, a review show of all the best action from around the globe.
I've looked at the tea leaves while fondling my crystal ball and with the knowledge that absolute certainty is on my side, this is how the Barclays Premier League will finish on May 9th.
20. Birmingham City
With Alex McLeish already installed, as the bookies favorite to get the chop it isn't going to be pretty at St. Andrews. So much will depend on big summer signing, striker Christian Benitez — although, 'Houston, we have a problem' — he'll miss the start of the campaign through injury. Who does this kind of business?
Key Man: Sebastian Larsson — he keeps them ticking over and occasionally comes up with wonder strikes.
Transfer Business:
In: Christian Benitez (Santos Laguna, £7.7m), Scott Dann (Coventry City, £3.5m), Joe Hart (Manchester City, loan), Lee Bowyer (West Ham United, free), Roger Johnson (Cardiff City, £5m), Barry Ferguson (Rangers, £1.5m), Giovanny Espinoza (Barcelona Sporting Club, free), Stephen Carr (unattached, free)
Out: Stephen Kelly (Fulham, free), Krystian Pearce (Peterborough, loan), Robin Shroot (Burton, loan), James McPike (Kettering, free), Michael McKerr (Oldham, free), Semih Aydilek (released
19. Portsmouth
This is a riches-to-rags story and I really feel for the Pompey fans, who are amongst the best in England. This club is getting ripped apart from within and losing your two best players isn't just careless — it's criminal. Unless new owner, Sulaiman Al Fahim starts spending money like Manchester City, the pre-season bust up with Marc Wilson and David Nuggent will look like a tea party.
Key Man: David James — England's number one — will be shattered by the end of the season, but he'll be battle-hardened for sure.
Transfer Business:
In: Steve Finnan (Espanyol, free), Aaron Mokoena, (Blackburn, free), Antti Niemi (free), Frederic Piquionne (Lyon, loan).
Out: Glen Johnson (Liverpool, £17.5m), Peter Crouch (Tottenham, £9m), Sean Davis (Bolton, free), Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo (Standard Liege, free), Andre Blackman (Bristol City, free), Noe Pamarot (released), Jerome Thomas (released), Lauren (released), Djimi Traore (released), Glen Little (released).
18. Wolves
The early season fixture list is kind to Mick McCarthy and he must take advantage of this to get points in the bag — much like Hull achieved last campaign. Signing a proven Premiership goal scorer in Kevin Doyle is an excellent start, but like all new clubs, squad depth will eventually catch up with them, spank them and eventually relegate them.
Key Man: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake — scoring goals for fun in the Championship is very different to the Premiership.
Manchester United claimed the Premier League last season. Can they do it again? (Adrian Dennis/AFP / Getty Images)
Transfer Business:
In: Ronald Zubar (Marseille, undisclosed), Greg Halford (Sunderland, undisclosed), Nenad Milijas (Red Star, £2.7m), Marcus Hahnemann (Reading, free), Andrew Surman (Southampton, £1.2m), Kevin Doyle (Reading, £6.5m), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea, loan)
17. Hull City
From flirting with Scarlett Johansson to waking up with Susan Boyle, the Tigers started life in the penthouse and ended up all but homeless. Phil Brown will surely show more humility this season with his squad and the media, which I believe, will be the difference. But only just. I'll be looking forward to Jozy Altidore lacing them up and having a go at Tim Howard and Brad Friedel.
Key Man: Michael Turner — defensively solid and a threat at set pieces
Transfer Business:
In: Steven Mouyokolo (Boulogne, undisclosed), Seyi Olofinjana (Stoke, £3m), Jozy Altidore (Villarreal, loan)
Out: Sam Ricketts (Bolton, undisclosed), Wayne Brown (Leicester, free), Matt Plummer (Darlington, free), Dean Windass (Darlington, free), James Bennett (Darlington, free), John Welsh (Tranmere, free), Ryan France (Sheffield United, free), Tom Woodhead (released)
16. Burnley
Why the optimism for the Clarets? It's simple really — they score goals. Admittedly they'll concede a hatful but within the confines of Turf Moor they will play football. Owen Coyle is highly regarded in the coaching fraternity and how he manages a very small squad will either burnish his credentials or send them up in smoke. With the toughest fixture list to start a season, they'll take anything they can get.
Key Man: Brian Jensen — Danish keeper who is part of the furniture at Turf Moor and will be the busiest player this season.
Transfer Business:
In: Tyrone Mears (Derby, £500,000), Steven Fletcher (Hibs, £3m), David Edgar (Newcastle, undisclosed), Richard Eckersely (Manchester Utd, undisclosed), Brian Easton (Hamilton, £350,000)
Out: Alan Mahon (Tranmere, free), Steve Jones (Walsall, free
15. Wigan Athletic
Roberto Martinez is walking into a superb situation as the Latics remain largely intact after a decent campaign last season. Whether he can inspire them to the heights that Steve Bruce managed is another question, and one I think he can't answer. In all honesty, its hard to love Wigan — they just don't do it for me.
Key Man: Mario Melchiot — almost a Premiership original. His experience will be the key between a roller coaster and relative safety.
Transfer Business:
In: Jordi Gomez (Espanyol £1.7m), Hendry Thomas (Olimpia), Jason Scotland (Swansea, £2m), James Mcarthy (Hamilton, £1.2m), Scott Sinclair (Chelsea, loan)
Out: Antonio Valencia (Man Utd, £16m)
14. Bolton Wanderers
I don't know if you know this but anything bad that happens in the world is Gary Megson's fault! Never has there been a manager so unloved, but he does what he's paid to do ... keep Bolton in the Premiership. Look, if you want entertainment, come around my place and watch my two-year-old kick it about, if you want BPL football, Megson is your man.
Key Man: Jussi Jaaskelainen — at times the Fin seems like a pin cushion with the amount of shots he takes however his reaction saves make him one of the best.
Transfer Business:
In: Zat Knight (Aston Villa, £4m), Sam Ricketts (Hull City, undisclosed), Sean Davis (Portsmouth, free), Paul Robinson (West Brom, loan)
Out: Blerim Dzemaili (Torino, undisclosed), James Sinclair (released), Robert Sissons (released), Nathan Woolfe (released)
13. Stoke City
Everybody loves a Cinderella story — especially when it arrives at 70mph courtesy of Rory Delap. In all fairness you can only use what you have, but I can't help but feel that this fairytale still has some legs to it. Don't be surprised when this lot turns over one of the big four at the Britannia.
Key Man: Ricardo Fuller — chinning his captain has revitalized his career!
Transfer Business:
In: Dean Whitehead (Sunderland, £3m)
Out: Seyi Olofinjana (Hull, £3m)
12. Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn is the best value for money in the Premiership. I'm not talking football, but ticket prices. Hey, when Sam Allardyce is the gaffer you don't expect to be entertained on a weekly basis but every once in a while they will serve up a tasty appetizer or two.
Key Man: Morten Gamst Pedersen — needs to recapture the form that made him one of the leagues hottest properties.
Transfer Business:
In: Lars Jacobsen (Everton, free), Steven N'Zonzi (Amiens, undisclosed), Gael Givet (Marseille, £3.5m), Nikos Giannakopoulos (Asteras, £5,000), Elrio van Heerden (Bruges, free), Franco Di Santo (Chelsea, loan), Nikola Kalinic (Hajduk Split, £12m)
Out: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City, £17.5m), Matt Derbyshire (Olympiakos, £3m), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, free), Dean Winnard (Accrington, free), Andreas Arestidou (Shrewsbury, free), Jamie Clarke (Lincoln, free), Tony Kane (Carlisle, free), Keith Treacy (Sheffield United, loan
11. Sunderland
Steve Bruce with a budget of sorts could be a different proposition than a skint SB at Wigan. After escaping the drop at the expense of neighbors Newcastle, the Black Cats have the spotlight to themselves. With the expected strike partnership of Darren Bent and Frazier Campbell duo intent on proving Mr. Redknapp completely wrong, the goals that were in short supply last campaign may begin to flow.
Key Man: Steed Malbranque — for my money one of the most under rated players in the Premiership.
Transfer Business:
In: Darren Bent (Tottenham Hotspur, £10m), Lorik Cana (Marseille, £5m), Fraizer Campbell (Manchester United, £3.5m), Paulo da Silva (Toluca, free).
Out: Michael Chopra (Cardiff, £4m), Dean Whitehead (Stoke City, £3m), Greg Halford (Wolves, £2m), Nick Colgan (Grimsby, free), Peter Hartley (Hartlepool, Free), Arnau Riera (released), David Connolly (released), Dwight Yorke (released), Darren Ward (released).
10. Fulham
Outside of the 'big boys', Fulham were one of the toughest nuts to crack, and credit must go to Roy Hodgson. This under-rated tactical genius took the club from relegation fodder to Europe without the aid of a huge checkbook and he'll be looking to shock the football world again. I like the look of this team and hope that we'll see Clint Dempsey push on this year.
Key Man: Brede Hangeland — a monster for the Cottagers who'll earn a huge money move, if he plays like he did last season.
Transfer Business:
In: Stephen Kelly (Birmingham, free), Bjorn Helge Riise (Lillestrom, undisclosed), Kagiso Dikgacoi (Golden Arrows, undisclosed — subject to work permit approval)
Out: Moritz Volz (released), Julian Gray (released), Troy Brown (Ipswich, free), Olivier Dacourt (Internazionale, end of loan)
9. West Ham
Consistency on-and-off the park will be the mantra that Gianfranco Zola preaches at Upton Park. The financial troubles that took center stage have taken a back seat recently allowing the Italian to concentrate on what he does best ... create a team that plays attractive, flowing, Academy football
Key Man: Mark Noble — the production line of fine Hammer youngsters continues. Will the next stop be the England team?
Transfer Business:
In: Herita Illunga (Toulouse, £2.75m), Luis Jimenez (Internazionale, loan), Frank Nouble (Chelsea, tribunal), Fabio Daprela (Grasshopper, undisclosed), Peter Kurucz (Ujpest, undisclosed), Jack Lampe (Harlow, undisclosed)
Out: Lee Bowyer (Birmingham City, free), Kyel Reid (Sheffield United, free), Joe Widdowson (Grimsby Town, free), Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace, loan), Diego Tristan, Walter Lopez, Jimmy Walker, Tony Stokes, Lucas Neill (released) .
8. Aston Villa
This could be the year that Martin O'Neill and his Villains go backwards. For sure Randy Lerner has been a model owner but with his wallet snapping shut I can't see this side improving. Yes, they're a year older and should be wiser but they've lost two massive influences in Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen — don't be surprised if O'Neill makes an exodus either.
Key Man: Gabby Agbonlahor — drifted away as the previous campaign moved into the later stages, he must find a way to stay fresh this season.
Transfer Business:
In: Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough, £12m).
Out: Gareth Barry (Manchester City, £12m), Stuart Taylor (Manchester City, free), Zat Knight (Bolton Wanderers, £5m), Martin Laursen (retired)
7. Everton
The People's club will maintain their reputation as the hardest working team in England and that will be about it. David Moyes is finding it increasingly hard to attract top talent and with a budget that shrinks every season, he'll continue to bottom feed on scraps. The return of Mikel Arteta from injury will be like getting a new player but it's impossible to wrap a starting XI in cotton wool for 38 games.
Key Man: Tim Cahill — the biggest smallest man in the Premiership continues to improve and will be eyeing a major move if he keeps scoring big goals.
Transfer Business:
In: Jo (Manchester City, loan), Anton Peterlin (Ventura County Fusion, signed), Cody Arnoux (Carolina Dynamo, signed)
Out: Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn, free), Nuno Valente (released), Andy van der Meyde (released), John Paul Kissock (released), John Ruddy (Motherwell, loan)
6. Tottenham Hotspur
There will be no excuses this time around at White Hart Lane. They've got the manager they want and he's got the players he wants — for now! If you look at the talent assembled in North London, a top four challenge must be a realistic expectationm, except that there is no sensible cover for the two most important pieces of fragile bone-china in the team, Jonathon Woodgate and Ledley King.
Key Man: Jonathon Woodgate — will be looking at the England squad knowing that if he stays fit he'll have a chance to go to South Africa.
Transfer Business:
In: Peter Crouch (Portsmouth, £9m); Sebastien Bassong (Newcastle United, £8m); Kyle Naughton (Sheff Utd, Undisclosed); Kyle Walker (Sheff Utd, Undisclosed).
Out: Darren Bent (Sunderland, £10m); Didier Zokora (Seville, £8.5m); Chris Gunter (Nottm Forest, £1.75m); Gilberto (Released); David Button (Crewe, Loan); Adel Taarabt (QPR, Loan); Ben Alnwick (Norwich, Loan); Troy Archibald-Henville (Exeter, Loan); Jacques Maghoma (Burton, Loan)
5. Manchester City
Money rarely buys happiness and when you marry that with a collection of egos, the likes of which only Real Madrid could compete with, you have a recipe of disaster. Personally I don't see how Mark Hughes is going to create chemistry from this band of mercenaries but with the depth they now have, City will surely be there or there abouts when all is said and done.
Key Man: Stephen Ireland — can only improve surrounded by better players. He won't get lost in the shuffle.
Transfer Business:
In: Carlos Tevez (unattached, £25m), Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal, £25m), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn, £17m), Kolo Toure (Arsenal, £14m), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa, £12m), Stuart Taylor (Aston Villa, free).
Out: Elano (Galatasaray, undisclosed), Ched Evans (Sheff Utd, £3m), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea, undisclosed), Jo (Everton, loan), Felipe Caicedo (Sporting Lisbon, loan), Joe Hart (Birmingham, loan), Shaleum Logan (Tranmere, loan), Darius Vassell (Ankaragucu, free), Dietmar Hamann (released), Michael Ball (released), Danny Mills (released), Richard Martin (released), Angelos Tsiaklis (released).
4. Arsenal
Despite all the young bright shinning stars, it feels like the end of an era at the Emirates. The Gunners can't or won't compete in the transfer market as crushing debt strangles the dreams of the Professor and the faithful. Not surprisingly Arsene Wenger was unhappy with certain sections of the home support last season as they vented their bile but unless he brings home silverware this campaign, that relationship will deteriorate even further — hastening the great man's exit.
Key Man: Andrei Arshavin — showed that he is the real deal and with a full season ahead of him I believe he'll become the 'new' Ronaldo of the Premiership.
Transfer Business:
In: Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax, £10m).
Out: Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City, £25m); Kolo Toure (Manchester City, £14m); Abu Ogogo (Dagenham & Redbridge, Free); Rene Steer (Oldham Athletic, Free); Amaury Bischoff (Released); Rui Fonte (Released); Paul Rodgers (Released)
3. Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson maybe the best manager in the world, but losing the best player in the world is a massive hit. The pressure now falls squarely on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, two unlikely characters to lead United into a new era. I know writing off United is a recipe for disaster but there is a whiff of uncertainty surrounding them this year.
Key Man: Rio Ferdinand — Mr. Casual is the beating heart of this team and he must stay healthy.
Transfer Business:
In: Antonio Valencia (Wigan, £16m), Michael Owen (Newcastle, free), Gabriel Obertan (Bordeaux, undisclosed).
Out: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, £80m), Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland, £3.5m), Carlos Tevez (contract expired), Manucho (Real Valladolid, undisclosed), Lee Martin (Ipswich, undisclosed), Richard Eckersley (Burnley, undisclosed), Rodrigo Possebon (Braga, loan).
2. Liverpool
To replace the finest passer of a ball in the Premiership (Xabi Alonso) with a player who is injured (Alberto Aquilani) is hardly a statement that will have you-know-who quaking! Like the previous two seasons, it's all about Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and I don't believe you can sustain the challenge when you're so dependent on two players. If someone else is prepared to step up and accept the pressure of 19 years, they'll need to demonstrate it early.
Key Man: Javier Mascherano — the Argentine is heavily involved in WC 2010 qualifying, how he recovers from trans-Atlantic flights may well define Liverpool's season.
Transfer Business:
In: Glen Johnson (Portsmouth, £18m), Alberto Aquilani (Roma, £20m)
1. Chelsea
Carlo Ancelotti has been bequeathed a gem of a club. This squad has not been disrupted, they are injury free, they have bags of experience and they want the Premiership title back. As long as the Italian doesn't get distracted by the cup with big ears, I can't see anyone stopping the Blues once they get up a head of steam.
Key Man: Frank Lampard — wants to be known as the finest midfielder in England and with the team surrounding him he'll never have a better chance to show it.
Transfer Business:
In: Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City, fee to be determined by a tribunal), Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow, £18m), Ross Turnbull (Middlesbrough, free)
Out: Franco Di Santo (Blackburn Rovers, loan), Jimmy Smith (Leyton Orient, free), Ben Sahar (Espanyol, £1m), Frank Nouble (West Ham, nominal), Ryan Bertrand (Reading, loan), Tom Taiwo (Carlisle, loan), Lee Sawyer (Southend, loan)
Until then, I'll see you at the far post.
Fox Soccer Channel's Nick Webster writes about English soccer for FOXSoccer.com, and contributes his blog to interact with his fans.