Season Predictions
Football has returned. Well actually it was never really
away; the Euros and the Olympics treated (?) us to a football-filled summer.
But the real deal starts again this weekend, and what better time to make the iThinkUnited predictions for the coming
season.
Cup Winners
COMMUNITY SHIELD:
Manchester City
Predicting City to start the new season with a win, however
this game might just give us a clue as to what we can expect from a new-look Chelsea
side in the coming year.
CARLING CUP:
Manchester United
After a trophy-less season, it would be typical of United to
win the Carling Cup, a guarantee of silverware at its least. It won’t be easy
though.
FA CUP:
Liverpool
This knock-cup competition requires its winners to have
steel and a defensive solidarity that takes them through the rounds. Liverpool
looked very defensively secure last season-add in Brendan Rodgers possession
philosophy, and they could go all the way.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:
Real Madrid
We’re talking about Madrid under Jose Mourinho here. He just
wins stuff. Now Madrid have taken the league title from Barca, expect them to
go one step further this season and claim the European crown.
Premier League
CHAMPIONS:
Manchester United
United will be coming back with force this year. City will
be strong, but it would be wrong on a United blog not to predict them to win
the title. Providing the reds avoid a disastrous repeat of last year’s
injuries, it should be achievable.
TOP FOUR:
2-City, 3-Arsenal,
4-Chelsea
City will be very strong and get second place. Expect a
strong Arsenal challenge, stronger than usual, but ultimately falling away as
usual. Chelsea will probably improve on last season, but not enough to
challenge the title yet; they are a team in transition.
RELEGATED:
Southampton, Aston Villa, Reading
Southampton, Aston Villa, Reading
Southampton play nice football, but I can’t see them staying
up in what is a very competitive league. Lambert hasn’t sufficiently strengthened
at Villa and their squad and playing style could well see them drop down this
year. Reading are a team on the rise under Brian McDermott, but probably don’t
have quite enough in their squad to beat the drop this year.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Nani
Possibly, and potentially, the world’s best winger after
Messi/Ronaldo, this season could be the year Nani reaches his full potential.
TOP SCORER:
Wayne Rooney
The creativity of the United forward line looks destined to
bring Rooney another bucket-load of goals. Expect last year’s goal-grabbers
Aguero and Van Persie to score plenty too.
Other Predictions
BEST SIGNING:
Eden Hazard
Let’s be honest, this guy will probably light up the Premier
League in years to come, and will be seen as a very good bit of business, (or
wrangling, or money splashing), by Chelsea.
SURPRISE TEAM:
Fulham
Martin Jol is building something good at Fulham, and
providing they hold onto key players like Dempsey and Dembele, they might not
be too far off European places at the end of the season.
FLOP TEAM:
Newcastle
Despite having seemingly held onto their best players (so
far), Newcastle haven’t dramatically strengthened and it will be a big ask for
them to replicate last season’s extraordinary 5th place. Don’t be
surprised if they finish bottom half this year.
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