Liverpool
Manager: Kenny Daglish
Recent History: Until recently, Liverpool could always been counted on to be a top 4 threat under former manager Rafa Benitez. However, with the mutual decision for his leave before last season, the reins were turned over to former Fulham manager Roy Hodgson. After his epic disaster to start the season, new owner John Henry turned to the "King" Kenny Daglish to return the Reds to their former glory. While Daglish did a magnificent job in the second half turning Liverpool back into a magnificent attacking team, Liverpool finished a disappointing 6th after finishing 7th the year previous. A highlight for the season was a 3-1 thrashing of eventual champions & hated rivals Manchester United at Anfield.
Significant Changes: Liverpool was active this summer bringing in young midfielder Jordan Henderson, winger Stewart Downing, & keeper Doni. However, their biggest score came from prized midfielder Charlie Adam from Blackpool. Adam's vision on the ball & delivery into the dangerous areas will be an absolute plus this year for the Reds. Also not to be forgotten, Liverpool made a huge splash in the January transfer window bringing in prized strikers Luis Suarez & Andy Carroll while disposing of petulant child Fernando "the Rat" Torres. Suarez and Carroll will compliment each other wonderfully in attack with superb captain Steven Gerrard backing them with his furious cannon of a right foot.
Player to Watch: While Gerrard's health is essential and Carroll's skill, height, hair, and persona will draw him towards the center of attention, for me Luis Suarez will be the biggest player to watch. His on the ball skill is unbelievable and his competitive fire makes him an absolute threat despite his smaller size. His dribbling ability & willingness to run at defenders will prove him to be a huge threat---for me a player of the year candidate.
Predicted Finish: With their brilliance in attack & the managing of King Kenny, look for Liverpool to return to the top 4 this year.
Manchester City
Manager: Roberto Mancini
Recent History: Until 2008, Man City was a middle of the road team with no real aspirations for greatness. This all changed with the new ownership of the Abu Dhabi United Group. Under these free spending princes, City has risen in the table every season culminating in a top 4 finish (3rd) last season which will result in Champions League football. They also collected their first piece of solid hardware since 1976 (embarrassing, i know).
Significant Changes: As usual, City were active in the transfer market bringing in former Arsenal man Gael Clichy to shore up the fullback spot. They made a huge splash with the purchase of highly rated striker Sergio Aguero (Maradona's son-in-law). Aguero is small in stature but huge in ability. His goalscoring acumen will be much appreciated for the Citizens. City have also been linked with a move for all-world attacking mid Wesley Sneijder.
Player to Watch: If City do acquire Sneijder it will most certainly be him, but until then I'm going with David Silva. Silva is an absolute magician with the ball & on a team that is so loaded with attacking players (Balotelli, Dzeko to name a few) the importance of a playmaker is essential. When Silva is on the ball & attacking the heart of the defense, he is one of the finest playmakers around & will certainly boost City towards loftier goals.
Predicted Finish: With a plethora of options up front, a solid backline, and emerging star keeper Joe Hart, City should finish top four assuming Roberto Mancini doesnt lock down the attack with his boring managerial style.
Manchester United
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
Recent History: All you need to know about United's recent history is that they've never finished lower than 3rd since the formation of the EPL (around 1991 I believe). They are the defending champions and reached the Champions League Final where they lost to mighty Barcelona. But behind all world striker Wayne Rooney, absolute vulture Javier Hernandez, and never-aging Welshman Ryan Giggs, Manchester United were able to win the EPL with ease.
Significant Changes: When you have one of the best and deepest squads in all of football, wholesale changes are not needed. However, ManU lost two essential players & absolute legends of the game. One of the greatest midfielder of his generation, Paul Scholes retired along with terrific keeper Edwin van der Sar. Sir Alex chose to bring in highly rated young keep David de Gea from Atletico as his replacement. Also brought in were winger Ashley Young, whose speed and delivery into the box will be a solid asset, and highly rated 19year old defender Phil Jones. United also remain a (supposed) secret player in negotiations for Wesley Sneijder.
Player to Watch: For me, theres no doubt its the young exciting Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez. Along this squad is littered with great, exciting, and interesting (on & off the field) players, Hernandez will have a chance to solidify his place as a top goalscorer. After a hugely successful 1st season in the EPL, Hernandez looks poised to join the ranks as the next great striker. His ability to find the net reminds me of a young Pippo Inzaghi.
Predicted Finish: Barring catastrophic injuries, they are almost a lock for the top 4 and certainly a central contender for the title.
Newcastle
Manager: Alan Pardew
Recent History: Newcastle finished 12th in the 2010-11 with some impressive early season results, especially behind the likes of their now sold mammoth striker Andy Carroll. Carroll's terrific ability in the air came the Magpies a formidable offense as they finished with 56 in the 38 games. However, with Carroll gone, the Magpies will have to regroup & find new channels of offense, perhaps on the wing from the recently signed Gabriel Obertan.
Significant Changes: As just mentioned, Newcastle just recently signed former United winger Gabriel Obertan. Originally tabbed to be the next great winger, he never panned out at United and rarely featured in the side. Now with a Newcastle side where he will assuredly should start each week, look for him to finally blossom.
Player to Watch: Despite the fact that he probably will not play this season with Newcastle, this most certainly can't be anyone else but Joey Barton. Barton and Newcastle are currently on terrible terms & the club has stated that he may leave at anytime on free transfer. However Barton's off the field shenanigans make for must follow stories. Please read them at your discretion.
Predicted Finish: With Carroll gone and Barton destroying all hope of chemistry, look for this season to be a serious struggle for the Magpies. They will battle the relegation zone all season but something tells me they will do just enough to stay up top.
Norwich City
Manager: Paul Lambert
Recent History: Norwich City won their promotion to the top flight with a second place showing in Championship. Their last appearance in the Premiership was six years previous.
Significant Changes: None of real note to be honest. They brought in Tottenham defender Kyle Naughton on loan and defender Ritchie de Laet from United on loan as well. Both should receive good playing time as they develop their skills in hopes of better opportunities at the big clubs.
Player to Watch: Grant Holt was the Canaries (yes i had to look that up!) leading scorer in the Championship with an impressive 23 goals in 48 appearances. Overall for Norwich, Holt has bulged the bag 53 times in two seasons with the Canaries. He will need to continue similar performances for Norwich to make any noise this season.
Predicted Finish: While not much can ever be expected of recently promoted teams, this Norwich side doesn't seem to have much. Relegation certainly seems part of their future.
Queens Park Rangers
Manager: Neil Warnock
Recent History: QPR impressively won the Championship in 2010-11 with 88 points. Most impressively, was their defensive record, allowing only 32 goals in 46 games. This will mark QPR's first top flight football in fifteen years so expect the anxious fans to be in a celebratory state
Significant Changes: QPR brought in striker DJ Campbell for the sum of two million pounds from Blackpool. Having played top flight with Blackpool last season, Campbell should give some firepower up front to QPR. Campbell managed an impressive 13 goals last season and should immediately see full time minutes up front.
Player to Watch: QPR's recently named captain Adel Taarabt is the one to watch here. The 22 year old was originally a Tottenham young'un but was unable to make a mark at the club. Instead he came to QPR a few seasons ago and had an impressive last season in an attacking midfield role. He tickled the twine 19 times in 44 appearances & was named interim captain during the season before assuming the role on a permanent basis.
Predicted Finish: I'm excited for QPR's prospects this season. What should be a decent defense will be augmented by a few exciting players on the attack. I see no reason QPR won't stay afloat in the Premiership (barring of course dreaded injuries). Look for QPR to finish in the 10th to 15th range.
Stoke City
Manager: Tony Pulis
Recent History: Stoke secured promotion to the top level in 2007 and have stayed ever since. They finished a solid 13th last year but the highlight of their season was certainly their underrated march through the FA Cup to finals only to lose 1 nil to Man City. However, with City in the Champions League, Stoke will take the coveted spot in the Europa League which should draw some more exposure (and cash) to the Potters.
Significant Changes: Stoke acquired West Ham defender Matthew Upson on free transfer which should further shore up the defense---although Stoke's inability to score was more of a problem last season. Other than that, Stoke was not very active this summer.
Player to Watch: For me, it must be Trinidadian (is that right?) striker Kenwyne Jones, who has the ability but not always the consistency to succeed at the top level. The massive central attacker went through tremendous scoring periods in his first season with Stoke but more often was confined to the bench because of prolonged cold streaks. If he can find some consistency to his game, he can drive this offense and propel Stoke to greater things (Europe?).
Predicted Finish: I believe Stoke will easily stay in the Premiership, although I don't see much improvement from last season. Look for another 13th place finish for the Potters.
So there it is. The final part of the quick & fast guide to 2011-2012 English Premier League. Get ready for Matchday 1 this weekend! Assuming the Anarchy in the UK subsides of course!
Manager: Alan Pardew
Recent History: Newcastle finished 12th in the 2010-11 with some impressive early season results, especially behind the likes of their now sold mammoth striker Andy Carroll. Carroll's terrific ability in the air came the Magpies a formidable offense as they finished with 56 in the 38 games. However, with Carroll gone, the Magpies will have to regroup & find new channels of offense, perhaps on the wing from the recently signed Gabriel Obertan.
Significant Changes: As just mentioned, Newcastle just recently signed former United winger Gabriel Obertan. Originally tabbed to be the next great winger, he never panned out at United and rarely featured in the side. Now with a Newcastle side where he will assuredly should start each week, look for him to finally blossom.
Player to Watch: Despite the fact that he probably will not play this season with Newcastle, this most certainly can't be anyone else but Joey Barton. Barton and Newcastle are currently on terrible terms & the club has stated that he may leave at anytime on free transfer. However Barton's off the field shenanigans make for must follow stories. Please read them at your discretion.
Predicted Finish: With Carroll gone and Barton destroying all hope of chemistry, look for this season to be a serious struggle for the Magpies. They will battle the relegation zone all season but something tells me they will do just enough to stay up top.
Norwich City
Manager: Paul Lambert
Recent History: Norwich City won their promotion to the top flight with a second place showing in Championship. Their last appearance in the Premiership was six years previous.
Significant Changes: None of real note to be honest. They brought in Tottenham defender Kyle Naughton on loan and defender Ritchie de Laet from United on loan as well. Both should receive good playing time as they develop their skills in hopes of better opportunities at the big clubs.
Player to Watch: Grant Holt was the Canaries (yes i had to look that up!) leading scorer in the Championship with an impressive 23 goals in 48 appearances. Overall for Norwich, Holt has bulged the bag 53 times in two seasons with the Canaries. He will need to continue similar performances for Norwich to make any noise this season.
Predicted Finish: While not much can ever be expected of recently promoted teams, this Norwich side doesn't seem to have much. Relegation certainly seems part of their future.
Queens Park Rangers
Manager: Neil Warnock
Recent History: QPR impressively won the Championship in 2010-11 with 88 points. Most impressively, was their defensive record, allowing only 32 goals in 46 games. This will mark QPR's first top flight football in fifteen years so expect the anxious fans to be in a celebratory state
Significant Changes: QPR brought in striker DJ Campbell for the sum of two million pounds from Blackpool. Having played top flight with Blackpool last season, Campbell should give some firepower up front to QPR. Campbell managed an impressive 13 goals last season and should immediately see full time minutes up front.
Player to Watch: QPR's recently named captain Adel Taarabt is the one to watch here. The 22 year old was originally a Tottenham young'un but was unable to make a mark at the club. Instead he came to QPR a few seasons ago and had an impressive last season in an attacking midfield role. He tickled the twine 19 times in 44 appearances & was named interim captain during the season before assuming the role on a permanent basis.
Predicted Finish: I'm excited for QPR's prospects this season. What should be a decent defense will be augmented by a few exciting players on the attack. I see no reason QPR won't stay afloat in the Premiership (barring of course dreaded injuries). Look for QPR to finish in the 10th to 15th range.
Stoke City
Manager: Tony Pulis
Recent History: Stoke secured promotion to the top level in 2007 and have stayed ever since. They finished a solid 13th last year but the highlight of their season was certainly their underrated march through the FA Cup to finals only to lose 1 nil to Man City. However, with City in the Champions League, Stoke will take the coveted spot in the Europa League which should draw some more exposure (and cash) to the Potters.
Significant Changes: Stoke acquired West Ham defender Matthew Upson on free transfer which should further shore up the defense---although Stoke's inability to score was more of a problem last season. Other than that, Stoke was not very active this summer.
Player to Watch: For me, it must be Trinidadian (is that right?) striker Kenwyne Jones, who has the ability but not always the consistency to succeed at the top level. The massive central attacker went through tremendous scoring periods in his first season with Stoke but more often was confined to the bench because of prolonged cold streaks. If he can find some consistency to his game, he can drive this offense and propel Stoke to greater things (Europe?).
Predicted Finish: I believe Stoke will easily stay in the Premiership, although I don't see much improvement from last season. Look for another 13th place finish for the Potters.
So there it is. The final part of the quick & fast guide to 2011-2012 English Premier League. Get ready for Matchday 1 this weekend! Assuming the Anarchy in the UK subsides of course!
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