Good day all,
Bear with me as this is my inaugural blog for 3mw, and everyone knows the first time is always a bit awkward. I'm not really sure what to say, when to say things, or how long it will be until something unexpectedly bad happens. So enough of those sexual innuendos and lets get down to business. The EPL starts tomorrow and I for one cannot wait. I'm sick of watching the MLS (no offense, EPL is just a better league), and all these friendlies (they are friendlies, come on, I want to see players barreling into each other and getting stuck in).
Without any further ado, here's my preseason review
Sunderland: Mgr: Steve Bruce
Recent History: Sunderland has a long history of being a quality and even high quality footballing club. Seriously, they were one of the top teams back in the day. And by back in the day I am of course referring to the 1890's when they won three consecutive league titles. You might be asking yourself, "what happened to them, they were so good?" Well, money issues, player scandals, and being Sunderland, happened. This isn't to say that they don't have some bright spots. Last year Sunderland had a fantastic opening to the '10-'11 season, having a 7 match unbeaten streak that saw them take on the likes of Man U, Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. They had huge potential but couldn't keep up with the winning ways but finished a respectable 10th in the Premier League.
Significant Changes: It goes like this. They lost striker Darren Bent in January of 2011 and in June lost Jordan Henderson, a Sunderland Academy player, to Liverpool. They did however, sign Craig Gardner from Birmingham City. He scored 8 league goals last year and should help out Asamoah Gyan in the goal scoring department.
Player to Watch: It’s easy to say Asamoah Gyan for this one, but since everyone knows of him since the last World Cup. I'm going with Stephane Sessegnon. He was a transfer during the middle of last season from PSG. He ended the season on the upswing and should be looking to capitalize on his experience from last year and be solid EPL striker, whether he's on the left, the right, or in the center.
Predicted Table Finish: 10th
Swansea City- Mgr: Brendan Rodgers
Recent History: Ok, I know what you’re thinking, but yes Swansea really is a part of the 2011-2012 Premier League. It’s shocking because they will be the first team from Wales to join the top flight since its inception in 1992. The Swans have come a long way to get to the EPL, having been in the 3rd division as recently as the 2007-2008 season. But they have managed to pull themselves up and got into a playoff last season and beat Reading 4-2 to gain admittance to the big league.
Significant Changes: Swansea City is going to be up for quite a challenge this season now that it is playing with the big boys. They have brought in winger Wayne Routledge from Newcastle United, which should bring some EPL experience to the lineup. Also, they have signed Dutch international keeper Michel Vorm.
Player to Watch: Nathan Dyer. He was named Swansea City Supporters' Player of the Year last season. I don't have much else to say as I've never seen Swansea City play.
Projected Table Finish: Bottom of the pack. I'm expecting a fight to stay up.
Tottenham Hotspur: Boy am I excited to finally write about a team that should have a good season.
Mgr: Harry Redknapp
Recent History: If you followed the Champions League last year at all, you have heard about the remarkable run that this club made. If you lived under a rock, this is what you missed. They stormed onto the international scene when their wonder-boy Gareth Bale notched a hat-trick against Inter in the Champions league and then lead his team to a 3-1 victory against Inter in the second leg to knock out the defending champions though they eventually succumbed to Real Madrid and their mountains of money...I meant talented players. Their efforts thrilled the footballing world, and should serve as inspiration for this upcoming season.
Significant Changes: One of the biggest areas of concern for the Spurs last season was the inconsistency of keeper Heurelho Gomes. Sure he played well and got his team very deep into the Champions league and a top 5 spot in the Premier League, but it was goals like the one Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the Champions League that garnered some concern. So Tottenham went out and signed American Brad Friedel. It is still unsure on where Friedel will be in the depth chart but expect there to be competition throughout the season, unless one keeper stands out among the rest.
Player to Watch: As I've gone with all attacking players so far, I'm going to give a nod the guys in the back who wack and hack and prevent goals from happening (notice the rhyming that just happened). My player to watch is Michael Dawson. Dude's a beast in the backfield. He has great on field awareness and is never afraid of a bone crunching challenge. He excels in the air and has scored some goals for his side. He is also an up-and-coming English international defender so I see nothing but improvement for this lad. I expect a good season out of him.
Projected Table Finish: Fighting for a top 4 finish
West Bromwich Albion- Mgr: Roy Hodgson
Recent History: West Brom enjoyed its season in the Premier League last year, finishing 11th. They have an up and down history but manager Roy Hodgson is hoping to stay in the league and improve on last year.
Significant Changes: Perhaps the biggest change for West Brom was the hiring of manager Roy Hodgson in last February. He kept the team in the Premier League and looks for a more successful campaign. Also, they have manages to hold on to key striker Peter Odemwingie. He scored 15 goals last season and the club has made it very clear that he is not for sale.
Player to Watch: Clearly Peter Odemwingie is the brightest spot for the baggies. He netted 15 goals and looks to terrorize EPL defenses again. I think it’s pertinent to note that the 15 goals he scored is a club record. Who knows if he can do it again…?
Projected Table Finish: Bottom of the pack
Wigan Athletic: Mgr: Roberto Martinez
Recent History: Martinez used to play for the club in the late 1990’s so he knows the culture well. Despite that, they struggled immensely at the beginning of last season, suffering colossal losses. They managed to turn it around though as the qualified for the Premier league on the last day of the season thanks to a goal by Hugo Rodallega.
Significant Changes: The club signed Nouha Dicko from RC Strasbourg. This lightening quick winger is hailed by manager Martinez as a player of the future. This makes sense as he is just a lad at 19 years old. It’s still surprising to this blogger that players can be that good at that young of an age.
Player to Watch: Gary Caldwell- This versatile defender can play all over the place. He prefers the central defender role but he can also play right back and a defensive midfielder. As the reigning captain of Wigan, and Wigan not being the most glamorous team, I think he’s one name that you will be surely hearing about throughout the year.
Projected Table Finish: Bottom of the pack
Wolverhamption Wanderers: Mgr: Mick McCarthy
Recent History: The Wolves won their admittance to the EPL in the 2008-2009 season and have been flirting with relegation ever since it seems. Perhaps the best thing that’s happened to the club is its planned redevelopment of their stadium.
Players to Watch: Kevin Doyle: Irish International, 21 year old striker. This guy managed 14 goals in 60 appearances for the Wolves last season. This is impressive as for most of the season he was the lone striker for the team. He has become part of the striking force for Ireland and has seen success there too.
Projected Table Finish: Bottom of the pack
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