The Season Ahead

So the season kicks off in a few days time. As always it promises to bring breathtaking football from the worlds most entertaining league, no doubt. La Liga or the Serie A can't match the glamour, drama and the WAG (Wives and Girlfriends) lifestyle that comes with being a top premiership player these days.

In a previous blog, Season Review 07/08, I made some early predictions for the season ahead, and will elaborate further with regards to end of season places; trophies; the rather ambitious chasing pack; and my very own dream team.

As I've mentioned before, and will defend this to the very end, is the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson and his players can count themselves very lucky last season. Yes they won the double which is great and other teams can only sit back and admire them. But they had to sweat for it in a way they have never experienced before. Chelsea took them all the way. They won't be as lucky this time around, that's for sure. Ronaldo is out for the start of the season so let's see them prove me wrong. I felt sorry for Chelsea especially in the Champions league final but they handed it to United on a platter so it's up to them to win back both trophies. I predict an even closer finish this season with Arsenal and Liverpool more likely pushing them all the way.

Top Four

Man United - will Ronaldo still be the same player of last season? No he won't. I'm afraid it's back down to earth for most of the players. Fergie reckons that Ferdinand is the worlds best centre-half at the moment. Maybe only in his fantasy league team. With this comment he has surely placed unnecessary pressure on the man, a clear recipe for disaster. Final place prediction - 3rd, but could end up 2nd if Liverpool hand them any advantage, again.

Chelsea - a new coach, a new belief, some new players, and a bit of 'revenge' should see them pip United for the title. Why you ask? John Terry recently made mention of United's players peaking at the right time last season, and he rightfully suggests that it won't happen again as some of Fergie's players are due a slip-up which will prove costly. Final place prediction - 1st for Scolari's debut season.

Arsenal - they've lost too many experienced players to mount a serious title assault. But then again Wenger always proves his doubters wrong. Injuries plague a team that are known to play the beautiful game, and they might have to change their style somewhat to overcome lesser teams. We've seen some evidence of 'long-ball' tactics towards the end of last season which somehow paid off for the Gunners. Final place prediction - 4th seems fair, enough said.

Liverpool - its time for Rafa Benitez to deliver the league trophy which has eluded the Anfield trophy cabinet for far too long now. Will Robbie Keane be the messiah they've all been hoping for? Only time will tell. Stevie G needs to stay fit for the Merseyside giants in order for them to mount a serious challenge. But I think they will get closer this year and then finally take it the season after. They have some frighteningly good talent coming through the Liverpool youth ranks and this can only mean that they have a bright future ahead. Final place prediction - 3rd place if they don't grab 2nd from United.

Trophies

League title - Chelsea will take it, but it will be very close.
Champions League - Chelsea. Their turn for the double.
FA Cup - Liverpool to add another to their trophy cabinet.
Carling Cup - one of the chasing pack to grab the chance as United and Arsenal sadly and admittedly don't take this competition too seriously. Aston Villa or Everton.

The Chasing Pack

Aston Villa, Everton, Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspurs are no doubt the chasing pack. I can't see any other teams breaking their grip on the UEFA cup places. Aston Villa have already made seven singings and it looks like Martin 'O Neill will get his way and hold onto Gareth Barry. Everton haven't made as many quality signings so alarm bells must be ringing at Goodison Park. Portsmouth have signed Peter Crouch and he might just form a formidable partnership with Jermaine Defoe. Spurs have made a few top signings, but have lost their attacking force in Robbie Keane, and if Berbatov leaves for Man United they will surely struggle.

My Dream Team

Reina

Bosingwa Terry Agger Evra

Bentley Gerrard Fabregas Babel

Torres Keane

That's some team and I doubt many can improve on my selections. Remember this is a personal choice so yours will differ quite considerably.


In conclusion I predict a tighter finish from the top four teams this time around. Man United had a fairytale season, and as they say "all good things must come to an end" or more worryingly for them "what goes up must come down". Just ask the famous record-breaking Liverpool teams of the 70's and 80's. Even Sir Alex Ferguson made a comment recently about the great Liverpool team's of yesteryear when making comparisons with Chelsea. Click here to read the full article. It's worth the read. So as my good friend Charlie religiously sends out Lawro's Predictions each week I endeavor to keep the blog updated with my thoughts as to how the season unfolds.

Fergie's Obsession

Liverpool and Manchester United will always be England's two greatest rivals in the game, and United have a manager that instills this in his players as a matter of life and death. I do admire this from a manager but sometimes it seems a tad bit too much. He is also more importantly obsessed with overtaking Liverpool's records at all costs.

It's been a life-long obsession of his since the early days at the helm of Manchester United to wipe out the Merseyside giant's admirable record. The mention of Liverpool and their glorious history makes the man froth at the mouth, and most surely makes his blood boil each time a journalist compares his current squad, their recent success domestically and in Europe, with the likes of the Liverpool greats that once dominated the old Division One.

Here's a look at few points taken into consideration and underlines the obsession and fierce rivalry he has for the famous club in red.

Pursuit of 18 league titles and five European cups - this is understandable and is a topic he brings up each season as they etch ever so closely to it. Ferguson has delivered another 'double' for his beloved club but the time must be surely running out to catch-up in Europe. Those five stars on the Liverpool crest are not won over a few years, but rather by some great teams over the last few decades. One of his former captains in Roy Keane echo the above. He said: “So the thing is to catch up Liverpool next. They’re the target that Sir Alex Ferguson set at United when he first got the job.” Click here to read the full article.

'Resting' of players before key matches against Liverpool - is another sore point when the Manchester United midfield once dominated the England team. A few key players would often pickup a mysterious injury that would keep them out for a few days just before an England friendly. These would predictably take place just before key matches against their biggest rivals, and particularly in Liverpool's case. With a bit a of research you'll discover that the facts are out there but nobody has really picked up on it. It's often agreed that these matches are rather futile and senseless, and only increase the chances of players picking up injuries but is it club before country in Sir Alex Ferguson's case? Paul Scholes in particular would often be rested due to a niggle picked up during club training. Poor Wales suffered the same fate with Ryan Giggs being sidelined just before key qualifiers. Yes of course all managers want their best team on the field but it leaves a sour taste in the mouth if you think about it. One has to question his integrity. Scholes retiring from international football is another mystery I'd like to someday get my head around.

The Gabriel Heinze snub - is another story that springs to mind. The player publicly stated his desire to play for Liverpool. Ferguson was having nothing of it and ensured that the controversial transfer didn't take place with it eventually being decided by a bitter legal dispute in court. There was no way he would let his fiercest rivals gain the upper hand by signing a player that was named Player of the Year in his debut season at Manchester United. Heinze was bemused by Ferguson's obsessive behavior to deny his dream move. He said: "I still do not understand the real motives of United and think the whole thing set a bad example for football. "It is incredible that in the modern age - in the 21st century - there exists a situation where United will not sell to Liverpool" - he told the Daily Mail. Clearly the Argentine can't get his head around the whole debacle. Click here to read the full article.

The pursuit of wonderkid Aaron Ramsey - again a hot topic of discussion as a host of top teams were chasing the youngster dubbed the 'new Steven Gerrard'. Liverpool, Manchester, Everton and Arsenal were all reportedly lining up his signature. Alex Wenger eventually won the race much to the dislike of Ferguson. He is said to have been rather angry that one of his closest rivals has snatched Ramsey from under his nose. I'm sure he would have been even more angry if Liverpool managed to steal the show. This is just one of many fiercely fought transfer sagas as the top four clubs compete for the best talent across England and abroad.

Double Standards - again another blistering hot topic of discussion. Ferguson accused Liverpool of 'tapping up' Heinze in the transfer saga mentioned earlier. He said: "We are looking at Liverpool's whole role in this," says Fergie. "We are not letting them off with it." Clearly this is a case of double standards from the United boss. He has pursued many players and lured them to Old Trafford with the same tactics. That's most likely why FIFA has backed Real Madrid in the Ronaldo saga after Manchester United submitted a formal complaint. Click here to read the full article.

One could probably spend a lifetime collecting bits and bobs around Manchester United and Liverpool's fierce rivalry, but that is a whole new topic of discussion on it's own. Have a read at some of the funny stories around the rivalry that has taken place over the last few years. Click here.

It does however remain clear that Ferguson has been overly obsessive with his club's fiercest rivals, and why not? Long may it continue!

Season Review 07/08

What a season!

Chelsea took Man United all the way in both the EPL and Champions league final, which was nerve-recking for some, but good to see for even the neutral out there. Chelsea can feel aggrieved not to have pipped Man United at CL final hurdle as they thoroughly deserved to lift 'ol big ears' for the first time in the club's history. But as they say it's anyone's game when it goes to penalties and all credit to Man United for snatching it so late.

Poor John Terry had a 'banana skin' moment - literally. But I watched him captain England versus USA and he ended up scoring the opener, and seems to be over the 'slip up' in the final.

Now on to the top 4 clubs. The focus is on the impact of the new signings, team and player performances, key points, the manager verdict and next seasons predictions.

Man United - EPL champions and UEFA CL winners

New Signings - Fergie got his spending spot-on this time around. Nani, Anderson, Tevez and Hargreaves cost millions but were worth their weight in gold at the end of the day. Good first season for all of them.

Team & Players - Well Ronaldo scored an amazing 31 league goals, take that out of the equation and things seem different somewhat but he is a world-class act and deserves each accolade. United were languishing in 16th place after just 3 games, and pundits were starting to question the new signings. But they pulled themselves together after beating Spurs 1-0 and things took off from there. Losing only 5 games along the way they also scored the most goals with 80, and only conceding 22 proving that they had the tightest defence in the league.

Key Points - The win against Spurs lifted them. Beating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield to take them top again. Blitzing Newcastle for six. Steve Bennett spoiling a good game by sending off Liverpool's Mascherano in the 3-0 drubbing at Old Trafford. The last game and season decider in which Wigan were controversially denied a penalty, again referee Steve Bennett was in charge. It could have changed the outcome of the league but Chelsea failed to win their final match.

Manager Verdict - Seems obsessed with overtaking Liverpool's record, but then who wouldn't envy it. With an astute assistant manager in Carlos Queiroz Man United and Sir Alex Ferguson have a good custodian to eventually succeed him. He understands the game, the players, and has brought some new ideas to the team management which benefited the club no doubt. Fergie has a few years left in him but knows that he needs to re-invent the team each season and not get left behind if he wants to continue challenging for trophies again.

Next Season - Won't be as lucky this time around and the other 3 big teams will continue to strengthen and chase trophies which always makes it harder to defend, but as the great golfer Gary Players says you can only create your own luck! Ronaldo might be off to Spain in the summer as Real Madrid continue to pursue interest in the player. Who knows? I hope he doesn't as the EPL is certainly more exciting with players like him around. Fergie will most likely sell Saha and buy a new striker. Scholes and Giggs are ageing but he will hope the new batch will fit into this succession plan. Expect more cash to be splashed on defensive cover as Gary Neville nears retirement. Micah Richards, Sevilla's Daniel Alves and Fabiano, and Cardiff's wonderkid Ramsey all linked with summer transfers. Player to watch next season - young striker Danny Welbeck if he gets his chance.



Chelsea - EPL runners-up and UEFA CL runners-up

New Signings - Chelsea didn't spend that big as anticipated. A few hit-and-miss signings in Pizarro, Beletti, Sidwell, Ben Haim and Malouda. They were all brought in under Jose Mourinho's reign so it's unfair to comment. However, Avram Grant did bring in Nicholas Anelka and defender Ivanovic during the January transfer window. Anelka only managed one goal for the Chelsea so one can hardly call him an astute singing as he was often played out of position.

Team & Players - Chelsea didn't have the best of starts to the season, and along with the high expectations came the inevitable departure of the special one. Avram's first game in charge was against the eventual champions, Manchester United, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. I did mention that United were lucky and this is just one of the reasons. Chelsea lost their influential manager, Arsenal were flying high but with question marks hanging over their young players heads, and Liverpool with their boardroom spat made life much easier for United. Chelsea ambled along and deservedly pushed Man United all the way. Ballack, Terry, Lampard and Drogba were the spine that grinded out results week-in and week-out. It came down to the last game of the season but Chelsea were kicking themselves for earlier mishaps made throughout the season.

Key Points - The fortunate draw against Liverpool with a dubious penalty being awarded to them by referee Rob Styles. The departure of Jose Mourinho. Loss to Spurs in the Carling Cup final. The 1-1 draw against Wigan at Stamford Bridge gave United some breathing space. The 2-1 victory over United ensured a grand finale to the season. And of course the last game with a draw against Bolton. Unlucky at times but showed loads of character from their more senior players.

Manager Verdict - Mourinho's increasing unhappiness with not being able to dictate transfer dealings, and the owner's ever-increasing frustration with boring football meant that the gaffer would always be the first to be shown the exit door. His record before leaving was won three; drew two and lost one - not good enough for a team that cost millions. Avram Grant didn't have the best of starts but he eventually endured himself to the Chelsea fans as the team started banging in goals. Question marks around the Anelka signing and then playing him out of position. Not a bad season after all and unlucky not to be there next season.

Next Season - The owner, Roman Abramovich, will no doubt loosen the purse strings in what could possibly be a mini-revolution with players moving on, and with new players surely to be signed by the new manager who has yet to be appointed. Rumours are out that Mourinho wants Lampard, Drogba and Carvalho at Inter Milan. The club have already secured Jose Bosingwa. Other players on the transfer shortlist include Robinho, Kaka and almost every other top player across Europe so who knows. Will again push the other 3 big teams all the way and will have to settle quickly under the new manager in order to mount a serious challenge. Player to watch next season - midfield maestro Ballack although one can't tell with all the changes expected.



Arsenal - 3rd place in EPL and UEFA CL quarter-finalists

New Signings - Sagna was the only real success for Wenger this season. Unfortunately for Eduardo da Silva he suffered an horrific injury that could well have been a deciding factor for the Gunners. Wenger's policy of not signing big players most certainly played it's part in a trophy-less season at the Emirates. He also failed to strengthen in the January transfer window and has taken criticism from leading pundits who feel that he failed to mix both youth and experience in order to go all the way, and it showed.

Team & Players - Apart from Adebayor who netted an impressive 24 league goals, and Fabgregas who grabbed seven from the midfield, Arsenal just couldn't find another match-winner to help challenge for the title. After grabbing and cementing first place after just five games the expectations were very high, and it was always going to be case of maintaining championship form. The loss of Van Persie early on and the unfortunate leg break of da Silva meant that players like Flamini and Hleb stepping up to the plate now that the ever reliable Henry was no longer at the club. Gallas as captain was a disappointment. Wenger's insistence with playing Senderos as opposed to Toure at centre-back was perhaps and error in hindsight as the Gunners fell apart and surrendered top spot to Man United. Even though they only lost three games it was the 11 draws that dented their season hopes.

Key Points - The 3-1 drubbing of Spurs at White Lane. The 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough in early December. The 2-2 draw at Birmingham where the Gunners not only lost da Silva, but also their momentum. Climbing back to 2nd spot after snatching a late 3-2 win at Bolton. And lastly the 2-1 loss at Old Trafford that virtually ended their title hopes.

Manager Verdict - The rumours are out that PSG want Wenger to take the club back to their glory days. His policy of fielding youthful teams as opposed to blending the team with more experience was possibly the mistake that he will never admit. The defensive shuffle late on caused an imbalance in the team. Wenger had the chance to bring in some cover in January but instead decided to stick to the afore-mentioned policy which cost the club at the end of the day. High hopes turned to empty trophy cabinets and he will need to go back to the drawing board if he wants to re-emerge with any credit.

Next Season - Wenger needs to strengthen the midfield now that Flamini has left, and with Hleb possibly on his way to Barcelona. He also needs to find a partner up front for Adebayor as he can't carry the goal-scoring duties on his own. Perhaps big name signings could do the trick but then again that has never been Wenger's 'transfer policy'. Player to watch next season - Theo Walcott if he starts.



Liverpool - 4th place finish and UEFA CL semi-finalists

New Signings - Fernando Torres was no doubt the newcomer of the season. Babel had a few cameo performances and players like Lucas and Benayoun weighed in with a few average performances. Voronin & Itandje were sadly both flops but it was great to see young Skrtel settle into the back-four as if he has been playing there all his life.

Team & Players - The joint performances of both Gerrard & Torres was perhaps the only highlight of Liverpool's trophy-less season. They have been compared to the legendary Rush & Daglish partnership, and why not they are both truly world-class! Between them they scored and amazing 35 goals. A remarkable 24 league goals from Torres who didn't take a spot-kick the entire season. Liverpool were flying at the start of the season and deservedly occupied first spot after hitting a sorry Derby for six. The loss of Daniel Agger and Carragher during key stages of the season meant that Rafa had to look at old-horse Hyypia for cover until the impressive Skrtel arrived in January. Again Liverpool suffered under Rafa's rotation policy and the lack of depth within the squad meant he often had to pick inexperienced players such as Jack Hobbs. Their form faltered very early on and it was a point of too little too late as the Reds marched on at the business end of the season. Only four losses along the way, but 13 draws sums up a season for Liverpool as they often failed to finish off the so called smaller teams.

Key Points - The penalty awarded to Chelsea to give them a undeserved draw. Both losses against Man United certainly handed them the title. Four draws and a loss which started at the end of December and lasted until early February when Liverpool beat Sunderland 3-0. The draw at the Emirates where Liverpool fielded a virtual second-string team showed the improvement within the squad.

Manager Verdict - His first season without reaching a final means that it was a rather disappointing campaign. Football analysts fully understand the need to keep players fresh as it is no doubt a long season, but Rafa failed to settle with a winning team and formation. Once the gaffer settled on the favoured 4-3-3 formation Liverpool started showing signs of consistent form. He would need to carefully consider this approach come next season. Another frustrating aspect was leaving Crouch on the bench when the obvious tactic was to bring him on to help Torres lead the line against a stubborn defence. Only the manager knows why he makes these decisions but the fans believe in him. But he will have to deliver a title sooner or later if he wants to write his name into Liverpool's football club folklore.

Next Season - It seems as if many players will no doubt move on in the summer as Rafa clears up funds to purchase the likes of Gareth Barry & David Bentley. Crouch might be on his way if Rafa can't guarantee more games next season. Pennant, Riise and Alonso could all find new clubs if the price is right. Benitez would need to sign another world-class striker if he is serious about mounting a challenge. Hopefully the owners will back him as do the owners of Man United & Chelsea whose spending seem endless. Player to watch next season - Ryan Babel will be exciting to watch if Rafa plays him as a striker.

And end to another pulsating season! Hull, West Brom and Stoke City join the world's top drawer league. Will they manage to stay up as the big four continue to dominate? Only time will tell.

Manchester United or Chelsea?

What a game at Stamford Bridge!

An 'emotional roller-coaster' is not the word one can use to describe the feelings on the night, but rather one of hope and belief as I reminisced of the glorious night in Istanbul. But this was not to be as Chelsea deservedly put Liverpool out and make history by reaching their first Champions League final. Chelsea were the better team on the night and deserve to be there. It was the Drogba show no doubt which I wasn't looking forward to, and after Benitez's mid-week comments about 'diving', and the video footage to prove this it was the perfect response from the Ivorian striker who will most likely move on in the summer, with AC Milan and Real Madrid his preferred destinations.

All accolades aside. I don't intend doing a post-match analysis on the actual game as this would certainly tend to be based on bias. So I'll prefer to analyse areas of each team and how they might pan out come May 21st for the pinnacle of Europe's top draw competition.

Vidic & Ferdinand vs. Drogba - they will no doubt be tight at the back but I'm backing Drogba to snatch a goal or capitalise on a rare mistake that might decide the match.

Man Utd midfield vs. Chelsea midfield - it's a tough one to call but again I'll say that Chelsea edge United in this area, simply because of Ballack & Lampard. United have Scholes, Anderson, Carrick and Hargreaves but they lack the Big Match Temperament factor.

Rooney, Ronaldo & Tevez vs. Terry & Carvahlo - i think United have the edge here if Rooney starts. Ronaldo goes to sleep when playing the bigger teams but this just might be his stage to perform and show his BMT!

It's going to be Chelsea and Liverpool fans all against Man United. I'm backing Chelsea to take the CL final with United already having wrapped up the EPL.

Comments to follow after the final!