http://www.spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=508222I felt it time we looked at the relative merits of those teams we will most probably be vying with for the European places this forthcoming season:-
Man Utd - The Govan Governor will, as always, ensure his team are motivated for this campaign.They will enjoy the luxury of fielding a settled side that will in all probability include both Ronaldo and Berbatov(b*****d).Strong and experienced.Prediction:-Champions.
Chelsea - It seems that big Phil will get his wish to work with both Drogba and Lampard after all, and have the added advantage of being able to strengthen wherever and whenever he wants no matter what the cost.The fact that he is fresh off the boat and a new boy to the English game may prove to be a drawback.Prediction - Runners up.
Liverpool - Benitez has had several bites of the cherry regarding the league and surely this time must have learned the error of his ways(rotation).If he can strengthen the side by combining Gerrard and Torres with Barry and Keane(b*****d - if he leaves) then he may have a good tilt at providing a title challenge.Prediction - 3rd.
Arsenal - No matter how Wenger and his board wrap it up they will be markedly weaker this time round especially if they lose Adebayor. Could this be the straw that breaks the camel's back?Prediction - 5th (fingers crossed).
Portsmouth - Harry is undoubtedly a shrewd wheeler dealer in the transfer market and will again have improved his team.JD and Crouchy together should dramatically improve their attack They will mount a serious and sustained challenge for 4th spot.Prediction - 6th.
Everton - Don't appear to have the finances to mount a serious challenge for the top.They will most probably be forced to sell their perennial penalty provider Andrew Johnson to acquire new blood. However, an increasingly disillusioned "The Chosen One" will still have the wherewithal to ensure they are well organised.Prediction - 7th.
Aston Villa - MON has had his plate full with the continuing Barry saga and television punditry.Participation in the Intertoto plus the need to acquire a stopper will all have affected his preparations.Prediction 8th.
Man City - Hughesy got stuck in on the field and has proved a grafter off it.His main problem is that Frank Sinatra will be singing 'My Way' to him at every opportunity instead of backing his man.Will success hungry players want to come to the cabaret?Prediction - 9th.
Blackburn - With his arrival as a new manager and the likely departure of at least a couple of his key players, Incey wincey will have his hands full just keeping the ship afloat.Prediction 10th.
Newcastle - KK operates a wing and a prayer policy.This hit and hope merchant cannot provide tactical solutions to problems but hopes and prays he can motivate the boys to sort it themselves.Prediction - 12th.
Spurs - We will experience a lot of changes to the team this time round but it will be markedly improved in quality and will be more like JR's team playing to his system.The biggest handicap is that the players will have little time to get used to each other.Prediction - 4th (fingers crossed!)
Ladies and Gentlemen place your bets please..............
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Personally, I dont see Tottenham beating Arsenal to the 4th place; and I actually see a great improvement in the game of Portsmouth mainly due to the inclusion of Crouch in their squad. For me my Top 10 will look more like this:
1. Liverpool (With the inclusion of Keane, Barry, Alonso and Silva - We have no excuse)
2. Man U
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
5. Portsmouth
6. Newcastle (Winning formula - 3 Strikers upfront)
7. Aston Villa
8. Man City
9. Tottenham
10. Everton
What do you think?
