I wasn't sure whether to do a full preview of the upcoming Barclays Permier League or simply a preview of my "favourite" (all my friends have a vested interest in this league so I decided to pick a team to cheer on and because it is no fun rooting for your team to stay out of relegation I decided to go with one of the best in the league, yes it's a bandwagon pick but it's made me enjoy the league more so I have no problems with it. My actual team is and always will be Partizan but that's a whole different topic) team Chelsea. I then realized that i did not know enough about the entire league to do a preview justice and that late-summer fatigue (one that comes from sitting around doing nothing) had made me too lazy to even do a team preview. So here are my admittedly rushed and half-hearted (much like the plot in any Michael Bay movie) top 5 things to look forward to on matchday 1.
1. Can Sir Alex Ferguson and Man U. get off to a good start in the defense of their title?
It seems hard to believe but Manchester United has won 4 out of the last 5 Premier League titles. This quiet dynasty will look to kick things off with a win against West Brom. Even though the Red Devils are on the road I have to believe that anything but a win will be a disappointment. Also, with basically the same team as last year (only difference is a weaker defence, Rio Ferdinand's sucked for about 2 years now and a new goalkeeper in net) with a few key additions (Ashley Young, i watched him destroy Chelsea several times) this team will be the team to beat (they are also my pick to win it all again this year) and if the rumours of Wesley Sneijder (yes, i googled how to spell his last name) arriving are true. Look out.
2. How will Chelsea do their first game under Andre Villas-Boas?
The Blues will start their season on the road against Stoke (no pushovers at Brittania Stadium where they won 10 games last season) with basically the same aging squad they finished with last year. All eyes will be on Chelsea's new and charismatic coach who is coming off a dream season with Porto FC becoming the youngest coach (33 years old) ever to win a European Trophy (The Europa League) and on the worst signing last year hands down, Fernando Torres (seriously, Nnamdi Asomugha could kill Michael Vick in week 1 and still have a better year then Torres had last year for Chelsea). Both men will be looking to impress and since Torres has nowhere to go but up (hopefully) and Villas-Boas has already proven himself as a world-class coach I predict a win for Chelsea.
3. What will Dalglish and Liverpool do for an encore after last years great finish?
Go here for an answer.
4. How will Arsenal react to the impending departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri?
With Cesc basically a Barcelona player in everything but name and Nasri close behind him on a move to Man City, how will the young stars of Arsenal react in their opening match against Newcastle (who also have player issues with talented but strange midfielder Joey Barton)? One has to think that if Arsene Wenger doesn't at least contend seriously for some trophies this year or at the very least finish in the top 4 that he would be on his way out of Emirates. I mean how many great young talent can you stock up before fulfilling your potential? This must be infuriating for Arsenal fans who know that if their team went out and bought someone to push them over the top they could win the league (think Oklahoma City Thunder but worse). Going to be a very interesting season for this team.
5. Has Mario Balotelli figured out how to put on a bib?
Ok that was just a cheap excuse to post that video but really who can blame me?
Have a great weekend and enjoy the football. I know i will.
Luka Milanovic
@Luka_M91 on twitter
i want some predictions!!!
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