Premier League season reaching the business end

Photograph from Flickr

As the calendar flicks over towards March, everyone involved in football starts to get that tingling feeling as the Premier League season starts to unfold. As managers start to feel the pressure, every game starts to take on greater significance.

Over the last twenty years the Premier League has seen many thrilling finishes, from West Brom's great escape when the last day saw four teams fight it out for one survival spot, to last year's stunning title victory for Manchester City over city rivals United on goal difference.

Is it the end of an era for Arsenal?

Photograph from Flickr

Seven-and-a-half years ago Arsenal defeated Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out to win their fifth trophy in five years. The year before they had gone a whole Premier League season unbeaten and boasted a host of top players such as Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg, Sol Campbell and Patrick Vieira.

Now their best player is undoubtedly a raw young talent in the form of Jack Wilshere, but with the side in disarray it is unlikely it will be long before he follows Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri out of The Emirates. 

Although their last 16 Champions League tie with Bayern Munich is far from over, it is almost impossible to see Arsenal winning either 4-2 or by three goals in the Allianz Arena. Bayern are even stronger than when they reached the final last season and haven't lost since it was confirmed that Pep Guardiola would be taking over in the summer. 

It is not as though the Gunners have been a poor side since they won the FA Cup in 2005. In that time they have not finished outside the top four of the Premier League and have reached the League Cup final twice, losing 2-1 to Chelsea in 2007 and 2-1 to Birmingham City in 2011. 

Despite those efforts, their best achievement was reaching the Champions League final in 2006 when they went down 2-1 to Barcelona after having goalkeeper Jens Lehmann sent off. They could count themselves quite unlucky in that match and probably expected many more European finals to follow over the coming years, although those hopes have not materialized. It will be a shock to many that Arsenal have never won the Champions League under Arsene Wenger, in fact they have not been crowned champions of Europe in their history. 

Even though that sounds like a poor record for a club of their size, they are the only British team to have reached the last 16/second group stage every year this century. 

Arsenal in the Champions League under Arsene Wenger
Group stage	2
Last 16/Second group stage	6
Quarter-finals	4
Semi-finals	1
Final	1

Since the first two times that they played with Europe's elite under Wenger, when they were knocked out in the group stages both times, Arsenal have since sealed their place as one of the continent's best, although they are desperate to be crowned champions. 

At this rate even being in the Champions League next year will take a huge effort in itself. This season has been another disappointing one for the North London club so far. They sit in fifth place in the Premier League table, four points behind rivals Tottenham Hotspur who occupy the final Champions League spot. After this latest defeat, coupled with their shock FA Cup loss to Championship side Blackburn, and their season looks destined to be another fruitless one. 

For a couple of years now there have been sections of Arsenal's over-paying fans that believe Wenger's time has passed. Fail to seal Champions League qualification at the end of the season and the board might lose patience and agree with them.

However Wenger has been one of the club's greatest ever managers, in the last 17 seasons he has provided three Premier League titles and four FA Cups and countless near misses. What he has also managed is to transform Arsenal from an inconsistent side to a side that always challenges in the higher echelons of the table.

He has also not been backed tremendously by the board in recent years. The signings of Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski were big buys, but not bank-breakers by any stretch of the imagination and were never going to win Arsenal the Premier League or Champions League. So who can blame him for trusting in youth? It is all he can really do.

The defence is clearly shaky, but that is as much down to the players' concentration as it is the manager's organisational skills. Despite his unbelievable record though, it would not be surprising in the modern day football cut and thrust culture, if Wenger was shown the door if the Gunners finish outside the top four. 

Whatever happens, Arsenal supporters appear to be witnessing their club fall in a similar, although not as dramatic, way to how Liverpool, Champions League regulars not so long ago, fell from Premier League favourites in 2009 to eighth place last year. 

Although Wenger's men seem to only be suffering a slight slide at the moment, it appears that the slide will become a full-on crash in the near future.

Arteta miss costs Arsenal while Everton hold on to fourth

An missed penalty in the fifth minute of injury-time by Mikel Arteta cost Arsenal all three points at the Emirates in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Fulham. 

Veteran Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer saved low to his left to deny Arteta to extend the Cottagers' unbeaten run in the Premier League to five matches.

The miss continued Arsenal's poor form from the spot as this was their 5th miss from their last 10 penalties, the joint-highest in the Premier League.

The Gunners remain one place above Fulham on goal difference in seventh, although Martin Jol's men will be much happier with their league standing than the side from North London. 

Olivier Giroud answered his critics when he headed in the opening goal, and when Lukas Podolski stabbed the home team two in front, it looked like there would be no way back for Fulham. 

However former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov ignited his side into action with a header of his own to bring the scoreline back to 2-1 with just 29 minutes gone. The Bulgarian then set up Alex Kacaniklic to equalise five minutes before half-time. 

Berbatov then converted a penalty to grab his fifth goal in just seven Premier League games this season, before Giroud responded with his second, a header from a Theo Walcott cross. 

There was more drama to come, when in the 94th minute Sascher Riether conceded what looked to be a harsh penalty for hand-ball. The spot-kick came to nothing though as Schwarzer saved and referee Phil Dowd immediately brought an end to proceedings. 

At Goodison Park Everton came from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1 thanks to goals from Maroune Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic, their sixth and fifth league goals of the season respectively. 

Toffees boss David Moyes (after what was his 400th match in charge) admitted: "I thought it was going to be one of those days. It didn't look as if it was coming, I thought it looked like a 1-0 to Sunderland - but that was not for us not trying to keep knocking at the door.

"I thought we kept going and the players showed great character to come from a goal behind."

Steve Clarke's West Brom got their first league win of the season away from home as they beat Wigan 2-1 at the DW Stadium: http://asportinginsight.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/wigan-1-2-west-brom.html

James Morrison gave the Baggies the lead before Gary Caldwell found his own net. Despite an Arouna Kone goal the away team were well worth the three points that kept them level on points with fourth-placed Everton. 

Manchester United increased their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points after coming from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Villa Park.

Javier Hernandez scored two and made another as United completed their eighth winning come-back of the season: http://asportinginsight.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/uniteds-spirit-shows-no-signs-of.html

The young Mexican has now scored every 51 minutes he has played in the Premier League this season.

Struggling Southampton could not keep a first clean-sheet of the season as Nathan Dyer scored a 73rd minute equaliser to give Swansea a 1-1 draw after Schneiderlin had given the Saints the lead.

The young Saints team played well despite averaging only 23 years and 326 days old and under-fire manager Nigel Adkins said: "We're together as one. Everyone is having a right go, the performance was good. Listen, take the positives. We got a point. We wanted the three and a clean sheet but let's take the positives."

Premier League bottom club Queens Park Rangers remain without a win after losing 1-0 at Stoke courtesy of a Charlie Adam goal, his first Premier League striker in thirteen months. The Hoops missed several second half chances and have now trailed for more minutes than any other team (463) this season.

It also looks ominous for Hughes's men as they have extended their run without a win to 11 matches.

In the day's other top-flight match Reading also failed to chalk up their first victory as they played out a 0-0 stale-mate with Norwich.

Statistics courtesy of Infostrada Sports: http://infostradalive.com/

Arsenal Grab Important Win At Upton Park Thanks To Cameo From Theo Walcott

Arsenal came from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 at Upton Park in a feisty London derby. A cameo substitute appearance from unsettled winger Theo Walcott turned the game in the Gunners's favour as he claimed a goal and an assist. The win lifts Arsenal to fifth in the Premier League table, just two points behind fourth-placed West Brom.

Arsenal started the match on the front foot and carved out the first meaningful chance in the sixth minute when Santi Cazorla found space on the edge of the box but saw his right-footed drive deflected behind for a corner.

It was only 15 minutes later when Mohamed Diame gave the Hammers the lead with a magnificent curling strike after nut-megging Aaron Ramsey to score from the tightest of angles and send the bubble-blowing contingent of Upton Park into raptures. He was then booked for an over-exuberant celebration. West Ham then found themselves in the driving seat, but could not convert a flurry of well-placed set-pieces into clear-cut opportunities.

Shortly before half-time came the moment that all Arsenal fans have been waiting for since the start of the season. Olivier Giroud scored his first goal for Arsenal since his big money summer transfer from Montpellier after sliding in to meet a low Lukas Podolski cross at the near post.

West Ham were surprisingly the team that put Arsenal under pressure at the start of the second half with a flurry of corners before Andy Carroll appeared to miss a great chance in the 54th minute after Nolan had seen his effort blocked, but  the former Bolton midfielder had already been flagged offside.

The home side came out at the start of the second half by far the stronger and immediately piled the pressure on the Gunners. Their first decent effort of the second 45 was when a long throw from Demel was flicked on by Carroll, only for club record signing Matt Jarvis to smash his shot into the stands.

Arsenal hit the Hammers on the counter-attack in the 65th minute, just minutes after Wenger had introduced Walcott and the substitute accidentally blocked a Cazorla shot. But he back-heeled the ball to Giroud who did well to get a shot away on the slide from a tight angle, only for his effort to find the side-netting.

In his first start since his home debut against Fulham Andy Carroll missed a glorious opportunity to give the home side the lead. He leaped above Vito Mannone, and with the goal gaping, drifted his header wide of the far post. Kevin Nolan was the next West Ham man to spurn a great chance when, after getting in behind the Arsenal defence, tried to cut inside and lost the ball when he should have shot.

Those missed chances seemed to push Arsenal into action and they were screaming for a penalty when Aaron Ramsey went down on the edge of the area, but Phil Dowd waved away the appeals. 

After Lukas Podolski had seen a low drive stopped by Jussi Jaaskelainen, Olivier Giroud sprung Walcott clear with an inch-perfect through-ball which the England winger duly converted as he slotted low to give Arsenal a precious lead with just 13 minutes remaining.

Sam Allardyce's team had a great chance to respond quickly, as less than two minutes after Walcott's strike the ball fell to Nolan, but he again wasted the chance and shot high over the cross-bar. 

The game was basically over in the 83rd minute as Walcott cut inside and laid the ball off to Santi Cazorla who thumped in a stunning strike into the far top corner to give the Gunners a two-goal cushion going into the final minutes. 

Giroud missed one last one-on-one in stoppage time, but it didn't matter as Arsenal comfortably held on to seal a crucial three points.

Chelsea Hold Onto Top Spot With Impressive Win At Arsenal

By Joseph Chapman: https://twitter.com/jcwba16

Chelsea continued their unbeaten start to the season after narrowly beating rivals Arsenal in this frantic lunchtime encounter.

Both teams had managed six goals each midweek in the Capital One Cup against Midlands opposition, added to the fact that they produced game of the season last year, so there were high hopes for the televised fixture.

John Terry led his side out after receiving news this week that he will serve a four match ban and pay a fine for an incident concerning QPR's Anton Ferdinand last year. Frank Lampard was reduced to the bench while there was no place in the squad for Daniel Sturridge.

Thomas Vermaelen returned to the Gunner's defence for the match against the Blues, after missing out on their draw against Man. City last week. Vito Mannone continued in goal, but the game came too soon for Jack Wilshere.

The first shot on target came from David Luiz, but his effort from a free kick was tame and easily held by Mannone.

Chelsea started the brighter, Fernando Torres flashing a ball across the six yard box, but there weren't any blue shirts about to turn it in.

Arsenal's first effort came from Ramsey after nippy play around the edge of the area from Diaby, Gervinho soon after teeing up Cazorla who blazed over. Despite the hosts' obvious attacking impetus, Chelsea were able to counter, Mata, Hazard and Oscar all looking dangerous.

Diaby himself shot straight at Cech, but soon made way for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after picking up an injury.

The away side took the lead on 20. A Mata free kick wasn't dealt with and Torres managed to wrap his leg around Koscielny and volley the ball into the net.

This sparked Arsenal into life. The battle down the right hand side between Ramsey and Cole continued, but the home side's forwards were somewhat subdued. There were penalty appeals from Cazorla and Torres within a minute of each other, but both were waved away by Martin Atkinson.

Arsenal's persistence paid off right before half time. Oxlade-Chamberlain receiving the ball on the wing and picking out Gervinho. The African trapped the ball with his back to goal before launching a shot into the roof of the net.

The first chance in the second half suggested that Arsenal were about to pick up where they left off. Gibbs played a through ball that Podolski played across the box. The poor clearance went straight to Cazorla who sliced it wide.

However, Chelsea were to regain their lead when Mata's second free kick in succession caused havoc. The ball went straight through a host of players before Koscielny attempted to prevent it from beating Mannone, but only succeeded in helping it on.

Petr Cech was to be busy from thereon in. He first stopped a fantastic header from Podolski. Walcott and Giroud were thrown on by Arsene Wenger and the latter had a shot which deflected wickedly. But the Czech managed to palm the ball away for a corner. He could do nothing about a Cazorla free kick which was met by the head of Koscielny. The Frenchman was hoping to make amends, but could only turn the ball onto the post.

The final chance was possibly the best. Oxlade-Chamberlain played a one-two with Cazorla before laying it off for Giroud. The signing from Montpellier took the ball round Cech but then proceeded in missing the target.

Chelsea held on and remain on top of the table, while Arsenal suffer their first defeat of the season. It will be intriguing to see if the Blues can keep this form up and mount a serious title challenge under Robbie Di Matteo.

http://www.ftbpro.com/posts/joseph.chapman/53793/arsenal-1-2-chelsea http://www.ftbpro.com/joseph.chapman

Clinical Arsenal Beat An Uninspiring Liverpool at Anfield

Arsenal produced a disciplined and clinical display to comfortably beat Liverpool at Anfield. Goals from new signings Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla gave them their first three points of the season in a cagey game of few chances.

A year ago Liverpool travelled to the Emirates and beat an Arsenal side in transition 2-0 and this time it was the other way around as the Gunners disposed of a side lacking in creativity and menace. The game started slowly and besides a couple of Liverpool free-kicks that came to nothing there was little to suggest a goal was coming when Steven Gerrard needlessly gave the ball away deep in the Arsenal half. Podolski found Cazorla who turned into space before picking the perfect moment to slip the ball back to his team-mate, who  in turn, duly slotted in to give his team a 31st minute lead. 

Brendan Rodgers's Liverpool continued to press and push men forward but without much end product, the best moment a Raheem Sterling turn and shot that found the outside of the post. Arsenal could have doubled their lead before half-time but Olivier Giroud spurned a great chance when he shot wide when he should have done better. 

Arsenal came out quickly in the second half and Reina was forced into a smart save from Cazorla. On 68 minutes Cazorla played a neat one-two with Podolski and burst into the left-hand side of the area before shooting low under Reina at the near-post. 

A home come-back never looked like materialising and it was Arsene Wenger's men that nearly scored again when Giroud headed over when in acres of space. The only bright sparks for Rodgers was another virtuoso display by 17-year-old winger Raheem Sterling and a good late cameo by Jonjo Shelvey.

Arsenal answered many questions, especially to the people who thought that they could not score enough goals. Liverpool meanwhile just showed that letting Andy Carroll go to Upton Park leaves them with no Plan B and a lack of fire-power.

Premiership Sides Get Mixed Fortunes In The Champions League Draw

The 2012/13 Champions League group stages are in place and the draw provided mixed fortunes for the English sides. Defending European champions Chelsea were given a tough assignment of Shakhtar Donetsk, Italian champions Juventus and Denmark's FC Nordsjaelland. Premier League champions Manchester City find themselves with match-ups against La Liga champions Real Madrid, Eredivisie winners Ajax and Bundesliga victors Borussia Dortmund. Three-time Champions League winners Manchester United have drawn a fairly comfortable group in the form of Braga, Galatasaray and CFR Cluj. Arsenal face Schalke, Olympiakos and French Ligue 1 winners Montpellier. 

Group E (Chelsea)

Last year's winners Chelsea only qualified for the competition as a result of their win over Bayern Munich after finishing down in sixth place in England's top flight. New manager Roberto Di Matteo's first European game was the Last 16 second leg against Napoli at Stamford Bridge, facing a 3-1 deficit. Chelsea won a dramatic game 4-1 after extra time and went on to beat Benfica, Barcelona and Bayern Munich to lift the trophy. This season they face a tough group featuring Serie A winners Juventus, who went last season's league campaign unbeaten. Those two matches will be very tough for Chelsea, although they have started the new season on excellent form, winning their first three Premiership games. They have spent heavily in the transfer window, bringing in the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Marko Marin and Victor Moses to boost their squad. 

Juventus won their first league match of the campaign in Serie A while Chelsea also face the prospect of a tricky away tie against Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine. Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland are an unknown quantity as this is their first Champions League group-stage appearance after winning the Superliga last year. Chelsea should not have too many problems against them, and should qualify unless they drop points against Juventus and Shakhtar. 

Prediction:

1. Chelsea

2. Juventus

3. Shakhtar Donetsk

4. FC Nordsjaelland

Group D (Manchester City)

This time last year City were given a really difficult draw in what was immediately dubbed the 'Group of Death'. They lost to both Bayern Munich and Napoli as they finished third and could only get a Europa League spot. This time around they face an even tougher task as they have been drawn against the Spanish, Dutch and German champions. Real Madrid will be the most difficult assignment, but Mancini's men will fancy their chances against last year's losing semi-finalists with the strike-force of Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and David Silva raring to get at Pepe and co. 

Ajax will also test City to their limits after performing excellently only to be narrowly beaten by the Sky Blues' city rivals United in the Europa League. City will be confident of collecting six points from the Dutch side but will struggle to do that against German champions Borussia Dortmund, who finished bottom of their group last season. City will find it tough but including their deadline day signings of Javi Garcia, Maicon, and the departure of calamitous Stefan Savic, they should be able to progress from this tough group.

Prediction:

1. Real Madrid
2. Manchester City
3. Borussia Dortmund
4. Ajax

Group H (Manchester United)

Sir Alex Ferguson will be very pleased with his side's draw and will be looking forward to writing the wrongs  of last year's dismal exit, despite also being given a seemingly simple group. The Champions League journey ended with a shock 2-1 defeat in Basle and they will be hoping to ensure that there will be no such hiccup this time. Braga may prove to be United's toughest away trip but they will feel confident of getting through unbeaten and in top spot. They might even be able to rest players for the last couple of games. However, as is always the case, Europe's top competition is never a walk in the park.

Prediction:

1. Manchester United
2. Braga
3. Galatasary
4. CFR Cluj

Group B (Arsenal)

Arsenal have been nearly men for far too long now and will be desperate for a trophy after seven barren years. It is unlikely to come in the form of the Champions League, but there have been bigger shocks in the last ten years. They have a decent looking squad, although may struggle for goals without talismanic striker and former captain Robin Van Persie. Despite this they have brought in experienced German forward Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud from Montpellier; a player who scored 21 goals in a Ligue 1 winning campaign last season.

The Gunners should reach the knock-out stages without too many problems, but it is there were they could struggle. Having said that, they do have the potential to spring a few surprises and it is about time they made another meaningful run in Europe's top competition. All the teams in their group will provide attacking threat, especially at home, with Montpellier maybe dark horses to make do well in this year's tournament.

Prediction: 

1. Arsenal
2. Montpellier
3. Olympiakos
4. Schalke

Berbatov Linked With Fulham After Dembele Joins Spurs

A busy day in the  the capital city saw Mousa Dembele complete his move from Fulham to Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee while Theo Walcott looks set to stay at The Emirates, but will not sign a new contract. Walcott refused to sign a five-year contract at £75,000 a week and it looks as though Arsene Wenger will take the chance that he might have to let him go for free. Dembele will strengthen Spurs's midfield after an impressive two seasons with Fulham. He did not score as many goals as he would have liked, however he did create plenty of chances and is a very talented player, showed by his tally of 40 caps and five goals for Belgium.

Fulham are rumoured to be in negotiations with Manchester United over a deal to bring striker Dimitar Berbatov to Craven Cottage. This would be a great signing for Martin Jol in a move that could open the door for Clint Dempsey to join Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. Also in West London Queen's Park Rangers brought in Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar from Inter Milan in a shock move that was a real statement of intent by manager Mark Hughes. This could prove to be a great signing after Robert Green has faltered in the Rs' opening two league matches. Hughes was understandably delighted with the signing: "When you get an opportunity to possibly bring a player of Julio Cesar's quality, with his playing record and his mentality then I think you have to pursue it."

Walcott has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester City over the last couple of days but Wenger appears reluctant to let him go. Walcott has had a decent couple of years with 24 goals and 22 assists in 84 games in all competitions. However he has the tendency to drift in and out of games and only created one clear-cut chance every 91 minutes last year. After already losing talismanic striker Robin Van Persie and midfielder Alexandre Song, Arsenal are desperate to hold onto the winger. They do have other options on the flanks in the form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho and Lukas Podolski, but Walcott's pace is important to their style of play. Manchester City are reported to still be interested but it appears unlikely that the England man will be leaving the Emirates in this transfer window.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas will be very happy to add Dembele to his ranks at White Hart Lane after the recent £30 million departure of Luka Modric to Real Madrid. He will be looking towards the Belgian and fellow summer signing Gylfi Sigurdsson to produce the midfield magic needed to propel Tottenham into the top four. A Fulham statement said: "Following two full seasons at Craven Cottage, the club would like to thank Mousa for his contribution and wish him well throughout the rest of his career." Dembele tweeted that he was 'happy to confirm [he] signed a new contract with Tottenham FC.'

Premier League Season 2012/13: Who Will Challenge For Top Positions?

A new season is upon us. On Saturday battle will resume between some of the best teams in world football in the sport's most exciting league. There is one debate that is raging up and down the country between all football fans; who will/can win this year's title? There is a number of teams who will feel that they can make a serious impact on the top third of the table but who can realistically set their hopes on winning the Premier League or claiming a Champions League place?

Manchester City

Last season's champions Manchester City will go into Saturday's opening fixture at home to newly-promoted Southampton as slight favourites to retain their crown. Last year they took control of the title race before Christmas with a 6-1 thrashing of neighbours Manchester United but then let it slip over February and March as the Red Devils opened up an eight point gap. This led to many questions being raised about the mental state and winning ability of Mancini and his expensively assembled squad. These doubts were quashed in some style as they came roaring back to win the Premiership on goal difference with two stoppage-time goals against QPR.

The resolve and fight that the Citizens showed last year proved many of their doubters wrong and they have the organisation and fire-power to win a second successive title. However they have not made any big-name additions to their staff-list this summer with only youngster Jack Rodwell arriving from Everton for £12 million. He is likely to be a largely peripheral figure this campaign as Mancini looks to the same big players to perform again. 

This should not be a problem though as their defence looks as mean as ever with Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott all fit and ready to go. Their one weakness at the back is a lack of a top-class back-up centre-back with the ageing Kolo Toure and the much-maligned Stefan Savic the only players ready to fill in. The midfield will definitely not struggle with plenty of strength in depth and world-class talent thanks to David Silva, Yaya Toure, James Milner, Adam Johnson, Nigel de Jong, Gareth Barry and Samir Nasri amongst others. The forward line will be as deadly as ever and will be hopeful of beating last season's massive tally of 93 goals scored. The strike-force of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli will be feared by all of their opponents.

Player To Watch: Samir Nasri

After his big money move from top-four rivals Arsenal last year Samir Nasri found himself often having to be content with a place on the bench. This time around he may find himself in the starting eleven more often, as he did towards the back end of last season, and could flourish as he did at the Emirates in 2010/11.

Prediction: Champions by 4/5 points

Manchester United

In May Manchester United came agonisingly close to crowning Sir Alex Ferguson's 25th year in charge in style. This season the Old Trafford side will be out with a vengeance to settle a score with city rivals City and prove that they are England's number one club. Ferguson has not been overly busy in the transfer window but did seal the crucial £24 million signature of Dutch star striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal. After netting an impressive 89 goals last term they could do even better this time around if the 2011/12 two highest scorers Van Persie and Wayne Rooney can strike up a good combination. 

The back five look solid if not spectacular but may struggle if they suffer a couple of injuries. David de Gea proved a lot of critics wrong in the second half of last season and should exceed expectations this term. Rio Ferdinand is older than he once was and has lost his pace but retains good positional play and reading of the game. Nemanja Vidic is crucial for United as last year he was injury-prone and struggled to get enough game time. If Sir Alex can keep him fit and on form then the Red Devils will have a much better chance of regaining the Premiership trophy. Evra is not the player he once was but remains an excellent left-back while Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans could do well if given enough game time. 

The midfield is their weak point. Scholes and Giggs are still both class footballers but are not what they were ten years ago. Anderson has failed to impress consistently while Tom Cleverley was out injured for much of last season but could do well. On the wings Ashley Young is always a threat, as is nani, but he is often guilty of drifting in and out of matches. Darren Fletcher played in a recent pre-season friendly with Aberdeen and will be a vital cog in the centre if he can keep fit. 

Player To Watch: Michael Carrick

Unheralded centre midfielder Carrick will have a massive role to play in the oncoming campaign and his performances will have an impact on where United finish in the table. He played very well last season, especially in the first half when he had little support as Paul Scholes was retired. He looked good on his England return against Italy and should do excellently, maybe even grabbing a couple more goals than usual.

Prediction: Second

Arsenal

Wenger's men did well last season to come back from a dodgy start to take third place and with it the final Champions League spot from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The loss of top scorer Robin Van Persie will be felt around The Emirates but they have already brought in top quality replacements in Santi Carzola, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. They may take time to get used to the pace and ferocity of English football but all have good track records and can all score goals. 

The midfield is decent but it would be a big blow if they were to lose Alexandre Song to Barcelona. Diaby is OK but nothing special, but Jack Wilshere's return is imminent and it will be interesting to see how he fares after more than a year out. Theo Walcott looked good in patches last year on the right wing and should be able to build on that in the coming months. Youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a great prospect and coupled with Walcott on the other side, Arsenal may score quite a few goals from crosses this year. 

The defence is their weakness as always, in particular from set-pieces. Goalkeeper Wojech Szczesny has matured into a top-class goalkeeper and Thomas Vermaelen is an excellent centre-back who has the added ability of scoring goals. Laurent Koscielny improved last season but isn't world class while Per Mertesacker has a severe lack of pace. The full-backs often look weak and although Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna are useful, they are equally not great. 

Player To Watch: Aaron Ramsey

Wales captain Ramsey played well sporadically last campaign but could do brilliantly this year, especially if Song is sold. That would give him plenty of first-team opportunities and he played well for Team GB in the centre of the park in the Olympics. 

Prediction: Fourth/Fifth

Chelsea

After a very poor start under Portuguese boss Andre Villas-Boas the Blues picked themselves up under interim coach and former player Roberto di Matteo. It was not enough to finish in the top four but they did win a magnificent FA Cup and Champions League double. They have lost ageing, but talismanic striker Didier Drogba to Shanghai Shenhua after eight years of service but that may just work for the better as January 2010 £50 million signing Fernando Torres will finally have the centre stage. 

Chelsea have the squad to push for the title but may come undone when push comes to shove as the majority of their players with plenty of Premier League experience are in the twilight of their careers. The likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Petr Cech still have a lot to give but there is excitement surrounding Stamford Bridge thanks to a host of fresh faces that were added this summer. Marko Marin, Oscar and Eden Hazard were all big money acquisitions and will add strength to a Chelsea strike-force that struggled last year.

The midfield and defence look as solid as ever with the likes of Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata, Terry, Cole and Cech ready and raring to go. Their are still doubts hovering over the head of defender David Luiz as his inept knack of conceding stupid fouls and penalties often get him and his side into trouble. Despite this he could find himself in centre defensive midfield; a position where he may do well.

Player To Watch: Ryan Bertrand

23-year-old Bertrand has been touted as one for the future for a long time now but now his time has come to break into the first team. He played well for Team GB and has also collected his first England cap. Can play in defence and midfield and with a good left foot could provide good balance for the team. 

Prediction: Third

Liverpool

The Reds have been a 'side in transition' for way too long now and they must step up over the next two seasons. Some sections of the Anfield faithful may feel that a title challenge is possible but that is nowhere near a realistic ambition. A top four spot would be a dream first season for Northern Irish manager Brendan Rodgers and they should be there or thereabouts. The summer signings of Fabio Borini, Joe Allen and Oussama Assaidi could be good pieces of business as all are young and have done well in their professional careers so far. Suarez, Gerrard, Reina and Agger (if they can keep him) will be as important as ever if Liverpool are to be successful.

The defence is quite good but Reina made some uncharacteristic errors last season that he will be looking to eradicate. The midfield is decent as well and Lucas' return will be a huge boost, as will the signing of promising centre midfielder Allen. Joe Cole will hoping to prove his critics wrong as he comes back from a season-long loan at Lille but may still be off Premier League pace. Suarez is the star player but can not afford to be as wasteful in front of goal as he was last term and the same applies for the heavily criticised Andy Carroll.

Player To Watch: Raheem Sterling

17-year-old winger Raheem Sterling has been tipped by many to be a future Anfield star and he might be ready to fill this role already. He scored a great goal in the Red's last pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen and made his league debut as a substitute last season against Wigan. He also scored five goals against Southend United in an FA Youth Cup game.

Prediction: Fourth/Fifth

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs had a great start to last season's league campaign but fell away after Christmas as they finished fourth. On the face of it that was an excellent season but at one point it seemed as though third was sewn up and that the title was a real possibility. However as Chelsea won the Champions League they failed to qualify for the Champions League and Harry Redknapp lost his job as manager. Former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has since taken over as boss and brought in Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen while Luka Modric looks set to leave for £30 million to Real Madrid. 

The North London club have been very good for the last few years and will be hoping for a top-four spot for the third time in the last four seasons. There is not much goal scoring prowess however with Jermain Defoe likely to be their main striker unless they make another signing. Gareth Bale has set the Premier League on fire since he broke into the starting eleven and will be vital to his team as will Rafael van der Vaart. Their defence could be a bit shaky though after the retirement of Ledley King coupled with the injuries sustained by Michael Dawson and William Gallas. 

The midfield is strong but they may struggle from a lack of clinical finishing up front. The season holds many questions but a top four challenge should be just around the corner. 

Player To Watch: Jake Livermore

Livermore featured 38 times last season and scored once. This time the Spurs man will be hoping for more appearances and could find himself in the fore-front of Tottenham's campaign. 

Prediction: Sixth