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.

Ferguson v Mourinho: A Rivalry Renewed

Nine years ago Sir Alex and the 'Special One' met for the first time in a last sixteen clash in a spanking new Estádio do Dragão with the home side Porto coming out on top 2-1 thanks to two goals from the South African Benni McCarthy. 1-0 Mourinho. 

The victory was complete in the second leg as a second half equaliser and a dubious offside decision saw the Portistas win the tie 3-2 and spark memorable celebrations from their motivational coach. 

The next season saw Mourinho join the Abramovich revolution at Chelsea and he swept to successive titles, enjoying three wins, including a magnificent 3-1 victory at Old Trafford to set a Premier League record of 95 points in 2005. 

In the 2005/06 season Ferguson did notch up his first win over Mourinho, but still finished second best in the title race and had to wait until 2009 for his second triumph. That was the last time the two managers met as the Red devils won 2-0 over Inter Milan in the San Siro to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.  

Mourinho	Draw	Ferguson
6	5	2

Tonight they meet again in a clash of two of the three most valuable clubs in the world, not only in football, but in sport as a whole. 

Mourinho's Real Madrid got the better of the much-heralded Barcelona to win the La Liga title last campaign, but now sit 16 points off top and behind city rivals Atletico in third and in poor form.

Ferguson's United have dominated the Premier League this season and now sit 12 points clear of rivals Manchester City and on course to match their historic treble of 1998/99. The front two of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie are likely to be Real's biggest threat, especially with the home side's centre back Pepe just returning from injury and full-back Marcelo dropped for being overweight. 

Mourinho will place his trust in former United star Cristiano Ronaldo, a man who swapped Manchester for Madrid in an £80 million move four years ago. Even Sir Alex himself has admitted that he did not expect him to score the amount of goals that he has in Spain and that he is now reaching his peak. 

There have been problems aplenty at the Bernabeu this season, with Mourinho slated for dropping legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas and rumours of unrest in the boardroom surrounding the club. It seems likely that the great Portuguese will be on his way out sometime soon, probably at the end of the season and he has stated that he wants to return to England. 

But before these two great men can continue their rivalry on a more permanent basis, this pallet-wetting tie will decide which of these two huge clubs are still in with a chance of regaining the European title. 

Real hold the record of being champions of Europe nine times, while United have won just three. Ferguson himself has won two of those, but accepts that for a club of their size, they should have won more. At least the English team have been in the final three times in the last five years, the Galacticos haven't been there since 2002. 

The last time these two sides met was in an epic 2003 encounter when the defending champions saw off United 6-5 on aggregate, despite a 4-3 defeat in the second leg when future Galactico David Beckham scored twice off the bench. 

If tonight's match, and indeed the tie, even comes close to matching that night a decade ago then we will be in for a treat as two huge clubs and great managers go head to head. 

First leg prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Manchester United

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Why Chelsea should not have sacked Di Matteo

The sacking of Roberto Di Matteo was one of the most shocking football dismissals of recent memory. A Chelsea legend, twice FA Cup winner as a player, won the club's first Champions League trophy against all the odds, just months after being appointed manager. 

To the amazement of many his reign has been terminated just six months after he was given the prestigious job on a permanent basis. Many Chelsea fans will be dismayed by the lack of faith shown in him by owner Roman Abramovich and the club's board, although this is nothing new to them as he was their eighth boss since the Russian billionaire took over in 2003. 

What is most surprising is that Abramovich has always fired previous managers on the basis that they did not do well enough in the Champions League, although Di Matteo delivered the trophy at the first time of asking. He also managed this impressive feat with a squad out of form and struggling in the Premier League, as well as facing a 3-1 deficit in the last 16 of Europe's elite competition against Napoli. 

Not only did they win the second leg against Napoli 4-1 after extra-time to go through, but he did oversee an up-turn in their league form and took them to Wembley, and ultimately, FA Cup victory.

It is the Champions League final in Munich that he will be most remembered for as the Blues overcame the home side on penalties thanks to a late Didier Drogba header and a Petr Cech penalty save in extra-time. 

Their road to Munich was not a cruise by any stretch of the imagination; beating Benfica before memorably seeing off Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate. 

Despite finishing sixth in the league last season, their league form did marginally improve as they had suffered a horrific start under former boss Andre Villas-Boas. 

Chelsea managers under Roman Abramovich

Year	Manager	Matches	Winning %
2000-2004	Claudio Ranieri	199	53.76
2004-2007	Jose Mourinho	131	70.81
2007-2008	Avram Grant	54	66.67
2008-2009	Luiz Felipe Scolari	36	55.56
2009	Guus Hiddink	21	71.43
2009-2011	Carlo Ancelotti	109	61.47
2011-2012	Andre Villas-Boas	40	47.50
2012	Roberto Di Matteo	42	57.14

While the table above shows that the Italian only had a better record than three of his predecessors, he took over in totally different circumstances than any of the others. Chelsea were at their lowest point since Abramovich pumped his money into the club when Di Matteo took over, and from that he produced their all-time high.

Abramovich should not take all the blame for these sackings. After all, without his money the West Londoners would still be delighted with a top five finish each season instead of sacking managers for not cruising to league titles.

The Chelsea board have a big impact on the decisions that the Russian owner makes and without their advice, he would probably not have got through so many managers in the last eight years. There are so many supporters at the club that are crying out for the stability that has brought success to the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and more recently, Manchester City. 

Having said that, all football fans are fickle and athe majority of Chelsea supporters would welcome Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho with open arms. However the job, at least on a short-term basis, looks destined to go to Rafael Bentitez, a man who did anything but endear himself to Chelsea supporters during his time at Liverpool.

His record has been good at every club he has managed, although he has been out of a job for over two years now and replacing Di Matteo with Benitez is not a very forward-thinking decision. It is anything but promoting stability, especially considering the age of the two men (Di Matteo 42, Benitez 52).

While Guardiola did excellently at Barcelona, he has never been at a club like Chelsea before and the players may not take to his style of play. Mourinho would clearly be a great fit but that is more Chelsea fans dreaming than an actual possibility, for now at least. 

Roman Abramovich will be sitting in his pent-house suite right now feeling good about himself and expecting an immediate climb to the summit of the Premier League, but he might find that not forthcoming. 

Chelsea have looked good this season and could still qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. They have a massive game on Sunday at home to Manchester City and they would have had a much better chance of inflicting the champions' first defeat of the campaign if they had not made such drastic changes.

United's spirit shows no sign of wavering

Manchester United fought back from two goals down at Villa Park to stun Paul Lambert's men thanks to two goals from substitute Javier Hernandez. 

In the week that marks his 26th year in charge at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson made a typically spot-on decision when he sent on the young Mexican at half-time. Chicharito was heavily involved with all three goals; scoring the first, hitting a shot that was deflected in by Ron Vlaar for the equaliser, before heading in the winner three minutes from time.  

After being pipped by city rivals Manchester City to the title on goal difference last season Ferguson would have made it clear that nothing but a league triumph will do this time round. He sent out a massive signal of intent when he signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal for £24 million in the summer and the Dutchman has rewarded him with 11 goals so far this year, as well as assisting the winner at Villa Park. 

Today was the eighth time that the Red Devils have come from behind to win this season and they started sluggishly today. Despite having plenty of possession they failed to create anything of note in the first half and Villa caught them out on the stroke of half-time with a beautifully worked opening goal. Andreas Weimann weighted his path down the line to perfection to Christian Benteke who cut the ball back for his strike-partner to fire high past David de Gea. 

The home side were at it again early in the second half when Stephen Ireland did well to find winger Gabriel Agbonlahor whose low cross was tapped in by Weimann.

Ferguson will be worried by the manner in which his defence was cut open for both goals as the speed of Villa's front three proved too much for Ferdinand and Smalling at the back. De Gea did not have much to do over the 90 minutes, but should have done better with Weimann's opening goal. 

It was old-timer Paul Scholes, recalled to the starting line-up after a five-game absence, who provided the spark that got United back into the match. His excellent long pass over the top to Hernandez was a reminder of the quality that he has always possessed, while the striker's finish showed that he has a great future.

After that the equaliser was coming and it came from a deep cross by Antonio Valencia that found Hernandez, whose volley was deflected into his own net by Vlaar. 

After Weimann had almost completed a hat-trick with a header, it was Chicharito who had the last laugh when he headed past Brad Guzan from Van Persie's free-kick to give United the points. 

Despite a great win, the red half of Manchester will not be overly pleased with the way their side played. The back line looked vulnerable through-out, while Wayne Rooney struggled to make an impact before being substituted. 

But there is a reason why United are one of the favourites to win the title this season, and they showed that today with a come-back from virtually nothing. It was the seventh time that they have come back from two or more goals to win since the inception of the Premier league in 1992/93, more than any other team.

However, United have always been able to get themselves out of trouble, and although they have weaknesses, their ability to shrug them off and still take the three points is what sets them apart. It will take a great team to beat them to the English games' top prize this campaign. 

Are City Back On Top Form?

Photograph courtesy of The Guardian

An impressive win over Sunderland in the lunch-time kick-off has quashed doubts that City are not up to the same standard that they were last season. Alexandar Kolarov was a menace down the left all game and the strike-force of Carlos Tevez and substitute Sergio Aguero always looked dangerous, meanwhile Micah Richards produced a performance reminiscent of his rampaging efforts last campaign. 

However the big difference between the City of the start of last season and the side that are playing at the moment is that they have lost the clinical edge that got them so many goals this time last year. The Sky Blues had 26 shots with 16 on target as an inspired Simon Mignolet made save after save. 

Roberto Mancini acknowledged that his side were sloppy in front of goal: "I think in the first half, we missed two or three chances like other games but we had a good performance. I think also in London against Fulham we did very well and against Stoke. Every game is difficult in this moment. I am happy because we got a clean sheet, scored three but also because of our performance."

Mancini was also understandably delighted with Kolarov after a brilliant performance playing on the left wing. The Serbian international got past Carlos Cuellar time and time again and his final ball was excellent, scoring one from a trade-mark free-kick and setting one up with a magnificent left-footed cross from which Sergio Aguero headed past Mignolet. . 

Sunderland conceded an unlucky third goal from a Milner free kick, taking a deflection off the wall and finding a home at the back of Sunderland's net. The goal was just rewards for a City side that dominated the match throughout and never looked like taking anything other than three points out of the game.

The Citizens will be very hopeful of winning a second Premier League title come May, but until today they hadn't looked like a title winning team; dropping points against Liverpool, Stoke and Arsenal. They also looked out of sorts in a lucky 2-1 win at Fulham last weekend. 

Other teams have improved their squads since last season and City are no longer out on a limb at the top of the table with city rivals United. Chelsea have splashed the cash on players such as Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar and United have brought in Shinji Kagawa and Robin Van Persie.

Mancini has only added Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia to his senior squad and players who performed well last season like Gareth Barry and Balotelli have been off form so far this season. The enigmatic Italian striker was withdrawn after 56 minutes today and Mancini said that 'he can play better'.

Despite a slowish start to the season City were on top form today and looked like a side capable of defending their Premier League title. 

Manchester United Defeated By Spurs At Old Trafford For The First Time In 23 Years

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

A resilient Tottenham saw off a battling Manchester United to record their first ever Premier League victory at Old Trafford this evening.

After going in at the break leading 0-2, Spurs gave their fans a scare when they conceded within moments of the restart- only to regain their two goal advantage moments later. This lead was cut in half again almost immediately, and Spurs were required to defend to the hilt for the entire remainder.

Anders Lindegaard was recalled to the starting line up in goal, alongside the likes of Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa. Wayne Rooney made the bench. Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia were all ruled out.

Emmanuel Adebayor remained a notable absentee for the away side, as were Jake Livermore and Scott Parker. Benoit Assou-Ekotto was still injured, so Jan Vertonghen covered at left back.

The Londoners got off to the best possible start when the Belgian summer signing received the ball from Gareth Bale before travelling a long distance without a challenge. The defender's shot on goal deflected past Lindegaard and gave Andre Villas-Boas the start he would have wanted.

The next incident in the match came at the other end. Robin Van Persie's touch was a little heavy, yet William Gallas came in with a crunching tackle that made contact with man and ball- the former feeling the effects of his ex-team-mate's challenge.

In the early stages the home side failed to gather the momentum which makes them so dangerous at the Theatre of Dreams. Credit must be attributed to Tottenham, defensively extremely solid while the pace of Bale, Defoe and Lennon offering plenty for the United defence to think about on the counter attack. 

Yet as the half wore on, the Red Devils carried the familiar threat that fans, neutral or partial, have become accustomed to while under the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Scholes and Carrick were unable to find a way through, on the flanks Nani and Giggs were largely ineffective, while Van Persie, as the lone striker, was isolated for periods. 

United's inability to break down the back-line of Spurs offered the forward players an opportunity to go further ahead. A chance they gratefully took, Sandro dispossessing in the middle of the pitch and sending Bale on his way. The Welsh winger was able to comfortably run fifty yards or more, past the hapless Rio Ferdinand, before slotting into the corner with his weaker foot.

One or two home fans vented their frustrations at their team's uncharacteristic dominance upon the blowing of the half time whistle.

Whatever Fergie said at half time clearly had an effect on the game. As did his decision to throw Wayne Rooney on, replacing Ryan Giggs to offer a more attacking threat.

Cue the craziest five minutes you are likely to see in the Premier League this year. The versatile Rooney was found on the right, and the number ten put in an inviting cross for Portuguese winger Nani to divert the ball beyond Friedel. 

This did not deter Tottenham, Defoe causing a big problem for Ferdinand on the left before releasing Bale. The midfielder unleashed a fierce shot which was too hot for Lindegaard to hold and Clint Dempsey scored his first for Spurs from close range to make it three.

However Spurs momentarily switched off at the back, Van Persie allowed to slip in Kagawa and he nudged it past Friedel into the corner. Game on. Again.

United's expected dominance followed thereafter. Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez were introduced, as the hosts pressed for an equaliser. 

The closest they really came was from a dead ball. Lennon upended Kagawa 25 yards out, and although Van Persie initially stood over it, Rooney was the man to curl a spectacular effort onto the post. 

Time and again, Scholes and Carrick were able to find ways of cutting the Spurs defence open, but the attacking line were either thwarted by American Friedel, or not clinical enough; Van Persie taking the ball in his stride before shooting low past the far post.

AVB tactically played it correctly, and he was able to introduce Gylfi Sigurdsson, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson to see out Spurs' first victory on the Red's stomping ground for 23 years.

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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

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

Manchester City on the Brink

"As a team, I think it's going to be without doubt the most important game we've ever played in."

As said above by Pablo Zabaleta, this could be without doubt the most crucial game Manchester City have ever, and will ever, play. Their future lies on the line. Win today at home to Queens Park Rangers and the Premier League title is theirs; fail to win and Manchester United are victorious at Sunderland and it could be the most crushing result of their history. Without a title since 1968, the same year United first won The European Cup, the blue side of the city has never been so hopeful of ending the 44 years of hurt. 

Despite being underwhelming underdogs, United will be hopeful of securing a 20th league title. With so much at stake they are relying on the Blues to buckle under the pressure against relegation battling QPR today. The 'Rs' know that a point will all but confirm safety for them, while Sunderland have almost nothing to play for sitting comfortably in 11th place. 

After being eight points clear in the title race just weeks ago, the Red Devils are sure to be kicking themselves for letting that lead slip. Defeats to Wigan and City, as well as a 4-4 draw with Everton have left United wondering what might have been. The return of Carlos Tevez has been crucial to Mancini's team's return to form with four goals including a hat-trick against Norwich. Manchester City's reaction to losing their lead has been admirable but nothing but a win today will suffice. 

Another twist in the tale is the revisiting of former City boss Mark Hughes to the Etihad Stadium. After being sacked so acrimoniously by owner Sheikh Mansour he will be desperate for revenge to keep QPR up and help old team United win the league. However The Citizens will have other ideas and will be confident of sweeping the relegation candidates aside after dropping just two points at home in the league all season. Last year they ended a 35-year wait for a trophy with a 1-0 win over Stoke City in the FA Cup final and now are fingertips away from winning the biggest domestic trophy if them all. 

Considering they have won 6-1 and 1-0 against United this campaign City will feel a title victory over their old rivals is justified. Manager Roberto Mancini said: "We have played the better football, 100%, even if we don't win, we played the better football." 

Following last weeks impressive success over Champions League chasing Newcastle United people may think that City have the title in the bag. But on the other hand Manchester United have won 12 Premier Leagues under Sir Alex Ferguson and have plenty of experience in Ryan Giggs, 38 and Paul Scholes, 37. United have been there and done that; but despite this it might just be City's year.