By Jonny Byrne
This week the 2011/12 Barclay’s Premier League fixtures were revealed and with an excruciating eleven weeks to wait until it all kicks off again, TWiB takes a brief look at how the forthcoming season is already shaping up.
This week the 2011/12 Barclay’s Premier League fixtures were revealed and with an excruciating eleven weeks to wait until it all kicks off again, TWiB takes a brief look at how the forthcoming season is already shaping up.
As a fan, this may be the only time that I see Arsenal top the league table. With opening fixtures against Newcastle (A), Liverpool (H) and Man U (A), pushing for as little as four points could prove a challenge. After last seasons shambolic 4-4 draw (after leading 4-0) Arsenal will hope to take three points from the Geordies. Following games against a reformed Liverpool and champions Utd, (plus with the futures of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy still undecided) stubborn Wenger may finally see his last season at the Emirates if he is unable to attract experienced new players to North London. Due to last seasons fourth place finish the Gunners also have to play unnecessary Champions League qualifier games in between their opening three fixtures, giving Wenger and his players extra stress to consider. My fear is that Champions League football may be out of the question in 2012/13.
The controversy surrounding Aston Villa has already been the big story of the last few weeks. Alex McLeish's appointment as manager from local rivals Birmingham has enraged fans on both sides of the Brummie rift. Villa's pursuit of a manager had become embarrassing before Big Eck's arrival, being snubbed by Wigan's loyal Roberto Martinez despite being offered a substantial wage. Villa's start is by no means too challenging for them; starting the season against Fulham (A), followed by last season's stragglers Blackburn (H) and Wolves (H) a six point minimum should be on the cards. However, McLeish has to secure Villa's transfer targets though, (with Brad Friedel's move to Spurs and Ashley Young's departure inevitable) in order to stabilise his new squad.
Steve Kean has a mammoth task on his hands this season at the helm of Blackburn. Last seasons abysmal display from the northern club has put Blackburn as strong favourites to be in another relegation battle this year. They'll need to show early signs of buoyancy against Wolves (H) in their opening game as their following games against Villa (A) and Everton (H) will be tough. With the loss of defender Phil Jones to Utd and no substantial squad additions yet made, Blackburn are in for a rocky season.
Bolton showed early promise at the start of last season, however sliding form left The Trotters finsishing in the bottom half of the table. Owen Coyle would have hoped for an easier start to the season; despite playing long awaited premiership returnees QPR (A) who will be determined to show their top flight grit; it gets harder for Bolton as their follow up games are against Man City (H) and Liverpool (A).
Last seasons runners-up Chelsea have the easiest start to the season. Starting with Stoke (A), followed by West Brom (H) and Norwich (H) both at The Bridge, nine points should be well within reach for the West Londoners. With Andre Villas-Boas' appointment nearing completion, the Portuguese manager should have a stress free start to the 11/12 season. The Blue's opening games may be a good opportunity for Fernando Torres to get his scoring boots on early.
Everton have a strong squad this season and have the potential to push for a top 7 place if they can find some consistency. With opening games against Spurs (H), QPR (A) and Blackburn (H), a minimum of six points is achievable. With a squad that is increasing in confidence Moyes' boys will be a hard team to push over this season, especially if Jermaine Beckford can continue to show class up front for The Toffees.
The departure of Mark Hughes after just one season as Fulham manager shocked many football fans. But with newly appointed Martin Jol at the helm, Fulham's hopes of a credible finish are not unlikely. Fulham will have to strengthen their squad over the next eleven weeks to ensure a top half finish and with opening games against Villa (H), Wolves (A) and Newcastle (A), the Cottagers really will have to push hard to earn six or seven points. Bobby Zamora could prove to be invaluable if he can start scoring early and if Jol can keep his key defenders from leaving the club Fulham could see themselves the right side of 10th place. Fulham drew the most games last year (16) and will undoubtedly need to correct that statistic this season.
I never thought I would utter the words, let alone write them, but I am hugely looking forward to watching an invigorated and refreshed Liverpool this season. Red's fans could only have dreamed of the turn around Kenny Dalglish would perform for the club and with a batch of new players brought into the club as well as an influx of youth payers bought through to the first team, Liverpool could really make a push for the top four again. If the likes of Luis Suarez, Andy Caroll and Raul Meireles can stay fit and their veteran players can perform, Liverpool fans may have something to sing about again. With Sunderland (H), Arsenal (A) and Bolton (H) as their opening three fixtures seven points from nine is a likely minimum.
For all that can be said against Manchester City they will have certainly silenced some of their critics last season. Finishing third by mere goal difference and winning the F.A. Cup showed the intent of things to come from Manchester's second club. An opening game against newly promoted Swansea (H) will give Roberto Mancini's team little difficulties. Following games against Bolton (A) and Spurs (A) should prove more testing, but City have enough money and squad depth to have a good go at collecting nine points from their opening three matches. City need to try and keep hold of Carlos Tevez over the next eleven weeks, although my guess is they may not be able to.
Regardless of how they act in the transfer window and regardless of any controversy surrounding the club or their players, you can never write off Manchester United. Last years champions have just bought Blackburn defender Phil Jones and the acquisition of other talent such as Villa's Ashley Young is as good as done. Other young talent showing their worth in the first team, such as Rafael and Fabio da Silva, Chris Smalling and goal machine Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez will be the key to United pushing for their 20th league title. Alex Ferguson won't be overly happy about their opening games; starting with an easy game against West Brom (A), United then have to play top four hopefuls Spurs (H) and Arsenal (H) next, albeit in front of an Old Trafford crowd.
Part 2 >>>
The controversy surrounding Aston Villa has already been the big story of the last few weeks. Alex McLeish's appointment as manager from local rivals Birmingham has enraged fans on both sides of the Brummie rift. Villa's pursuit of a manager had become embarrassing before Big Eck's arrival, being snubbed by Wigan's loyal Roberto Martinez despite being offered a substantial wage. Villa's start is by no means too challenging for them; starting the season against Fulham (A), followed by last season's stragglers Blackburn (H) and Wolves (H) a six point minimum should be on the cards. However, McLeish has to secure Villa's transfer targets though, (with Brad Friedel's move to Spurs and Ashley Young's departure inevitable) in order to stabilise his new squad.
Steve Kean has a mammoth task on his hands this season at the helm of Blackburn. Last seasons abysmal display from the northern club has put Blackburn as strong favourites to be in another relegation battle this year. They'll need to show early signs of buoyancy against Wolves (H) in their opening game as their following games against Villa (A) and Everton (H) will be tough. With the loss of defender Phil Jones to Utd and no substantial squad additions yet made, Blackburn are in for a rocky season.
Bolton showed early promise at the start of last season, however sliding form left The Trotters finsishing in the bottom half of the table. Owen Coyle would have hoped for an easier start to the season; despite playing long awaited premiership returnees QPR (A) who will be determined to show their top flight grit; it gets harder for Bolton as their follow up games are against Man City (H) and Liverpool (A).
Last seasons runners-up Chelsea have the easiest start to the season. Starting with Stoke (A), followed by West Brom (H) and Norwich (H) both at The Bridge, nine points should be well within reach for the West Londoners. With Andre Villas-Boas' appointment nearing completion, the Portuguese manager should have a stress free start to the 11/12 season. The Blue's opening games may be a good opportunity for Fernando Torres to get his scoring boots on early.
Everton have a strong squad this season and have the potential to push for a top 7 place if they can find some consistency. With opening games against Spurs (H), QPR (A) and Blackburn (H), a minimum of six points is achievable. With a squad that is increasing in confidence Moyes' boys will be a hard team to push over this season, especially if Jermaine Beckford can continue to show class up front for The Toffees.
The departure of Mark Hughes after just one season as Fulham manager shocked many football fans. But with newly appointed Martin Jol at the helm, Fulham's hopes of a credible finish are not unlikely. Fulham will have to strengthen their squad over the next eleven weeks to ensure a top half finish and with opening games against Villa (H), Wolves (A) and Newcastle (A), the Cottagers really will have to push hard to earn six or seven points. Bobby Zamora could prove to be invaluable if he can start scoring early and if Jol can keep his key defenders from leaving the club Fulham could see themselves the right side of 10th place. Fulham drew the most games last year (16) and will undoubtedly need to correct that statistic this season.
I never thought I would utter the words, let alone write them, but I am hugely looking forward to watching an invigorated and refreshed Liverpool this season. Red's fans could only have dreamed of the turn around Kenny Dalglish would perform for the club and with a batch of new players brought into the club as well as an influx of youth payers bought through to the first team, Liverpool could really make a push for the top four again. If the likes of Luis Suarez, Andy Caroll and Raul Meireles can stay fit and their veteran players can perform, Liverpool fans may have something to sing about again. With Sunderland (H), Arsenal (A) and Bolton (H) as their opening three fixtures seven points from nine is a likely minimum.
For all that can be said against Manchester City they will have certainly silenced some of their critics last season. Finishing third by mere goal difference and winning the F.A. Cup showed the intent of things to come from Manchester's second club. An opening game against newly promoted Swansea (H) will give Roberto Mancini's team little difficulties. Following games against Bolton (A) and Spurs (A) should prove more testing, but City have enough money and squad depth to have a good go at collecting nine points from their opening three matches. City need to try and keep hold of Carlos Tevez over the next eleven weeks, although my guess is they may not be able to.
Regardless of how they act in the transfer window and regardless of any controversy surrounding the club or their players, you can never write off Manchester United. Last years champions have just bought Blackburn defender Phil Jones and the acquisition of other talent such as Villa's Ashley Young is as good as done. Other young talent showing their worth in the first team, such as Rafael and Fabio da Silva, Chris Smalling and goal machine Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez will be the key to United pushing for their 20th league title. Alex Ferguson won't be overly happy about their opening games; starting with an easy game against West Brom (A), United then have to play top four hopefuls Spurs (H) and Arsenal (H) next, albeit in front of an Old Trafford crowd.
Part 2 >>>
No comments:
Post a Comment