With all the self-proclaimed experts and pundits rolling up their sleeves in anticipation while letting the drivel juice swivel from their conservative pen. We enter the race of gloomy forecasts and untold prophecies, with this, equally bombastic calculation.
Brimming with money and confidence, the English Premier League boasts more Brazilians than any other foreign nationality in the league, hoping to make it 4 out of 4 in the next Champions League penultimate round. But, despite the cramming of samba boys into the Premier ranks it seems that the big signings have all but eluded the English top tier, that is, if Chelsea - being the most likely candidate - doesn’t make a big swoop later this month for Kaka or Robinho (afterall, who doesn’t want more Brazilians amidst their ranks?) While much can yet happen to alter these initial calculations, with only a few days to go before the Premier League is set to re-launch it wings, the following groups seem to be emerging within the Premier ranks:
The Golden Boys
1. (2) Chelsea
Have been unusually quiet so far in the silly season merry-go-round, and by enlisting the services of Brazilian World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, Chelsea look set for another crack at the title. Last seasons problematic right back spot has been filled with competent Portuguese full back Bosingwa, while fellow countryman Deco is set with the task of injecting a strong and competent, but rather bland and uncreative, midfield with some vision and flair. Chelsea seem to have incisively addressed last years weaknesses, which allowed Manchester United to pinch in and clinch the major trophies of the season, under the nose of not-so-bemused owner Roman Abramo-rich . A title tilt seems to be on the cards this season.
2. (1) Manchester United
The protracted transfer saga of Cristiano Ronaldo can only have hurt the club, but moreover the lack of transfer activity might give their London rivals the slight edge they need for a potentially successful title challenge. The lack of injection of new ideas into the Red Devils squad may not lead to any revolutionary downturn in fortune. Quite the opposite, United are likely to push Chelsea all the way down the line for domestic and European glory, but will it be the Reds that come up short this season? Of course, there is yet room for squad changes and Berbatov or any of the other rumored high profile player transfers, would perhaps change the equation to a final United advantage, although of course, this still remains to be seen.
The Champions League Boys
3. (4) Liverpool
Whilst there has been a flurry of transfer activity on the Red side of Mersey (unlike on the Blue banks of Eve), not many are of the high profile variety that instills overly wide cheers of excitement. Robbie Keane is a proven Premier League “veteran” that looks likely to link-up with star striker Torres. And while the duo together with Captain Fantastic, Steven Gerrard, will make a dangerous offensive trio, other players don’t quite look like Chelsea or Man United material. A competent and competitive team overall; they will struggle to break into the top two, but might finally dislodge a drained Arsenal from the medal podium.
4. (3) Arsenal
The departures of midfield generals Hleb and Flamini must have hurt Arsene and his plans to topple the top two. Now, defending a Champions League spot looks like it will be a harder struggle than Arsenal are used to. Whilst there is no denying the abilities of the squad in defense and attack, the midfield looks threadbare and key injuries here, might even cost the team a Champions League place for next year - if the capital team are really unlucky. However, the teams below the top four don’t yet seem ready to take the potential opportunity to outgun the young guns of Arsenal. The arrivals of Vela, Nasri and Ramsey, does however mean there is a trio of shining rays on the horizon, and Arsenal’s future looks as bright as ever before under the guile and guiding hands of Wenger. This year looks like it will be a re-building year at the Emirates Stadium.
The Pretenders to the Throne
5. (11) Tottenham
Spurs look set to leave mid-table mediocrity this season and return to the positions just outside of the big four. Juande Ramos astutely guided the team to Carling Cup glory last season and during the pre-season has overhauled a patchy looking team; adding youth and technical abilities to the mix. A fifth place would be a considerable achievement for the club, but all looks well and lively in North London this year, and while it might be stretching the issue, why not? Maybe Tottenham even could press fierce rivals Arsenal all the way for a Champions League spot, it actually doesn’t seem impossible. New signings Bostock, Giovani, Gomes, Modric and Bentley are all top-notch. The club is also much still in the market to add to their Spurs, while Berbatov looks United bound.
6. (6) Aston Villa
The Midlands outfit, has invested into its squad and looks likely to repeat last years heroics, although the many signings might need time to settle and gel with the current crop of players at the club. Captain Gareth Barry’s flirting with Liverpool can only harm the club and O’Neill, while a wily schemer and charismatic leader, may have come out on the wrong end of that proposed deal. However, he commands a strappingly up and coming side that will press for European qualification once again this season.
7. (8) Portsmouth
The South Coast team look strong once again and whilst there may not be a celebrated FA-Cup repeat of glory, they look set to challenge for European qualification. As long as Mr. Wheel and Deal himself, Harry Redknapp, remains at the wheel - Portsmouth fans can look ahead with some confidence toward this and coming seasons. They may struggle initially with a old/new-look 4-4-2 tactic, but with a strong midfield backbone and oozing physical resilience throughout the team, they will remain a formidable foe to defeat, home and away, for any team.
The Outsiders
8. (5) Everton
After being the most likely looking team to break into the top four the last couple of seasons, Everton might be set to struggle in the coming years unless player investments are made. If it is a sign of financial struggles or complacency, it is always worrisome to the fans when a team is selling rather than buying. Everton keep the core of the squad intact, but may nonetheless struggle to keep pace with above mentioned movers and shakers in the “Pretenders to the Throne” category, unless some spectacular movement in the transfer market emerges later this month.
9. (9) Manchester City
Are unlikely to reach the envisioned heights of Mr. Shinawatra, but should still be able to improve on last years points tally and duplicate its highest peak position in Premier League history, nevertheless. Jo is a quality signing and young players are coming through the fold, making it an interesting City season to come, but significant investment is yet needed to reach Mr. Shinawatra’s floating Blue castle in the sky. Off-the-field drama could also be a potential downfall of the club, but this remains conjecture.
10. (12) Newcastle
Newcastle seem like the embodiment of Premier League mediocrity and unrealistic fan expectations. Reported financial difficulties won’t help the cause either, although Newcastle seem to have made a couple of shrewd moves in the transfer market, making the team potentially much more competitive than in previous seasons. While a mid-table finish looks most likely, the team has the potential to challenge for Europe if the injury bug is held at bay and all players pull in the same direction.
11. (7) Blackburn
Teamwork will be the mantra at Blackburn this season after losing England star David Bentley to Tottenham and failing to significantly bolster the squad with new blood. The managerial change also looks likely to affect the team. No offense to Paul Ince, but while he is learning the ropes in the Premier League, his team might suffer from that inexperience. The patience of the Blackburn board with their rookie manager may also be tested during the campaign. Still, Blackburn remains a force just outside of the top-teams in England and can expect to be here-abouts in the final table of May.
Emerging from the Shadows
12. (14) Wigan
Whilst escaping relegation will be foremost on the Wigan fan’s mind, a positive change of fortune may lie just ahead. Steve Bruce impressed as Wigan supremo, after being given the reigns half-way through last season, and with a complete pre-season at the helm; Wigan may very well be equipped to move on up in the table. With a good run or two anything is possible, but a change of fortune for the worse could very well see them embroiled in the relegation battle again. A very tricky team to judge and perhaps an admitted gamble, but Wigan are looking good at the moment.
13. (15) Sunderland
Roy Keane continues his unrelenting re-equipping of Sunderland, adding a few North London components to his fighting machine. Look set to take the step out of the relegation zone, but to expect fireworks or artistry might be taking things too far. Will yet be looking to add more players to illuminate the Stadium of Light, but Keane looks like he is on the right track anyway.
The “Rather Safe than Sorry” Boys
14. (10) West Ham
Has largely been a selling club this summer, due to financial constraints, but still has a half decent squad at its disposal. A safe mid-table finish looks on the cards, but West Ham, if the injury bug dissipates, can perhaps reach the higher echelons of the table. A threadbare squad does however make a campaign of secure, but largely obscure, table movements look probable. If Alan Curbishley manages to keep his job at Upton Park, throughout this potentially trailing season, also remains a question of conjecture.
15. (17) Fulham
After the relegation scrap of last season, I’m sure Fulham fans would be very happy to be kept out of the fight for survival this time around. Roy Hodgson surprised everyone by keeping a distinctly bleak Fulham side in the Premier League and now looks set to rebuild his squad from the bottom up. Big summer changes, most of them looking like fine captures indeed, herald a new beginning at Craven Cottage. With so many new signings however, there might be a time of adjustment needed before the team starts to really gel and perform. Fulham could very well end up the surprise package of the season if all goes well, but safety from relegation will be the realistic aim.
The Relegation Doldrum Boys
16. (16) Bolton
Look set for another tough fight against dooming relegation this year. While Elmander is an accomplished signing, it may not be enough to propel them to early safety. It will be a scrap, but Bolton have shown before they have what it takes to squeeze out those last crucial points to stay up and will probably be happy with that achievement at the end of the day. Probably one of the most unspectacular sides of the league, but they fight a spirited battle - as the underdogs they are.
17. (-) W.B.A.
West Bromwich is the proverbial jo-jo team, getting relegated and promoted back within a season or two. Look like the most likely to survive of the promoted teams, but it will be a fight to the very last round. Manager Tony Mowbray looks like a competent boss able to get out that last ounce of bravado of his men, which may very well be the Albion’s salvation when the smoke clears.
18. (13) Middlesbrough
Gareth Southgate’s charges look likely strugglers this season and if big signing Afonso Alves keeps misfiring, the Boro fans might be in for a very bumpy ride indeed. Boro look especially light in the midfield and attacking compartments, despite new signings Digard and Emnes. Maybe this will be the year that the Premier League torch is extinguished in the heart of Middlesbrough?
19. (-) Hull
Hull are desperately trying to bring in Premier League talent to the club, but this is easier said than done. They look like a decent team, but will undoubtedly struggle the season through. Surviving would almost be too good to be true, although not impossible. More likely however, is that the new boys will need time to get all new signings to gel and play as a team. In the meantime, their Premier League status may be slowly eroding from underneath their feet.
In a Class of their Own
20. (-) Stoke
The newcomers look set to become this years Derby, struggling to get a point to their name. Probably a better team than the foremost mentioned, (but then who isn’t?), Stoke surviving this enormous gulf of class between the Championship and Premier League looks wholly unlikely. A swift return back to the Championship seems rather more probable. The signings so far, headed by misfiring former Royal Dave Kitson, fail to impress. Although there is still room to try and rectify this initial letdown, by splashing the cash on Premiership quality players, it seems a pipedream that Stoke have bundles of cash stacked up at the back of the Britannia Stadium somewhere. Looks like a case of watch and learn, and try not to self-implode as spectacularly as Derby did.
Comments
There has certainly been a climb in Brazilian players moving to the English Premier League, and with more clubs inviting Brazilians into England, you can definitely see it becoming a trend. Personally I believe that the samba boys, as you called them, can bring a lot of diversity, experience and game to the Premier League.