Prediction for the Premier League Season Ahead - Chelsea to be Champions Again

Captivating, exhilarating, dramatic, thrilling etc etc – No, not the Charity Shield, the result of which is as meaningless as ever, and definitely not the football off-season which was one of the dullest in recent memory - but the Second Ashes Test at Edgbaston. I have probably used up my quota of superlatives for one article in the first four words, but what the hell – England v Australia was simply breathtaking.

But as this is Elite Football Talk, I had better write something about football I suppose. And as any self respecting commentator on football is doing at this time of year – I thought I would roll out the old “prediction for the upcoming season” article – always a guaranteed winner. Because of time and space constraints, I will have to restrict it to top 6 and bottom 3 – I am not being lazy (honest!) So here goes…

The top

1 Chelsea – will prove that championships are just like buses, you wait around for one for ages and then two come along at once. The Chelsea squad has the most depth in Europe and in Mourinho they have a manager who knows exactly how to get the best out of it. Chelsea have the meanest defence around and a tireless midfield. This combination means that the Blues are incredibly difficult to beat. Add Hernan Crespo to the frontline and you have all the ingredients of champions.

2 Manchester United – The first season in the Glazer era and with it, no doubt, the chants of “USA, USA” at away grounds across the country , Man United will as ever be in the spotlight. United will need to find a way of successfully accommodating both Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney - something which Alex Ferguson failed to do last season. They will be too strong for most teams in the league and Park Ji Sung and Van der Sar are excellent signings – but they will fall short again because of lapses at crucial times and Ferguson will be fighting for his job by June next year.

3 Arsenal – Patrick Viera’s departure is a big loss, but the Gunners have proved in the past that they can sell big name players and make advances (see, Anelka, Overmars, Petit). In Fabregas they have a great talent, but my fear for him is that he will be taken ill with the dreaded SSD (Second Season Syndrome). I hope my diagnosis is wrong because Cesc is a great player to watch. Still the most fluid team in the league and boasting the best player in the world, Arsenal will push Chelsea and United all the way, but Jose’s team will have the edge.

4 Liverpool – another season of domestic transition for the European Champions me thinks. Rafa Benitez is clearly building the foundations of a title challenging team – but he knows that this will not be their season. Liverpool made the best signing of the summer when Gerrard finally learnt to trust his heart and commit himself to Liverpool and they will improve on their abysmal away form last season. Crucially though, despite signing Crouch who has a great touch for a big man (has somebody already said that?), Liverpool lack quality up-front.

5 Bolton – Sam Alladyce’s tactics may not be to the liking of everyone, but does he care? Of course not. Bolton have become one of the most savvy teams around and every player understands exactly what is required from him in every game. Big Sam pulled off two great sigings last year in Jaidi and Diouff- Could Borgetti and Faye have a similar effect this season? Europe for the Trotters!

6 Tottenham – Europe for Spurs as well! After talk of Rivaldo, Vieri, Figo and every other aging world superstar arriving at the Lane, Spurs have finally signed one, Edgar Davids. Spurs showed signs of major improvement under Martin Jol last season and they boast a great forward line led by the indefatigable Jermaine Defoe. But Davids could be the catalyst for a great campaign. Do not forget that Davids was the man who almost single-handedly propelled Barcelona from ruin to Spanish champions two seasons ago – and I think he will be up for a challenge in North London.

The bottom

18. Charlton - Everything else in this article is pretty predictable so I thought I would throw this one into the pan to spice things up a bit. Yes, Charlton have become an established Premiership side over the past few years but complacency can be a terrible thing and last season there were signs that Alan Curbishley’s magic was wearing off at The Valley. No major signings this summer and an un-inspiring strike force will mean that Charlton, not their London Rivals West Ham or West Brom will be relegated. Curbishley needs a new challenge but after next season his stock will have taken a rapid nose-dive.

19. Sunderland – I am unlike Roy Keane in many ways - I am not one of the most tenacious midfielders who ever played the game, I don't take my poor dog out for walks in Cheshire every hour of every day and I have great respect for Mick McCarthy. McCarthy has proved himself to be a very astute and knowledgeable manager – in the Championship. The Premier League is a whole different ball game though and Sunderland will struggle. However, Stead, Stubbs and Le Tallac are shrewd signings – perhaps they’ll prove me wrong.

20. Wigan – This will be one of those seasons where Wigan fans will be saying “we’re just glad to be in the top flight”. Unfortunately, they will not be saying that by the time season 2006-2007 comes around. Oh how I would love someone nicknamed “The Duke” to finish as the Premier League top scorer though. Ellington and Camara will ruffle a few Premiership defences, but at the other end Wigan’s backline will be ruffled, dishevelled, beaten up and left for dead. Oh well. Wigan - please prove me wrong.