Premier League: the 'Big Four' and some other teams?
No matter how much glitz the Premier League's paymasters sprinkle on 'Grand Slam Sundays' and the like, a real chasm has opened in England's top division.
Those who follow Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will once again gorge themselves on a mini-league of Champions League Wednesdays and Super Sundays, many of them utterly contemptuous of the hopes of the 16 other clubs in the Premier League.
A couple of weeks in to the season now - and already, United and Chelsea look unstoppable as the top two - Scolari will revitalise the Blues and if he can bring in Robinho then goals should be more plentiful. Over at Old Trafford, much depends on whether Berbatov comes in now that 'He' has been persuaded to stay.
Can anyone break in to the top four at last? With Aston Villa, Tottenham and Blackburn all being pressurised to sell their best players to 'big four' rivals it hardly seems like it'll be this season.
Never rule out David Moyes and Everton though - while Mark Hughes may yet turn Manchester City into a football club with a spine.
As ever, at least half the division will prioritise staying up above all else, with 17th position being the aim. It's hard not to see Hull and Stoke struggling, though the determination both showed in getting promotion should ensure they do better than Derby's solitary win last season. Bolton could find it one struggle too many, while Middlesbrough will find it tough if Afonso Alves misfires. Paul Ince is unproven at this level and if with David Bentley gone and others maybe on the way, Blackburn will face a rebuilding job that could prove costly.
How will your team do? Is Europe or higher a realistic target? Is 17th place a reason for dancing on the streets? Share your views on the season's opening weeks here.
Your comments
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Simon from Singapore says:Aug 18, 11:12
May be even worse for Man Utd if they didn't get striker right now.. seriously..
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Simon from Singapore says:Aug 18, 11:10
I think Man Utd will go down this season. Chelsea and Liverpool look good. Man Utd will be either 3rd or 4th place.
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Andrew from Stockport says:Aug 17, 21:16
Stoke City will finish above the relegation zone this season
Will your team have a good season?Yes -
marcus whitrow from bristol says:Aug 17, 21:14
i think arsene winger is a manager because he has not one anything bristol city is the team to follow
Will your team have a good season?Yes -
marcus whitrow from bristol says:Aug 17, 21:12
bristol city to sign ronaldo and fabregas up the city down the gas
Will your team have a good season?Yes
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