The readers of FDLI seem to know what they are talking about when it comes to the up coming Premier League season. It was voted that Chelsea F.C. would be the ones lifting the League trophy at the end of May 2010. Well a week before the season they lifted the FA
Community Shield out of the reach Manchester United, edging them in penalties after the two sides were even at 2-2 after 90 minutes. This game means nothing to the EPL table but it shows how the Blues are stacking up to "Ronaldoless" United.
Chelsea have enjoyed a great preseason. They've come away with wins with friendly results against teams such as Interazionale, AC Milan, and Club America in the World Football challenge held in the United States. If anyone looks to be preseason favorites for the Premier Leage (and that doesn't mean a whole lot), it's them. The have all the qualities to bring the title back to West London. I would have to say the depth on Chelsea is greater than any other team in the world right now. It's a bold statement to make, but I feel like it is one I can confidently make. What has hurt Chelsea in the past couple of seasons is consistency. Perhaps, Carlo Ancelotti has the cure. Manchester United on the other hand have bigger things to worry about. I for one, back Sir Alex to find a way to replace Ronaldo but it really didn't show against Chelsea yesterday. I thought Nani was active until his injury but Valencia didn't do a great deal except foul a few times after he came on. Chelsea should have won the match in 90 minutes. Rooney was a hair offside on his second goal. United just lacked creativity, especially in the second half. Performances like the one against Chelsea will not win them a 4th title in a row. You have to feel sorry for the Red Devils (or maybe you don't depending who you are). They've gone down twice in penalties this preseason. This time around they shockingly only converted 1 to Chelsea's 4. Evra's was just simply awful. Cech could have spit at it and made the save.
But enough about the Community shield. It's a fun match, but nothing important. What is important is the first game of the season. Who'dya got? Home or away? Ready or not? Here it comes. Liverpool are looking to come off a preseason failure against Atletico Madrid 2-1. The Reds start with Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Harry Redknapp will looking to get underway with new signings such as Peter Crouch, while Liverpool go into battle without Xabi Alonso or replacement Aquilani. However when Liverpool misses key players, they are subject to underperform. But those players are Gerrard and Torres, not Alonso or Aquilani. So I would expect a win from the Merseyside outfit but not a blow out. Something along the lines of 2-1. The match I'm the most interested in on the first weekend in England's top flight is Everton at home against the Gunners. Everyone has been talking about Manchester City breaking into the top four now that Arsenal has the potential of dropping out, but traditionally Everton finish very close to the top of the pack. Wouldn't it be interesting if they got the North London side off to a rocky start while they try to keep their place in the Champions League against Celtic in the midweek fallowing the match? A bit cynical to think like that, but I seem to enjoy it.
Sunderland finally completed the Bent deal in time for the Black Cats to take on Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok. Coach Steve Bruce says "He's everything I want" when referring to Bent who, through Twitter, expressed his frusteration and impatience with Tottenham to let him join Sunderland. Blackburn Rovers will be eagerly awaiting their opening match against Manchester City to put a quick halt to former manager, Mark Hughes and the City spending that has taken place this summer. Franco Di Santo is anxious to be star for Rovers, despite being loaned out by Chelsea. He scored his first Chelsea goal and had the assist on the other goal when Chelsea triumphed over Mexican outfit, Club America, earlier in the summer. Now that we are talking about Chelsea again. They begin the season with Hull City who had fun making life hard for Big Four sides last season, especially Arsenal. But can the Tigers come into Stamford Bridge and get a shock result on opening day, unlikely. But anything can happen. Fulham will be eager to get another season underway after the run they had last year. They start with Pompey at Fratton Park. Pompey have been selling this summer in the midst of a takeover deal. Their agenda for the season will be stay afloat in the Premiership so next year the cash flow from the new Arab owner can be put to good use.
Newcomers Burnly will set sail on their EPL journey against last year's newcomers, Stoke who have taken Dean Whitehead from Sunderland in late July. Burnley to have some key signings though. They picked up a 19 year old Ecuadorian winger by the name of Fernando Guerrero on loan from Independiente de Valle as well as Steven Fletcher from Hiberian £ 3 million. They'll be one of the many clubs fighting for their spot in the top flight. Aston Villa will be looking to crack the Big Four this year, starting against EPL scrappers Wigan at the JJB. Villa conquered Juventus in the preseason Peace Cup tournament on penalties and will be looking to swing their momentum directly into Wigan on opening day with the key signing of England Under 21, Fabian Delph from Leeds. Birmingham have also returned to the Prem this season. They get the Manchester United welcoming comitee to escort them back to the big leagues. To their luck, they will at least get to play against the threepeat EPL winners at home. Home advantage is usually a key factor, but less relative when United comes to town. They will be looking to bounce right back up after their loss to Chelsea yesterday. Finally Wolves, last year's Championship winners will be taking on the Hammers. They too will be starting their campaign at home. West Ham boss, former Chelsea great, Gianfranco Zola is still looking to grab the signature of Barcelona's out of place Gudjohnsen. If it does happen, I doubt it would be in time for the match against the hungry Wolves.
There's a quick overview for Week 1 of the EPL. I wanted to to start the season off with an over view like this so we have a basic understanding of where everyone in the league is. For me, the more shock results the better. It makes it so much more interesting. For others, they just want to see their team do well. Nonetheless, everyone can't be smiling when the season is said and done!
Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid
Bobby
Community Shield out of the reach Manchester United, edging them in penalties after the two sides were even at 2-2 after 90 minutes. This game means nothing to the EPL table but it shows how the Blues are stacking up to "Ronaldoless" United.
Chelsea have enjoyed a great preseason. They've come away with wins with friendly results against teams such as Interazionale, AC Milan, and Club America in the World Football challenge held in the United States. If anyone looks to be preseason favorites for the Premier Leage (and that doesn't mean a whole lot), it's them. The have all the qualities to bring the title back to West London. I would have to say the depth on Chelsea is greater than any other team in the world right now. It's a bold statement to make, but I feel like it is one I can confidently make. What has hurt Chelsea in the past couple of seasons is consistency. Perhaps, Carlo Ancelotti has the cure. Manchester United on the other hand have bigger things to worry about. I for one, back Sir Alex to find a way to replace Ronaldo but it really didn't show against Chelsea yesterday. I thought Nani was active until his injury but Valencia didn't do a great deal except foul a few times after he came on. Chelsea should have won the match in 90 minutes. Rooney was a hair offside on his second goal. United just lacked creativity, especially in the second half. Performances like the one against Chelsea will not win them a 4th title in a row. You have to feel sorry for the Red Devils (or maybe you don't depending who you are). They've gone down twice in penalties this preseason. This time around they shockingly only converted 1 to Chelsea's 4. Evra's was just simply awful. Cech could have spit at it and made the save.
But enough about the Community shield. It's a fun match, but nothing important. What is important is the first game of the season. Who'dya got? Home or away? Ready or not? Here it comes. Liverpool are looking to come off a preseason failure against Atletico Madrid 2-1. The Reds start with Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Harry Redknapp will looking to get underway with new signings such as Peter Crouch, while Liverpool go into battle without Xabi Alonso or replacement Aquilani. However when Liverpool misses key players, they are subject to underperform. But those players are Gerrard and Torres, not Alonso or Aquilani. So I would expect a win from the Merseyside outfit but not a blow out. Something along the lines of 2-1. The match I'm the most interested in on the first weekend in England's top flight is Everton at home against the Gunners. Everyone has been talking about Manchester City breaking into the top four now that Arsenal has the potential of dropping out, but traditionally Everton finish very close to the top of the pack. Wouldn't it be interesting if they got the North London side off to a rocky start while they try to keep their place in the Champions League against Celtic in the midweek fallowing the match? A bit cynical to think like that, but I seem to enjoy it.
Sunderland finally completed the Bent deal in time for the Black Cats to take on Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok. Coach Steve Bruce says "He's everything I want" when referring to Bent who, through Twitter, expressed his frusteration and impatience with Tottenham to let him join Sunderland. Blackburn Rovers will be eagerly awaiting their opening match against Manchester City to put a quick halt to former manager, Mark Hughes and the City spending that has taken place this summer. Franco Di Santo is anxious to be star for Rovers, despite being loaned out by Chelsea. He scored his first Chelsea goal and had the assist on the other goal when Chelsea triumphed over Mexican outfit, Club America, earlier in the summer. Now that we are talking about Chelsea again. They begin the season with Hull City who had fun making life hard for Big Four sides last season, especially Arsenal. But can the Tigers come into Stamford Bridge and get a shock result on opening day, unlikely. But anything can happen. Fulham will be eager to get another season underway after the run they had last year. They start with Pompey at Fratton Park. Pompey have been selling this summer in the midst of a takeover deal. Their agenda for the season will be stay afloat in the Premiership so next year the cash flow from the new Arab owner can be put to good use.
Newcomers Burnly will set sail on their EPL journey against last year's newcomers, Stoke who have taken Dean Whitehead from Sunderland in late July. Burnley to have some key signings though. They picked up a 19 year old Ecuadorian winger by the name of Fernando Guerrero on loan from Independiente de Valle as well as Steven Fletcher from Hiberian £ 3 million. They'll be one of the many clubs fighting for their spot in the top flight. Aston Villa will be looking to crack the Big Four this year, starting against EPL scrappers Wigan at the JJB. Villa conquered Juventus in the preseason Peace Cup tournament on penalties and will be looking to swing their momentum directly into Wigan on opening day with the key signing of England Under 21, Fabian Delph from Leeds. Birmingham have also returned to the Prem this season. They get the Manchester United welcoming comitee to escort them back to the big leagues. To their luck, they will at least get to play against the threepeat EPL winners at home. Home advantage is usually a key factor, but less relative when United comes to town. They will be looking to bounce right back up after their loss to Chelsea yesterday. Finally Wolves, last year's Championship winners will be taking on the Hammers. They too will be starting their campaign at home. West Ham boss, former Chelsea great, Gianfranco Zola is still looking to grab the signature of Barcelona's out of place Gudjohnsen. If it does happen, I doubt it would be in time for the match against the hungry Wolves.
There's a quick overview for Week 1 of the EPL. I wanted to to start the season off with an over view like this so we have a basic understanding of where everyone in the league is. For me, the more shock results the better. It makes it so much more interesting. For others, they just want to see their team do well. Nonetheless, everyone can't be smiling when the season is said and done!
Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid
Bobby
