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I think it will take another year for Man City to really start to gel. Too many new players to form a cohesive unit to challenge either man U or Chelsea. They do have an advantage of not playing in the Champions League which will give them a bit more rest for their EPL games. Mancini really has a challenge in managing the squad and keeping all his players happy with playing time. As an Arsenal supporter I do not have much hope that we can effectively challenge unless we get a better keeper. Donovan is an interesting question. He is probably better off being a big fish in a small pond rather than another good winger in the EPL. I am looking forward to a very interesting year!
Tottenham has been fun to watch so far. Man City is interesting and should be nasty as the season progresses. Both teams will give Sir Alex headaches. Liverpool is looking like a disappointment. Liking the effort Blackpool is making and hope they pull it off and survive. Chelsea is looking good right now, but I get the feeling Czech, Lampard, and Terry are past their prime and it will show as the season progresses. Hope to see more of that young French kid they showed last season (? some ruling keeps him from playing). He looked very exciting.
Tottenham has been fun to watch so far. Man City is interesting and should be nasty as the season progresses. Both teams will give Sir Alex headaches. Liverpool is looking like a disappointment. Liking the effort Blackpool is making and hope they pull it off and survive. Chelsea is looking good right now, but I get the feeling Czech, Lampard, and Terry are past their prime and it will show as the season progresses. Hope to see more of that young French kid they showed last season (? some ruling keeps him from playing). He looked very exciting.
I think the best inside mid the US is likely to have going forward will be this kid Holden, who is now with Bolton, and has looked good when I've seen him. It will be interesting to see how he does as the season begins. Sucks that the US resigned Bradley as coach. It means his son will be a fixture for the next cycle...and although he is good, I think we can do better inside.
Curious to see what becomes of Dempsey now that Hodgson has left Fulham. I never thought Dempsey was a particularly reliable midfielder, particularly defensively, but his goal scoring ability keeps getting him on the field. He didn't start Fulham's last game and I wonder if he will have to (or can) improve his game to get significant playing time this year.
As much as I admire Friedel, I'm hoping he picks up some nagging injury that gives Guzman a run in Villa's goal. I'd like to see how he can do.
My wife's team is Newcastle. This guy Carroll looks like the real deal. Their owner is a turd, but I want to see them do well and stay up.
Liverpool is a sad case. Amazing how losing one key player, Xavi Alonso, can start such a downward spiral. They are in deep trouble now with Mascharano gone. Got a better coach, however.
Tottenham looks like a threat to beat anyone, but probably don't have the depth to make a serious run at the top. I think they will be the team most fun to watch this year.
Arsenal looks like a shadow of their former selves.
Man City is going to be very good, I think.
ManU always surprises me. They seem above average but nothing special at most positions, but Ferguson really knows how to assemble a team that functions well together. Rooney is lost right now, but once he gets it back they'll contend.
Chelsea, I'm starting to hate, even without Ballack. But Drogba is amazing, Malouda looks poised for a breakout season, and Essien is a force of nature. I think they'll dominate this year.
Upfront disclosure: I am an Arsenal supporter.
Chelsea looks great so far but they do not play any one of quality until Man City and the end of the month.
The season is barely three weeks old and the injuries are starting to take their toll around the league but especially at Arsenal. Both Walcott and Von Persie out for at least four weeks will really hurt the goal production. On the positive side Arshavin and Chamak will get all the playing time they need to show they can contribute on a consistent basis. Man City has lost Balotelli and Spurs lost Defoe for a few weeks as well.
I am happy to see Newcastle playing well because they have a very devoted fan base and deserve better than what they have gotten over the last few years. Same with Portsmouth, but I am afraid their race is run and they are headed further down.
Liverpool are in a rebuilding year and I think Hodgeson will sort them out by the second half of the year to keep them in the top ten.
Interesting that Dempsey seems to be out of favor with Mark Hughes, if so he should move in January as there are many teams in the EPL that would be happy to give him first team football.
Finally, it is insanity Mr. Numbskull to ever think that Spurs will finish above Arsenal.
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