EPL Predictions

Hello,

Over the years, I have had pretty good records with pools so here goes for this year. Comment, bash me, whatever.

1 - Manchester United: especially if we sign Burbatov
2 - Chelsea: powerful team but too many new players for one season; next year though...
3 - Liverpool: more signings than Arsenal who has a very young team
4 - Arsenal: no moves = 4th
5 - Aston Villa: good team but Everton made no moves plus ManCity bad owner
6 - Everton: I really like this team...solid
7 - Tottenham: bad year last year and will not be able to make up enough ground for CL.
8 - Manchester City: not sure about this one; owner might be in jail thus no one gets paid
9 - Portsmouth: will take time for Crouch to fit in
10 - West Ham: another solid mid table team; 1-2 more good players=5th ot 6th
11 - Wigan: solid mid table team
12 - Middlesbrough: another ok mid table team
13 - Sunderland: put in place a solid 5 year plan...will improve.
14 - Newcastle: needs focus from management and coach
15 - Blackburn: it is going to be a long season for this team
16 - Bolton: with so many bad teams, Bolton should be able to stay up
17 - West Brom: my new team to survive pick.
18 - Fulham: happy trails to Fulham
19 - Stoke: bad team
20 - Hull: this city has heart but that is about it.

So there you go.

My faith in Manchester United may be misplaced as Chelsea, under new management and tons of awesome new players (plus Terry, Drogdba) could mean the end of United but I think teams and fans underestimate United's defence, especially if Neville gets back to form quickly. If United gets Burbatov from the Spurs, it will finally allow Rooney to get open (who is constantly double or triple teamed; or alone up front) and it could be his best season to date. If United signs Burbatov, I expect 5-9 more goals from Rooney if he stays healthy. Maybe more. Add Ronaldo to that mix with Tevez and Nani (let's not forget Giggs and Scholes) and suddenly you have a team to watch.

Anyway, there you go.

In May, we will look back.

Cheers.

Derek