For the first time in a while, I am writing Manchester United off.
There, I said it.
I know a lot of people in the football world would think it as signing their death warrant, but I’m sticking with my decision.
My actual prediction is that Manchester United – for the first time in a long while will be more than 10 points off the title in my eyes.
That hasn’t happened since Chelsea lost just one game on their virtually unopposed march to the first league championship under Jose Mourinho.
But with the midfield area at Old Trafford not really being improved at all and obviously each of the players a year older – Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs included – there certainly could be a changing of the guard about to take place.
So, will their cross-city rivals…City, take over their mantle?
Not in my eyes, no.
Unless they plan playing all five of the defensive midfielders they currently have at the club. This new 25-man squad rule is really going to f*ck someone’s summer up at Eastlands and to give it to Yaya Toure, could end in tears…
The most-absurdly overrated and overpaid player in English football history is literally laughing all the way to the bank and Abu Dhabi can pay what they like, it will NOT result in a first championship trophy since 1968.
Chelsea have lost Michael Ballack, Joe Cole and may lose Ashley Cole as well as he ‘feels persecuted by the media’.
Awwww.
My heart bleeds for him.
Idiot.
I still think Chelsea are the team to beat and will be streets ahead of the two Manchester clubs and in my opinion possess THE best all-round striker in world football.
No, not Daniel Sturridge…Didier Drogba.
The man can score a goal from seemingly anywhere on the pitch and his frustrating diving and moaning aside, he is THE most effective player in the Premier League for me.
He knits moves together, finishes moves, leads the line, plays on the shoulder, holds the ball up excellent, strong, quick, determined, clinical.
What more could you want from a striker?
Another London side could finally be clicking into gear under the second-longest serving manager in English football and the youth policy could well pay off this year.
Arsene Wenger has been building a variety of youthful sides since his tenure in 1996.
If there was any chance of the famous ‘Invincibles’ side being reproduced, then it begins here.
If incoming forward Marouane Chamakh can fit in seamlessly and assist Robin van Persie’s vigour and verve, Andrei Arshavin’s trickery and talent and the sheer pace of Theo Walcott is accompanied by some footballing skill – these boys have the potential to be frightening.
The former Bordeaux man will add the aerial threat that Arsenal have been lacking and will hopefully allow the slickest passers in England to mix things up a little.
Chamakh, for the record, has scored more headers than even Tim Cahill over the last two seasons – and more than anyone else in top flight European football with 17.
The backline is strong again, with new signing Laurent Koscielny slotting straight in alongside Thomas Vermalen.
The only thing that stops me backing the Gunners for the title is the goalkeeping situation – if that changes, I’ll be putting my money down.
1 Chelsea
2 Arsenal
3 Manchester United
Rest of league to follow…
