(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Its that time of year again, when everyone thinks they know how the forthcoming Premier League campaign is going to pan out.
Last season, it turned out that I didn't know very much. Of the twenty Premier League placings, I only got three spot on. They were Arsenal in 4th, Wigan in 11th and Sunderland in 16th.
Elsewhere, my biggest errors were Portsmouth to finish 5th (they finished 14th as they went through three different managers), Fulham to finish 15th (Roy Hodgson masterminded a 7th placed finish), and Middlesbrough to finish 12th (they were relegated in 19th place).
I did get 11 teams within three places of their finishing position, so it wasn't a complete disaster, but there is plenty of room for improvement in 2009-2010, so here goes:
PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTION 2009-2010
1ST LIVERPOOL
I am a great believer in the theory that to win the title, if you are not the reigning champion, you have to have come close the season before. With that in mind, realistically only Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea can win the league this season.
Liverpool are going to manage it sooner or later; like Manchester United before them, they are too big a club to not win the league forever. If Torres plays 30 plus league games, that could make the difference.
STAR MAN - FERNANDO TORRES
2ND MANCHESTER UNITED
Even in transitional campaigns, United do not often finish outside the top two. With Ronaldo and Tevez gone, and Fergie already talking up tactical changes, a fourth straight title might be a step too far. It is far from impossible, but the simple law of averages suggests that it is less likely, although they will inevitably be there or thereabouts.
STAR MAN - WAYNE ROONEY
3RD CHELSEA
They may be the bookies favourites, but I do not agree on this occasion. Yet another new manager for an ageing squad to relate to does not equal instant success in my opinion. Of course, they will be very strong, very hard to beat, and will challenge in all competitions purely because of the quality at their disposal, but Ancelotti has only won a single league title in his career, and I can't see that changing in his first year in a new country.
STAR MAN - MICHAEL ESSIEN
4TH MANCHESTER CITY
From 10th to 4th in one season, is it possible? I think it is. Last season Manchester City were seriously affected by a UEFA Cup campaign. This time they are not in Europe, so will play significantly fewer games. Fewer games, plus a vastly strengthened squad equals fast improvement in my mind. This could be the beginning of a big change at the top of English football.
STAR MAN - GARETH BARRY
5TH ARSENAL
When I predicted Arsenal to finish 4th last term, IInbox (0) was accused of writing the Gunners off in some quarters, so I imagine similar criticisms will follow this prediction. In my mind, though, it is the obvious progression, or lack of, for the team.
Two more big players sold in the summer, and to an obvious rival, which suggests the expense of the Emirates is beginning to hamper them in the short term. Long term, they might be the team to beat, but it could be a few tough seasons for Arsenal fans before we get to that point.
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