Some very interesting fixtures were announced yesterday. Perhaps the most controversial was the fact that Manchester United will have to play away games after every single Champions League game they will play in the group stage.
United will face Newcastle on the opening day. That should be a very interesting game there. Chelsea will face Portsmouth in Scolari's first game in charge. That could produce a surprise result.
In this article, I'll give my predictions for the final standings at the end the 2008/2009 Premier League season.
Let's get going:
1. Manchester United. I can see this being a very successful season for United, with or without Ronaldo. The squad is still full of talent, and many pundits have argued that some of Ronaldo's goals—especially the penalties—could have been scored by others. Title number 11 for Sir Alex Ferguson.
2. Liverpool. What must you be thinking? Chelsea not second? Nope, for me Liverpool is second. They have improved greatly since the arrival of Fernando Torres. He links well with Steven Gerrard, and I believe this may be the season that Rafa proves he can cut it in the Premier League.
3. Chelsea. Scolari gets Chelsea to third? Yes, that's what I believe anyway. I will say this, Chelsea will be within three points of United at the end of the season. This will be a close title race.
4. Tottenham. You all think I'm mad. However, I do think this will be the season that Ramos proves he was worth replacing Martin Jol. I said it ever since the Carling Cup win over Chelsea. They have been preparing for this season ever since they won that game. With UEFA Cup football as well, who knows what lies in store for Spurs.
5. Arsenal. Big choice here. I had to choose between Arsenal, Villa, Everton, Pompey, Blackburn, and Manchester City. I chose Arsenal because I do feel they may slump a bit this season, but not below fifth place. May be a bit disappointing for Arsenal fans to see this, but this is how I see it going down.
6. Portsmouth. Old 'Arry will be desperate to move Portsmouth up another place this year, and he will do. This is the year that Portsmouth begin to prove that the days of fearing relegation are well and truly gone. UEFA Cup football as well. Pompey fans will be very happy.
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8. Everton. A big drop from fifth to eight for the Toffees. Risky perhaps, but it's how I see it. This squad will run out of steam, especially with their UEFA Cup campaign.
9. Blackburn Rovers. I don't know who the boss is yet, but he'll be in for a tough time here. David Bentley wants Champions League football. Bit odd really. You need to have Champions League quality to actually demand a move to a big club. Bentley doesn't have that. I see mixed form for Rovers.
10. Manchester City. With Mark Hughes as the new gaffer, great things will be expected. It does seem that Sinatra expects him to win the league this season. Money doesn't buy everything you know. Many people will now say that it does, look at Chelsea. They already had a good squad, it just needed a bit of tweaking to propel them to newer heights. Hughes will be sacked at the end of the season.
11. West Ham United. Fans were calling for Alan Curbishley's head because they finished mid-table. This is the same man who saved them from relegation. Fans say they are better than mid-table. Clearly not, because if they were, they wouldn't be in mid table. They'll probably beat United at Upton Park, but that'll be it.
12. Newcastle United. The prime example of a club that expects too much. Just because they have Keegan back in the hot seat, and lots of money, they expect top four finishes. It ain't going to happen. I feel for Michael Owen. When he was at Liverpool, he was with a club that could deliver week in, week out. He went to Real Madrid and became a good scorer for them. Now he's at Newcastle. Poor git.
13. Sunderland. I still feel that Roy Keane is using Sunderland as a training exercise for his managerial skills. I think he'll take over at United when Fergie goes, but until then, he'll continue to please the Sunderland faithful. Another good season for Sunderland here.
14. West Brom. I see a good future for West Brom. They have a strong squad, a very good manager, and seem dead intent on pushing for a mid-table spot. Sunderland had a similar prerogative last year, and they stayed up. Expect fireworks in the derby against Villa.
15. Hull City. I am very impressed by Hull City. They have a great squad and a great mix of experience with young legs. A good manger who should take them in the right direction, upwards. A good season for Hull here.
16. Stoke City. That's right. I think all three teams will stay up. It's my gut feeling, and always was as soon as the playoff final finished. Stoke again have a great mixture of players and, for teams entering the top division, that is vital. An old man is needed to keep the babies in order. A good season for Stoke, who face the Champions on Boxing Day.
17. Wigan Athletic. Another relegation dogfight in-store for Wigan this season. They have good players, they have a great manager, but not that spark that the three newly promoted teams have. That's disappointing really, because Steve Bruce is a great manager, but he will need more time to bring this team back to life.
18. Fulham. I have no idea how they did it last season. Somehow they managed to survive the drop. Jimmy Bullard is undoubtedly their best player, but he seriously needs to go elsewhere, and fast. He's been wasted at Fulham.
19.Bolton. Gary Megson kept them up last season. He even managed a draw on the final day against Chelsea. Amazing, but lightening will not strike twice on this occasion. Sorry boys, but you're going down.
20. Middlesbrough. Gareth Southgate can't work miracles for much longer. I am surprised this team hasn't gone down already. Amazingly, they seem to dominate every time they play Manchester United. Against almost everyone else, they falter. Ridiculous. Not even Southgate can keep them up this year.
So there you have it. United to make it 11 titles and Fulham, Bolton, and Middlesbrough to go down. We'll have to wait and see if I'm right.
Amazingly, I found out I may be able to place a bet that this is the order the table finishes in. If I do, I could win over £5,000. Not bad eh?
What do you think? Am I still a nutter? Do you agree with the table?
comments (56) write a comment »
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2 months ago
One quick note, I did mean to mention that i think from fourth to 12th will be seperated by just 6 points. Thought I would clarify that.
from 2 months ago
no you are a pot of the nob variety!!!
2 months ago
Liverpool 2nd? I hope not. Too close for comfort. Depending on who Chelsea bring in, eg. Ronaldinho and Deco, it could be very tight again between them and United.
from 2 months ago
indeed. i do think the pool will improve to that posistion. chelsea, united and liverppol will all go into the final day with a chance of winning the title. that's my opinion anyway.
2 months ago
Im not even going to start on the 'Liverpool 2nd, Chelsea 3rd' issue.. I am absolutely flabbergasted that you would consider mentioning Arsenal, Villa, Everton, Portsmouth, Blackburn and Manchester City in the same sentence.
Michael You have some issues and if you think that United will just go in claim in the 3rd consecutive title, you couldnt be more wrong. Im not surprised that you seem to think United will improve while Chelsea and Arsenal will deteriorate.
Anyway thats your opinion and who am i to question it. Got to say though, I dont agree with it....
from 2 months ago
no no. i don't think chelsea will get any worse, just that liverpool will improve, and barely snatch second. as for arsenal, it's the way i see it. we're all entitled to our own opinion, and this is mine.
from 2 months ago
Thats completely okay with me because i dont agree with it anyway. Just wanna say that its a little too early to be doing predictions on league finishes.
You say that you predict according to what you witnessed last season and the genereal feeling around the club. But what is it exactly you saw that shows Liverpool will do better next year? Or Chelsea will do worse than last year?
Anyway this is what football is all about. The fact that we disagree on a lot of things just shows that a lot of people have different opinions on things.
And i dont appreciate Salaar telling I have no right degrading a fellow writer. At which in my comment did i degrade anyone?? Utter Bollocks i say.....
2 months ago
Lets Keep it clean,you have no right to degrade a fellow writer for voicing his opinion.It would be great if you came out with your own prediction.
Micheal,you chosen a topic,which is always certain to stir a heated debate,decent work,Arsenal fans will shun this article as biased and anti-Arsenal...In writing the article,You have openly shown a love for Manchester United which is absolutely fantastic (even I'm a United fanatic) but as advice I'd tell you that when you write articles concerning other clubs try to be neutral..anyway great effort as always.
SS
from 2 months ago
i was as neutral as possible. i merely predicted it the way i see it. yes, i have shown a love for united, but i didn't say they would run away with it. i do think we'll have the top all fighting for the title on the last day. so i guess united may not win the title.
unfortunately, no fan will appreciate the fact that i have merely voiced my own opinions. not criticised other club and their managers.
2 months ago
how are Boro going to finish bottom? go back to school little boy!
from 2 months ago
broke the rules of conduct there mate. silly.
2 months ago
Salaar, have you looked at the other 'article' he posted about Middlesbrough being racits?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/26809-Open-Mic-The-Role-Of-Race-In-Football-020608
And on top of this he now prediced Middlesbrough will finish bottom of the league. This is why he was called an idiot.
from 2 months ago
it's spelt RACISTS. i didn't say boro in general, you fool. again, another person breaks the rules of conduct.
2 months ago
Mate, despite the fact I AGREE with most of your positions in your in a no win situation.
Every fan except for United, Stoke, Hull, West Brom and Spurs will feel they're too low in your table.
The abuse from the Smoggies is from Teeside where the football is bad and the stadium is never filled.
They're going down and they cant't take it!
By th way the allegations of racial abuse by Newcastle fans to Mido was unproved so Mido, tough luck, keep proclaiming you'll sign for us, in your dreams!
from 2 months ago
every prediction is a no win situation. boro are going down, too bad fans can't admit it. unfortunately, a small group of idotic boro fans have chosen to degrade my articles with their comments.
from 2 months ago
'you fool.'
broke the rules of conduct there mate. silly.
2 months ago
I don't agree with Arsenal 5th and they'll show all the doubters this year again! The transfer season has barely opened and I'm sure arsenal will make the right choices. I do however believe Tottenham will be better this year but Arsenal will remain in the top four, despite critics. But keep the doubting flowing...i just realized that it fuels arsenal.
And somehow I find it hard to believe that Liverpool will finish above Chelsea.
Then again this is football and anything is possible, i just prefer to wait until the season starts to begin my real predictions.
from 2 months ago
i do hope arsenal prove me wrong, cos the top four are called that for a reason. i don't find it hard to believe the pool will finish above chelsea, but i do think that one of the 3 will win the title, it may be chelsea yet.
2 months ago
Have you ever seen a Geordie lift a cup? Have you ever seen a Geordie lift a cup? Have you ever seen a Geordie... Ever seen a Geordie... Ever seen a Geordie lift a cup HAVE YOU F***!
from 2 months ago
Il tell ya what Iv never seen Shaun, the Riverside full! You can never sell that place out. Is there not enough Smoggies to fill that s**thole. Keep living off your worthless cup win v Bolton and your oh so nearly UEFA Cup, what was it 4-0!
Middlesbrough will never be better than Newcastle or Sunderland for that matter. Enjoy your last year in the Prem lads
from 2 months ago
intertoto cup.
2 months ago
How many times have you been to the Riverside to see it full? Where you at the quarter & semi-finals of the uefa cup? It can't be that worthless if your lot would take it. Silverware & european football, lightyears away from Newcastle, yet you all seem to think you under acheive & should qualify fot CL. HAHA, you OVER acheived a few years & now expect it every year. Thats why Shearer won't go & ever manager is doomed from the start until you finally do win something. You're players deserve to be locked up, otherwise they fight each other on the pitch!
T-T-Teesider!!!
Cheer up Kevin Keegan...
from 2 months ago
it's sad that you choose to abuse another fan because of his opinion.
from 2 months ago
It begs the question, when have Middlesbrough played CL football? I belive the answer is NEVER. Never have you been among Europe's elite so you cant dream about it. When have Barca, Inter, Juventus graced the Riverside aside from friendlies?
We have only signed two physco's who didn't deliver on the pitch. Barton and Bowyer. So when we have one player currently in the nic, it's the whole team.
Tyne til I die mate,
Well at least he qualifyed for a major tournament, 8yrs later a certain ex manager of yours failed spectacularly. Thanks for that though, being Irish it was the best moment of the year for me!
2 months ago
How can you possiby say Southgate is doing a bad job - as for all 3 promoted teams stayin up Ill give ya 5k if they do - get back to la la land!!!!!!!
from 2 months ago
at what point did i say southgate was doing a bad job? i said he can't work miracles for much longer. that's praise!! jesus! people should read the bloody article before commenting.
by the way, calling me an idiot breaks the conduct rules. nice one there.
from 2 months ago
Its not 'a small group of idotic boro fans have chosen to degrade my articles with their comments.' Its every boro fan on the BBC 606 as you're links have been posted on there & there are threads dedicated to you're idiotic 'articles'.
Do not get big headed about this as it is nothing to be proud of, the fact that you have posted information you cannot back up.
2 months ago
Michael, you are entitled to your opinion, I am not going to comment on your choices as they as yours to make, and we will see at the end of the campaign.
One thing I will say is that you are making your choices a little early. There will be a flurry of changes in the transfer window between now and the end of August, so to make predictions now is bold (or stupid) to say the least.
I will write my own predictions article come the week before the Premier League kicks off, but even that will be slightly premature because many key deals could be done in the final week of the window, after the league has begun.
from 2 months ago
ah well yes, i had thought of that, but i did think of getting it out becausei probably won't be able to around that time (medical stuff). i based it on what i saw last season, and general feeeling surrounding each club. and gut instinct i guess.
probably is stupid, but so what. i tried to consider leaving it, but i chose to do it now. can't wait to see yours mate.
2 months ago
this guy dont his football from his footlocker ! arsenal in 5th lets just remind evry1 that we do indeed have the most wanted man in all of catalonia ! the legend Cesc Fabregas . i do agree with liverpooll higher than chelsea just in 3rd and 4th respectively. liverpool always burn out by mid november neway:)
from 2 months ago
3rd and 4th? jeez, i thought i was pushin it quite a bit with my predictions, but that is too far. i think i may reconsider 5th place for arsenal, escpecially as i put spurs there. may do it tomorrow.
2 months ago
Manchester United will continue there rank as elitists and dominance. Ronaldo is not going anywhere he loves to win to much and thats what us manc's are, striaght winners.
Liverpool would be better if they would stop wasting the talent of 6'6 Peter Crouch, he is so dangerous in the box. you forgot about him.
Chelsea is not a contender next season they will finish maybe 4th or 5th. Drogba is gone and ballack is terrible he cannot produce for his club or national team. And the choke artist Jon Terry, hahah.
Other then that you did ok.
from 2 months ago
4th or 5th? wow mate, risky there. i thought crouch may be on his way out, so i did intentionallly forget about him.
choke artist, haha. still, i do feel sorry for him.
i thought ballack scored the other day? although his club form wasn't too great. i was amazed to see the amount of chelsea players that didn't play more than 30 league games. some barely managed 20
2 months ago
I think that it is suffice to say that I don't agree with you. Not just about Arsenal, but still, you're entitled to your opinion and believe me, they are controversial!
from 2 months ago
indeed, controversy is always good, in a way. i am in two minds about that one though. i might change it, but considering the amount of comments, it would only confuse things further i guess.
2 months ago
I have to disagree with Boro being 20th. I know one man doesn't make a team but Afonso Alves. He scored 6 goals for us at the end of the season, we didn't have a goalscorer last season and now we look to have one. Can you not see that? Who do Stoke have? Ricardo Fuller - he'll bag at least 15 goals won't he? Everyone is entitled to an opinion mate, but seriously please don't insult us with 20th. I don't think we will be relegated but if we are it'll be in 18th, not 20th.
from 2 months ago
we'll have to wait and see won't we.
2 months ago
joker.
2 months ago
Fair enough...No abusive language can be used for any writer..lay off Micheal for now..anyone who objects is free to create their own prediction..which will obviously cause another heated debate...that is what predictions do...you are not over last season and people are already crushing your club for the next one..
from 2 months ago
unfortunately any prediction will create heat. one side will like it, some won't. then some resort to childish and foolish comments.
2 months ago
Neutral opinion?? Please use a dictionary to look up the meaning of neutral before you attempt to put it in practice.
Explain the Newcastle entry and the pure media spun drivel... Stating that NUFC supporters are over expectant and demanding top 4 finishes. Back with facts please? Then your Owen comment! Not exactly neutral is it?
You have no integrity at all. McDonalds are hiring and you could get a gold star within your first year if you try very very hard.
from 2 months ago
you can't see that I am expressing my opinion. I'm entitled to it. As for McDonalds, that was just plain childish. What the hell is a gold star?
2 months ago
The reason there's so many upset Boro fans is that you made some completely untrue allegations that were incredibly offensive. Even though you've apologised, you've blamed a friend and tried to get out of accountibilty. Your name was on the article and as the author it's your responsibilty to check the facts, particularly when they are used to make serious allegations. Then earlier in this thread you complain that 'a small group of idotic boro fans have chosen to degrade my articles with their comments'. How can you apologise and then complain about the people who have brought serious faults in your work to your attention? As someone who appears to enjoy writing and maybe would like a career in it, I hope in future you hold yourself to much higher standards in your research and work.
from 2 months ago
all true, but still no reason for above geeza to call me a paedo.
2 months ago
Marc
I don't know if that comment was directed at me. If it was, then all I was doing was trying to point out where Michael has to improve as the article he posted which spoke about Mido really was a disgrace, and his apology seemed insincere when he subsequently moaned about the fans who complained about the article in question and tried to weasel out of responsibility by blaming a friend. I'm not trying to make myself feel big, just stick up for a club I feel passionately about against lazy writing.
from 2 months ago
Not at all Paul, it was directed to Phil, who instead of defending his club (whoever that may be) just uses taunts and abuse instead of debating like yourself. You make valid points and Michael made a mistake in trusting his friend so he's getting abused for that.
Fair play to you for passionatly defending your club even if its Boro (jokin)
2 months ago
Arsenal 5th..???? Liverpool 2nd..??? Chelsea 3rd..???
i dont think so...
MU maybe could get 1st place, but not liverpool at 2nd place...
1st and 2nd place just about Arsenal and MU...
Arsenal just need more consistent...
from 2 months ago
we'll have to wait and see i guess, i do think arsenal need to be more consitent, because their bad run at the back end of the season cost them the title.
2 months ago
Think Middlesbrough might surprise you this season.
I feel that you are being a little harsh to think that Middlesbrough are the worse team in the premier league.
Granted last season was at times awful, but we also proved we could play great football, inc the 2-2 draw with Manchester utd and a 8-1 win over Manchester City.
I also feel that they may be a slight case of sour grape in this article due to the fact that many Middlesbrough fans pointed out your lack of knowledge in football and journalism in your previous article that involved lies about Middlesbrough supporters and there conduct.
But as you say these are your predictions but let’s hope Middlesbrough prove you wrong.
One last question, do you go to many Manchester utd games or are you just another glory supporter from London? Sorry couldn’t resist !
from 2 months ago
i go to as many as possible. i've already retracted my comments from the last thing, so no sour grapes here, just my feeling. it's up to them to prove me wrong.
from 2 months ago
Please just one more question, do you think middlesbrough are the worse team in the premier leauge?
if so could you please provide me with a little more insight to support this view.
as i find it hard to beleave this is the case ! with the potential in the middlesbrough team, eg, Downing, Alves, Tuncay, Wheater, Huth, Mido, Arca, Boatang, Johnson, Young Etc these may not be upto utd standard but i bet all of them would get into the Hull, Sunderland, West brom, Stoke, Wigan, Bolton etc and with the recent history of the club ie 6 major cup finals in the last 10 years and 11 consecutive years in the premier leauge. i cant see how anyone with a supposed knowledge in football can think the above !
Cheers Chris,
2 months ago
Why are you so arrogant to assume that Steve Gibson, Southgate or anyone at Middlesbrough Football club actually give a F*** about "proving you wrong".....You're irrelevant...Deal with it!
2 months ago
Portsmouth will take over the big 4, watch.
2 months ago
this idiot sees everything in a manure-tinted gaze. every single prediction you made is stupid. manure first! diving cheat ronaldo is off to madrid so that not possible. liverpool 2nd when they only compete for 4th place every season. arsenal 5th even though they play the best foot ball in all of england. all the promoted clubs staying up? you should really have your head checked out mate
from 2 months ago
haha, ronaldo leaves, probably, and everyone think sunited could fall apart. yeah right.
you need to check your head before blatantly insult someone, rather than making a fair comment.
about 1 month ago
Hi!!!!
im astrit from mcedonia and im 15 years old i think cristiano ronaldo will leave manchester und and this job is finished whe dont have to talk enymore i hate him and he dont deserf to play in premier leage he is crazy goodbay im for arsenal he is the best
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