B/R World Football Pundits: Here We Go...Season Predictions!

Since our writers come from all parts of the world, we have to take advantage of their knowledge. We've already seen pundits like John Dykes and Steve McMahon on ESPN Asia, Martin Tyler and Andy Gray on Sky, Bobby McMahon on FOX Sports. Well, Bleacher Report isn't too far behind.

Bleacher Report might be an Open Source Network, but our writers are just as capable and qualified with their opinions as other 'pundits.'

Inspired by our earlier created World Football Round Tables, Shyam's Rival Views, and Zahi Sahli's Have Your Say column, I've come up with another series called "B/R Football Pundit." I'm hoping it would contribute massively towards creating a community within the B/R writers and we hope to create some positive interaction.

As we edge closer and closer to a new season in the Premier League, I decided to get two selected pundits from our World Football Community, besides me, and ask them to make various predictions regarding the new season.

We have got World Football Community Leader, Andrew McNair and our Columnist Jeff Harbert to make certain predictions regarding the new season.

Andrew McNair is not only the Community Leader of the World Football Community, but he is also one of our oldest "experienced writers." McNair's opinion is very valuable as he is regarded as one of the best writers in the whole network.

Jeff Harbert is now amongst the elite writers in the World Football Community, He's been part of the B/R Family for around six months and his contributions have always been very valuable.

Salaar Shamsi is the Co-Community Leader in the World Football Community and a Senior Writer on the network.

Here We Go...

Q1. Which three teams do you think are the most likely to get relegated?

Andrew McNair :

Hull City are simply not doing enough in the transfer market and will struggle without Fraizer Campbell. Watford and Derby came up and didn't buy well before going straight back down and so will Hull City. They have signed over-the-hill and unproven EPL players and it's a big risk.

Stoke City are most likely join their Championships rivals from last season in the bottom three come May and pretty much for the same reasons. They'll rely on being the new Bolton Wanderers as I can't see them changing their style of play. Sadly though, they don't have the quality of previous Bolton teams.

Wigan Athletic. Why? It'll be close but they struggled last year and don't really have player pull to grow as a club.

Jeff Harbert :

I think Hull City and Stoke City are going straight back down. Hull's manager, Phil Brown, doesn't even believe he has a squad capable of competing in the Premiership. I think West Brom will avoid relegation, but just barely.

Bolton is my third team to be a victim to the drop. They were fortunate to escape last season, but I doubt they'll be so lucky this season.

Salaar Shamsi :

Stoke City have dished out five million pounds on Dave Kitson. He's a decent striker, but I doubt they have the overall quality to last in the Premier League, I think they'll be going down this season.

Middlesborough have made two good additions to their squad in the form of Marvin Emnes and Didier Digard but their real problem lies in defense. Selling Luke Young is not the answer and I think they might face the drop due to their defensive issues.

Hull City have added players like Geovanni and Bernard Mendy to their squad but what they are missing is a proven goal scorer. They could be this season's Derby.

Q2. Which team do you think will be the surprise package for this season?

Andrew McNair :

The 'surprise package,' I hope will be West Brom, as any team that stays up from the Championship these days is a surprise package! They have the style of football and some really good players to cope in the top flight and could sit comfortably in mid-table.

Oh and Liverpool in the top two. Did I say that out loud?

Jeff Harbert :

After avoiding relegation last season, I'm guessing Sunderland will be in store for a much improved season.

Roy Keane has made some key signings in Diouf, Malbranque, and Chimbonda and after gaining experience from last season in the Premier League, I predict a top 10 finish for Keane's men.

Salaar Shamsi :

Newcastle. Yes, I know...what was I thinking? Well, I've always thought Newcastle have never played to their true potential. They have alot of quality in the likes of Milner, Owen, and Martins and have made decent additions to the side like Coloccini and Gutierrez, with a fiery character in Keegan in charge.

I think this might just be the season to provide some relief to the long suffering Toon Army. Perhaps a UEFA Cup place up for grabs?

Q3. Which signing would you call the 'Signing of the Summer' so far?

Andrew McNair :

I'll mention a few players before making a single choice. Chelsea's Deco will either be the star of the season or the biggest flop. Can he cope in England? Can he stay fit?

If he can and if he does then he'll be a huge asset to the EPL and to Chelsea. Scolari knows how to get the best out of him so let's hope we see it, £7.9 million will be a snip.

Robbie Keane is a huge favourite of mine and I think he'll be a big asset to Liverpool's EPL push. A regular start in domestic games for the Irishman and £19 million won't seem so steep when Liverpool mount a serious championship challenge.
 
Peter Crouch carried his scoring form through his dark days at Liverpool last season and I'm expecting big things from him and Jermaine Defoe this season. Little and large will be a great combination for Portsmouth.
 
Finally, we have Croatian Luka Modric. Another big transfer fee for a player who hasn't proved himself at the pinnacle of European football, but boy can the lad play. Tottenham is a good club for him, though, with not so much pressure.
 
In the end though, I'll stick my neck out and say Deco.

Jeff Harbert :

Manchester United have probably made the signing of the summer...just kidding! I could joke about Everton too as they haven't signed anyone yet, but Luca Modric has to be the best signing of the summer.

He may not have been cheap, but he proved during Euro 2008 that he's a great player and I expect more of the same from him this season. He may even be the key in Tottenham's pursuit of a top four finish.

Salaar Shamsi :

Robbie Keane has gone to Liverpool for about £20 million, I doubt he can score even 20 goals this season, not even a million per game? He's not my signing of the summer and neither is Modric or Deco.

I was thinking about Jo, but whether he'll be able to hit the ground running at Manchester City is questionable, so I will go for Samir Nasri.

Nasri, I believe is an amazingly talented midfielder and he will prove it at Arsenal if he stays away from injuries.

Q4. Do you think all the money Spurs have spent is good enough to get them a  place in the top four?

Andrew McNair :

Spurs have spent an absolute fortune this summer and they haven't finished yet. You ask me if it's enough to challenge the top four and the simple answer is yes.
 
Money talks!
 
Arsenal look weak just like they did last year. That, though, means nothing with Mr. Wenger at the helm, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs really challenging the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

Jeff Harbert :

Tottenham finished 30 points from the fourth place last season and I don't think they will be breaking into the top four just yet. Ramos is a great manager, but I can't picture them in a top four place yet.

Bentley, Modric, and Dos Santos are great players but they will only get as high as fifth, watch out for improvement though!

Salaar Shamsi :

Ever heard of this: "You can't buy the league." Roman Abramovich finally understands, Thaksin Shinawatra is trying to understand but Spurs, not really.

You need a team to gel well, Ramos will need a season (or two) to get the side in shape and playing together. So no, they won't be there just yet.

Q5. Do you think Manchester United can retain the title given their recent problems?

Andrew McNair :

Manchester United have a few injury problems right now, but they have the squad to cope with it. A longer rest for some of their key players will only help in the championship run in.
 
My pick is for United to retain their title yet again, but with a much closer top four or five.
 
Chelsea's form will be anybody's guess. Will Big Phil be a Jose Mourinho and have instant success or a Rafael Benitez and be thinking about other priorities entirely. That is enough to cast doubt in my mind.
 
Liverpool are buying well in my eyes and with Benitez surely focusing on the EPL this season they'll be much closer to glory come May than at any time over the last 10 years.

Jeff Harbert :

If history repeats itself, United will be champions again come May 2009. After winning the Champions League in '99, United went on to win the league the following season.

I expect them to do the same again this year. Ronaldo may be out until October, but I’m banking on Tevez to step up and take responsibility in front of goal. And with Rooney fit, United shouldn’t have much of a problem, as long as Ferdinand and Vidic can stay clear of injuries too. Also, there’s a lot of talented youngsters coming through such as Lee Martin, the Da Silva twins, Rodrigo Possebon and Frazier Campbell.

I’m guessing we’ll see some of these youngsters make a big impact this season as United march on towards a third consecutive title.

Salaar Shamsi :

I still think United are favourites. There could be early problems like last season, but winning the Champions League ensured that the confidence at the club is very high. Having said that, I believe it's too early to eliminate any team from the title race which is why Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool will be in the running.

United have enough experience (Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, etc...) and quality in the likes of Carlos Tevez and Co. to overcome this tough phase.

Many Thanks to our pundits, Andrew McNair and Jeff Harbert for their input on our season predictions.

We could summarise by saying Man Utd could retain the title even if they have early problems, watch out for Deco, Luca Modric, and Samir Nasri as the signings to watch and keep an eye on West Brom, Sunderland, and Newcastle as possible 'surprise packages.'

Keep an eye out for another edition of Bleacher Report World Football Pundits. Also, make sure you've already voted for the Best Writer Awards before the deadline.

In addition watch out for new editions of Popular series' "Rules of Journalism" and "Who's the Best of the Premier League?" coming out very soon.