EPL: The Final Preview, The Big Four!

Following on from my articles on who I believe will be relegation candidates and who will be in mid-table, with less that I week to go, its time to preview what might happen amongst the big four:

 

Arsenal may have lost Alex Hleb in the summer months to Barcelona, but they have still strengthened their squad in my opinion. 

Carlos Vela has returned from his loan spell, on which, from all accounts, he played very well, and will slot in well to add some fire power upfront and on the wings.

Samir Nasri has been brought in for Arsene's one big money signing of the summer to replace Hleb. 

Also joining Arsenal this summer are huge prospects Amaury Bischoff and Aaron Ramsey, showing that the future is bright for Arsenal's kids.

Prediction: 2nd

 

Chelsea may struggle early as Phil Scolari settles into the new league. His current job is his 20th managerial job in his 26 year career. When you consider that for the last six years Scolari has been managing Brazil and Portugal, you have to begin to wonder how he has had so many jobs in the past. This is why I have reservations over his club management ability.

The three major  pluses for Chelsea this summer has to be Lampard staying, Deco signing for eight million, and Bosingwa signing for just over 16 million.

I believe this sticky start will cost Chelsea and, whilst they will recover, I believe they will be too far behind Manchester to mount a proper title challenge.

Prediction: 3rd

 

Liverpool have possibly made the best signing of the summer from any of the big four. Robbie Keane will have excited many Liverpool fans. His pace and vision will no doubt be a perfect foil for Fernando Torres. 

Liverpool have signed a lot of players this summer (too many for me to go through), which will add to the depth of their squad (which I had heard was over 50 players) and would suggest that they can mount a serious challenge for both the league and Champions League.

I, however, feel that the signings that Liverpool have made are for squad rotation purposes and/or future potential. Although Benitez hasn't brought many of these players bought in previous seasons into the first team, with only Lucas coming to mind.

After watching Liverpool in their Champions League qualifier against Standard, I feel that too many performances like that will see Liverpool dropping points to the likes of Sunderland, Blackburn and Bolton, especially away from home, who all play in similar styles to the Belgian outfit.

 

Prediction: 4th

 

Manchester United, as defending champions are, as Sir Alex has pointed out, short of a striker this season. Even if Man Utd don't sign a striker I don't think they will be too disadvantaged.

Anderson, Nani, and Hargreaves will all want to show more this season coming up, only strengthening their strangle hold on the EPL. Number 11 could well come this year.

Other than this I don't see what else there is to say about United, as with every other season in the EPL with their consistency and class shining through.

Prediction: Champions