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EPL Preview: 10 Bold Predictions for September and Post-Transfer Window Matches

By (Featured Columnist) on September 4, 2011

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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28:  Sami Nasri of Manchester City looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane on August 28, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Michael Regan/Getty Images

With the Transfer Window finally closed, teams will go back to the drawing board with the players they have secured for the time being.

Manchester United and Manchester City have roared out of the gates to join atop the EPL, while Liverpool and Chelsea are sitting joint third.

Arsenal suffered defeats to both the Reds and the Red Devils, while Tottenham were crushed by both United and City. With both clubs from the North London Derby sitting in the basement, the current big six has been slightly disheveled.

All three of the the newly promoted teams have gotten more points in the opening month than both Arsenal and Tottenham. Both Norwich City and Swansea City have two, while Queens Park Rangers have three points—the only new side in the league to have a victory.

The last day of the transfer deadline has seen many clubs sign players that are likely to completely change where they end in the table, and this month will start to show how much the new players will mean to teams during the first half of the season.

That said, here is a list of 10 bold possibilities to happen this month in the English Premier League.

Tevez Will Be Hating It Once Again

BOLTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21:  Carlos Tevez  of Manchester City tussles for posession with Darren Pratley of Bolton Wanderers during the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City at the Reebok Stadium on August 21, 2011 in
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Carlos Tevez may have left it too late to completely repair his relationship with Manchester City and Roberto Mancini.

A recent article posted on espnsoccernet.com has stated that Tevez has finally moved his family to Manchester in order to rectify that ill fated situation.

However, it could be a little too late as his constant "want away" attitude has seen Sergio Aguero now join the side and Edin Dzeko is absolutely on fire.

If Tevez has not found a way to break back into the first team by the end of the month, he could once again be wanting to get out of Citizens sky blue.

David Moyes Proves His Ability as a Manager with Solid Month for Everton

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27:  Everton manager David Moyes looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Blackburn Rovers and Everton at Ewood Park on August 27, 2011 in Blackburn, England.  (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

Everton's David Moyes is hands down one of the best managers in the EPL. However, he has had a few tough seasons with his club and financial troubles that have forced him to send key player after key player.

Last January he lost Steven Pienaar to Tottenham, and now he has lost Mikel Arteta to Arsenal on the last day of the window.

His club has defensive and midfield ability to keep them in contention, but he will be hoping that his Tigre loan signing Denis Stracqualursi will prove to be the goal threat he needs to keep the club from becoming a sinking ship.

This month should allow him to take at least four to six points out of it and stay in the middle of the table.

A victory or draw against Aston Villa would be a fair result, but his side should be able to defeat Wigan. With both games being at Goodison park there is a good chance for two positive results for the club.

The major challenge of the month will be Manchester City in their last league fixture of the month, but I cannot see the Toffees overturning that potent offense, especially away from home.

Craig Bellamy Makes a Splash for Liverpool

CARDIFF, WALES - SEPTEMBER 02:  Craig Bellamy of Wales in action during the UEFA EURO 2012 group G qualifying match between Wales and Montenegro at the Cardiff City Stadium on September 2, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales.  (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Although his first stint on Merseyside was tainted with controversy, Craig Bellamy did score nine goals for the Reds in 42 games.

His return to the club on a two-year deal could be a great move for the Reds as his flair, attacking attitude and aggressiveness are things that could benefit the team all around.

Bellamy will be pushing Jordan Henderson, Dirk Kuyt and Andy Carroll for playing time.

Arsenal Have a Good Month but Still Stuck in the Bottom Half

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28:  Tomas Rosicky and Andrey Arshavin of Arsenal look dejected during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 28, 2011 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Arsene Wenger's new signings will make an impact as they all search for their place in the Gunner's lineup. Yossi Benayoun will likely be coming off the bench to begin, while Mikel Arteta will pair up with Aaron Ramsey.

It will be a much easier month on the London club as they do not face any top-six competition in their next three league games. This should give them time to at least attempt to make amends for their horrid opening month.

Arsenal should have the class to defeat both Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers, but could have difficulty with Bolton Wanderers in the last league game of the month.

Juan Mata and Raul Meireles Take Chelsea Up a Notch

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27:  Juan Mata of Chelsea looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on August 27, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Juan Mata has already proven what he can be capable of for the Blues with his debut day goal, but Chelsea's new signing Raul Meireles could be the catalyst Andre Villas-Boas has been lacking next to Frank Lampard.

Both players look to be great signings for the London club, even if Meireles is yet to debut. Meireles and Mata could also be two players that lift Fernando Torres' game to the next level as they will fit with the club's new tactical style under AVB.

Queens Park Rangers vs Newcastle United Is a Match of the Month Contender

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20:  Joey Barton of Newcastle United celebrates at full-time following the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Light on August 20, 2011 in Sunderland, England.  (Photo by Chris B
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

Joey Barton will have an interesting game against his old club when they come calling in the first Monday game of September.

Both Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle United are completely revamped clubs and this could be one of the best games of the season between two projected mid-table clubs.

Rangers' additions in the last two weeks of the transfer window could prove enough to keep them up, while the new look Magpies are set to make a run for the top 10.

Edin Dzeko Stays on the Goal Trail

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28:  Edin Dzeko (R) of Manchester City celebrates scoring his fourth goal with teammate Gareth Barry during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane on August 28, 2011 in L
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Manchester City begin their second month of the new campaign in second place only by goal differential to Manchester United.

The Citizens schedule this month looks to be a rather easy one with Fulham most likely their liveliest opponent out of Wigan, Fulham and Everton.

With six goals so far in the EPL, Edin Dzeko is sure to score at least two more goals this month.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones Continue to Claim First Team Action for United

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07:  Phil Jones of Manchester United celebrates with goalscorer Chris Smalling during the FA Community Shield match sponsored by McDonald's between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on August 7, 2011 in Lond
Ian Walton/Getty Images

Both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have been outstanding so far for Sir Alex Ferguson this season. The two players were called into action due to injuries of key United starters, but could take over full-time duties.

I doubt Rafael will take back his place from Smalling as the latter has been a top fullback, while both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic with have their work cut out for them to take back their places from Jones.

Liverpool Come Face to Face with Gerrard Selection Question

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27:  Steven Gerrard of Liverpool leaves the pitch dejected at half time during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground on February 27, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Scot
Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Steven Gerrard has reportedly targeted September 18th against Tottenham Hotspur as his return date for the Reds. This is as good of news for the Reds as it could be bad.

Now Kenny Dalglish will have to figure out his midfield and who he will drop in order for his Captain to return to action.

Most likely it will be Lucas Leiva or Jordan Henderson that face the drop, but even if Gerrard returns on the 18th he will likely be worked back into the starting 11 over time.  Dalglish will not want to risk losing Gerrard for another lengthy period.

Manchester United vs Chelsea to Make a Statement for Both Clubs

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 08:  Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United celebrate as the final whistle is blown at the end of the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on May 8, 2011 in Manches
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Both Manchester United and Chelsea are in the group of clubs believed as favorites to win the title.

Chelsea pushed United last season but the Red Devils continued to prove dominant at all turns.

So far United have put their stamp on the league this year, and when Chelsea come to Old Trafford on September 18th it will be one of the biggest games of the season so far.

Whichever team wins, they are most likely to be the favorite to be at the top of the table come January and eventually win the league in May.

It will also prove to be Andre Villas-Boas' toughest managerial test thus far when he comes up against Sir Alex Ferguson.

Conclusion

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28:  Ji-Sung Park of Manchester United celebrates with Ashley Young after scoring his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 28, 2011 in Manchester, Englan
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

It is sure to be another exciting month in the EPL, and as more games go into the books, the table will start to shift into a more readable balance of power in the league.

The UEFA Champions League also kicks off action in the middle of the 4th and 5th week matches and will allow us to see what our English teams have on the continent as well.

To take a look back at the Transfer Window dealings on the last day you can take a look at the Club-by-Club breakdown here.

You can also check out all of the awards and accolades for the month of August here.

Thanks for Reading and be sure to check me out further on Bleacher Report and at the links below. You can follow me on Twitter   @thedailyatz and Facebook or visit my Website.

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