EPL Roundtable Part 2: Salomon Gonzalez, Willie Gannon, Jason Halfpenny

We all know preseason just doesn't cut it. So whilst we wait for the real football to kick-off, why don't you spend some time reading the ramblings of some of B/R's finest.

Find out who Chelsea fan Salomon was concerned would be joining Liverpool this summer; discover which TV boxsets Spurs follower Willie recommends; and which United player does City supporter Jason consider to be a great signing.

Intrigued? Then read on...

1. What is your club's best bit of business so far this summer?

Salomon: I have extreme confidence in Ancelotti after our successful pre-season (so far) and I love Zhirkov already. The way he took his goal and worked alongside Lampard and Deco on his debut was satisfying to watch.

Chelsea's best piece of business though, so far for me, is Daniel Sturridge.

He, like Zhirkov, made the most of his debut and scored a great goal. Not only that, he played a great part in the second goal. Since then, we've also seen Di Santo up his work rate and get on the scoresheet himself, which he eventually did. At only 19, with the right guidance, I see Sturridge becoming a Chelsea legend.

Willie: I don't really think Spurs have done any good business yet. The Crouch signing is a good one, as were the two lads from Sheffield United. But the real dealing will be on who gets sold. If Spurs can get £10m plus for the likes of Darren Bent and David Bentley, then Harry deserves a statue to be erected!

Jason: Carloz Tevez

2. What has been your rival's best business so far this summer?

Salomon: I'm not exactly sure if we can label Man City as a rival club just yet, but let's just do for argument's sake. It still wouldn't be any of their many signings. Man United signing Michael Owen is the one that got me worried as a Chelsea fan.

Looking at United, he's already got four goals in pre-season so far. A genius act by a genius manager.

Willie: I suppose most people see Arsenal as Spurs' main rivals, and they've been quiet in the market. I suppose in a tongue in cheek way, them selling Adebayor has moved them closer to Spurs than the other way around.

Realistically, there haven't been any real good deals by any of Spurs' direct rivals for 4th to 7th. I suppose you'd have to say City for signing everyone.

Jason: Antonio Valencia.

3. What business should your club be doing before the window closes?

Salomon: It's very simple. Chelsea should have signed Lionel Messi. I'm kidding of course! I'm fairly happy with our squad right now and if Sturridge and Zhirkov hit the ground running, then no more additions is needed.

We also have a certain Joe Cole to come back, which will be like a new signing.

Willie: Selling the deadwood. I nearly burst a hernia when Zokora was sold for £9m! If they can get anything like that for the likes of Bent, Bentley, and Pavlyuchenko, I'll be a happy man.

Of course they need significant strengthening, especially in central midfield and out on the left, so I'd like to see Vieira come in as a stop gap and then bring in someone decent for the left.

Jason: They are doing it.

4. What are your highlights during the offseason so far? 

Salomon: Definitely, the highlight so far has been Dani Sturridge and his performances. He has been saying all the right things too.

He said this after his debut (which he scored): "I'm delighted to get off the mark. Playing alongside players like Lampard and Drogba can only mean good things for my career. I'm not coming here expecting to play every match but when I do, I will show just exactly what I'm capable of."

Bringing Sturridge to Chelsea was an act of genius.

Willie: I'll go with Michael Owen going to United, only because I predicted it around six months ago. Other than that, Real Madrid playing against Shamrock Rovers was a real highlight on a personal level.

Jason: Seeing Vladimir Weiss playing regularly.

5. What do you think has been the low point of the offseason so far?

Salomon: I was really worried that Tevez might join Liverpool. I was also worried when I saw Adebayor linked with Chelsea. The ultimate concern, which I feel dragged on for far too long, was Man City's pursuit of John Terry and his prolonged silence on the issue.

Glad he's finally spoken out and put us out of our misery.

Willie: Nothing really stands out to be honest. I don't see the transfer fees being spent as being a huge issue. Money has been the driving force in the game since professionalism was brought in in the early 1900's and most people were saying the same things then that we're saying now.

For the EPL, because that's what I've grown up with, the worst thing to happen is the economy and the downfall of sterling. It means that the very best players will be very reluctant to move to England because they will earn more elsewhere.

Jason: Nedum Onouha getting injured.

6. What has been the bargain transfer in the Premier League so far?

Salomon: Bargain of the summer (so far) has got to be Michael Owen for free. Also think Inter Milan got an excellent deal when they received £30 odd million & Eto'o for Ibrahimovic. Eto'o is just as good as Ibrahimovic, if not better.

Willie: There's only one. Michael Owen. Outstanding signing of a great player.

Jason: Gareth Barry.

7. What on earth have you been doing without football?

Salomon: Been spending time back home in Denmark. Its been great.

Willie: Keeping up with my coaching and pushing for a higher badge. Holidays in the sunny southeast, management courses and trying to understand how time moves quicker as you get older.

I'd also take this chance to recommend two television series that I've watched on boxset. The Wire (the best TV show ever made) and Dexter, great stuff.

Jason: Family life.

8. With the Emirates Cup in mind: Should attacking football be rewarded with a point per goal?

Salomon: No! The system is great just the way it is.

Willie: Nah, the game is good the way it is. I suppose it could be looked at like Rugby, where you get a bonus point if you score more than three goals. But I think there are other more important areas to be looked at.

I don't agree with replays being used but I would like to see the referee having to look at the match the next day, where he could rescind cards that he thought were wrong or issue cards for offences like diving.

Maybe even a citation system like Rugby where teams can suggest specific instances be looked at.

Jason: No.

9. Can you predict the top seven places in the league on Christmas Day and in May.

Salomon:

Christmas Day: Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton, Aston Villa
 
May: Chelsea, Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Everton, Tottenham

Willie:

Christmas Day: Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United, Man City, Spurs, Arsenal, Sunderland

May: Chelsea, Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Spurs, Everton

Jason:

May: Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, Man United, Everton, Arsenal, Aston Villa

So there you have it. Now that you have read this article, you are ten minutes closer to the start of the new season! Good times!

Thanks as always must go to Salomon, Willie, and Jason, for taking time to participate in this EPL roundtable.

If you would like to read the first part of this Roundtable, which involves Maire Ofeire, Salaar Shamsi, and Carolina Tiger, then Click Here.