Predictions for the coming season.

Not my predictions but interesting none the less.




Craig Rodhouse with his predictions




5:50pm Saturday 17th July 2010












As we prepare for another season of relegations and celebrations with
plenty of the predicted twists and turns along the way in the Premier
League, I think that it could well be another good year
for the Premier League’s capital contingent.

Last season proved to be an intriguing journey to the very end, with
Chelsea eventually snatching back the title from the very ungrateful
hands of Manchester United, who had held it for three
seasons previous.

Arsenal continued in steady fashion taking third, whilst Tottenham
finally broke into the division’s elusive “big four”, collecting the
accolade of Champions League football in the process and I
really can’t see them giving up their place in Europe’s elite at the
first time of asking.

I can see Chelsea regaining the Premiership crown for the second
season running, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s reluctance to spend the money
recouped from Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer last summer will
begin to catch up on him, as other sides continue to improve their
squads.

Every year, people say that if anyone, it’ll be Arsenal that give up
their place in the league’s top four. However they flatter to deceive us
on a regular basis and I think this year they could
make their first real title challenge as some strong signings from
Arsene Wenger may bear fruit for the Gunners.

Liverpool’s new manager Roy Hodgson promised that he’d “do his best”
to get Liverpool back into the Champions League, however I can’t see
that being enough for the Merseysiders, as Tottenham’s
evergreen squad continues to look increasingly more potent than
Hodgson’s men.

Man City will continue to knock on the door, however I am a strong
believer that money doesn't buy success, a strong team ethic and an
experienced manager does. City seemed to have neither last
season as Roberto Mancini's side faltered horribly in the dying embers
of the last campaign and I can't see any reason for this to change in
the near future.

At the other end of the division the shouts of “the league is upside
down!” will surely be ringing true from Bloomfield Road this year, as
Ian Holloway’s lack of quality signings at Blackpool over
the summer, look set to see the Tangerines return to the Championship
at the first time of asking.

England’s infamous “yo-yo” team West Brom are back for another crack
at England’s top flight and I honestly cannot see anything but the
Baggies being involved in yet another relegation dog fight
come May, despite Roberto Di Matteo’s free flowing football bringing
about new found optimism at the Hawthorns. Now when have we heard that
before?

Harry Redknapp has done an incredible job since taking over the reins
at White Hart Lane and the man obviously commands great respect amongst
the Spurs squad. I think that with the addition of
maybe one or two top-class signings that Redknapp’s side have no
reason to be looking downwards in the league. Instead they should be
looking to put more pressure on the sides above them in the top
four. Why not after last season’s performances?