http://9aijahouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/barclays-premier-league-season-review.html#sthash.hW1H2NsX.dpuf
For the first time in almost 26 years and since the inception of the English Premier league, the new season starts with the absence of Sir Alex Ferguson. The willy Scot retired from the game after spending almost 50years as both a player and a manager.
Ferguson who had modest career as a footballer but a great one as a manager announced his retirement at the end of last season after he secured a 20th English title for Manchester United and the 13th one since he became manager of the club on the 6th of November 1986.
Despite a number of mainstays in the league announcing their retirement or the fact that a host of big names turning down the chance to ply their trade in the EPL, let us declare for them that this will be another blockbuster season for the premier league.
With the return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea, Manchester City and their millions, Arsene Wenger finally having millions to spend, Moyes out to prove a point that he deserves the Old Trafford hot-seat, and Liverpool's desire to get back into the top four, we are in for the best premier league season in years.
Of course there's far more to the premier league than the title race or the race to finish in champions league places. There's also the ever interesting relegation battle, where newly promoted teams are always out to prove that not all things that go up must come down.
Paolo Di Canio's Sunderland retained their top flight status despite finishing with points under the 40mark. The black cats will be hoping to fair better this season and hopefully avoid the final day drama. Norwich, Southampton and West ham should survive comfortably, but i deeply fear for Crystal Palace.
Ian Holloway's men got promotion through the playoffs after 1-0 victory over Watford in the final. They have already lost Wilfred Zaha who completed his 15million pounds move to Man Utd as well as losing top scorer Glenn Murray to injury, Palace are yet to make signings of Premier League quality and this could see them fall back to the championship.
Newly promoted Cardiff are odds on favorite among the 3 teams promoted to retain premier league status. The npower championship winners have smashed their record transfer fee twice already in this transfer window with the signing of striker Andreas Cornelius and defender Steven Caulker from Tottenham. They would be hoping to have the same fortune their Welsh rivals Swansea had in their first season in the EPL. As for Steve Bruce's Hull City a finish above the bottom 3 would be considered a very succesful season for them.
Fifth last season, Tottenham Hotspur would be hoping for an upturn in fortunes. With the future of best player Gareth Bale still hanging in the balance, the fans would be worried it doesn't affect their top four chances. Spurs have made some good additions in Spanish striker Roberto Soldado, Belgian ace Nacer Chadli and Bronze ball winner at the just concluded Fifa Conferderations cup, Paulinho.
Andre Villas Boas' side look like dark horses to finish in the top four this season.
Which brings us to the 'top four battle' seemingly ringed by finance, with a Liverpool side who were rejuvenated by Brendan Rodgers, who now boast a squad with huge depth, as well as the ever present Everton under the leadersip of Roberto Martinez. wee are in for the biggest "top four battle" in a while.
At this moment, allow me to drop my pen while while you salivate on the upcoming Barclay's premier league season.
Wales' Prediction
1. Chelsea
2. Manchester City
3. Manchester United
4. Arsenal
5. Tottenham
6. Liverpool
7. Swansea
8. Everton
9. Aston Villa
10. Newcastle
11. West ham
12. West brom
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