The Premier League campaign kicks off today along with this being my final instalment of the team previews. This one including new Europa League entrants Swansea City and a side who are continuing to try and break into the top four.
Swansea City have spent over £20m and done nothing but improve since the end of last season. They have added Wilfried Bony to their squad, costing them £12m along with Pozuelo and Alberto Canas from Real Betis; both of which will join Jonjo Shelvey and add further footballing ability to their strong midfield. Gaffer Michael Laudrup has said he is hoping to bring in another striker soon but admits he has no plans to sign anymore players from Spain.
It will definitely be a tougher season this time around for the Swans with the extra games coming in the shape of the Europa League and all the extra travelling will as well have a huge effect on the players. Laudrup is preparing well for this, increasing the depth of his squad as they brace themselves for the onslaught ahead, wanting to avoid the competition having a similar effect as it did on Newcastle last season.
I think they posses more than enough to be able to shuffle both the Premier League and Europa League. They can easily finish in the top ten again and maybe even better last seasons 9th place.
Prediction: 8th
Spurs have offloaded quite a few this window and strengthened further. Having brought in the likes of Soldado and Paulinho, it looks as if this year will be their best chance yet to pip Arsenal to fourth place. The transfer window isn't done yet though; and it's looking increasingly like Gareth Bale is on his way out of White Hart Lane. If they can keep hold of him, they'll have a great season.
Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore have both signed for Hull City and Dempsey has returned home to America to continue playing as he's now in the latter stages of his career. With Parker looking likely to join Redknapp at QPR, this will free up some space for Holtby, Sandro, Dembele and Paulinho to make the positions their own. Receiving £8m from Cardiff City for Steven Caulker is a great piece of business and is no wonder why they were able to spend big on Soldado.
Taking their striking options into consideration, the depth and options they have available and assuming they keep hold of Bale; Spurs can have their best season yet in the Premier League.
Prediction: 4th
West Brom are yet to spend a single penny this summer but have still improved their squad in the form of free transfers and loan singings. Nicolas Anelka and Diego Lugano have both joined on frees along with Matej Vydra on a season-long loan. Vydra impressed in England last year with Watford scoring 20 goals and will be hoping he can do the same in the Premier League.
Steve Clarke has confirmed he is interested in signing Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair who hasn't really been given a fair chance at City. Regular first team football will bring the best out of him and West Brom can offer him that. Someone they have managed to sign though, Zoltan Gera. This midfielder was a free agent after his contract at The Hawthorns expired at the end of June but he's decided to rejoin Albion on a one year deal.
Looking at the improvements they've made, along with the steady managerial abilities of Steve Clarke who has learnt from the likes of Mourinho and co. The Baggies fans will want a top ten finish at least.
Prediction: 9th
Some would say the money West Ham have spent so far is a bit steep considering the players they have bought in. They've released striker Carlton Cole and made Andy Carroll's loan deal a permanent one for just over £15m. Along with a deal for Stewart Downing from Liverpool at a sum of £5m, taking their total spend to £20m.
Experienced Razvan Rat has come in on a free along with goalkeeper Adrian from Real Betis who managed 11 clean sheets last season in La Liga. He will provide stiff competition for the ageing but more than able, Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Sam Allardyce can rightly be proud of their efforts last season. It was their best finish for some years for the team promoted via the play offs last year. It will be tough to better that finish and I don't think they'll manage it. I believe they'll have to change tactics and approach to succeed further than they have done up until now.
Prediction: 14th
______________________
Only a few hours remain before kick off and there are bound to be shocks and upsets throughout. We'll see how the table fairs against my predictions from the past month.
No comments:
Post a Comment