Sunday's enthralling Community Shield game between Manchester United and Manchester City is the perfect benchmark for the new Premier League season.
That tussle at Wembley on Sunday is a clear preview of what we are in for this season at the top of the table. I personally believe that this seasons title will be between both Manchester clubs, ending in the same dramatic way in which it did on Sunday, with United breaking City hearts at the death.
There has never been a build up to a season quite like this one, although, we seem to say it every year! There is no longer a Premier League 'Big Four' which included Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. Now it is the 'Big Six' with the original top four being joined by Manchester City and Tottenham. I very much expect the top six to finish with those six teams in it, but the order in which they come is any ones guess.
The title is likely to be between Man United, Man City and Chelsea, however Arsenal and Liverpool are likely to have a say in that. The fourth place spot, if the top three are to be who I've mentioned, will be fought out between Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs. However, expect teams such as Aston Villa and Everton to have their say, however with the lack of funds at both clubs compared to the rest, you can't see their squads going the distance.
As for the relegation battle, the three teams who have come up will always be the favourites to go straight back down again. Swansea, Norwich and QPR haven't strengthened their squads considerably. Looking at Newcastle United and West Brom, who were newly promoted this time last year, they both invested considerably in their squads, resulting in both sides avoiding relegation with apparent ease. All three new clubs do play an attractive and attacking brand of football, which, if the defencive side of the team remains strong, can be very rewarding in the big league.
Teams who will be looking over their shoulders this season include, Blackburn, Wolves and Wigan.Wovles look to be the stronger of that bunch of teams and are starting to establish themselves as a Premier League team with 2 consecutive seasons in the league after narrowly escaping relegation on the final day last year. Wigan are set for their seventh consecutive season which is quite remarkable for a club who were in fourth tier of English football in 1995. However, over the last couple of years they have flirted dangerously with the drop zone, escaping relegation last season after a dramatic last couple of wins against West Ham and Stoke.
I very much expect the rest of the teams to fill up the safety of mid table in the league this season. The club who could break for a European spot are Newcastle United, however with current uncertainty at the club, that could have a detrimental effect on their performances at the start of the season. With the club capable of snatching a European spot, it is equally capable of imploding and facing a relegation dog fight this season. The Geordie's could be in for another rollercoaster ride. Stoke City and Sunderland seem to have had a successful pre-season, as both now are established sides in the Premier League, who have spent money in order to progress this season, particularly Sunderland with eight new signings, including Man United veterans Wes Brown and John O'Shea. The Black Cats could be in for an exciting season. West Brom will this year be aiming to rid the tag of being a 'yo-yo' club, yo-yoing between the Premier League and the Championship in recent times by further progressing this season. With Roy Hodgson in charge, relegation shouldn't be a concern.
Fulham and Bolton remain the sides that never seem to progress or challenge for Europe or major trophies. Although in fairness, Fulham were runners-up to Athletico Madrid in the 2010 Europa League final. I expect both sides to once again settle for mid-table comforts this season with the strength of the top teams in the league.
All in all, we can expect one of the most competitive seasons ever witnessed in the Premier League's 20th season. It's impossible to call who will be playing Championship football in 12 months time, or who will be defending their title come next August.
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