The GameWeek 3 English Premier League Prediction results are in!

And are they ever! This was easily the worst performance by the Fox Soccer posters as a group since the inception of the prediction game. There were only nine games played this round and we stunk.

Fifty seven posters stuck their necks out this time and about fifty four of them wish they had not. Except for MANUTD28 who, mysteriously, was way above his weekly average, we bought into some hype or drank bad kool-aid. Our best predictors were VillaFan99, VanderVaart23 and RealGooner with six good picks each. LesClaypool had the most good scorelines with three. Our worst crystal ball gazers were Anti-Madrista, YankshirePud, Juskikit, driverstrate and jcosker, each with only one good prediction. I want to personally thank them from keeping yours truly off the bottom rung.

The easiest pick was the Boro win over Stoke (91% of posters got it right). The second easiest was West Ham beating Blackburn (70%). The most difficult prediction to get right was the ManCity win over Sunderland. Only six posters called that one, while only nine predicted a Chelsea/Spurs draw.

One of the more prophetic quotes of the week was by AFC74 who provided: “DaFootballs, FFC, Red Smoke, PbR & Blacksmith you guys know nothing about the Arsenal Football Club.” After each of those posters predicted a Arsenal draw or a loss to Newcastle. And another one from ArsenalChamps: first of all Nick Lobster...has always hated Arsenal...so he is not credible to predict Arsenal matches...This man has never had anything positive to say about our Team...I hope you eat crow saturday...2 nil Arsenal...Newcastle is not in our Class....thats that!...Go Gunners

A couple of comments on the ManUtd/Zenit game:

NE RedDevil:
Didn't scholes know only dirty argentinians get away with that.

Brewtowngunner:
Unitedroad16
8/29/2008
12:15 PM (report inappropriate content)

Webster just said Rooney is not known for his bravery in the box!!!!!!!! Well coming from a man who would be scared to ruin his perfect hair to try a header that is a pretty bold statement! Rooney is as tough as nails.

Um dude, Webster has no hair...

And…some general information:

MANUTD28:

Leonidas
8/29/2008
12:19 PM (report inappropriate content)

kleekster81 stop sending us requests to replace the photo in your avatar with a photo of a naked man. It is against our company policy.(but definitely not against my policy)

PS I love you

NE RedDevil:
Websters picks don't seem so far fetched. shocking.

The big story of the week, the month or perhaps the entire silly season has to be the purchase of ManCity on the last day of transfer window by a Dubai group coupled with the their purchase of Robinho from Real Madrid.

goal.com: "No offence to Man City supporters but jumping from the Real Madrid ship to the Manchester City boat is like breaking up with Angelina Jolie and settling for your local second rate stage actress."

Ok, boys and girls! Here are the first weeks Barclay’s Premier League Prediction results.

Before we get into the particulars, I wanted to thank all the posters who wrote team analyses for the preview blog! You guys did an amazing job and I can easily say that your pieces were better and more informative than anything else posted by FOX Soccer along those lines. In the words of London Hammers: “it was alright!”

We had forty three posters give us their picks for the first round. Again, the unpredictability of the Prem reared it’s ugly head. Manchester Utd draws at home after winning the double? Hull comes back to win in its first game in the English top flight ever! Spurs buy a boatload of good players and lose to Boro??? These and countless unforeseen events to come will keep the elusive 100% as a mighty achievement for our posters to realize.

The most difficult prediction to get right was the Everton/Blackburn result. Only three posters got that one right(Yiddo9, 3lions9 and Vandervaart23). The next most difficult picks were the Boro victory over Spurs and newcomers Hull beating Fulham(five posters got each one of those right). The easiest call, was the Arsenal victory over Albion (37 posters got it right). The next easiest was the Chelsea win over Pompey (31 posters).

So how did our beloved celebrity predictor, Nick Webster, do? He ended up being a respectable 7 out of ten. Tied on top with liverpoolfc73 and TheArSeNaL4. Our two worst predictors are not newcomers to the prediction game basement, both with only two good picks this round: MANUTD28 and KDRIZZLE.

The prediction game is taking on a new dimension this season. In addition to listing the top pickers each week, we are going to keep a running score based on number of good picks, good scorelines and total number of goals scored in a game.

This means that you’ll get three points for the correct result, four points if it was a draw, five points for the correct scoreline and one point for predicting the total number of goals scored in a game. So if you picked Spurs to beat Boro 2-1. Then you would get one point. If you picked Boro to beat Spurs 2-1, you’d get five points. If you picked ManUtd to draw Newcastle 0-0, then you’d get four points.

Here are your individual results, followed by your weekly point rankings:

TheArSeNaL4 7/1

Nick Webster 7/1

Liverpoolfc73 7/1

YankshirePud 6/3

3lions9 6/1

VanderVaart23 6/1

Injward14 6/1

ManuChamps 6/1

DaFootballs 6/1

Layni 6/0

gunnerguy 6/0

AFC74 6/0

Anti-madrista 6/0

Chlsealover#58 6/0

NasriAgunner08 5/2

BridgeWarrior 5/2

Yiddo9 5/1

blacksmith21  5/0

Saratoga lion 5/0

Gooner4lyfe 5/0

SunnyWarpaint 5/0

RedDragonsDevil 5/0

London Hammers 5/0

PbRMasterKiller1 5/0

Brewtowngunner 5/0

drivers rate 5/0

Liverpoolreds33 5/0

Arsenal111 4/1

WhitehartLane10  4/1

Bomot 4/1

Trinifootie 4/1

Rudy reds 4/1

SempreManUtdFan 4/0

VillaFan99 4/0

Kleekster81 4/0

FarPost79 4/0

Jcosker 4/0

Goldsoundz 4/0

Jaybxnyc 4/0

Morrisc 3/0

FFC Duex 2/1

RedSmoke 2/0

KDRIZZLE 2/0

MANUTD28 2/0

YankshirePud 25

TheArSeNaL4 25

Liverpoolfc73 24

NickWebster 24

Manuchamps 21

NasriAgunner08 21

DaFootballs 21

VanderVaart23 21

Injward14 20

BridgeWarrior 20

AFC74 20

3lions9 19

Yiddo9 19

Layni 19

Chlsealover#58 19

Anti-madrista 18

PbRMasterKiller1 18

Brewtowngunner 18

Gunnerguy 18

RedDragonDevil 17

LondonHammers 16

Bonmot 16

Arsenal111 16

Gooner4lyfe 16

Rudyreds  16

Liverpoolreds33 16

blacksmith21  15

Saratoga lion 15

SunnyWarPaint 15

WhiteHartlane10   15

driverstrate 15

Jocosker 14

Trinifootie 13

VillaFan99 13

Kleekster81 13

FarPost79 13

Goldsoundz 13

Jaybxnyc 12

SempreManUtdFan 12

Morrisc 10

FFCDuex 8

RedSmoke 7

KDRIZZLE 6

MANUTD28 6

Please let me know if I missed your picks. I’ll find them and get them posted.

Good luck next week and as always may the best teams win!

7. VillaFan99: Aston Villa

8. Kleekster81: Manchester City:

It certainly has been a summer of change in the Eastlands. Like at numerous clubs every year, the transfer window has brought the opportunity of the revolving door of new faces. And, at Manchester City it’s been no different. However, it has been apparent, that the revolving door seems heavily lop-sided in one direction. With the approval of not only a new manager in Mark Hughes, but also a new executive chairman Gary Cook, the club has been busy in the off-loading portion of the window. City have already let many of their forward options go this summer, including the likes of Paul Dickov, Emile Mpenza, and Georgios Samaras. Still, don’t be surprised to see even more being off-loaded, with Rolando Bianchi reportedly close to a loan move back to Italy. Despite having still many options up front, Manchester City has struggled in the last few years for finding success around goal. The club has been openly adamant on finding a better offensive option, showing pursuit of Ronaldinho, before losing out on him to AC Milan. Not to worry though, City may have found their man in Brazilian wonder-kid, Jo. The club shattered their transfer fee record this summer to land the talented striker, from Russian side, CSKA Moscow for eighteen-million pounds.

Ask any City supporter and they’ll tell you, with the addition of Jo, the first eleven seems to be of satisfaction. However, the goal for Mark Hughes and his staff is to add depth to the squad. Along side Jo up front, there are good options in Benjani, Bojnov, Castillo, and young-gun Daniel Sturridge. The midfield however lacks both pace and fluency. The priority for Mark Hughes in the remaining window is to address a couple of crucial needs in midfield. Manchester City much need both a holding-midfield player and a midfielder who can play on the right hand side. Martin Petrov was perhaps one of City’s best assets last year. The Bulgarian international provided great consistency throughout the year on the left. Hughes will be looking to balance that with a legitimate right-hand option. Optimistic supporters have thrown the names Shaun Wright-Philipps and David Bentley around. Manchester City may already have their man in possession for that holding role, in Swiss international Gelson Fernandes. He is already a regular in the Switzerland squad and looks to be a promising young player, however, with the aging of Deitmar Hamann they still lack the density needed at that position. It is hard to say so after watching City get smashed 8-1 at Middleborough on the last day of the season, but Manchester City look to be shaping up one of the best young defenses in the Barclays Premier League. Croatian right-back Vedran Corluka was on many experts best eleven last year, while both skipper Richard Dunne and Michah Richards have molded well together in the center. But, as reiterated before the squad is weak in depth at defense. Hughes would be well inclined to add perhaps another center or left back to bolster the squad. The club has made recent headlines in their pursuit of Chelsea central defender Tal Ben Haim. Hughes has put all his faith in young English keeper Joe Hart by allowing Andreas Isaksson to leave. For good measure, Hart is arguably the best young keeper in England. Faithful supporters will be looking for a big year out of the twenty-one year old.

Overall, the number one priority for City this year will be scoring goals. They have struggled to find attacking form in seasons past. They have added Jo, who should be a boost in attack, but they also need depth in midfield and defense. If Hughes is able to do so before the transfer deadline, it would certainly enhance their chances of reaching their goal of European football.

My Prediction for Manchester City: 9th

Overall League Prediction:

1.) Chelsea- The additions of Deco and Boswinga should be good additions, not great but good. That’s what Chelsea needed; they already have plenty of quality. One would just think, that if Avram Grant can take this squad to the last day of the season, then you add Deco and Boswinga, certainly a man like Big Phil can take them to a league title.

2.) Manchester United- Too be honest the biggest factor is the Ronaldo injury. Not to mention, United still have yet to make a signing this summer. Berbatov has been linked, but who knows? I still think they need to add a striker and get rid of Saha. Once Ronaldo is back, you wonder if the ankle could slow him down.

3.) Arsenal- You look and see that Arsenal lose Flamini and Hleb and think, wow Arsenal are having major issues. But people, let’s be serious, Arsene Wenger knows what he’s doing. Nasri will be a great player and Wenger always has youth ready to step up.

4.) Liverpool- Before the Keane addition, I truly thought this was the year Liverpool dropped out of the top four. But, with Keane, Torres and Kuyt up front, Liverpool should be able to qualify once again for the Champions League. Question still remains about the width of the team, even Ryan Babel gets too far inside.

5.) Portsmouth- Harry Redknapp is building a good squad down south. The defense is good with Campbell, Johnson and James in goal. The midfield is clustered, but with that there is plenty of depth. The biggest thing will be Crouch and Defoe. I think they could pair up to be a great team together up front.

6.) Tottenham- Very tough to choose Portsmouth over Spurs. Luka Modric and Dos Santos will be good buys, but remember, they are still young players. Losing Robbie Keane is a huge loss too, but in the long run, Spurs look to be building a great team. I still think Tottenham are a year away.

7.) Everton- I think losing Andy Johnson is huge for Everton. Not to mention, Manuel Fernandes has moved back to Spain. Those are two huge losses, and, being in the UEFA cup, the focus may be lost in a premier league race.

8.) Aston Villa- To be honest, they may have a top five starting eleven, but the squad is few in number. Not selling Barry and adding two or three more players may hurt Villa. With Bouma being injured the depth in defense becomes even more dwindled.

9.) Manchester City- Well if City would have sealed Ronaldinho, they might have flown up my list. Jo is still a great signing but there are major depth issues in midfield and defense. Hughes needs to get active quick to address those issues.

10.) Newcastle- Kevin Keegan has done some movement in the window. I think he’s straightened up a decent team, but still is a year away from being serious European contention. Bigger question is, will Joey Barton stay out of jail?

11.) West Ham- Very very quiet at West Ham this summer. Ferdinand is still in the squad, but that could change. The question is can they stay healthy? Too big of a question in my opinion.

12.) Sunderland- Yikes 12th for Sunderland? You bet, Keane has been active in the window, and has had his best window yet. He’s strengthened the team in all areas. It will be tough without Kenwyne Jones for the first part, but once they get him back, I’m throwing Sunderland in as a wildcard.

13.) Bolton- I’m throwing the next two as wildcard, I think Elmander could have a big year for Bolton, and the Riga signing was a good one as well.

14.) Fulham- With the acquisition of Andrew Johnson, things just change in west London. Fulham now have a good attack and a decent midfield with Dempsey and Bullard. It could be a good year for them.

15.) Blackburn- With Bentley supposedly on the move, assuming he leaves, they’ve lost Friedel and replaced him with Robinson. I see Blackburn being the least-improved team this year.

16.) Middleborough- So many players leaving, Cattermole, their captain in Boateng, there are questions in midfield and defense.

17.) Wigan- Bruce has lost Bent, and replaced him with Zaki. I don’t see him being a difference maker.

18.) West Brom- Free flow, attacking football, yet, not the rugged-grind it out approach it sometimes takes to stay up in the premier league.

19.) Hull City- Hull have been active in the window but I still don’t see many goals in this team.

20.) Stoke City- It will be Derby County all over again, okay Kitson should help, not as bad as Derby, but still pretty bad.

9. 3lions9: Everton FC

Well, where do you begin with Everton Football Club this season, For a club that has quiet a few honors, including, most time in the top flight than another club to 15 or so cups, they seem to be in a spot of bother. A lot of people are starting to worry about, when they will make some signings and why is there so much confusion between the players and David Moyes. Moyes came out the other day and on camera stated he was unhappy with the lack of signings and the players are becoming complacent. There is no one competing for positions with the current squad so players are not pushed to fight.

Right on queue, the chairman issues a statement saying, not to worry they have had the set budget since the beginning of the summer and is no way related to the selling of players or relocating. Speaking of relocating, Chief Executive Keith Wyness quit the club and said it was in no way related to the move of the club to Kirby.

Andy Johnson has left. Anyone coming in? There maybe a month left of the transfer market but the season starts in less than 2 weeks. Tim Cahill is injured, but although at first was not supposed to be back until after the season starts, maybe ready. Seems a bit strange that he shows up on the US tour, which by the way Everton FC lost to the Chicago Fire, 2-0. Everton have a solid squad with the likes of Tim Howard, Lescott, Arteta, Cahill, Osman. Neville just to name a few, but that’s all they have. Serious thought and spending is in dire need at the club, and quickly. My prediction for them at this point in time will be in the top 8. That is a pretty safe bet since they have had 3 European Qualification entries and four top 8 finishes under the helm of David Moyes. With some good signings and club management they may have a shot to be in the top 6. Well that’s all I really have to say about Everton Football club. Good luck to them and lets not get Lescott injured, we need him on the 3 Lions

 10. WhitehartLane10: Tottenham Hotspurs

“Here we go...” ??  This year marks the first full term of the Ramos regime.   Juande Ramos, former manager of Sevilla, was brought in admist an array of controversy last season.   Talks were held behind the Spanish team’s back,  while Martin Jol was still in charge.   Jol brought back to back 5th place finishes to Tottenham Hotspur FC  and was one game, one meal away from beating out the gommers for a berth in Champion’s League qualifying.    

Not all was good under Jol, though and a miserable start to last year’s campaign coupled with monumental expectations after another year of spending saw the Dutchmen undermined and used as a scapegoat for the team’s failure. He was given the sack and replaced by Juande Ramos. Not only did Ramos bring back to back UEFA cups to Seville, he also guided them to Champions League qualification and played some of the most entertaining and attacking football in Spain, thus making him a perfect fit for my storied club, Spurs, known always for their attacking, spirited football.  

Last season was one filled mostly with disappointment and goals, both for and against. GK Paul Robinson had what I can only imagine was the worst year of his footballing life with the mishaps for both club and country.   His confidence fell by the wayside and with it went his form.   The persistant injury woes of Ledley King, a bad foot injury to wonder kid Garreth Bale and being left with a back line that made Paris Hilton and Britney Spears public #### shots look tight compounded the problem on that end of the field.   We finished in the bottom half of the table, below even West Ham. The only two positives that come from last year’s table position are that 1. LondonHammers was able to have bragging rights over SOMEONE, and 2. We will be on the up like daFootball’s at an Erectile Dysfunction medication convention.??  

It was not all doom and gloom last year, as we proved to have a deadly strike force and Spurs took a couple ####’s off their back, one was taken off with such ferocity that PETA should have gotten a letter.   The dry spell against the scum was emphatically done away with in a 5-1 demolishing in the second leg of the Carling Cup at White Hart Lane (our home stadium).   As if the scoreline wasn’t enough for the little red wankers, Average Headbutta decided to “motivate” strike partner Nic Bendtner with, well, a headbutt.   Their fearless (strike that, make it tearful) skipper did a great job of defusing the situation (strike that, he helped take away all confidence from the gommers when their season collapsed along with Eduardo’s leg only weeks later).  

Following the win over Aresenal, we went on to play in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.   In the final we were pitted against another team from London with a big attitude and even bigger payroll.   Unfortunatly for Chelski, Russian oil blood money doesn’t buy you the heart and desire Spurs showed, however it does buy you an arrray of loser’s medals, all on display at Michael Ballack’s pad.   After the 2-1 extra time cup triumph, it was back to frustration as we were knocked out of the UEFA cup in penalties by the man now wearing the gloves for the mighty Cockerel, Gomes.   After the UEFA cup loss, it seemed the team lost motivation, and well, we know how that ended, about as well as KDRIZZLE’s predictions.?? 

 The two transfer windows under Ramos have brought on much change.   In January he brought in the defensive reinforcements in the form of Alan Hutton (right back formerly of Rangers), Jonathan Woodgate (centre back, last played for ‘Boro), Gilberto (lwb) and Chris Gunter (rb from Cardiff).   Alan Hutton has been a sensational buy and Woodgate has already proven his worth in the CC final.   Gunter has shown this preseason that he will be a revelation for years to come.   The change did not end in January.??  Before I get to the class aqquistions we made, I feel obligated to touch upon the players that have departed.   Teemu Tainu, Pascal Chimbonda, his #### gloves that he wears every match, along with fan favorite Steed Malbranque were all bought by Roy Keane and Sunderland.   Younes Kaboul is on his way to somewhere, but due to a lack of seismic activity at Sutherland, does not appear he will end up there.   Other players deemed as deadweight or a surplus to requirements are still being dumped or loaned as we speak.   Thankfully someone has taken Anthony Gardener for a year, I will now start a fund for anyone that wants Hossam Ghaly (Hammers your midfield sucks, take him).   Last and certainly not least in the departed category is Robbie Keane.   Seen by many, including myself to be a modern day icon at the club, Robbie has skippered the club in Ledley’s prolonged absences, scored his 100th goal in our shirt this last season, and pledged his undying love and future to Spurs.    

Enter Liverpool. Talk about a bunch of rats, these guys steal whatever they can when no one is around Mercyside, and their own Spanish tactitian has taken up the looting mentality. Next he’ll stop brushing his teeth. In clear actions of fear, Rafa the rat has gone about unsettling our vice skipper and Garreth Barry, the captain for Aston Villa.   A coincidence that its two of the top contenders to his consolidated fourth place CL qualification spot?   I think not.   So to make a long story short, Rafa taps up Keane until the only solution is to sell.   We got more than a fair price for the forward, but the man’s legacy (what is left of it) will be forever tainted in my eyes, and many of the Spur’s faithful.   To compound the matters, not only are they stealing #### overseas, but Sammy73 has had 3 of my handles banned in the last month.   WHICH REMINDS ME #### YOU FOX.   You going to delete this entire blog?   I think not, and I have special terms worked out with daFootballs, so he isn’t allowed to censor this.   You are a ####ked up website FOX [ed. note, he likes Bobby], your news is old and misquoted, Nick Webster is a #### schmuck and what you call moderators, I call mindless #### #### cowards with a delete button.??     

So, now that I have some negativity out of my system, lets talk about the array of talent we have brought in this offseason.   No team in the Premiership has been as busy as Spurs this summer.   The loss of Keane may prove to be a hidden blessing of sorts.   It has given us more money to spend and balance our spendings, along with expediating the process of implementing the Ramos system rather than relying on BerbaKeane as we did last season.   Last year, all the creativity seemed to come from upfront with the big names Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane getting the lion’s share of the goals and having their hands in many of the others made.  This year will be different. Often that creative spark was missing in midfield last season and our service was utter pants at times (I suppose that made our D look like capris? I don’t know, not a fashion expert like Goldsoundz).    

Enter first purchase, one Luka Modric. This kid oozes class. The Croatian international, wanted by a bevy of giant clubs yet he chose Tottenham Hotspur, a wise choice indeed.   He does it all in midfield.   He can play deep and command the midfield like Michael Carrick did before being snatched up by Sir Arrogance, he can play on the left wing, or he can play where I like him to play, in a somewhat advanced CM role.   His football IQ is off the charts, and what he doesn’t bring to the score sheet is more impressive than any stat could tell.   He’s got the intangibles, but to the naysaying gommer he is indeed small in stature and unproven in the Premier League.   We have played many different styles of opposition in the pre-season and Luka has been unfazed, I predict he makes a quick adaption to the league.   He is a big money signing with a lot of potential, and a lot of expectations, he will fill both.   Another young emerging global talent coming in is young Giovanni Dos Santos, “Johnny Two Saints,” or merely Gio.  The Mexican teenager is a product of Barcelona and is bringing excitement, fancy footwork and youthful attacking exuberance with him to the Lane.   He has been one of the best and most consistent performers so far in the preseason.   Again, it’s just matter of settling in a new league, and the sky is the limit.    

Not all the midfield aqquisitions lack Premiership experience, though.   David Bentley, the former Blackburn winger has joined the club in the most expensive purchase thus far.  Unfortunatlly some of this money went to the team that taught him his trade, the scum.  That’s the only downside to this transfer.  Bentley provides brilliant service into the box and is a setpiece artist (Bale is with his left foot, so we have options now).   He is also a goal threat and again, has been brilliant in the preseason. The signings are likely not completly over, however, but daDeadline was a long time ago so I can’t wait until the dust has settled.  

I expect Corluka (from Citeh and a good friend of Croation teammate, Modric) to sign by the time you shmucks read this.   Arshavin is still up in the air as well, but for the fee they want on his head, he may as well stay in the air.   Ramos is also said to have some tricks up his sleeve with regards to recruiting some high profile players like Veloso, but whether those come to bear fruit is about as reliable as Manchester 28’s weekly predicted score line for the scum.   A move away for Berbatov could still well be in the cards, but I am confident Daniel Levy nor Juande Ramos will let him go without having a contingency plan.   The sulky Bulgarian’s status will not define our season.   No player is bigger than the badge.   There were goals and great attacking play for well over a hundred years before Robbie Keane or Dimitar Berbatov ever applied their trade for Tottenham Hotspur and their will most certainly be goals after them.  

This is a new team, this is change, this is evolution, this is a revolution.  The Juande Revolution is well and truly upon us.   He has implemented his balls to the walls attacking style and began to build the team in his mold.   He is the perfect manager at this time for Tottenham.   His philosophy is that of the club’s.   To dare is to do.   This team dares.   Our fullbacks are wingers with defensive responisibilites.   Juande has also implemented a one touch, interchanging “total football”-esque shape to the side.   We have played all sorts of opposition this season from lower league sides to perennial Champions League competitors.   We have conquered all.   Here we live by the sword and we die by the sword, and enough casualties have been taken on our side.    

 No longer do I see a gushing wound at the end of the season.   Yes, the Spurs cliche is coming.   This is our season.   The big w4ore are going to have to take notice, and someone is going to lose a chance to quallify for the Champions League, because this year we are finishing in the top four.   Yeah, keep laughing Hammers.   The joke will be on all of you.   Hate all you want, or embrace and love the idea, this little monopoly of those spots is over and we are taking the thimble with us.   The Scouser Rats or Gommer Scum, get ready to be booking a spot in the UEFA cup next campaign, and expect us to be the holder’s of said cup.   On top of finishing in the top four, I expect us to win silverware.   We are traditionally a cup team, and Ramos is a cup master.     

Personally, I want the UEFA cup to moisten the panties for the multiple orgasm that will be Champions League football.   I will settle for any piece of silverware, made all that much sweeter by a lack of anything for the gommers since their entrance to the Emirates.   Poor kids (literally). Although I yearn for CL football, the season will not be a failure if we don’t achieve it.   “Reasonble pundits” would probably tip us for a UEFA cup spot and a cup run.   Who knows what Nick Webster would say.   Still can’t believe Fox pays that guy. If this wasn’t entertaining, well then I’m sorry, go read LondonHammers talk about avoiding relegation and then tune in for Tottenham Hotspur this season, both are sure fire sources of fun.??COYS, whitehartlane10

11.  London Hammers:  West Ham United

Having now had the advantage of reading the first few essays I quickly decided to re-write some of mine as the bar seems to of gone up. Jeez, I didn't realise it was gonna be so competitive, must be the Olympic spirit. Originally I was gonna stick my neck out and be pretty optimistic about West Ham's chances, and in hindsight, er, I still am. Of course I support West Ham so you may wish to read the following with a pinch of salt. I'm not about to write about an upcoming season of doom and gloom about my own team. Words like 'Mediocre', or heaven forbid, 'Relegation' won't even be considered.

I noticed someone actually talked about historical stuff in their write up.... Well er, West Ham is in East London, the Germans favorite bombing site during WWII. I can only presume #### was a Millwall fan. We hate Millwall by the way but thats another story. Famous Eastenders include Jack the Ripper (serial killer), the Kray twins (gangsters) and Michael Cain. Favourite food is jellied eels which is eels in jelly and Pie and Mash which is a pie, mashed potatoes and this green gravy #### How do you get gravy green? I don't know, I've never tried or tasted it. I'll be honest with you, its not a nice area. I've been there to watch the Hammers play at least 100 times and I don't hang around afterwards.

Anyway enough history. There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the 08/09 season for West Ham. Last year's 10th place (above Spurs and Newcastle) was actually quite impressive when you consider the majority of what would of been the first team were out injured for long periods. Dyer and Faubert, two of the big new signings, hardly played at all. Noble, Ashton, Bowyer, Parker, Upson and Bellamy were all out for months on end. Ljungberg had a headache that lasted from January to March, and Davenport managed to break his neck. I don't need the optimistic powers of 8 cans of Stella to say that that can't possibly happen again. In fact as a result of last years problems West Ham are building a new 'World Class' Medical Centre and have recruited several leading experts from Italy. It can't stop a player from breaking his leg but is designed to help rehabilitation so we shall see....

As this is a new and revised essay I can now add that Mr I've got a 'Migraine' Ljungberg has been paid off 'to #### off'. Bellamy is out for about a month with a new hamstring problem and Dyer may have also suffered a set back. Losing Bellamy is a right pisser, he scored about 6 goals in pre-season and could be our major star if he can stay fit.

West Ham haven't splashed out big for the new season (at least not at the time of writing). The master plan is to try and play the first team that didn't actually play last year. Of course, even I don't expect Dyer to not get badly injured again but with everyone back fit and in pre-season training things look good. A regular starting first team that includes Green and Ferdinand plus the 'good as new' walking wounded should be really competitive on paper. I'm especially hoping that Faubert, Ashton and Noble will have largely injury free seasons and show the World just how good they all are. Wonder kid Sears should also get some more playing time but most likely from the bench. Finally the one signing we have made, Switzerland international Valon Behrami from Lazio for £5m. I don't know much about him but I've heard good things. Maybe he will replace Neill, our rather inconsistent Australian Captain which might not be such a bad thing. In fac,t in the last friendly Neill moved to left back with Behrami playing on the right which could be curtains for the the American Spector.

Much has been made of Curbishley's imminent demise. He is already the 'odds on favourite' Premiership manager with English bookies to get the sack. I believe that honor will go to Keegan but any lower than 12th and it will probably be goodbye for Curbs.

Er, finally Bobby Moore's No6 shirt was retired permanently from West Hams squad last weekend during a 1-1 friendly draw with Villerreal. It was the 50th anniversary of Bobby's debut for West Ham. The World Cup winning England and West Ham captain died of cancer about 15 years ago. He played almost his entire career at West Ham which is unfortunately a rare thing nowadays (although he did play for short spells in the US and at Fulham).

Predictions:

Gold medal. Chelsea

Silver medal. Man United

Bronze medal. Liverpool

No medal. Arsenal

Honorable 7th zinc medal. West Ham

Relegation: The 3 that came up.  

12.  liverpoolfc73-Liverpool

A new season generally brings with it new expectations. However for teams with a storied past and rich history, the expectations of achievement always remain the same. So it is with Liverpool Football Club, the question on the minds of the majority of the fans is will Liverpool be able to compete for the title in 2008-09 season. Most Liverpool fans are very knowledgeable about the underlying long term project being implemented at the club and recognize that Liverpool have been a “work-in-progress” under Rafael Benitez. Despite what most critics say, Liverpool have made measurable progress under Benitez. The gap between Liverpool and the Champions was 30 points in 2004, 21 points in 2006 and 11 points last season. How is that being 'no closer' to the other three big clubs? Over the past three seasons, Liverpool have accrued more league points than Arsenal. Liverpool have had an awful record against the top three (United, Chelsea and Arsenal), however last season the Reds didn't lose to either Chelsea or Arsenal in the league, or to either London side over 90 minutes in four Champions League games (defeat to Chelsea came in extra-time, and in the League Cup which is now a virtual reserves competition). That's eight meaningful games of parity between Liverpool and the two clubs who were miles ahead when Benítez arrived. United remain the exception.

Many critics have argued that Liverpool is a boring club and does not score enough goals. Also over-reliance on Steven Gerrard argument has now been replaced by an over reliance on Gerrard and Torres argument. Last season, Liverpool were not only the highest scoring British club in all competitions, ending the season with 119 goals in the Premiership, Champions League, and domestic cup competitions (Arsenal were second with 114 goals), but were the only club in England who had six individuals score 10 goals or more – Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Peter Crouch. Chelsea had 4 players, United, Arsenal and Everton had 3 players who scored 10 or more –

Amongst the top 4 Liverpool ended the season with by far the highest number of drawn games – 13, compared to Arsenal’s 8, Chelsea’s 10 and United’s 5. Of the 13 drawn games, Liverpool were leading in 10 out of 13 of those games and conceded late equalizing goals to lose 2 vital points. After a flying start to the campaign, the season de-railed in October which coincided with the loss of Daniel Agger. Without the necessary depth in squad, the previously stingy Liverpool defence looked very frail. It’s no coincidence that after the injury to Agger, Liverpool ended up conceding vital goals at home and away.

Another pet-peeve of opposition fans is that Rafael Benitez “rotates” the squad too much. Statistics will show that Rafa does rotate, but he is not the only one who rotates – Ferguson, Grant and Wenger have rotated as much as Rafa has – there isn’t a significant difference in terms of the number of rotations. There is nothing wrong with the policy of rotation as all top managers believe that to compete in 4 competitions they need to keep players fresh. Where rotation has hurt Liverpool is that unfortunately for Liverpool do not have “quality in depth”. Compared to United and Chelsea, Liverpool’s bench is average – United and Chelsea successfully adopted the rotation policy because they were able to replace one world class player with another world class player. When Liverpool take off Fernando Torres, he was replaced with Andri Voronin (enough said?). Another important argument which opposition fans over-look, is that Rafa hardly ever rotates the core spine of the team. Reina, Carraghar, Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres play 90% of all games (injury permitting).

Given this backdrop, how do the supporters of Liverpool, feel about the club and prospects for 2008-09. Despite what others may say, the over-whelming majority of the Liverpool supporters are firmly behind Rafael Benitez and believe in his plan for Liverpool. With the ownership issues unresolved, and transfer funds very tight, Rafa has adopted a creative strategy of selling players to generate cash.

At the time of writing this blog, Liverpool have sold Riise, Guthrie ,Crouch and Carson. The sale proceeds were used to buy Robbie Keane, Dossena, N’gog and Calvieri. Agreements are in place to sell Itandje, while bids have been invited for Pennant, Finnan and regrettably Alonso. Degaan was picked up on a Bosman free transfer. The capture of Keane represents a major transfer coup, as Rafa pursues his strategy of buying blending experienced players with young prospective stars. Rafa has brought Keane in with the specific aim of adding creativity and more fire power to the front line. Given the 13 drawn games last season, if Rafa were able to convert even half of those results into wins, Liverpool would have finished the season with 10 extra points (one point shy of United). As the Barry saga lingers on, the Anfield faithful patiently wait for a big name winger with the objective being to add quality and depth, something which has largely been missing for Liverpool these past seasons. With most of the new additions being financed through player sales, it begs the question – where is the reported £ 20 million the owners promised?

The upcoming season promises to be very competitive, United and Chelsea are in the process of strengthening their teams with quality and depth, whereas the likes of Portsmouth and Aston Villa have thrown down the gauntlet to the top four teams and signaled their intent.

This season, the games will come thick and fast as the final day of the premiership campaign, the Champions League Final and the FA Cup final will all be played within a week of each other, hence teams will be required to field players within 3 days of each major game. What does that mean? It means that the teams with the most depth in their squads and more importantly the most quality in depth will go the furthest. In addition, this season we will see the introduction of 2 additional substitutes on the bench, from the traditional 5 players, teams will be allowed to name 7 players on the substitute bench, which once again means that teams with the deepest squad and the most quality on their bench will benefit.

Hence the theme is set – who will do well in the Premiership in 2008-09– the answer is simple. Those teams which have the most quality and most depth in the squads will go the furthest on all four fronts, more so this season than the previous (given the fixture list). Depending on impending transfers, the team sheets could look very different from now till the start of the season – Ronaldo, Barry, Adebayor, Berbatov, and Lampard are all players which could by plying their trade in different colours come the start of the season. These transfers could have a significant impact on the fate of teams involved.

So, where will Liverpool finish this season? Lets take a closer look at the class of 2008-09.

Defence: With the exception of a few games last season (most notably against United), Reina has had a solid three seasons at Liverpool which culminated in him winning the “Golden Glove” award for the third consecutive season. Reina was found wanting in a few games this year and its no coincidence that those games had a key missing component – Daniel Agger. Liverpool have added depth and pace to the defence this year, Dossena, Degan, Carraghar, Skrtel, Agger, Hypia, Aurelio, Arbeloa, Insua and possibly Steve Finnan provide height, solidity, experience and pace. This season Degan and Dossena should provide the much needed wings in Rafa’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. With the guidance of first team coach Pelligrino and Sammy Lee, expect the defence to convert Anfield into a fortress once again and give the opposition few chances away from home.

Midfield:

With or without Barry, Liverpool are blessed with world class talent in the midfield. Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun and Leiva provide a solid spine to the central midfield. The young and upcoming Plessis showed maturity beyond his years against Arsenal last year. If Barry ever becomes a Red, he will compete with Alonso in the role of a holding midfielder and add the much needed quality in depth. The right and left midfield are arguably the weakest chinks in the Anfield armour. Liverpool do not possess an authentic left winger. Ryan Babel has filled the role last season and has shown he has a knack for goals. Rafa has hinted that Babel will be used in his more favoured forward position this season as he looks to pursue an authentic left winger (Silva). On the right, Jermaine Pennat has not shown the consistency or goals required from him and hence been put on the market. Dirk Kuyt, for all his critics, has done a commendable job on the right midfield, running his heart out every game. He has won the Kop over with his work ethic and knack of scoring crucial goals. The right winger’s position is up for grabs next season, with Rafa looking for an authentic, pacy right winger.

Forwards:

With the departure of Peter Crouch, Liverpool are short up front (no pun intended). Fernando Torres will have another outstanding season – have no doubt about it, but needs a striking partner, a fact recognized by Rafa. Voronin has been disappointing and will be playing to save his short-lived Anfield career this season. Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel possess the much needed flexibility to play on the wings or up-front. Robbie Keane offers something different, he offers creativity, experience and an Irish heart. He is a class striker and will compliment the outstanding Fernando Torres very well. Liverpool have some exciting prospects coming up from the reserves as everyone in Anfield wants to see Nemeth given a run out in the first team this year. The difference between Liverpool mounting a title challenge and a guaranteed top four finish is a top quality winger – Should Rafa be successful in bringing in a top quality winger (Silva), the chances of Liverpool mounting a serious challenge to the likes of Chelsea and United are greatly enhanced and the Anfield faithful will be dreaming once again.

Preferred team and formation:

Preferred formation away from home and in the Champions League is expected to be 4-2-3-1.

Preferred formation at home is expected to be 3-5-2 and 4-4-2


Prediction:

It seems as if the supporters and team management are on the same page. Rafa has repeatedly said that he feels Liverpool are short of a quality forward and have lacked pace on the wings. With the addition of Keane, he has addressed the striker issue, now he needs to turn is attention to a winger. He is working within a constrained budget and two seemingly unhelpful owners. Will Liverpool compete this year, most definitely “YES”

Given the spending power of Chelsea and United who continue to strengthen and deepen their squad (Berbatov, Deco, Robinho etc) and the impending loss of Masherano, Babel, Leiva and Insua to the Olympics for the vital first three games. I feel that Liverpool Football Club will make further progress this upcoming season but will realistically finish 3rd (not more than 4 points behind the eventual winner) based on current squad and 2nd if we add a winger.


Final League Standings: Pts range

1. Chelsea 81-85

2. Manchester United 82-84

3. Liverpool 81-83

4. Arsenal 76-80

5. Portsmouth 68-70

6. Everton 65-69

7. Aston Villa 63-66

8. Tottenham 60-63

9. Manchester City 59-62

10. Blackburn Rovers 58-61

11. Newcastle 55-58

12. Middlesborough 50-53

13. West Ham United 49-52

14. Fulham 45-48

15. Sunderland 41-45

16. Wigan 37-40

17. West Brom 30-35

18. Bolton 25-30

19. Stoke City 20-25

20. Hull City 20-24

13. Brewtowngunner: Bolton

Bolton Wanderers FC : Brewtowngunner

Ahh Bolton, what can I say? As an Arsenal lad through and through I harbor a little hatred toward the Trotters as they have successfully thwarted our plans for world domination a number of times. But, that was in the Fat Sam era, enter Gary Megson. A man whose playing career lasted nearly 2 decades and who’s managerial CV reads like a who’s not of English football. Blackpool, Stockport, Stoke, WBA, Forest, and (sorry 3Lions9) Leicester. All this in 10 years! Given that Megson hasn’t lasted more than 2 years at any of these clubs (I think 4 weeks at LCFC), he instantly creeps his way up the list of who will be the first manager sacked. Notable players include Jussi Jaaskelainen, a fairly good shot stopper who, thanks to his shaky back 4, gets lots of practice. Perhaps the brightest stars on the side would be skipper Kevin Nolan and vice captain Kevin Davies. Nolan was second only to Nic Anelka in the goalscoring chart with a whopping 5. Though, they do list a player named Zoltan, that's a winner in my book.

Bolton didn’t make too many moves in the transfer market this summer, with only 3 notable signings to offset the brilliant minds that were abandoning this sinking ship.

1.) Nigerian centerback Danny Shittu in from Watford where he helped the Hornets to the league playoffs whence they were unceremoniously condemned to Pop League by Hull.

2.) Swedish striker Johan Elmander bought for a club record £10 million from Toulouse where in a 2 year stint, he scored 22 goals in 62 apps and has captain Kevin Nolan’s seal of approval to succeeed in England.

3.) Attacking Center Mid Mustapha Riga from La Liga outcasts Levante (is this guy used to relegation or what?)

On the way out were the out of this world attitude and appearance of El Hadji Diouf, The Senegalese miscreant who will most likely find himself far from Roy Keane’s good graces as he attempts to start a new life with the Black Cats. Not a prolific Goalscorer by any stretch, he was better known for his mesmerising runs than anything else.

Also jumping ship were Ancient Greek relic/European Champion Stelios Giannakopoulos, whose form as of late has resulted in a release from the club. He has been linked with a move to Hull, though, as of yet nothing has transpired.

Finally, Bolton will be without the services of midfield playmaker/slacker/fat boy Ivan Campo. Campo, once a promising player for Real Madrid, helping them in their 2000 champions league campaign, was not offered a new contract at the Reebok, paving the way for a secure job munching on pies at Ipswich.

All in all, the players brought in provide more goals and less experience to a side who squeaked their way into 16th place (by 1 point) and only found Premier League security after a 2 – 0 win at Sunderland and a 1-1 draw with Chelski in the final weeks. I can’t see Bolton making a run for a spot in Europe as they did under Fat Sam, I do however believe that within 3 years, Bolton will be champions….of the Coca-Cola Chapionship.

The only thing they have going for them is that Megson, having spent some of his time at Stoke, may be prepared for the first game. After that, I see nothing to cheer for at the Reebok this year. Face it Gary, You came fr