Tuesday, 14 August 2012

2012/2013 Premier League Predictions L-Q

Liverpool: Players In: Joe Allen (Swansea, Undisc.), Fabio Borini (Roma, Undisc.) Players Out: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina, Undisc.), Fabio Aurelio (Gremio, free), Craig Bellamy (Cardiff, free), Stephen Darby (released), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbache, Undisc.), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys, Undisc.), Toni Silva (Barnsley, Undisc.)

Brendan Rodgers did a fantastic job at Swansea last season and could potentially do the same for Liverpool, given the time. Borini will add youth and goals alongside Suarez this season which will fill the space Kuyt leaves. As good as Allen was for Swansea last season, I'm not sure it's the direction of players Liverpool need to signing in order to really improve and stake another claim for Champions League football. I can't see them making that step up this season and may again have to settle for Europa League football.

Manchester City: Players In: Jack Rodwell (Everton, Undisc.) Players Out: Wayne Bridge (Brighton, loan), Owen Hargreaves (Released), Vladimir Weiss (Pescara, Undisc.)

Roberto Mancini has expressed his concern at City's lack of spending this Summer. The acquisition of Rodwell may not be that great for the youngster who will struggle to find a place in the team. They have the started the season well with the Community Shield victory and show that their extreme goalscoring power hasn't deteriorated. With Carlos Tevez now seemingly motivated and happy to stay at City, he will play a huge part in their quest to retain the title this season. A definite possibility with or without spending a further £100m this season.

Manchester United: Players In: Shinji Kagawa (Dortmund, Undisc.), Nick Powell (Crewe, Undisc.) Players Out: Ben Amos (Hull, loan), Ritchie De Laet (Leicester, Undisc.), Fabio (QPR, loan), Thomasz Kuszczak (Brighton, free), Michael Owen (Released), Park Ji-Sung (QPR, Undisc.) Paul Pogba (Juventus, free)

Manchester United will be licking their wounds after their heartbreak at the end of last season. Despite losing on goal difference last season. Sir Alex Ferguson has yet to bring in more fire power to prevent this from happening again this season. The saga with Robin Van Persie may continue until September 1st, but if United can gain the Dutchman's season, it could be the key to retaking the Premiership season. But if Van Persie isn't available until next Summer, United probably could do with looking for other strikers such as Fernando Llorente or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who have both decided to not sign another contract. It's going to be another close season with United definitely looking to be back at the top of the league.

Newcastle: Players In: Romain Amalfitano (Reims, free), Gael Bigirimana (Coventry, Undisc.) Curtis Good (Melbourne, Undisc.) Players Out: Leon Best (Blackburn, £3m), Fraser Forster (Celtic, Undisc.), Danny Guthrie (Reading, free), Peter Lovenkrands (Released), Alan Smith (Released)

Alan Pardew's French revolution looks to continue with the acquisition attacking midfielder, Romain Amalfitano. He may be put in place to supplement Hatem Ben Arfa who has expressed his decision to stay. If Demba Ba and Pape Cisse can once again continue their partnership, they will once again be extremely dangerous this season. If they fail to do so, they have left themselves with a lack of striking options with only the Ameobi brothers providing cover. Curtis Good will look to be providing strength in the centre of defence whilst youngster Bigirimana will be looking to follow in Yohan Cabaye's footsteps. Newcastle will again fight for European football this season, looking to cement a Europa League spot.

Norwich: Players In: Jacob Butterfield (Barnsley, Undisc.), Robert Snodgrass (Leeds, Undisc.), Michael Turner (Sunderland, Undisc.), Steven Whittaker (Rangers, Undisc.) Players Out: Zak Whitbread (Released), Aaron Wilbraham (Released)

Chris Hughton has a tough job to stop Norwich from suffering from second season syndrome. It's going to be hard to emulate last season's exploits but the fact that they seem to have kept hold of Grant Holt will put in good stead to stay in the Premiership. Butterfield is a 22-year old midfielder from Barnsley which may be the wrong league to be searching for to gain survival. But Snodgrass will provide another goal threat this season and can finally make the step up from Leeds. Turner and Whittaker will provide strength that could be the key to keeping them up again this season.

QPR: Players In: Samba Diakite (Nancy, loan), Fabio (Man U, loan), Rob Green (West Ham, free), Junior Hoilett (Blackburn, free), Andrew Johnson (Fulham, free), Ryan Nelsen (Tottenham, free), Park Ji-Sung (Man U, Undisc.)

Mark Hughes' new look QPR may well be enough to also not suffer from second season syndrome. The fact they haven't broken the bank to buy that much needed Premiership experience. Green will look to reinstate his top class status in goal with Hoilett and Johnson providing a keen attacking threat. Nelsen will also look to help lead the defence as it tries to tighten up. Their best signing has to be Park who not only brings his wealth of experience but also his fantastic work ethic which could turn QPR around. If anyone will be a surprise mover this season, it could well be QPR or they will be embroiled in another survival story which could cost Hughes his job.      

  

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