How Aston Villa’s EPL rivals shape up and the prediction table
Villa Park
With the new season only days away, MOMS Nick Simmons takes a look at Aston Villa’s Premiership rivals, which will give a better picture of what we should expect for Villa this season. Nick also gives his prediction to the finishing position of each club (Not too sure about his United retaining the league prediction! – Ed). It should all pan out to be Villa’s most exciting season in years.
’A bridge too far’ – The teams that are likely to finish above Villa
There are likely to be seven clubs that are ‘unreachable’ in terms of league position this year for Villa. The top 7 teams from last year, Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool, have been in the top 8 ever since the 09/10 season, with only Villa and Newcastle able to break this group in this time period.
1st – Manchester United
Last season: 1st. Key issues: 1) How will Moyes cope with the step up to the pressure of winning trophies, given he never won any with Everton? 2) Will their wingers, who managed 4 goals between them last year, contribute more to help out Van Persie?United won the league comfortably last year with poor wingers and an out-of-form Rooney – I believe they will be stronger than anybody else this year (if they sign a central midfielder), albeit with a tighter league.
2nd – Manchester City
Last season: 2nd. Key issues: 1) Pellegrini’s attacking style of play and new signings may take time to adjust, and rotation particularly in forward areas has unsettled players in the past. Fernandinho, Jovetic and Negredo are all big money signings that United can’t currently match this season.
3rd – Chelsea
Last season: 3rd. The Mourinho factor is of course huge for Chelsea given his success in his first spell at Chelsea, in particular his 95 points in 04/05 is still unbeaten. Mourinho has stated it will take some time to get Chelsea playing the way he likes, but they have arguably the best squad in the league. Lukaku, after his return from West Brom on loan, could be a vital player for them this year. Schurrle and the return of Kevin De Bruyne could also play a big part in their season.
4th – Arsenal
Last season: 4th. Arsenal have made the Champions League every year this century. However, unless they make some major signings, it’s unlikely that they will challenge the top 3. If they can sign a player of the Suarez calibre, they have a chance. If Wilshere can stay fit for the entire season, it will be like a new signing to them – he and Cazorla are key to success.
5th – Tottenham
Last season: 5th. Key issue: Can they keep Bale? If they can, and their new signings Chadli, Soldado and Paulinho can quickly integrate into the first team, they will challenge Arsenal for the 4th spot.
6th – Liverpool
Last season: 7th. Key issues: 1) Will Suarez stay? 2) If Suarez does leave, can Sturridge and Coutinho continue their form from last season? Liverpool showed excellent form in front of goal last season when Suarez was not in the team. Mignolet, Toure and Aspas are all signings that will see a decent amount of first team action, but aren’t of the quality to see them challenge for top 4 in my opinion.
7th – Everton
Last season: 6th. Key issues: 1) After seasons of trying to beat the drop with Wigan, Roberto Martinez is now at a club who consistently challenge for European positions. Everton have so far managed to keep their bigger players, after rumours of Moyes planning on taking Baines and Fellaini to Old Trafford. Martinez has also preferred a formation involving wing-backs and a back 3. It will be interesting to see if he can adapt Everton’s style to his own attacking play.