The Ups and Downs of the Premier League – We Predict

It hardly seems fair to be talking about who will get relegated from the Premier League this season, after all a ball hasn`t been kicked yet!  But as every other site seems to be featuring ups and downs why should we be any different?  And what about the winner?  Here are our predictions:

Winners – Chelsea

For most football fans and column writers there appears to be only four teams in with a realistic chance of getting the title, current champions Man Utd, last years runners-up Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.  Would we agree? No, three of these four yes we think have a chance but Arsenal? not a hope in hell, we dont think Manchester City have a hope either despite the multi-millions spent on trying to buy the title.

We give our vote to Chelsea as the winners. Carlo Ancelotti is known for running a tight ship, he commands respect, dedication and hard work and he will get it.  With John Terry and Didier Drogba two of Chelsea`s most influential players signing new contracts any doubts over committment should be gone.

Lampard another Chelsea player with blue running through his veins will be out to not only impress his new boss but one eye will be on impressing England manager Capello, so Lampard will be giving it his all this season. It will be close with Liverpool and may even go to the wire, ironically, if it was to go to the last two weeks, Chelsea face Liverpool at Anfield in their penultimate game of the season!

Runners-Up – Liverpool

Our prediction is Liverpool to be runners-up missing out by a whisker on getting that much desired 19th title.  If our prediction is right that Chelsea will take the title, Benitez`s disappointment over not winning will have some consolation in that United wont go into the record books instead of the Reds.

Liverpool will give Chelsea a good run for their money but with Alonso gone their defence will suffer, although Glen Johnson coming in might make up a little for the loss of Xabi it will not be enough. Gerrard and Torres will no doubt be putting a few goals away this season provided both can stay injury free.  The consistency of Liverpool will be tested to the full and we think the lack of consistency factor will probably be the main reason for the runners-up spot.

Third and Fourth Places – Man Utd and Everton

Possibly a surprise to many but we think the Man Utd bandwagon will stop rolling this season and they will finish third.  Everton under a talented David Moyes we predict will finish fourth, edging out Man City.

Relegation – Burnley, Hull City and Wigan Athletic

As far as we are concerned there is no doubt that Burnley will go back down, the vast difference between the pace and pressure of the Championship and Premier league is something their players wont be able to cope with.  Hull City will disappear because the dreadful slide that took place last season after Christmas is likely to haunt them throughout this season and once the rot sets in its difficult to stop it.

 Hull have had the warnings and during the summer Phil Brown had the opportunity to make new signings to ward off the drop, he or the club chose not to strengthen. We also think the ego-possesed Phil Brown wont have a hope in turning things around because he lacks experience.

As for the third team to face relegation, this is tough, Sunderland could be an easy choice but we think Steve Bruce will take onboard last seasons struggle and turn things around. New boys Wolves might be in the frame but we think Mick McCarthy`s experience and the new signings he has bought in will give them survival. So, that leaves us with Wigan. They finished a very healthy 11th last time out, so many will be surprised at our prediction for the drop. 

We`ve reached our conclusion about Wigan because we think they will have a poor start and will struggle to recover.  Manager Roberto Martinez is young and relatively inexperienced and whilst he should be congratulated for the teams finish last season, he hasn`t yet been tested under pressure and since we believe Wigan will be under pressure most of the season we dont think Roberto will cope.