2010-11 English Premier League Preview

Another Premier League season begins tomorrow, and those looking for variety might want to look elsewhere. With few significant changes since May, the table figures to shakeout in a manner similar to last season. Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal will battle for the title and a pack of teams a notch below will fight for a coveted Champions League spot.

A League and FA Cup double got Carlo Ancelotti's tenure at Stamford Bridge off to a memorable start last season, and his veteran Chelsea squad fully expects to maintain the title this year. The core of this team feels like they've played together forever- Lampard, Terry, Drogba, Cech- all back in blue for another go at the European crown that has alluded them. With the transfer deal for Brazilian midfielder Ramires now complete, Chelsea add an exciting young playmaker to their roster of seasoned pros.

Speaking of seasoned, Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United have been unusually quiet since the end of the last campaign, unlike the carnival surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer a year prior. The addition of Mexican Javier Hernandez is the only change of note. Wayne Rooney had the look of a beaten man in the World Cup. If and when he returns to form will dictate whether or not the Red Devils reclaim the title.

Arsenal hung around the fringes of the title chase much of last season and if not for a few letdown matches could have nabbed the top slot. The fact that Cesc Fabregas hasn't landed at Nou Camp with Barcelona yet is surprising, but for now the World Cup winner remains the focal point of Arsene Wenger's side. Another World Cup finalist, Robin van Persie, will also be key in the Gunners bid for their first title since the "Invincibles" team of 2004.

Beyond the those three, Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool and, to a lesser extent, Aston Villa and Everton, will set their sights on a top four finish. Manchester City were big offseason spenders for a second-straight season, this year looking to strengthen a shaky defensive unit. The additions of Aleksandar Kolarov and Jerome Boateng should help in that regard. David Silva and Yaya Toure have also been added as City aim for a Champions League berth.

Tottenham broke into fourth last year, and savvy manger Harry Redknapp is eyeing some additions to keep his side there again. Assuming they can move past Swiss side Young Boys (and what a terrible name that is for a team) in the last round of Champions League qualifying, Spurs will face the tricky balance of league aspirations on the weekend and matches against Europe's elite midweek. With that schedule, top scoring threat Jermain Defoe will need help.

Joe Cole and Roy Hodgson bring a fresh excitement to Liverpool, but a lack of depth has burned the Reds in recent seasons. When Steven Gerrard and/or Fernando Torres get hurt, which tends to happen a lot, Liverpool have few reliable options.

The surprising resignation of Martin O'Neill less than a week before kick off has put a dent in Aston Villa's already long shot hopes of reaching the top four. O'Neill's left because of a lack of transfer funds, which should tell you all you need to know on how much Villa spent improving the squad. Similarly, Everton have the ability to win against any opponent, but lack the depth to make a full-season push.

I'll predict a Chelsea repeat for 2011, followed by Arsenal, ManU, Man City and Liverpool.

England: 2009-10 Premier League Preview

I was getting ready to draft my Premier League preview when I stumbled across the news of ESPN's agreement to air games in the U.S. this season. Talk about a great way to start the season. Now that I've calmed a little from that excitement, it's time to talk Premier League!

If there is a silver lining to the global economic crisis, it might be this: With wild spending down, we are looking at potentially the most competitive season in the history of the Premier League. Only Manchester City flashed serious cash this summer, while the big four migrated back to the pack. A second tier of contenders might have a shot at the title.

But let's not get carried away. The leading candidates are still the big names we're accustomed to seeing, led by Manchester United and Chelsea. Last Sunday's entertaining Community Shield clash could foreshadow a see-saw battle between the winners of the last five EPL titles. While ManU will clearly miss Cristiano Ronaldo and, to a lesser extent, Carlos Tevez, the Red Devils will still contend for a record fourth-straight crown. ManU has gotten off to slow starts but recovered to win the league the last two seasons. To avoid another sluggish opening, they'll need goaltender Ben Foster to show he's capable of replacing the injured Edwin van der Sar on a permanent basis.

The biggest off-season addition among the big four wasn't a player, but rather new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti. The former AC Milan skipper is the fifth man to hold the top post at Stamford Bridge since 2007, but it would be surprising if he doesn't bring stability to the position. Chelsea return a loaded roster, but you have to wonder if their primary focus is the Premier League the Champions League. Europe's biggest prize is the only one Roman Abramovich's men are missing. After crushing defeats against Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona the last three seasons, the quest remains the same. Ancelotti actually won more Champions League trophies (two) than Serie A titles (one) in his time at the San Siro. If that trend is any indicator, the Blues could be celebrating in Madrid in May, while someone else takes the EPL.

Could that someone else be Liverpool? In Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, the Reds have a leading duo as good as any in the world. But in order to capture their first Premier League title, Rafa Benitez's team will need to overcome the maddening inconsistency that sunk their 2009 title bid. Liverpool took 14 points from six matches against ManU, Chelsea and Arsenal, highlighted by a 4-1 romp at Old Trafford. But a series of baffling draws against lesser opponents left the Reds in second, despite only two losses. If they can convert those draws into wins, a long-awaited title will be coming to Anfield.

Arsenal aren't going plummet, but Arsene Wenger's team has suffered too many losses to mount a serious challenge. Waiting to take their place in the leading quartet are Manchester City. Backed by big bucks from their UAE-based ownership, the Blues roster now features Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure, along with last year’s key addition, Robinho. But many superstar-laden teams have looked unbeatable on paper. How this group gels under manager Mark Hughes remains to be seen, and questions abound regarding the ManCity defense.

If the race remains tight, Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham could sneak into the mix, but realistically those sides are hoping for a Champions League slot at best. Look for last year's top three to pull away again in 2010. While my heart pulls for Liverpool, by head says Chelsea. God I hope I'm wrong.

If you want EPL previews from more knowledgeable outlets, here are some options:
The Times of London
The Independent
Sky Sports
ESPN Soccernet

Transfer-Palooza

Each summer speculation around the European transfer market resembles the board game "Fact or Crap." There are an endless number of rumors, but those stories greatly outnumber the completed deals. Here's a look at some of the players and storylines central to this year's transfer gossip.

Carlos Tevez isn't exactly leaving Manchester United on good terms, taking some parting shots at Sir Alex Ferguson on his way out of Old Trafford. Oddly Tevez ruled out Liverpool as a destination because of their rivalry with ManU, but the Argentine now appears headed to crosstown Manchester City.

Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovichas been the talk of a move out of Serie A, but Inter's asking price may be too high for potential suitors. In other Inter news, Brazilian fullback Maicon has been linked to a move to Chelsea.

Staying with Barcelona or heading to Manchester City are the two options for Samuel Eto'o. A two-year extension of Eto'o's current deal is the latest offer from the reigning European champs.

Xabi Alonso is the latest target of free-spending Real Madrid. Defender Alvaro Arbeloa could also make the Liverpool to Real leap.

Let the Transfers Begin

With the focus shifting back to club sides, July will be a busy month in the transfer market. It's always a challenge separating truth from rumor, but here's a look at some of the names and possible moves to watch in the coming weeks.

• Deco to Chelsea: Done deal as of today, as the Portuguese midfielder follows Big Phil Scolari to Stamford Bridge


• Frank Lampard to Inter Milan?: Will Frank take all the pies with him as he re-unites with The Special One?


• Didier Drogba to AC Milan?: The Chelsea makeover continues. Drogba could end up with either San Siro squad, but his Champions League Final red card was most likely his final act for the Blues.


• Emmanuel Adebayor leaving Arsenal?: Chelsea, Barcelona and AC Milan have all been mentioned as possible destinations.


• Ronaldinhio to Manchester City?: Manchester's number two team has some cash to throw around, and although the Brazilian seems past his prime, this would elevate the squad's profile immediately.


• Samuel Eto'o leaving Barcelona?: With Deco gone, the likelihood that either Eto'o or Ronaldinhio stay put seems greater.


• Gareth Barry to Liverpool?: This one's been in the works for awhile. Let's get it done, please.


• Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid?: How will the soap opera play out? If ManU stick to their word, Ronaldo will be back in red this year.

England: Hughes Heads to Man City

Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes took the same position at Manchester City today, replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson. I'm not convinced this is much of a job upgrade for Hughes; Blackburn finished two positions and three points ahead of Man City this season, although Hughes' new squad will be headed to next year's UEFA Cup thanks to the UEFA Fair Play slot. The bigger issue is meddlesome owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

Eriksson's first season in charge was widely considered a successful one, with Man City sweeping their crosstown rivals United and staying in contention for a European berth. But despite the pleas of the fans, Shinawatra was unimpressed with Eriksson's efforts, eventually driving the Swede to Mexico where he'll serve as the head coach of the national side. If a coach with Eriksson's credentials can't earn the owner's respect, one wonders what sort of uphill battle Hughes will be facing.

Hughes' name was mentioned in connection with the opening at Chelsea. Readers of The Guardian think he could have made a better career move, with two-thirds thinking it was the wrong choice as of Wednesday night.

Man City Head to Europe

After the Fair Play totals were added up, Manchester City have held on to a spot in next year's UEFA Cup. There was speculation that a red card in City's last game, an 8-1 thrashing against Middlesbrough, might give the berth to Fulham, but City's entry was confirmed today.

Rarely do you hear Jon Bon Jovi and the UEFA Cup mentioned together, but the rock legend will have an impact on the location of City's home qualifier. A Bon Jovi concert in June will leave City of Manchester Stadium unavailable for the summer match.

Title Ten for Manchester United

Manchester United claimed their second consecutive Premier League title and tenth overall with a 2-0 win over Wigan.  ManU's win coupled with Chelsea's 1-1 home draw with Bolton saw the Red Devils take the title by two points.

Cristiano Ronaldo had given United a 1-0 lead with a first half PK, but Manchester fans remained on  edge when Andriy Shevcehnko put Chelsea up 1-0 in the 62nd minute at Stamford Bridge.  Ryan Giggs came on in the second half, tying Sir Bobby Charlton's team record for appearances, and the veteran's 80th minute tally secured the crown.  Chelsea surrendered a late equalizer, but the goal proved to be irrelevant.

Elsewhere, Fulham grabbed a 1-0 win at Portsmouth to secure 17th place and avoid relegation.  Fulham won three-straight Premier League road matches for the first time, sending Reading and Birmingham down along with Derby.  Everton's 3-1 win over Newcastle clinched fifth place and a UEFA cup slot.   We'll have to wait and see who claims the UEFA Cup slot based on Fair Play rankings.  Manchester City had a man sent off in an 8-1 thrashing against Middlesbrough, which could cost them the advantage for the Fair Play spot. 

UEFA Cup for Man City?

There's seemingly no shortage of ways to qualify for the UEFA Cup, and one of them may be falling into the lap of Manchester City. UEFA announced today that England finished atop this year's UEFA Fair Play rankings, meaning that an extra UEFA Cup slot will go to the Premier League. That slot is handed to the top ranked team in England's Fair Play rankings that isn't already qualified for Europe which, as it stands right now, is Manchester City.

It's an ironic turn of events for Sven-Goran Erikkson's men, considering a failing chase for a spot in next year's UEFA Cup is believed to be the reason for owner Thaksin Shinawatra's dissatisfaction with the Swedish skipper. On his way out or not, Erikkson has been in talks this week with Portuguese side Benfica where he managed from 1982 to 1984. Some suspect Erikkson will turn down Benfica and hold out for a more prestigious offer.

Assuming Man City doesn't goon it up this weekend, they'll be joined in the UEFA Cup by League Cup winners Tottenham, the winner of the FA Cup Final between Portsmouth and Cardiff, and the Premier League's fifth-place team, either Everton or Aston Villa.

So Long Sven?

Visiting Manchester City fans delivered an impressive show of support at Anfield today for head coach Seven-Goran Eriksson, who is likely on his way out after only one season. You'd be hard pressed to find more than one person who thinks Eriksson should be dismissed, but that appears to be the opinion of the club's owner, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Eriksson took over a squad that had finished in the bottom half of the table in three of the past four seasons. Pending next week's result, Man City will finish eighth or ninth this year. But of greater delight to the fans who showed their appreciation today was City's sweep of the Manchester derby this season, their first pair of wins over Manchester United since 1970. Apparently the lagging fortunes of City's bid for a UEFA Cup spot has been Eriksson's biggest sin.

One rumor has Portguese National Team head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari on the short list of potential replacements. The former World Cup winning coach has indicated Euro 2008 will be his last go round with Portugal, but it's hard to imagine "Big Phil" would be interested after seeing another distinguished coach receive such a brief opportunity. And of course it wouldn't be a potential job opening in Europe if Jose Mourinho's name hadn't been thrown around as well.