Finally, the real stuff is about to begin in England. It's been a busy pre-season for all clubs in preparation for the 2011-12 campaign. Likewise, Footyanalysis has being keeping tabs on the comings and goings in the transfer market as well as a close watch on pre-season friendlies/tournaments. We have watched over:
1. US tour matches of Manchester United and Manchester City.
2. Arsenal in The Emirates Cup.
3. Fulham in the Europa League.
4. Liverpool in their high-scoring pre-season stoushes in Asia and across Europe.
5. Chelsea, Aston Villa and Blackburn in the Asia Cup.
6. Everton in their tour of the US in addition to matches against Werder Bremen and Villareal.
7. Tottenham in their tour of South Africa.
8. WBA in their friendly in Greece against Olympiacos.
Question marks still remain as to how strong the newly promoted sides in QPR, Norwich City, and Swansea City will be so we'll take a cautious approach in the first few weeks. It is also worth noting that newly-promoted sides can over perform in the beginning of the season so it's wise to tread carefully when thinking of opposing the new boys. Drawing conclusions before Christmas is also something we are wary about.
Sunderland has brought in a lot of good experienced EPL players in addition to striker Connor Wickham, from Ipswich, so it will be interesting to see if Steve Bruce can find the right chemistry.
If it ain't broke don't fix it, Stoke City have made one solitary signing in Jonathan Woodgate, and released Tuncay on loan. Following their FA Cup Final heartache, the Potters look good for another solid campaign on the domestic front and perhaps a good run in Europe with their 'awkward' style of play.
Newcastle United are dancing with the devil, or so it seems, as they continue to sell their best assets. In addition to the turmoil surrounding Joey Barton, the Barcodes have let go last season's captain Kevin Nolan and wing-back Jose Enrique, replacing them with two untried Frenchmen and Ibrahim Ba.
Bolton has had a retched pre-season with Chung-Yong Lee and Tyron Mears set to miss this season with respective leg breaks. In addition to the departure of strikers Elmander and Sturridge, the Wanderers look shy in the goal-scoring department. Coyle hopes that 'second-tier' signings in Chris Eagles, Reo-Coker, and Darren Pratley, in addition to the loaning of Tuncay (from Stoke City) will help keep the club above water.
Wolves will hope the signing of centre-half Roger Johnson will prove to be a shrewd bit of business as they look to remain in the top flight. Apart from securing the services of Jamie O'Hara and keeper Dorus de Vries (from Swansea), the Black County club are 'as you were' from last season. Premiership survival could yet go down to the final day for the orange and black.
Wigan Athletic will rely on a strong work ethic and the individual brilliance of Rodallega, and the emerging Viktor Moses, to keep the club in the top flight for an 8th successive year. The sale of Charles N'Zogbia with no obvious replacement means that the Latics will need to work harder to get their goals.
Stay tuned for the availability of Round 1 picks.
No comments:
Post a Comment