EPL 2008/09 Preview - UEFA Cup Places
Which Premier League clubs can challenge for the UEFA Cup places?
Aug 13, 2008
The big kick-off is just days away as the English Premier League gets underway. But which clubs can push for a European place? Here we look at the credentials of the chasing pack in England's, and some say Europe's, top football division.
Everton
Having finished last season 5th, many expected David Moyes' side to push on and challenge for the 4th place finish they reached two seasons ago. But with a dinstinct lack of new arrivals at Goodison Park, The Toffeemen could be unstuck by a lack of impetus early on, and sales of Andrew Johnston to Fulham and Lee Carsely to Championship favourites Brimingham City has not helped. Unless chairman Bill Kenright forks out for at least a new striker, it is difficult to see the Merseyside outfit matching their acheivements of last season.
Tottenham Hotspur
Following last season's trophy-winning glory (albeit in the Carling Cup), Juande Ramos has had a very busy summer in the transfer market. The squad of players at White Hart Lane now looks vastly different to the crop last year, and whilst crowd favourites Robbie Keane (sold to Liverpool) and Dimitar Berbatov (whose sale looks imminent) may not be turning out for the North London club this coming season, exciting players have been added to the ranks. David Bentley has made the journey from Blackburn to star on the right-wing in pre-season, and at £15m, looks an excellent buy. Modric and Dos Santos have added flair and creativity in the final third of the pitch to Spurs' robust midfield, and the defence has remained stable, whilst the addition of Gomez in goal will give Spurs fans much to cheer come the opening day. With a good start and few injuries, Ramos looks to have built a squad that seems capable of dominating the table below the so-called 'Big Four'.
Aston Villa
Martin O'Neill left it late, but August forays into the transfer market have been worthwhile. Having overseen a season where his midfield and attack provided much of promise only to be let down by doubtful defending, the canny Irishman has strengthened his backline considerably, and with late purchases of Luke Young (from Middlesbrough), Nicky Shorey (from Reading) and Carlos Cuellar (from Rangers), in addition to Steve Sidwell from Chelsea, The Villains look to have all the components for a good run. How they cope with the departure or stay of Gareth Barry early on may well mark their card for success at the end of the season, but the Midlands outfit look a good bet for qualification.
Manchester City
After last season, City supporters won't know what to expect. Following the controversial sacking of former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson, crackpot owner Thaksin Shinawatra has brought in former Manchester United hero Mark Hughes to steady the ship. But with both Stephen Ireland and Vedran Corulka almost sold behind Sparky's back at the weekend, and the former Thai Prime Minister officially in Exile with a warrant issued for his arrest, Manchester's second club is lurching towards an uncertain future. That said, Hughes has a solid squad to work with. Sound at the back, with options up front following the £18m capture of Brazilian striker Jo, City will win more matches than they lose this season. The deciding factor in their challenge for a European place might be how quickly they can steady the ship and progress on a more assured path towards their aims as a club.
Portsmouth
Perhaps outsiders for a European place to many, Harry Redknapp's side not only won the F.A. Cup last season, but also finished an impressive eighth, with much of the season spent higher. With a strong home record at Fratton Park to build on, new arrival Peter Crouch will link up with former England team-mate Jermain Defoe in a strike partnership of massive potential. Younes Kaboul (£6m from Tottenham Hotspur) has also arrived on the south coast, and with a good team spirit and an improvement on last season's away form, Pompey will be lying in wait for any mistakes made by higher profile squads with more to lose.
Verdict
Providing a Big Four team win the F.A. Cup, three places in the 2009/10 will be up for grabs. Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City all look good bets to snatch the European places.
