EPL 2008/09 Preview - Title Race
Who will win the English Premier League in the coming season?
Aug 10, 2008
After Manchester United's 2-0 victory at Wigan sealed their tenth Premier League title at the expense of Chelsea, the four main title contenders have tinkered with their squads, and will be desperate for success in the coming 12 months. Here we assess the additions to the squads and pitfalls that the challengers may face during the 2008/09 English Premier League season, which begins on August 16th.
Manchester United
Despite being the reigning champions, Sir Alex Ferguson's side have been quiet in adding to their double-winning squad. In addition to the departure of first-team coach Carlos Queiroz to manage Portugal, Chris Eagles and Gerard Pique have been sold to Burnley and Barcelona respectively. Old Trafford has also been a hive of gossip in transfer terms. Cristiano Ronaldo, long the target of Real Madrid has confirmed than once again he will don the number 7 shirt for United in the coming season, giving renewed hope to their fans of retaining the English and European crowns they so impressibely won last year. However, with attacking injuries and suspensions, how United start the year may well define their league campaign. Wayne Rooney may miss the season opener at home to Newcastle United, and unless United buy a new striker their squad may be too stretched with Super Cup, Club World Championship and domestic cup responsibilites to fulfil.
Chelsea
Last Seasons runners-up have had a distinctly Portuguese-flavoured summer. After sacking Avram Grant and replacing him with 'Big' Phil Scolari, The Blues have signed Barcelona's playmaker Deco and right-back Jose Bosingwa from F.C Porto. With just two points and an inferior goal-difference between Chelsea and their conquerors United in the league last term, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich will be desperate to bridge the gap and will increase funds should other players become available before the transfer window slams shut. But perhaps the most crucial signing for Chelsea would have been Frank Lampard, who at time of going to press, is yet to confirm he will be at Stamford Bridge in the long-term. However, the terrace favourite looks set to line-up in the blue of Chelsea for the new season, and coupled with the resurgent German powerhouse Michael Ballack, Chelsea's central midfield looks strong enough to drive them up to the higher eschalons of the league table come the end of the season.
ArsenalNorth London's finest have had a very busy summer. With Arsene Wenger reeling from losing half of his first-choice midfield, The Gunners have been forced to search for replacements against their will. Wenger made no secret of wanting both Alexander Hleb and Matthiew Flamini to remain at the Emirates Stadium, but with the former snapped up by Barcelona for £11.9 million and the latter departing to European rivals A.C. Milan for nothing, Arsenal's hand has been forced. As ever, Wenger's ability to unearth younger talent has been tested again, but with exciting new additions Aaron Ramsey (from Cardiff) and Sami Nasri (from Marseille) arriving in good time for the pre-season, confidence has returned to a squad which saw their early lead in last season Premier League evaporate to a struggle to finish in third place. And with a kind start in the fixture list, Arsenal fans will be hoping any early ground can be maintained to end their three-year drought of trophies.
LiverpoolDespite a relatively strong season last year, Liverpool supporters were left frustrated as their inability to field a consistent side in the league cost them valuable points. Come the final months, it was an all too familiar feeling of watching another club - United again - lift the Premier League title which has so far remained out of their grasp. With a full wallet, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has bought Premier League proven class in £20.3m striker Robbie Keane from Tottenham Hotspur. If the impish Irishman can link up with flying Spaniard Fernando Torres, then Liverpool are sure to move onards and upwards. But with the Liverpool board refusing to cough up the needed £18m to buy central midfielder Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, the Merseyside club may yet face the prospect of another season of being slightly lightweight in one or two departments of their squad.
VerdictWith reigning champions Manchester United expected to tie up a deal for a new striker before the season opener, rivals Arsenal and Chelsea will need to get off to a flying start to overcome their North-West foes. Should Liverpool have a settled squad and a regular first-team, they are capable of pushing closer than last term, but the title is likely to be contested between last season's rivals Chelsea and Manchester United again this year. Whoever lifts the crown in May 2009, the stage looks set for a thrilling title race.
