PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW PART THREE Greg, 10/09/11
STOKE CITY
What's changed from last year? Not a great deal - Abdoulaye Faye and Carl Dickinson have left but Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate have been brought in. Importantly, the likes of Kenwyne Jones are still there and improving all the time.
For: Now look an established club, great fans, intimidating home ground. Four quality centre-halves in Huth, Shawcross, Upson and Woodgate. Sensible financing - the perfect model for promoted teams. Not as one-dimensional as many believe, as Whelan, Pennant and Etherington prove.
Against: Second worst away record last year, widely criticised for overly physical play, though this is more of a myth than reality. Lack of options up-front.
A good season would be: More of the same - steady progress in the league and more cup runs.
Breath of Fresh Air: Marc Wilson looked comfortable last year and will want to cement himself in the team this time around.
Fresh Air prediction: 9th
What's changed from last year? Not a great deal - Abdoulaye Faye and Carl Dickinson have left but Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate have been brought in. Importantly, the likes of Kenwyne Jones are still there and improving all the time.
For: Now look an established club, great fans, intimidating home ground. Four quality centre-halves in Huth, Shawcross, Upson and Woodgate. Sensible financing - the perfect model for promoted teams. Not as one-dimensional as many believe, as Whelan, Pennant and Etherington prove.
Against: Second worst away record last year, widely criticised for overly physical play, though this is more of a myth than reality. Lack of options up-front.
A good season would be: More of the same - steady progress in the league and more cup runs.
Breath of Fresh Air: Marc Wilson looked comfortable last year and will want to cement himself in the team this time around.
Fresh Air prediction: 9th
SUNDERLAND
What's changed from last year? As always, sh*t loads. Henderson, Malbranque and Zenden have left, and four loanees have returned to their clubs. Ten have come in so far. Steve Bruce said he was happy with last year's squad until their horrific run of form prompted a change of heart. The most important signings will be ex-Man Utd duo O'Shea and Brown, though their injury history will be a worry. Connor Wickham will be the one everyone wants to see - big money, can he live up to the hype?
For: Once again it is evident the club will back the manager financially, some 'top' pros in the form of O'Shea and Brown, promising youngsters and strong academy. Asamoah Gyan impressed last season.
Against: When Darren Bent left, pressure rose on Gyan. After him, Sunderland are painfully thin up front and will struggle if Wickham can't make the immediate step up. Injuries affected them a lot last year and a back four of O'Shea, Brown, Turner and Bramble looks susceptible to say the least.
Breath of Fresh Air: Jack Colback. Ready-made replacement for Henderson and many fans were happy to see Jordan head to Liverpool to make room for Ginger Jack.
Fresh Air prediction: 10th
What's changed from last year? As always, sh*t loads. Henderson, Malbranque and Zenden have left, and four loanees have returned to their clubs. Ten have come in so far. Steve Bruce said he was happy with last year's squad until their horrific run of form prompted a change of heart. The most important signings will be ex-Man Utd duo O'Shea and Brown, though their injury history will be a worry. Connor Wickham will be the one everyone wants to see - big money, can he live up to the hype?
For: Once again it is evident the club will back the manager financially, some 'top' pros in the form of O'Shea and Brown, promising youngsters and strong academy. Asamoah Gyan impressed last season.
Against: When Darren Bent left, pressure rose on Gyan. After him, Sunderland are painfully thin up front and will struggle if Wickham can't make the immediate step up. Injuries affected them a lot last year and a back four of O'Shea, Brown, Turner and Bramble looks susceptible to say the least.
Breath of Fresh Air: Jack Colback. Ready-made replacement for Henderson and many fans were happy to see Jordan head to Liverpool to make room for Ginger Jack.
Fresh Air prediction: 10th
SWANSEA CITY
What's changed from last year? Darren Pratley and Dorius de Vries are the most significant departures, and Danny Graham, last season's top-scorer in the Championship, is the biggest signing. Dutch international 'keeper Michel Vorm is currently agreeing personal terms, and Wayne Routledge and Leroy Lita bring some pace and (albeit limited) Premier League experience. Spurs' young defender Steven Caulker has arrived on loan and will want to taste top-flight action after impressing with Bristol City last season.
For: Play an expansive passing game and boasted the Championship's second-best defence last season. They arrive on the crest of a Play-Off wave, becoming the first Welsh side to play in the Premier League.
Against: Were the lowest scorers in the Championship last season, despite finishing 7th, and Danny Graham and Scott Sinclair, their main threats, aren't proven in the top flight. Blackpool came unstuck playing attacking football last season - can Swansea avoid the same fate?
A good season would be: Staying up.
Breath of Fresh Air: Scott Sinclair - not 'fresh' to Championship fans but a step down has reinvigorated him and he arrives back in the top flight with something to prove.
Fresh Air prediction: 16th - the new Blackpool, but better and with a less annoying manager.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
What's changed from last year? Not much - yet. Luka Modric is still there but if he gets his way he won't be come September 1st. If he goes, Spurs lose their best player. At the moment, Brad Friedel has arrived to probably remove some of Gomes' flap-ability, and Kyle Walker has returned from a successful year on loan. Expect at least one change up-front too.
For: Still boast a squad which is the envy of most in the league, and no Champions League football means they can re-focus on trying to qualify again. Redknapp will always get results. Have kept hold of Bale and youngsters like Sandro and Walker are rapidly improving.
Against: Their strikers were all described as 'mis-firing' at various points last season. Defoe, Keane and Crouch are all good strikers who seem to have lost their way, and their most consistent, Pavlyuchenko, was underused. Lose Modric and they are significantly weaker. Their rivals for the top six have all spent money and look to have improved. The Europa League is an unwanted distraction, even if Redknapp does play the reserves.
A good season would be: Qualifying for the Champions League.
Breath of Fresh Air: Kyle Walker. A genuine alternative to Glen Johnson for England and has benefited from loans at Sheffield Utd and Aston Villa. Sandro will probably establish himself too.
Fresh Air prediction: 6th
WEST BROM
What's changed from last year? Roy Hodgson has lost Scott Carson but replacing him with Ben Foster arguably makes them stronger. Peter Odemwingie, crucially, has stayed and Shane Long, who scored so many last season for Reading, adds more quality up front. Cult figure Zoltan Gera returns, which is sure to prove a shrewd move.
For: Genuine attacking quality in Brunt, Morrison and Tchoyi added to those mentioned above. Mulumbu was an unheralded star last season. Already look fairly comfortable after only one season back.
Against: They leaked goals last year and need to rectify this if they are to avoid the dreaded 'second-season syndrome.' If the goals dry up for whatever reason, for example injury to Odemwingie, they could struggle.
A good season would be: Staying up comfortably again.
Breath of Fresh Air: Shane Long - can he make the step up?
Fresh Air prediction: 13th
What's changed from last year? Darren Pratley and Dorius de Vries are the most significant departures, and Danny Graham, last season's top-scorer in the Championship, is the biggest signing. Dutch international 'keeper Michel Vorm is currently agreeing personal terms, and Wayne Routledge and Leroy Lita bring some pace and (albeit limited) Premier League experience. Spurs' young defender Steven Caulker has arrived on loan and will want to taste top-flight action after impressing with Bristol City last season.
For: Play an expansive passing game and boasted the Championship's second-best defence last season. They arrive on the crest of a Play-Off wave, becoming the first Welsh side to play in the Premier League.
Against: Were the lowest scorers in the Championship last season, despite finishing 7th, and Danny Graham and Scott Sinclair, their main threats, aren't proven in the top flight. Blackpool came unstuck playing attacking football last season - can Swansea avoid the same fate?
A good season would be: Staying up.
Breath of Fresh Air: Scott Sinclair - not 'fresh' to Championship fans but a step down has reinvigorated him and he arrives back in the top flight with something to prove.
Fresh Air prediction: 16th - the new Blackpool, but better and with a less annoying manager.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
What's changed from last year? Not much - yet. Luka Modric is still there but if he gets his way he won't be come September 1st. If he goes, Spurs lose their best player. At the moment, Brad Friedel has arrived to probably remove some of Gomes' flap-ability, and Kyle Walker has returned from a successful year on loan. Expect at least one change up-front too.
For: Still boast a squad which is the envy of most in the league, and no Champions League football means they can re-focus on trying to qualify again. Redknapp will always get results. Have kept hold of Bale and youngsters like Sandro and Walker are rapidly improving.
Against: Their strikers were all described as 'mis-firing' at various points last season. Defoe, Keane and Crouch are all good strikers who seem to have lost their way, and their most consistent, Pavlyuchenko, was underused. Lose Modric and they are significantly weaker. Their rivals for the top six have all spent money and look to have improved. The Europa League is an unwanted distraction, even if Redknapp does play the reserves.
A good season would be: Qualifying for the Champions League.
Breath of Fresh Air: Kyle Walker. A genuine alternative to Glen Johnson for England and has benefited from loans at Sheffield Utd and Aston Villa. Sandro will probably establish himself too.
Fresh Air prediction: 6th
WEST BROM
What's changed from last year? Roy Hodgson has lost Scott Carson but replacing him with Ben Foster arguably makes them stronger. Peter Odemwingie, crucially, has stayed and Shane Long, who scored so many last season for Reading, adds more quality up front. Cult figure Zoltan Gera returns, which is sure to prove a shrewd move.
For: Genuine attacking quality in Brunt, Morrison and Tchoyi added to those mentioned above. Mulumbu was an unheralded star last season. Already look fairly comfortable after only one season back.
Against: They leaked goals last year and need to rectify this if they are to avoid the dreaded 'second-season syndrome.' If the goals dry up for whatever reason, for example injury to Odemwingie, they could struggle.
A good season would be: Staying up comfortably again.
Breath of Fresh Air: Shane Long - can he make the step up?
Fresh Air prediction: 13th
WIGAN ATHLETIC
What's changed from last year? Ali Al-Habsi, so impresssive last season, has signed permanently. They have lost their best attacking player in N'Zogbia but Victor Moses looked impressive in spells last year and will replace him. Crucially, Martinez is still there.
For: A young, exciting and popular manager who has the full support of all at the club. Wigan's second-half performances are substantially better than the first - what does Roberto say at half time? The players obviously have a strong bond and youngsters like McCarthy are improving.
Against: They lack an obvious goalscorer or target man in the box, and small attendances mean they are constantly over-achieving. Their kits are usually pretty hideous too, though this year's effort isn't as bad as usual.
A good season would be: Staying up, but without the stress.
Breath of Fresh Air: Moses. Wigan pulled off a coup by signing him and he could now be an important player for them.
Fresh Air prediction: 17th
What's changed from last year? Ali Al-Habsi, so impresssive last season, has signed permanently. They have lost their best attacking player in N'Zogbia but Victor Moses looked impressive in spells last year and will replace him. Crucially, Martinez is still there.
For: A young, exciting and popular manager who has the full support of all at the club. Wigan's second-half performances are substantially better than the first - what does Roberto say at half time? The players obviously have a strong bond and youngsters like McCarthy are improving.
Against: They lack an obvious goalscorer or target man in the box, and small attendances mean they are constantly over-achieving. Their kits are usually pretty hideous too, though this year's effort isn't as bad as usual.
A good season would be: Staying up, but without the stress.
Breath of Fresh Air: Moses. Wigan pulled off a coup by signing him and he could now be an important player for them.
Fresh Air prediction: 17th
WOLVES
What's changed from last year? O'Hara made his loan move permanent and Roger Johnson has arrived from Birmingham. Fit-again Michael Kightly will be like a new signing. They lost midfielder David Jones to Wigan but brought in de Vries from Swansea as goalkeeping competition.
For: Aggressive, strong-willed team who nobody enjoys playing. Matt Jarvis is still getting better and Doyle is dangerous. Steven Fletcher was the Premier League's most accurate scorer last season in terms of shots-to-goals ratio and will always hit the net. Upsets last season against Chelsea, Liverpool and both Manchester sides proved they are no pushovers.
Against: You can't rely on pure aggression all of the time. Massively inconsistent.
A good season would be: Staying up.
Breath of Fresh Air: Kightly. Heralded as a lower-league success story, injuries have hampered his Premier League progress.
Fresh Air prediction: 15th
What's changed from last year? O'Hara made his loan move permanent and Roger Johnson has arrived from Birmingham. Fit-again Michael Kightly will be like a new signing. They lost midfielder David Jones to Wigan but brought in de Vries from Swansea as goalkeeping competition.
For: Aggressive, strong-willed team who nobody enjoys playing. Matt Jarvis is still getting better and Doyle is dangerous. Steven Fletcher was the Premier League's most accurate scorer last season in terms of shots-to-goals ratio and will always hit the net. Upsets last season against Chelsea, Liverpool and both Manchester sides proved they are no pushovers.
Against: You can't rely on pure aggression all of the time. Massively inconsistent.
A good season would be: Staying up.
Breath of Fresh Air: Kightly. Heralded as a lower-league success story, injuries have hampered his Premier League progress.
Fresh Air prediction: 15th
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