Ambition and optimism ride high at the start of any professional
sports season. It is the proverbial blank slate, the time of year where
hope springs eternal for all teams. However, unlike American sports,
in which most every team starts the year with visions of the playoffs,
whereupon anything is possible (more or less), the model of European
soccer allows and almost dictates that all participating teams have some
perspective. The tiers that separate contenders from the middle men,
and the middle men from those fighting to stave off relegation goes much
deeper than just than being given a moniker, it means dollars. The
cost of being relegated from the BPL is valued at around 40 million
dollars, which for small market teams who depend on revenue to keep them
afloat, can be devastating. Then there are the European
spots, usually the top 6 depending on the league, which mean an influx
of revenue for the club, and a chance to ply their trade across Europe.
Now with all these housekeeping items out of the way, let's make some picks
for week 1:
Saturday Aug 17, 2013
Liverpool 2 vs. Stoke 1
Notoriously
a difficult team to play against, not necessarily because of their
quality, Stoke City's stubbornness and physicality are their best
assets. Not to mention they boast the highest contingent of American
players in any of the top European leagues, makes them a little easier
to root for. Fortunately for Liverpool (and Arsenal) fans the Luis
Suarez saga has an end in sight, as the close of the transfer window is
fast approaching. With his suspension for bitegate having 6 more games
to go, the reds will be forced to rely on a young core along with their
legendary captain Steven Gerrard to keep them afloat until the situation
is resolved. Stoke presents a unique set of difficulties, but
Liverpool should be buoyed by the home fans at Anfield.
Arsenal 3 Aston Villa 1
With
seemingly another summer gone without major signings, and their last
trophy of any kind coming via the 2005 FA cup, Arsenal fans have the
right to be edgy, angry, and easily annoyed at management. Even with a
thin squad entering the Emirates on opening day, Arsenal should have
enough firepower to roll through an Aston Villa squad that might be near
the bottom half of the table this year. For those who like to kick the
gunners when they're down, google "things that have happened to arsenal
since they last won a trophy," as usual, some more clever then others.
Norwich 1 Everton 1
Losing
their longtime steady manager to Manchester United could be a bit of a
blow to Everton, but in the newly appointed Roberto Martinez they have
someone who managed to both win the FA cup and get relegated in the same
season last year, which I'm fairly certain has never happened in the
history of the competition. Notoriously slow starters, I like Everton
to eek out a draw on the road at Norwich, who did well to stay up in the
league after being newly promoted last term,
Sunderland 1 Fulham 0
In
the midst of the best stretch of his international career, Jozy Altidore
makes his return voyage to the premier league after his failed stint
with Hull City. Might be tough sledding for both clubs this term as
managerial and player changes may make it difficult to generate
consistency.
West Brom 3 Southampton 2
Always
goals to be had both ways at the Hawthornes, and this match should be
no different. West Brom was the surprise team in the early months last
season, only to tail off towards the end. Southampton managed to avoid
relegation relatively comfortably last season after being promoted. I
like the Baggies in a goalfest.
West Ham 2 Cardiff 1
The
Hammers finished respectably last year after starting very slow and
being in relegation talk. Their opponents, fresh off promotion, add to
the Welsh join Swansea as the Welsh representatives. Everybody enjoys
the cinderella starting the year off right, and they have a good
opportunity to get a point here, I smell a heartbreaking late winner for
the hammers.
Swansea 1 Man U 4
Beginning
their first season without Sir Alex Ferguson in charge in literally
decades, United has quietly made some additions to strengthen their
attacking play. With rising english stars like Phil Jones and Tom
Cleverly, combined with the class of Robin Van Persie and (possibly)
Wayne Rooney, United should cruise against Swansea who to their credit
enjoy testing their playing style against the big teams instead of
sinking into a defensive shell.
Sunday August 18, 2013
Crystal Palace 1 Tottenham 2
With
their $100 million man nursing an "injury" Spurs enter this season in
an odd position. Unquestionably the best player in the league last
season, Gareth Bale's status as a Tottenham player dictates the level of
expectation for the club this season, don't be surprised to see an
uneasy start from Spurs until that situation is resolved. I see them
struggling a bit with the home energy of newly promoted Crystal Palace,
but their talent winning out in the end, tight game.
Chelsea 3 Hull City 0
The
blues enter this season as one of the odds on favorites to win the
title, their squad depth and manager are two of their biggest assets.
With the mix of a young group of players combined with some of the
veterans, chelsea are well poised to make a significant challenge both
domestically and abroad after someone of a disappointing campaign last
year.
Monday August 19, 2013
Man City 2 Newcastle 1
Free
spending Manchester City have done exactly the same thing they have the
last few summers, added talent and depth to a seemingly never-ending
squad. However the question remains whether or not newly appointed
Manuel Pelligrini can juggle the egos and consistently put out the best
11, which, even if you were playing Fifa, would be hard to find with
this group of players. Newcastle endured an extremely difficult season
last term and will be looking to bounce back with a strong contingent of
young french players looking break through and provide consistency and
structure to the storied club.
Enjoy the ride
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