ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: A PREVIEW

Though it has only been a month since the conclusion of FIFA World Cup 2010, it seems such a long time since we witnessed the drama and magic of the ‘Beautiful Game’.  For all the die-hard football fans around the world, the soccer fever is back as the Strongest Football League in the world, the Barclays English Premier League kicks off this weekend. The top 20 clubs in England will begin their quest of lifting the coveted Premier League Trophy and hence proclaiming themselves as the Best Football Club in England. It’s time for the Rooneys, Drogbas, Lampards, Torres, Fabregas, Gerrard, Van Persie , Tevez and company to set the stage alight and thrill us with some mesmerizing football, this time in club colors.

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The Big 4 of English Football: Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool

These four clubs have dominated the Premier League since its inception in 1992. Out of the 18 completed editions, Manchester United has won the title a staggering 11 times, while Chelsea and Arsenal have won it 3 times each.  This makes it 17 out of the 18 titles won by these 3 giants. Though Liverpool (have won the record no of trophies like FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League etc)hasn’t yet been able to win this trophy, it has also been a consistent top 4 side in the competition.  The other teams have found it extremely tough to overcome the Big 4.

Chelsea, the defending champions will have their task cut out trying to defend the title and are likely to face stern opposition in Manchester United and Arsenal. And even though Liverpool had a disastrous last season (finished 7^th), you write them off at your own peril.

Dark Horses: Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur

If there are any other teams which have an outside chance to challenge for the title, then they are the cash rich Manchester City (have again made many new expensive signings) and underrated, but consistent Tottenham Hotspur, who surprised many with their 4^th place finish last season.

IMPORTANT SIGNINGS IN THE SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW

The transfer window has not seen too much activity, with clubs showing restraint in splashing out cash for making big signings. Again, Manchester City has been an exception. The following are some transfers, which may make a decisive difference to the respective line-ups:

Manchester City

In: David Silva (from Valencia at 24 Million Pounds) (Winger and a Supporting Striker), Yaya Toure (from Barcelona) (Defensive Midfielder), Jerome Boeteng (from Hamburg) (Full Back)

Liverpool

In: Joe Cole (from Chelsea) (Attacking Midfielder), Christian Poulsen (from Juventus) (Defensive Midfielder), Fabio Aurelio (Left Back/Left Winger)

Out: Yossi Benayoun (Attacking Midfielder)

Manchester United

In: Javier Hernandez (Mexican Forward), Chris Smalling (from Fulham) (Defender)

Chelsea

In: Yossi Benayoun (from Liverpool) (Attacking Midfielder), Tomas Kalas (Defender)

Out: Joe Cole (Attacking Midfielder), Micheal Ballack (Attacking Midfielder), Ricardo Carvalho (Defender)

Arsenal

In: Marouane Chamakh (from Bordeaux) (Striker), Laurent Koscielny (from Lorient) (Defender)

Out: Philippe Senderos (Defender), Eduardo (Striker)

The Summer Transfer Window closes on 31^st August and we may see some last gasp moves from Managers to get one or two more crucial players into their squads.

So everything is in readiness. Here are some mouth-watering contests on the first weekend:

Tottenham Hotspur v/s Manchester City (Saturday, 14^th August)

Liverpool v/s Arsenal (Sunday, 15^th August)

Enjoy the action and keep visiting us for updates…