With the 2012-13 English Premier League fixture list being released and the transfer window now open, it’s time to throw out all common sense, switch off that part of your brain that tells you to be cautious, look into a crystal ball that could be better titled “hopeful delusion” and make a way too early prediction for the upcoming season.
Below, I’ve
stuck out my neck and named some of the moniker games on paper as
well as predictions that will come back to haunt me, such as the
golden boot winner, manager of the year, UEFA Champions League spots, and
the team that will walk away with the big prize come May 19.
First, let’s
look at some of the games that you might not want to miss.
The season
opens Aug. 18 with Manchester City beginning their title defense
against newly promoted Southampton. Everton hosts Manchester United —
their last encounter ended in a late season draw that ultimately
resulted in United’s bitter rivals walking away with the trophy. If
Tottenham GM Daniel Levy can hang on to midfielder Luka Modric and find a striker, then Andre
Villas-Boas’ opener as manager against a fun to watch Newcastle
United looks promising.
Sept. 15 sees
QPR host Chelsea in a rematch of an ugly game in 2011 that got Blues’
Captain John Terry a court date. Stoke City host Manchester City in
the Sky Blues first real test of the season. While Sept. 22 sees
Brendan Rodgers in his first Liverpool-United derby and Sept. 29 sees
Chelsea go to north London to take on rivals Arsenal.
Oct. 27 has
bad blood written all over it — the first Merseyside Derby takes
place at Goodison Park, Liverpool will face Swansea City as the Swans
face their old manager for the first time, and Norwich City travels
to Villa Park hoping to take down their old manager Paul Lambert and
Aston Villa.
The first
North London Derby of the year is set for Nov. 17 when Spurs travel
to the Emirates to battle their hated rivals.
Southampton
will face Reading, a team they should be familiar with, Dec. 8 when
the two former Championship teams meet for the first time that
season. Oh, and there’s the little to-do between the reigning
champions and their neighbors in the first rematch since last
season’s two epic Manchester Derbies.
The annual
Boxing Day fixtures are headlined by a London Derby between Arsenal
and West Ham United and Newcastle away at Old Trafford. The usually
congested holidays continue with Everton hosting Chelsea Dec. 29 and
Southampton vs. Arsenal on New Year’s Day.
Tottenham and
Arsenal square off again at White Hart Lane March 2 and the second
sure-to-be-endlessly-hyped Manchester Derby takes place April 6.
The last day
sees Manchester City taking on Norwich City, United away to West
Bromwich Albion, the Gunners at St. James Park (I don’t care what
sponsor name the stadium will have by then), Chelsea hosting Everton,
QPR at Anfield, and Spurs hosting Sunderland.
Golden
Boot Winner: “So who’s going
to score these goals that will make these games so interesting?”
you ask. It’s hard to doubt Robin Van Persie considering his
scorching form last year, but it’s safe to say last year was an
anomaly for the man made of glass. Plus, he’s probably going to
have to adjust to a new team. I really think City's Sergio Aguero will set
the league on fire after adapting to his first season in the EPL. He
made me a big believer even before his last day heroics that brought City the title. I think
he’ll end the season with the metallic footwear.
PFA Player
of the Year: All that said,
Player of the Year will go to Man U's Wayne Rooney. Yes, I hate to hear it as
much as you do, but I expect Wazza to grow with his ability to
influence games by creating and leading, not just scoring. And look
for him to singlehandedly drag United to near the top of the table
much as he did in 2009-10.
Manager of
the Year: If Paul Lambert is
handed some cash to throw around at Aston Villa, that young team
crying out for strong leadership can turn some heads next season. I
fully expect him to right the ship and walk away with Manger of the
Year honors for doing so.
Biggest
Disappointment: Brendan Rodgers
will be expected to improve on last year, and I’m a big fan of what
he did with Swansea, but it’s still the same players for the Reds.
The histrionics of Suarez, an aging Steven Gerrard, aimless Jordan
Henderson, and lolloping Andy Carroll are square pegs in his round
hole of beautiful football. Liverpool will still underachieve.
Biggest
Surprise: IF Everton can avoid
their annual slow start, AND they can hang on to Marouane Fellaini
ANNNNNNNND get Steven Piennar back from Tottenham… The Toffees can
challenge for a Champions League spot.
Major
Managerial Casualty: Arsenal's Arsene
Wenger. I know, he’s untouchable, but their inability to win a
trophy (again) and falling out of the Champions League spots combined
with no real ambition in the transfer market and a revolting fan base
will mean the axe finally falls and the Gunners make a serious run at
a relaxed, rejuvenated Pep Guardiola.
Cup
Winners: Carling – Man City,
FA - Everton
EPL Title:
It’s wide open and really hard to call, especially since the
carousel hasn’t stopped spinning…Heck, stopped spinning? Euro
2012 means it hasn’t even really got going, yet. But I think City
will assert their dominance in the same way Chelsea did in 05-06. Iwrote that the touchline spat between City Manager Roberto Manciniand United Legend Sir Alex Ferguson was a turning point for the NoisyNeighbors and I stick by it. Their inferiority complex is done and
dusted. Look for their talent and depth to overwhelm the league this
season.
UEFA
Champions League Spots: Man City,
Man United, Chelsea, Newcastle
Relegated
Teams: Norwich
City, Reading, Wigan Athletic
