Football » English » Open Discussion

Barclay's Premier League.

By shauny200 - 10-08-2014 20:14

[PSCF]

Hello all, As you may know the Premier League gets under way next week. With some great signings from many clubs including players such as Alexis Sanchez, Fabergas, Costa, Cabella. Who do you think will be the best signing and have the biggest effect onto the club who bought them over the summer? Who do you think will win the league and why? Who do you think will be relegated and why? Which game are you looking forward to most and why? Who do you think will be the surprise package of the league and cause many shock result's and finish way above their standard?Hello all,
As you may know the Premier League gets under way next week. With some great signings from many clubs including players such as Alexis Sanchez, Fabergas, Costa, Cabella.

Who do you think will be the best signing and have the biggest effect onto the club who bought them over the summer?

Who do you think will win the league and why?

Who do you think will be relegated and why?

Which game are you looking forward to most and why?

Who do you think will be the surprise package of the league and cause many shock result's and finish way above their standard?

 

Page 1

 

Reply

Last Message

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By heddo - 12-08-2014 03:32

should be interesting , there are major restructuring situations, both just starting, and in the early stages, example , Chelsea have shipped out a lot of players in close season, suggesting that mourinho wants to have his own team/squad , so could take time for Chelsea to get it together, Man Utd would have liked to be at the stage that the squad had gelled, but they have a new manager, and it may take half a season for them to hit it off, before a ball was kicked , I thought that Man City would walk it, but I do think they have a problem with togertherness , and everything has to be spot on for them,and Liverpool are in the spot that Man Utd wish they could be, but they have lost Suarez, can they replace him and stay on the up.. so that just leaves Arsenal , they have their tails up after winning the FA cup , and only serious injury can stop them from making an impact , its between City or Arsenal this year..should be interesting , there are major restructuring situations, both just starting, and in the early stages, example , Chelsea have shipped out a lot of players in close season, suggesting that mourinho wants to have his own team/squad , so could take time for Chelsea to get it together, Man Utd would have liked to be at the stage that the squad had gelled, but they have a new manager, and it may take half a season for them to hit it off, before a ball was kicked , I thought that Man City would walk it, but I do think they have a problem with togertherness , and everything has to be spot on for them,and Liverpool are in the spot that Man Utd wish they could be, but they have lost Suarez, can they replace him and stay on the up.. so that just leaves Arsenal , they have their tails up after winning the FA cup , and only serious injury can stop them from making an impact , its between City or Arsenal this year..

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tosspot - 12-08-2014 04:32

[AUSNZ]

I reckon it'll be the closest top 5 we've ever seen with City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and United up there. It'll be who can sustain it the best - and without CL, I think United could go close.I reckon it'll be the closest top 5 we've ever seen with City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and United up there. It'll be who can sustain it the best - and without CL, I think United could go close.

Ant: Barclay's Premier League.

By kevinskyy - 12-08-2014 07:54

Maybe Tottenham or Southampton can try to make it top4 (=CL)?Maybe Tottenham or Southampton can try to make it top4 (=CL)?

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By happy-guy - 12-08-2014 11:40

[PSCF]

Hey Shauny, hahaha - I think Chelsea will win.Hey Shauny, hahaha - I think Chelsea will win.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By mjeezy - 15-08-2014 13:13

[ENG]

Chelsea Citeh Arsenal Man Yoo / Liverpool Really think it will be a tough fight for that 4th spot.Chelsea
Citeh
Arsenal
Man Yoo / Liverpool

Really think it will be a tough fight for that 4th spot.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By damo11 - 15-08-2014 13:39

[AUSNZ]

[b]Made a new fantasy league again this year if anyone is keen to re-join. On the official page, http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ League name: ManagerZone 14/15 League code: 522793-500525[/b]Made a new fantasy league again this year if anyone is keen to re-join.

On the official page, http://fantasy.premierleague.com/
League name: ManagerZone 14/15
League code: 522793-500525

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By damo11 - 15-08-2014 13:40

[AUSNZ]

Also, what the hell has happened to my boys at the Phallus? Tony Pull Us has left and I'm devastated. Might have to switch back to the Gunners (who are still my equal favourite team).Also, what the hell has happened to my boys at the Phallus? Tony Pull Us has left and I'm devastated. Might have to switch back to the Gunners (who are still my equal favourite team).

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By grinner - 28-08-2014 08:10

[AUSNZ]

I had serious doubts about Liverpool ability to recreate last seasons form without Suarez, but i think the signing of Balotelli might just have put them back into contention. Henderson is looking better and better each season too, he really could be a player to watch this year. Fabregas was a genius signing for Chelsea and the player i feel will put them in serious contention for the title. I think they are playing well so far, so its promising for them. Arsenal i think have made the best signings in the off season, and really look to have the potential to lift their game, if they had gotten Fabregas then i think they would be almost favourites for the title. Still Sanchez is one of my favourite players so im hoping for huge things from him this season, and i still wouldnt be shocked to see them seriously in the title race. Man Utd seem to be in a shambles atm, learning new systems, gelling with new players and learning how to deal with Van Gaal. They have signed some decent players, but nothing that seems like it was worth the money they have spent. This is the rebuild they needed though, and its a shame Moyes wasnt given an open chequebook to do the same, but so far its not looking real good. The MK Dons result was hilarious. Crystal Palace hired Neil Warnock today, so thats one relegation spot filled. As for Sunderland, we havent been on the spending spree id hoped for given how many player have left, but i think again its the rebuild we need. With so little spent i think we have recruited very well, Buckley, Van Arnholt, Gomez have all been impressive so far and just signed Ricky Alvarez today so things are looking up. The whole protracted Borini transfer crap has been annoying but its looking like it might work out well if he only joins as a loan player, leaving the cash available to buy elsewhere. Im expecting a much better season than time time around, Poyet seems to be good at his job.I had serious doubts about Liverpool ability to recreate last seasons form without Suarez, but i think the signing of Balotelli might just have put them back into contention. Henderson is looking better and better each season too, he really could be a player to watch this year.

Fabregas was a genius signing for Chelsea and the player i feel will put them in serious contention for the title. I think they are playing well so far, so its promising for them.

Arsenal i think have made the best signings in the off season, and really look to have the potential to lift their game, if they had gotten Fabregas then i think they would be almost favourites for the title. Still Sanchez is one of my favourite players so im hoping for huge things from him this season, and i still wouldnt be shocked to see them seriously in the title race.

Man Utd seem to be in a shambles atm, learning new systems, gelling with new players and learning how to deal with Van Gaal. They have signed some decent players, but nothing that seems like it was worth the money they have spent. This is the rebuild they needed though, and its a shame Moyes wasnt given an open chequebook to do the same, but so far its not looking real good. The MK Dons result was hilarious.

Crystal Palace hired Neil Warnock today, so thats one relegation spot filled.

As for Sunderland, we havent been on the spending spree id hoped for given how many player have left, but i think again its the rebuild we need. With so little spent i think we have recruited very well, Buckley, Van Arnholt, Gomez have all been impressive so far and just signed Ricky Alvarez today so things are looking up. The whole protracted Borini transfer crap has been annoying but its looking like it might work out well if he only joins as a loan player, leaving the cash available to buy elsewhere. Im expecting a much better season than time time around, Poyet seems to be good at his job.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tosspot - 14-09-2014 09:03

[AUSNZ]

Villa are a stain on English football (so are Stoke, West Ham etc) I think the system netball has should be implemented in football - only allowed x players in certain areas of the pitch. Watching 10 defenders stand in 2 lines for 90 minutes is not what anyone wants to watch. The Chelsea/Swansea and Arsenal/City matches were great.Villa are a stain on English football (so are Stoke, West Ham etc)

I think the system netball has should be implemented in football - only allowed x players in certain areas of the pitch. Watching 10 defenders stand in 2 lines for 90 minutes is not what anyone wants to watch. The Chelsea/Swansea and Arsenal/City matches were great.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By grinner - 15-09-2014 05:15

[AUSNZ]

So funny. If Liverpool played like Don Revie's Leeds, or George Grahams Arsenal and enjoyed the same level of success they did your attitude would be completely different. By that logic we can expect to see those teams you mentioned in the Champions League next season as none of the teams will be able to defeat their tactics, or is it per chance that Liverpool just werent good enough to do so. There is a fair argument that any team that can fails to break down a defensive side looking to not concede nor win does not deserve the title. I mean a team who were truly worthy wouldnt have been involved with such a farce as the Crystal Palace game at the end of last season.So funny. If Liverpool played like Don Revie's Leeds, or George Grahams Arsenal and enjoyed the same level of success they did your attitude would be completely different. By that logic we can expect to see those teams you mentioned in the Champions League next season as none of the teams will be able to defeat their tactics, or is it per chance that Liverpool just werent good enough to do so. There is a fair argument that any team that can fails to break down a defensive side looking to not concede nor win does not deserve the title. I mean a team who were truly worthy wouldnt have been involved with such a farce as the Crystal Palace game at the end of last season.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tosspot - 15-09-2014 05:32

[AUSNZ]

No, because when playing teams that they think they are equal to (or better than) - they will play less and less defensive. Man City lost to Stoke - which I am happy about from a Liverpool perspective... but it was still one of the worst games I've watched this season. Do they not deserve to win the title? Chelsea are looking great against the teams they've come up against so far... but you can guarantee that they won't go into the games against Liverpool, City, Arsenal (and lesser extent Man U/Tottenham) with the same style. City and Liverpool (top 2 of last season remember) go into every game with the same style. The style fans want to watch. There are periods where you need to do defend as a whole team if the opponent gets some momentum (City did it quite a bit against Arsenal), but to go into the game with no intention of winning? It's not what sport is about. A 10 minute lapse in concentration at 3-0 up can't be compared to 90 minutes of line dancing in front of the keeper. The way to protect a lead is to keep the ball and pass it around... Barcelona, Bayern are the pinnacle of that tactic but others do it quite well. Final question for you to answer honestly... Would the premier league be more enjoyable if Stoke, West Ham, Aston Villa etc were relegated leaving more teams like Leicester, Sunderland, Palace, Swansea, Southampton etc? My comment, whilst referring to the latest Liverpool game, was more general than that of a single game.

grinner wrote:

By that logic we can expect to see those teams you mentioned in the Champions League next season as none of the teams will be able to defeat their tactics, or is it per chance that Liverpool just werent good enough to do so.

No, because when playing teams that they think they are equal to (or better than) - they will play less and less defensive.

Man City lost to Stoke - which I am happy about from a Liverpool perspective... but it was still one of the worst games I've watched this season. Do they not deserve to win the title?

Chelsea are looking great against the teams they've come up against so far... but you can guarantee that they won't go into the games against Liverpool, City, Arsenal (and lesser extent Man U/Tottenham) with the same style.

City and Liverpool (top 2 of last season remember) go into every game with the same style. The style fans want to watch. There are periods where you need to do defend as a whole team if the opponent gets some momentum (City did it quite a bit against Arsenal), but to go into the game with no intention of winning? It's not what sport is about.

A 10 minute lapse in concentration at 3-0 up can't be compared to 90 minutes of line dancing in front of the keeper. The way to protect a lead is to keep the ball and pass it around... Barcelona, Bayern are the pinnacle of that tactic but others do it quite well.


Final question for you to answer honestly...
Would the premier league be more enjoyable if Stoke, West Ham, Aston Villa etc were relegated leaving more teams like Leicester, Sunderland, Palace, Swansea, Southampton etc?

My comment, whilst referring to the latest Liverpool game, was more general than that of a single game.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By grinner - 15-09-2014 14:51

[AUSNZ]

i get your point, the 3 teams you mentioned are 3 teams i tend to avoid watching, especially if they are playing each other. So yes i tend to enjoy more flowing football like most do, but i think I can see your issue when you claimed all out defense for 90 minutes is "not what sport is about". I dont think the EPL is a sport anymore, when its the 87th minute and a team plays the ball into a corner, thats not sportsmanship, thats gamemanship. When a player pretends to fall inside the box, gamesmanship not sportsmanship. The EPL is a game, not a sport, and its a game worth millions and millions, and that translates into footballing styles. There too much riding for clubs like Stoke and West Ham, and managers like Mark Hughes and Big Sam who without the funds to compete with the Chelseas, Man Cities and Liverpools of this league stand to lose jobs, millions of dollars if they get destroyed on a weekly basis by them. Its not the sporting philosophies of these clubs that are the problem, as im sure they wouldnt play so negatively if they had the choice, but we all saw what happened to Blackpool who played magnificent attacking football for an entire season and got relegated and now sit almost broke with 6 registered players on their books a week before the league started and now sit in relegation in the championship. So we might not like it, but there will always be teams in this league that need to survive and have to play negatively, and as much as it can be boring, when Villa were winning, we got to see some great attacking moves from Liverpool and with a bit more luck could have despite their defensive stance. It might not be pretty but it makes for great drama, and thats one thing we all love as much as great football. Now you cannot deny that.i get your point, the 3 teams you mentioned are 3 teams i tend to avoid watching, especially if they are playing each other. So yes i tend to enjoy more flowing football like most do, but i think I can see your issue when you claimed all out defense for 90 minutes is "not what sport is about". I dont think the EPL is a sport anymore, when its the 87th minute and a team plays the ball into a corner, thats not sportsmanship, thats gamemanship. When a player pretends to fall inside the box, gamesmanship not sportsmanship. The EPL is a game, not a sport, and its a game worth millions and millions, and that translates into footballing styles. There too much riding for clubs like Stoke and West Ham, and managers like Mark Hughes and Big Sam who without the funds to compete with the Chelseas, Man Cities and Liverpools of this league stand to lose jobs, millions of dollars if they get destroyed on a weekly basis by them. Its not the sporting philosophies of these clubs that are the problem, as im sure they wouldnt play so negatively if they had the choice, but we all saw what happened to Blackpool who played magnificent attacking football for an entire season and got relegated and now sit almost broke with 6 registered players on their books a week before the league started and now sit in relegation in the championship.

So we might not like it, but there will always be teams in this league that need to survive and have to play negatively, and as much as it can be boring, when Villa were winning, we got to see some great attacking moves from Liverpool and with a bit more luck could have despite their defensive stance. It might not be pretty but it makes for great drama, and thats one thing we all love as much as great football. Now you cannot deny that.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tosspot - 15-09-2014 15:29

[AUSNZ]

Completely agree with all of your post - it's not something that can ever happen... but it's nice to think of a perfect world...Completely agree with all of your post - it's not something that can ever happen... but it's nice to think of a perfect world...

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tonnerwhu - 15-09-2014 22:23

[Celts]
President

Yeah, know what you mean mate.. this game... Valencia's goal... *yawn* ..sooo boring.Yeah, know what you mean mate.. this game... Valencia's goal... *yawn* ..sooo boring.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tosspot - 16-09-2014 02:00

[AUSNZ]

Will they play like that all the time?

tonnerwhu wrote:

Yeah, know what you mean mate.. this game... Valencia's goal... *yawn* ..sooo boring.

Will they play like that all the time?

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tonnerwhu - 16-09-2014 13:19

[Celts]
President

Probably not to the same extent against teams who are in the process of trying to buy titles, with 100+ million plus at their disposal during the transfer window... no, I doubt it, that would be foolish, however I think we'll look to do it against anyone outside the European spots for instance, which we have done so far. We're barely an established EPL side at the moment, and just because we're in the process of building something stable on a shoestring budget, hardly makes us a stain on English football... in fact, our survival should be commended. I couldn't understand the boo boys last season, I mean, what were they lookin for? - an all out, dead last campaign, with an injury ridden squad? Some people need to take a step back. Granted, the neutral might not have been impressed, but to be honest, I couldn't care less. All that aside, we've signed a few more technically gifted players, hence our apparent change in style - hell, we even tried to pass it out from the back last night. It's a move in the right direction, and the time to make it. I just hope we don't get carried away with the plaudits too much, and look to do the same against the elite on Saturday. Let's frustrate the superstars.. make it tough.Probably not to the same extent against teams who are in the process of trying to buy titles, with 100+ million plus at their disposal during the transfer window... no, I doubt it, that would be foolish, however I think we'll look to do it against anyone outside the European spots for instance, which we have done so far.

We're barely an established EPL side at the moment, and just because we're in the process of building something stable on a shoestring budget, hardly makes us a stain on English football... in fact, our survival should be commended. I couldn't understand the boo boys last season, I mean, what were they lookin for? - an all out, dead last campaign, with an injury ridden squad? Some people need to take a step back. Granted, the neutral might not have been impressed, but to be honest, I couldn't care less.

All that aside, we've signed a few more technically gifted players, hence our apparent change in style - hell, we even tried to pass it out from the back last night. It's a move in the right direction, and the time to make it. I just hope we don't get carried away with the plaudits too much, and look to do the same against the elite on Saturday. Let's frustrate the superstars.. make it tough.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tosspot - 16-09-2014 23:16

[AUSNZ]

You've actually just agreed with my sentiment. You enjoy when West Ham play as they did on Monday. The only difference is that you are making excuses for why they need to play with 11 keepers. I applaud the boo boys (I'm assuming they boo'd poor play?) - they are the real football fans :) Take Ludogorets in the Champions League this morning... they are of similar ilk to the PL clubs I mentioned (player wise). They actually played really well all round and if not for the 94th minute penalty would have had a point from the game (and they had the best missed chance where they hit the post).You've actually just agreed with my sentiment. You enjoy when West Ham play as they did on Monday.

The only difference is that you are making excuses for why they need to play with 11 keepers. I applaud the boo boys (I'm assuming they boo'd poor play?) - they are the real football fans :)

Take Ludogorets in the Champions League this morning... they are of similar ilk to the PL clubs I mentioned (player wise). They actually played really well all round and if not for the 94th minute penalty would have had a point from the game (and they had the best missed chance where they hit the post).

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By troyh65 - 19-09-2014 09:29

[Juve]

Hopefully Rodgers can keep a rocket up Balotelli's coight because he gets lazy in a game and looks uninterested at times. I thought his first game for Liverpool was excellent. Just on Liverpool, that game against Villa was difficult to watch. Regardless of Villa parking a few buses, Liverpool didn't have any answers, it was very frustrating. What was Rodgers doing keeping Sterling on the bench for so long? One word, Goose!

grinner wrote:

I had serious doubts about Liverpool ability to recreate last seasons form without Suarez, but i think the signing of Balotelli might just have put them back into contention. Henderson is looking better and better each season too, he really could be a player to watch this year.

Hopefully Rodgers can keep a rocket up Balotelli's coight because he gets lazy in a game and looks uninterested at times. I thought his first game for Liverpool was excellent.

Just on Liverpool, that game against Villa was difficult to watch. Regardless of Villa parking a few buses, Liverpool didn't have any answers, it was very frustrating. What was Rodgers doing keeping Sterling on the bench for so long? One word, Goose!

Uuesti: Barclay's Premier League.

By deleted_5387669 - 20-09-2014 22:31

So...So...

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By ryndan - 21-09-2014 08:19

[BNL]

It seems all the "lower" PL teams read this forum and decided to play good attacking football since they read this thread.It seems all the "lower" PL teams read this forum and decided to play good attacking football since they read this thread.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tosspot - 21-09-2014 10:28

[AUSNZ]

I don't understand Aston Villa. Against Liverpool, they line up in a 10-0-0 formation and against Arsenal they play a high line with barely any defensive organisation. Why? Arsenal and Liverpool play a very similar style on their day.I don't understand Aston Villa.

Against Liverpool, they line up in a 10-0-0 formation and against Arsenal they play a high line with barely any defensive organisation. Why? Arsenal and Liverpool play a very similar style on their day.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By chelseax1 - 21-09-2014 10:51

[INDIA]

Champions league already having its affects on Liverpool or was suarez that valuable. i was expecting them to battle it out with manu n everton for 4th but now though early seems like they will be playing for europa spot.Champions league already having its affects on Liverpool or was suarez that valuable.
i was expecting them to battle it out with manu n everton for 4th but now though early seems like they will be playing for europa spot.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tonnerwhu - 21-09-2014 11:25

[Celts]
President

West Ham were awesome yesterday, lovin the new look, and actually quite surprised we didn't revert back to a more defensive approach. But Allardyce got it spot on, he suspected Liverpool would be a bit fatigued after their opening European exploit, and hit em hard and early. It only highlights the massive task the likes of Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal cope with each season, and in Arsenal's case, probably the reason they've struggled to win silverware in reason years... just far too much on their plate. As far as the hammers - Nolan out is a blessing, Andy Carroll on yer bike, and Noble as fixed captain... well played the wee man... we've scored three wonder goals already this season, and fingers crossed for more of the same. United!West Ham were awesome yesterday, lovin the new look, and actually quite surprised we didn't revert back to a more defensive approach. But Allardyce got it spot on, he suspected Liverpool would be a bit fatigued after their opening European exploit, and hit em hard and early. It only highlights the massive task the likes of Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal cope with each season, and in Arsenal's case, probably the reason they've struggled to win silverware in reason years... just far too much on their plate.

As far as the hammers - Nolan out is a blessing, Andy Carroll on yer bike, and Noble as fixed captain... well played the wee man... we've scored three wonder goals already this season, and fingers crossed for more of the same. United!

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By tosspot - 21-09-2014 15:26

[AUSNZ]

Remember they are missing Sturridge (2nd top scorer in the league last season) as well. Liverpool aren't a team that are going to compete with City or Chelsea for the title - the age of their team is incredibly young. Sterling - 19 Manquillo - 20 Can - 20 Markovic - 20 Suso - 21 Moreno - 22 Coutinho - 22 Sakho - 24 Henderson - 24 Balotelli - 24 Allen - 24 Sturridge - 25 Lovren - 25 That is a lot of core players under 25.

chelseax1 wrote:

Champions league already having its affects on Liverpool or was suarez that valuable.

Remember they are missing Sturridge (2nd top scorer in the league last season) as well. Liverpool aren't a team that are going to compete with City or Chelsea for the title - the age of their team is incredibly young.

Sterling - 19
Manquillo - 20
Can - 20
Markovic - 20
Suso - 21
Moreno - 22
Coutinho - 22
Sakho - 24
Henderson - 24
Balotelli - 24
Allen - 24
Sturridge - 25
Lovren - 25

That is a lot of core players under 25.

Re: Barclay's Premier League.

By chelseax1 - 22-09-2014 13:58

[INDIA]

Agree and in 3-5 seasons time they might build a very good side. But as said above they definitely need to come in top 4 to aid their growth. Before the next transfer period they need to have significant gap over manu as i am expecting some defenders coming in. Mou played it safe, was expecting it but not this safe :(

tosspot wrote:

Remember they are missing Sturridge (2nd top scorer in the league last season) as well. Liverpool aren't a team that are going to compete with City or Chelsea for the title - the age of their team is incredibly young.

Sterling - 19
Manquillo - 20
Can - 20
Markovic - 20
Suso - 21
Moreno - 22
Coutinho - 22
Sakho - 24
Henderson - 24
Balotelli - 24
Allen - 24
Sturridge - 25
Lovren - 25

That is a lot of core players under 25.

Agree and in 3-5 seasons time they might build a very good side. But as said above they definitely need to come in top 4 to aid their growth. Before the next transfer period they need to have significant gap over manu as i am expecting some defenders coming in.

Mou played it safe, was expecting it but not this safe :(

 

Page 1