5 Bold Predictions for 2011-2012 Premier League Season

The 20th season of the English Premier League is on tap. The reigning champions, Manchester United, are out to defend their title, while the other 19 are in pursuit. The season is long and while it’s difficult to accurately predict the season at its end, it is worthwhile to try a few bold predictions for the upcoming year.

Arsenal will lift a trophy

The Arsenal trophy drought has reached laughable proportions in recent years. Manager Arsene Wenger’s insistence on playing youth in the Carling cup has prevented the Gunners from winning anything since their title season in 2003-2004. The fans are getting restless, and the team, while very talented is still yet to put it all together. Expect Arsenal to get at least one trophy this season. Wenger’s job in on the line and a piece of silverware might quell the feeling of emptiness that pervades the Arsenal trophy case.

Liverpool makes top four

Every season, Liverpool tries to do everything and ends up winning nothing. The Reds are still without a premier league title and that will not change this year. However, Liverpool will jump back into the Champions League picture. Liverpool is completely out of Europe this season and will be able to focus on the Premier League for the first time in many years. Liverpool added midfielders Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, and Stewart Downing in the transfer window. If they can find a consistent five in the midfield, Liverpool will achieve top four status once again.

Wigan won’t survive again

Roberto Martinez and Wigan are perpetually on the brink of relegation. Whatever guardian angel that has saved them in the past, will be absent this season. Gone is Charles N’Zogbia, their talismanic midfielder. Wigan has avoided spending, but by doing so, sealed their impending doom. Wigan’s only consistent threat, Hugo Rodallega, will be hard pressed to score given tight man marking. Youth must prevail, but it won’t be enough to save Wigan this season.

Fernando Torres will win the Golden Boot

It’s fair to say that Fernando Torres was a failure last season. Torres scored only a single time in a Chelsea shirt after a last minute January transfer from Liverpool. The Spanish international has much to prove on the heels of his $80 million dollar transfer. Luckily, Torres is still young, still very talented and will be the primary striker. Last season Torres was frequently second fiddle to Didier Drogba, but this year Torres will be the front man and will benefit from additional delivery in the box. Although It sounds like a long shot, Torres will be a difference maker for Blues by the end of the season.

Manchester United will fail to defend their title

This is finally the year that Man U’s hesitance to improve will be punished. Their only major addition is Aston Villa’s Ashley Young. Young is a solid player, but redundant at Manchester. Nani had a fantastic year, last season and a return from injury for Antonio Valencia will make a Young a super sub at best. Man U is another year older and despite David De Gea between the posts, the team is not title caliber. Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham are all improved and along with Arsenal and Chelsea, will provide a challenge that United won’t be able to overcome. They will make the top four, but don’t expect to see the Red Devils with winners’ medals by season’s end.

Source: Rob Harris AP, Ferguson shrugs off sniping to focus on 20th title, Yahoo Sports


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *