With Season 4 still fresh in the memory, it has not taken long for Season 5 to come along. I was sure that there used to be a longer break between the end of one season and the start of the other but I may be wrong. Anyway, Division 1 will no doubt run in the same way we have been used to with Bayern Munich and Barcelona battling it out for the title, Real Madrid and Juventus hoping to keep their top 4 status, 9 or 10 teams fighting it out for the positions 5-14 and 6 or 7 teams embroiled in a relegation fight. Can it be any different this season? I honestly don’t know. I am sure that a season must soon come along that takes everyone by surprise but whether that is this season is unknown. Would make a nice change though. This season we welcome back Manchester United after just a one season absence, AS Roma, who are back in Division 1 for the first time since Season 1 and Everton and Ajax Amsterdam, who make their first appearance in the top flight. Ajax, as far as I know, are actually the first Dutch club to appear in Division 1.
As always, we will look at each club and how they might fare over the 38 games. For the second season in a row, the predicted finishes were 55% accurate (within two places) but more interestingly, last season seen 3 of the 4 relegated teams being predicted correctly. So who will be predicted to finish where. Let’s get to it:
TEAM: AC MILAN
MANAGER: SIR STEPHEN BEDDOWS
LAST SEASON: 6th
STADIUM: SAN SIRO
KEY PLAYER: Mario BALOTELLI – Ballotelli has been a cult figure in Milan since the beginning but is goals may never be as important as they are this season as Milan will struggle to replicate last season’s excellent top 6 finish.
BEST SEASON: 6th (Season 5)
Self knighted Sir Stephen did a sensational job with AC Milan last year and to finish in the top 6 was an outstanding achievement. This year will be tougher as other teams get used to their style of play and with no additions to the squad, a top six finish is unlikely this time around although a mid table position is well within reach.
STEPHEN BEDDOWS: As always our aim is to finish 18th (ermm that will get you relegated Stephen). We don’t expect to finish as high as last season so just one place above relegation will do us.
STEPHEN’S TITLE TIP: No tip as the league is already fixed (?)
PREDICTED FINISH: 14th
OPENING FIXTURE: JUVENTUS (A)
TEAM: AJAX AMSTERDAM
MANAGER: MICHAEL H
A tough season lies ahead for Ajax, who become first Dutch side to play in the top league, with a squad that lacks the strength and depth to compete with even the average sides in the division. It will be a case of scrambling points here and there when they can but, like Zenit last season, a quick return to Division 2 is on the cards
MANAGER: MICHAEL H
LAST SEASON: 7th (Division 2, Promoted through play offs)
STADIUM: AMSTERDAM ARENA
KEY PLAYER: Papastathopoulos SOKRATIS – Centre back Sokratis is going to be vital to Ajax’s chances of survival. He is going to see a lot of the ball and is going to have to get his head on a lot of them
BEST SEASON: 6th (Season 3, Division 2)
A tough season lies ahead for Ajax, who become first Dutch side to play in the top league, with a squad that lacks the strength and depth to compete with even the average sides in the division. It will be a case of scrambling points here and there when they can but, like Zenit last season, a quick return to Division 2 is on the cards
MICHAEL H: Our main aim for the season is the same as my chairman’s and that is to avoid relegation. If this can’t be done then keeping my job is vital to keep on developing the squad ,I’d hate to leave after putting so much in to get to the top flight!
MICHAEL’S TITLE TIP: REAL MADRID
PREDICTED FINISH: 20th
OPENING FIXTURE: REAL MADRID (A)
TEAM: ARSENAL
MANAGER: MICHAEL BOWES
After a disastrous season last year that at one point looked as if it would end in relegation, Arsenal will be determined to show it was a fluke and it won’t happen again. The addition of Tomas Muller as well as a few others should make sure Arsenal improve and they should be more solid both in defence and attack
MICHAEL BOWES: Our aim this season is to finish in the top half of the table and to reach a cup final
MICHAEL’S TITLE TIP: REAL MADRID
MANAGER: MICHAEL BOWES
LAST SEASON: 15th
STADIUM: EMIRATES STADIUM
KEY PLAYER: Thomas MULLER – New signing Muller could be the player Arsenal need to fire them up the table after last season’s struggles. Depending on how he is played could make a big difference to Arsenal’s season
BEST SEASON: 8th (Season 1, Season 2, Season 3)
After a disastrous season last year that at one point looked as if it would end in relegation, Arsenal will be determined to show it was a fluke and it won’t happen again. The addition of Tomas Muller as well as a few others should make sure Arsenal improve and they should be more solid both in defence and attack
MICHAEL BOWES: Our aim this season is to finish in the top half of the table and to reach a cup final
MICHAEL’S TITLE TIP: REAL MADRID
PREDICTED FINISH: 11th
OPENING FIXTURE: BARCELONA (H)
TEAM: AS ROMA
MANAGER: NEIL FRANKLAND
AS Roma return to Division 1 after a 4 season absence and they will be hoping to do better than their only other season in the top flight when they finished bottom. Neil has a team that are capable of causing a few upsets and no one can take them lightly. New boy Sadio Mane will be expected to provide the goals that will keep them up but when it comes down to the business end of the season I fear the Italian side may just come up short
MANAGER: NEIL FRANKLAND
LAST SEASON: 3rd (Division 2)
STADIUM: STADIO OLIMPICO
KEY PLAYER: Keylor NAVAS – AS Roma will need Navas to be on the top of his game if they are to compete in this division. His shot stopping could be the difference between staying up and going down.
BEST SEASON: 20th (Season 1)
AS Roma return to Division 1 after a 4 season absence and they will be hoping to do better than their only other season in the top flight when they finished bottom. Neil has a team that are capable of causing a few upsets and no one can take them lightly. New boy Sadio Mane will be expected to provide the goals that will keep them up but when it comes down to the business end of the season I fear the Italian side may just come up short
NEIL FRANKLAND: We have to be honest and say our aim is to avoid going straight back down again
NEIL’S TITLE TIP: REAL MADRID
PREDICTED FINISH: 17th
OPENING FIXTURE: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (A)
TEAM: BARCELONA
MANAGER: SCOTT McKENZIE
Barcelona lost their crown last season and will be determined to win it back. There is nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal and that makes for one hell of a fight at the top of the table. Eden Hazard has changed allegiance from Real with Laporte also checking in at the Camp Nou. It is going to be a close race but, fortunately for Scott, I think they will have to settle for second once more.
MANAGER: SCOTT McKENZIE
LAST SEASON: 2nd
STADIUM: CAMP NOU
KEY PLAYER: Lionel MESSI – Messi’s goals are so important to Barcelona and he will be wanting to do even better as Barca try and reclaim the title. Can he keep the standard as high though?
BEST SEASON: CHAMPIONS (Season 2, Season 3)
Barcelona lost their crown last season and will be determined to win it back. There is nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal and that makes for one hell of a fight at the top of the table. Eden Hazard has changed allegiance from Real with Laporte also checking in at the Camp Nou. It is going to be a close race but, fortunately for Scott, I think they will have to settle for second once more.
SCOTT McKENZIE: Our aim for this season is to regain the title. Even though we didn’t have the best of seasons we only finished two points behind the winners and that gives us confidence going into this season. I feel we are well equipped to take that title back.
SCOTT’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA/BAYERN MUNICH
PREDICTED FINISH: 2nd
OPENING FIXTURE: ARSENAL (H)
TEAM: BAYERN MUNICH
MANAGER: GURSIMRAN BRAR
Bayern Munich lifted the title last season at the fourth time of asking although it should have been more comfortable than it was. They were in control early on but some careless dropped points towards the end left them just hanging on in the last couple of games. Gareth Bale has joined in the close season and while they have lost Ronaldo, I think they still have enough to make it two titles on the spin
MANAGER: GURSIMRAN BRAR
LAST SEASON: CHAMPIONS
STADIUM: ALLIANZ ARENA
KEY PLAYER: Gareth BALE – Bale will be relied on heavily as Bayern try to make it two titles on the spin and he is capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most.
BEST SEASON: CHAMPIONS (Season 4)
Bayern Munich lifted the title last season at the fourth time of asking although it should have been more comfortable than it was. They were in control early on but some careless dropped points towards the end left them just hanging on in the last couple of games. Gareth Bale has joined in the close season and while they have lost Ronaldo, I think they still have enough to make it two titles on the spin
GURSIMRAN BRAR: Our aim is to win at least two trophies this season and to build a strong pipeline in all positions.
GURSIMRAN’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
PREDICTED FINISH: CHAMPIONS
OPENING FIXTURE: CHELSEA (A)
TEAM: BORUSSIA DORTMUND
MANAGER: LEE REYNOLDS
Borussia Dortmund could have finished anywhere between 5th and 14th last season as a lot of sides jockeyed for the mid table positions. In the end it was another top ten finish for the German club and they will fancy themselves to repeat that performance. Sergi Roberto looks a good signing and a safe mid table position will once again be likely but a top ten place may be out of reach as the standard in the division rises
MANAGER: LEE REYNOLDS
LAST SEASON: 9th
STADIUM: SIGNAL IDUNA PARK
KEY PLAYER: Sergi ROBERTO – Roberto’s versatility will be important to Dortmund this season as they try and remain a regular top half of the table team. Whether in defence or midfield, Roberto will contribute plenty
BEST SEASON: 6th (Season 3)
Borussia Dortmund could have finished anywhere between 5th and 14th last season as a lot of sides jockeyed for the mid table positions. In the end it was another top ten finish for the German club and they will fancy themselves to repeat that performance. Sergi Roberto looks a good signing and a safe mid table position will once again be likely but a top ten place may be out of reach as the standard in the division rises
LEE REYNOLDS: Our aim is to have another top ten finish and to reach one of the cup finals
LEE’S TITLE TIP: BAYERN MUNICH
PREDICTED FINISH: 12th
OPENING FIXTURE: VALENCIA (A)
TEAM: BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
MANAGER: ALEKS POLONCZYK
Aleks Polonczyk pulled out all the stops to make sure that Borussia Monchengladbach held on to their status and they certainly did surprise many teams with their determination and organization. Aleks has decided not to add to his squad and obviously feels they are good enough to maintain their place in Division 1. I think otherwise and they will no longer be a surprise package to other teams and unless they can do some business in the tough transfer market then I think it will be relegation at the end of the season.
MANAGER: ALEKS POLONCZYK
LAST SEASON: 14th
STADIUM: BORUSSIA-PARK
KEY PLAYER: Mario MANDZUKIC – Borussia will look to Mandzukic once again to provide the goals that can keep them up. The veteran still knows the way to goal and it’s odds on that he will finish Borussia’s top scorer.
BEST SEASON: 14th (Season 4)
Aleks Polonczyk pulled out all the stops to make sure that Borussia Monchengladbach held on to their status and they certainly did surprise many teams with their determination and organization. Aleks has decided not to add to his squad and obviously feels they are good enough to maintain their place in Division 1. I think otherwise and they will no longer be a surprise package to other teams and unless they can do some business in the tough transfer market then I think it will be relegation at the end of the season.
ALEKS POLONCZYK: Our aim for this season is much the same as the last and that is to avoid relegation and to beat A.C. Milan home and away.
ALEKS’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
PREDICTED FINISH: 19th
OPENING FIXTURE: LIVERPOOL (A)
TEAM: CHELSEA
MANAGER: JAMES McKENZIE
Chelsea missed a glorious chance to attain their best ever finish in the table when a mixed run of results near the end of the season seen them finish 7th. It was a vast improvement, though, on the previous season and definitely gives James something to build on. Always active in the transfer market, Chelsea have added players like Kimmich and Fabinho as they try to break into the top 6. Last season they sat in 5th place for a while and I think that this season that could be exactly where they finish
MANAGER: JAMES McKENZIE
LAST SEASON: 7th
STADIUM: STAMFORD BRIDGE
KEY PLAYER: Harry KANE – Chelsea look to have been able to get the best out of Kane and he will be instrumental in trying to turn Chelsea into a top 4 contender. Now that he is settled at the Bridge, he will improve on last season’s already good performances
BEST SEASON: 7th (Season 2, Season 4)
Chelsea missed a glorious chance to attain their best ever finish in the table when a mixed run of results near the end of the season seen them finish 7th. It was a vast improvement, though, on the previous season and definitely gives James something to build on. Always active in the transfer market, Chelsea have added players like Kimmich and Fabinho as they try to break into the top 6. Last season they sat in 5th place for a while and I think that this season that could be exactly where they finish
JAMES McKENZIE: Our aim for the season ahead is to finish 4th and break the monopoly that the top 4 have
JAMES’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
PREDICTED FINISH: 5th
OPENING FIXTURE: BAYERN MUNICH (H)
TEAM: EVERTON
MANAGER: DAVID INGLIS
Everton make their debut in Division 1 after being promoted as Division 2 champions and, like most teams playing in the top league for the first time, are bound to find it tough going. They have found it difficult to bring in new players but the defence looks sound enough not to leak plenty of goals. Up front they seem a bit lightweight organized well then they could surprise a few teams. It will be difficult for manager David Inglis but I think they can just manage to stay up
MANAGER: DAVID INGLIS
LAST SEASON: CHAMPIONS (DIVISION 2)
STADIUM: GOODISON PARK
KEY PLAYER: Grzegorz KRYCHOWIAK – As with all promoted teams, Everton will look to the defence to be on top form and Krychowiak is going to be vital due to the fact he can play centre back or just in front of a back four. A good injury free season will be required.
BEST SEASON: 1st (Division 2, Season 4)
Everton make their debut in Division 1 after being promoted as Division 2 champions and, like most teams playing in the top league for the first time, are bound to find it tough going. They have found it difficult to bring in new players but the defence looks sound enough not to leak plenty of goals. Up front they seem a bit lightweight organized well then they could surprise a few teams. It will be difficult for manager David Inglis but I think they can just manage to stay up
DAVID INGLIS: Our aim is to stay up this season so anything from 16th up will be the goal as I feel we lack the necessary depth in the squad.
DAVID’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
PREDICTED FINISH: 16th
OPENING FIXTURE: FC PORTO (A)
TEAM: FC PORTO
MANAGER: ANDRE GUERRA
Every season FC Porto go about their business quietly and always have a solid season. They have not been able to replicate the form that seen them finish 5th in Season 2 but, apart from a brief spell early last season, they are never in trouble at the bottom. Bringing Karim Benzema to the club was a master stroke by Andre last season and he duly netted 17 times in 29 games. He will again be vital to Porto but I get the feeling that they will need more than that this season.
MANAGER: ANDRE GUERRA
LAST SEASON: 10th
STADIUM: ESTADIO DO DRAGAO
KEY PLAYER: Karim BENZEMA – Benzema is easily the most high profile player in the Porto squad and he is going to be crucial to Porto having a season that doesn’t feature a relegation battle.
BEST SEASON: 5th (Season 2)
Every season FC Porto go about their business quietly and always have a solid season. They have not been able to replicate the form that seen them finish 5th in Season 2 but, apart from a brief spell early last season, they are never in trouble at the bottom. Bringing Karim Benzema to the club was a master stroke by Andre last season and he duly netted 17 times in 29 games. He will again be vital to Porto but I get the feeling that they will need more than that this season.
ANDRE GUERRA: Our aim has to be the top ten even although the chairman is happy with avoiding relegation
ANDRE’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
PREDICTED FINISH: 15th
OPENING FIXTURE: EVERTON (H)
TEAM: JUVENTUS
MANAGER: DP 91
Juventus and 4th place seem to go together like bread and butter. Last season, for a while, Juventus flirted with 5th and it looked like the top 4 may be compromised but a good run of results for the old lady put paid to that. There has been no move by DP in the transfer market for the new season either because he is happy with his team or the right player has not become available. I would love to say that 4th place is not going to happen this season, but it is.
DP91’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
MANAGER: DP 91
LAST SEASON: 4th
STADIUM: JUVENTUS STADIUM
KEY PLAYER: Antoine GRIEZMANN – Griezmann should be at the peak of his career over the next two seasons and Juventus will be looking for him to provide more goals than he has over the past three seasons.
BEST SEASON: 4th (Season 2, Season 3, Season 4)
Juventus and 4th place seem to go together like bread and butter. Last season, for a while, Juventus flirted with 5th and it looked like the top 4 may be compromised but a good run of results for the old lady put paid to that. There has been no move by DP in the transfer market for the new season either because he is happy with his team or the right player has not become available. I would love to say that 4th place is not going to happen this season, but it is.
DP91: Our aim is to try and break into that top 3 and to win some sort of trophy
DP91’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
PREDICTED FINISH: 4th
OPENING FIXTURE: AC MILAN (H)
TEAM: LIVERPOOL
MANAGER: GORDON ‘GINO’ KINNEAR
Liverpool seemed to concentrate more on the cups than the league last season and that seen them reach 4 quarter finals, going on to win the TOP100 Cup and reach the final of the Champions Cup. The league form was erratic though and they hardly strung a good run of results together. Kinnear has brought in the experienced Willian to help with the supply to Diego Costa. Costa will be expected to bag more goals this season after being outscored by the impressive Moutinho. A top ten finish is ahead for the Anfield side.
MANAGER: GORDON ‘GINO’ KINNEAR
LAST SEASON: 11th
STADIUM: ANFIELD
KEY PLAYER: Diego COSTA – Costa has been hit and miss for Liverpool but contributed greatly to the Champions Cup run. Liverpool will need him to transfer that play to the league if they are to get up among the top 6.
BEST SEASON: 5th (Season 3)
Liverpool seemed to concentrate more on the cups than the league last season and that seen them reach 4 quarter finals, going on to win the TOP100 Cup and reach the final of the Champions Cup. The league form was erratic though and they hardly strung a good run of results together. Kinnear has brought in the experienced Willian to help with the supply to Diego Costa. Costa will be expected to bag more goals this season after being outscored by the impressive Moutinho. A top ten finish is ahead for the Anfield side.
GORDON KINNEAR: We want to regain a top ten place and hopefully defend our cup success of last season. We will focus more on the league than we did last year.
GORDON’S TITLE TIP: BAYERN MUNICH
PREDICTED FINISH: 9th
OPENING FIXTURE: BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH (H)
TEAM: MANCHESTER CITY
MANAGER: PADDY D
Manchester City have flattered to deceive at times with their underachieving players causing Paddy a lot of frustration. A fight against relegation was again the main feature of their season although they did get to the final of the TOP100 Cup. Paddy has delved into the transfer market to bring in Schneiderlin, Soares and Depay among others. City will be hoping the changes have a positive affect but I feel that this could be the end of their time in Division 1
PADDY D: We hope we can get a top ten finish and thus a place in Europe
PADDY’S TITLE TIP: REAL MADRID
MANAGER: PADDY D
LAST SEASON: 16th
STADIUM: ETIHAD STADIUM
KEY PLAYER: Marco REUS – Manchester City will be looking to Reus to take charge of this team and to lead from the front as City try and have a season with a lot less drama than the last two. How he plays could decide how City’s season goes.
BEST SEASON: 11th (Season 1)
Manchester City have flattered to deceive at times with their underachieving players causing Paddy a lot of frustration. A fight against relegation was again the main feature of their season although they did get to the final of the TOP100 Cup. Paddy has delved into the transfer market to bring in Schneiderlin, Soares and Depay among others. City will be hoping the changes have a positive affect but I feel that this could be the end of their time in Division 1
PADDY D: We hope we can get a top ten finish and thus a place in Europe
PADDY’S TITLE TIP: REAL MADRID
PREDICTED FINISH: 18th
OPENING FIXTURE: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN (H)
TEAM: MANCHESTER UNITED
MANAGER: RAHUL W
Manchester United return to the big time after just one season away, this time under the guidance of the busy Rahul W. The first ever winners of the TOP100 will be anxious to give a good showing this season and Rahul has brought in the experienced Piszczek and Iniesta to help. The midfield looks as good as any in the league and the gamble on Cavani up front could bring United the firepower that they will need. A good solid season seems the likely outcome and they will be the best of the promoted sides.
MANAGER: RAHUL W
LAST SEASON: 2nd (Division 2)
STADIUM: OLD TRAFFORD
KEY PLAYER: David DE GEA – De Gea is going to be a huge player for United as they settle back into top flight football. His saves and how he commands his box will be crucial to how United’s season goes.
BEST SEASON: CHAMPIONS (Season 1)
Manchester United return to the big time after just one season away, this time under the guidance of the busy Rahul W. The first ever winners of the TOP100 will be anxious to give a good showing this season and Rahul has brought in the experienced Piszczek and Iniesta to help. The midfield looks as good as any in the league and the gamble on Cavani up front could bring United the firepower that they will need. A good solid season seems the likely outcome and they will be the best of the promoted sides.
RAHUL W: We only have one aim for this season and that is to finish in the top ten
RAHUL’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
RAHUL’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
PREDICTED FINISH: 8th
OPENING FIXTURE: SSC NAPOLI (H)
TEAM: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
MANAGER: GARY NAYLOR
Paris Saint-Germain have some of the best players in the league but a lack of depth means that injuries and suspensions are hard to deal with. They have made no major moves in the transfer market and will be relying on Ibrahimovic to score the goals that keep them safe. Verratti will control many games from midfield with Varane and Marquinhos forming a young pairing at the back. The skeleton of the team looks good but other positions could let them down. A top ten finish can be attained – just.
MANAGER: GARY NAYLOR
LAST SEASON: 12th
STADIUM: PARC DES PRINCES
KEY PLAYER: Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC – With some big names coming and going at PSG, veteran Ibrahimovic is one of the ones that has remained. With 62 goals in 126 games his prolific goalscoring will be required once more
BEST SEASON: 11th (Season 3)
Paris Saint-Germain have some of the best players in the league but a lack of depth means that injuries and suspensions are hard to deal with. They have made no major moves in the transfer market and will be relying on Ibrahimovic to score the goals that keep them safe. Verratti will control many games from midfield with Varane and Marquinhos forming a young pairing at the back. The skeleton of the team looks good but other positions could let them down. A top ten finish can be attained – just.
GARY NAYLOR: Our aim this season is to finish in the top six and if we don’t suffer too much with injuries and suspensions then we fully expect to achieve that and even push for a top four place but we are lacking a bit in strength and depth so would also need a bit of luck
GARY’S TITLE TIP: REAL MADRID
PREDICTED FINISH: 10th
OPENING FIXTURE: MANCHESTER CITY (A)
TEAM: REAL MADRID
MANAGER: ROY KEANE
MANAGER: ROY KEANE
LAST SEASON: 3rd
STADIUM: SANTIAGO BERNABEU
KEY PLAYER: Sergio AGUERO – Ronaldo returns to Madrid but it may be how Aguero fares that will decide how Real’s season turns out. He is 4 years younger and is arguably likely to score more goals.
BEST SEASON: 2nd (Season 1)
The biggest moves in the market have come at the Bernabeu where Roy Keane has brought in as many as 8 major players to totally revamp the team. After a trophyless Season 4, an assault on the title has been promised to the fans with another distant 3rd place last season caused by some erratic results. There will be some fireworks ahead and a title challenge could depend on how quickly the new players settle in and gel together. A much better league season lies ahead for Roy and his Galacticos but for this season, at least, they will come up just short of the top two.
ROY KEANE: Real Madrid’s aim this season is to win the title and the Youth Cup. With Ronaldo back home, I expect a lot of goals and a lot of assists from him. I can promise you this, Ronaldo will be top dog this season. With other signings such as Lham and Thiago Silva and young players such as Jota and Asensio, Real Madrid are looking forward to the new season with confidence.
ROY’S TITLE TIP: REAL MADRID
ROY’S TITLE TIP: REAL MADRID
PREDICTED FINISH: 3rd
OPENING FIXTURE: AJAX AMSTERDAM (H)
TEAM: SSC NAPOLI
MANAGER: ROB RYAN
An excellent Season 4 campaign for Napoli seems to have largely gone unnoticed mainly due to Bayern’s 4 trophy haul amongst other headline grabbing events but Rob Ryan has worked wonders with the team and a 5th place finish was a superb performance. Without any real big stars it may prove very difficult to repeat that performance but Rob has a lot of confidence in his own ability. This season will probably not bring the same kind of results as last year and I am probably setting myself up for a fall here but with the distraction of the Champions Cup, Napoli will find themselves down among the mid table pack come the end of the campaign.
MANAGER: ROB RYAN
LAST SEASON: 5th
STADIUM: STADIO SAN PAOLO
KEY PLAYER: Marek HAMSIK – Midfield maestro Hamsik will have another big part to play if Napoli are to have as good a campaign as last season. His goals from midfield have made Napoli a tough side to beat
BEST SEASON: 5th (Season 4)
An excellent Season 4 campaign for Napoli seems to have largely gone unnoticed mainly due to Bayern’s 4 trophy haul amongst other headline grabbing events but Rob Ryan has worked wonders with the team and a 5th place finish was a superb performance. Without any real big stars it may prove very difficult to repeat that performance but Rob has a lot of confidence in his own ability. This season will probably not bring the same kind of results as last year and I am probably setting myself up for a fall here but with the distraction of the Champions Cup, Napoli will find themselves down among the mid table pack come the end of the campaign.
ROB RYAN: Expectation at Napoli for the new season is one of consolidation. Although people seem over concerned at breaking up that top 4, here at Napoli we are happy to take 5th and a likely spot in the Champions Cup. From that foundation we hope to finally put some silverware in the trophy cabinet and finish best of the rest.
ROB’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
ROB’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
PREDICTED FINISH: 13th
OPENING FIXTURE: MANCHESTER UNITED (A)
TEAM: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
MANAGER: DAVID ‘THE FOX’ PIERO
Tottenham had an impressive season after their promotion from Division 2 and the 8th place finish earned them a place in this season’s Euro Shield. Joe Hart and Marcus Rashford have been added to the squad as The Fox tries to repeat the feats from the last campaign. Tottenham are a hard side to play against and difficult to beat. Ozil has been huge in midfield and if he can replicate that form then Spurs should be up in the top 10 once more and maybe even improve on last season’s finish.
MANAGER: DAVID ‘THE FOX’ PIERO
LAST SEASON: 8th
STADIUM: WHITE HART LANE
KEY PLAYER: Mesut OZIL – Ozil has been huge for Tottenham for the last 3 season’s and can be again. He controls the midfield and has chipped in with an incredible 40 goals for the club.
BEST SEASON: 8th (Season 4)
Tottenham had an impressive season after their promotion from Division 2 and the 8th place finish earned them a place in this season’s Euro Shield. Joe Hart and Marcus Rashford have been added to the squad as The Fox tries to repeat the feats from the last campaign. Tottenham are a hard side to play against and difficult to beat. Ozil has been huge in midfield and if he can replicate that form then Spurs should be up in the top 10 once more and maybe even improve on last season’s finish.
DAVE THE FOX PIERO: Our aim for the season, and I know it is ambitious, is to finish in the top three.
DAVID’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA/BAYERN MUNICH
DAVID’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA/BAYERN MUNICH
PREDICTED FINISH: 7th
OPENING FIXTURE: AS ROMA (H)
TEAM: VALENCIA CF
MANAGER: DAVID SENIOR
Valencia had their usual solid season with only a late drop in form seeing them finish in the bottom half of the table. Gueye and Cuadrado have been added to a team that has no superstars but plenty of solid players. Valencia are a good team with a good manager and a lot will depend on how the players react to the news that David Senior will leave the club at the end of the season. I think they will react will and could manage to squeeze into the top 6
MANAGER: DAVID SENIOR
LAST SEASON: 13th
STADIUM: MESTALLA STADIUM
KEY PLAYER: Olivier GIROUD – Giroud is Valencia’s main man up front but is believed to be unsettled at the club. A promise of playing every game could pacify the player who can repay with goals.
BEST SEASON: 7th (Season 1)
Valencia had their usual solid season with only a late drop in form seeing them finish in the bottom half of the table. Gueye and Cuadrado have been added to a team that has no superstars but plenty of solid players. Valencia are a good team with a good manager and a lot will depend on how the players react to the news that David Senior will leave the club at the end of the season. I think they will react will and could manage to squeeze into the top 6
DAVID SENIOR: My aim is simply to avoid relegation in what will be my last season at Valencia
DAVID’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
DAVID’S TITLE TIP: BARCELONA
PREDICTED FINISH: 6th
OPENING FIXTURE: BORUSSIA DORTMUND (H)
So that’s the preview for the new season and remember it is only a bit of fun. If you spot an error anywhere then please let me know so that I can say I don’t give a shit.
Good luck to everyone for the new season and I hope it is a good one for you all but remember it is only a game.
Ciao
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