John Barnes Column: Liverpool Legend on Why Spurs Should be in Top 6, Chelsea Favourites Above Manchester United & Arsenal for Title & Why Everton Won’t Struggle
First of all I must say I found it a challenge this week to predict the outcome of all the Premier 10 and Footy 15 matches but I’m determined to beat my fellow ex-pro’s Alan Hansen and Tony Cascarino in our Pundit’s League this season, particularly my old Liverpool team-mate Hansen for obvious reasons.Expectations are high amongst fans for their clubs but for me it won’t be Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool who’ll be picking up the Premier League trophy it will be Chelsea.
Last season the Blues pushed United all the way in the title race despite a less than positive atmosphere around Stamford Bridge. The departure of Jose Mourinho had an affect on the players and whilst Avram Grant steadied the ship you never felt that the whole club was pulling in the same direction. However, now Felipe Scolari has come in I feel the positive vibe at the Bridge makes them the title favourites. The addition of Deco will add both flair and inventiveness to a team that is generally powerful but perhaps not always cute enough. Talk of either Kaka or Robinho joining or both can only improve Chelsea’s chances even further. Therefore, I see the Brazilian coach taking his new team all the way in his first season.
I have read a number of articles suggesting David Moyes’ Everton side will struggle this season but I wouldn’t go along with that. They may well find it difficult to finish as high as 5th with their current injury list and the sale of Andy Johnson as well as not strengthening the squad. However, Moyes is a good manager and he knows he needs to bring in a few new faces and I am sure he’ll do just that this month with the Brazilian Vagner Love on his hit list. I think the Toffees may well finish mid-table as they over-achieved last season with such a small squad.
The team I am expecting big things of is Tottenham, to be honest with the players and finances they have, they should always be in the top six. However, with one or two additions they may well be the likeliest challengers to the big four and the signing of Luka Modric should prove an excellent one.
In terms of the promoted sides opening matches this season I would say it’s West Brom who’ve got the raw deal. A trip to North London to face Arsenal is not what you need to start their campaign off with. Generally speaking, promoted teams ideally would like to kick off against lower ranking Premier League sides to get a few wins under their belts and to build confidence. Psychologically I think it’s really important to get a few points on the board like Reading did in their first season in the top flight.
Overall, I’m looking forward to this season’s kick off and I’ll be hoping my Premier 10 and Footy 15 predictions can fire me to the top of the Pundit’s League table though it’s Chelsea who I expect to be top of the Premier League table come May.
Read Alan Hansen’s Column here>>
Read Tony Cascarino’s Column here>>
Find out what John has predicted this week as well as the choices of Alan Hansen, Tony Cascarino, Former Referee Graham Poll, Radio 1 DJ Chappers plus many more: Click here to read>>
Tags: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, footy 15, Hull, John Barnes, Liverpool, Manchester United, Premier 10, Stoke, Tottenham, West Brom
