2010/11 EPL season: The contenders

The start of the most exciting football league in the world is upon us again, and this time around it looks as enthralling as ever.

After a thrilling World Cup, the summer transfer market hasn’t been as active as expected, with only Manchester City splashing the big cash. Nonetheless, the English Premier League looks to be hotly contested yet again, as numerous clubs have an eye for qualification into Europe, and even the coveted Champion’s crown.

Liverpool

Following a horrific 2009/10 season, Liverpool has been given little chance of challenging for a 19th top flight title. However, after an encouraging off-season, there appears to be some renewed hope among the Kop.

If Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres can stay fit and end some patchy form, a trip to Anfield could yet be a daunting task. Despite a rather dour financial position, the Liverpool management can be satisfied with their work in the transfer window. Along with keeping the aforementioned stars, the acquisition of pacey winger Joe Cole on a free transfer should add a new dimension to the side on attack.

They have also gained Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic who could link up dangerously with ‘El-nino’ Torres. Pivotal to success on Merseyside could be their retention of midfielder Javier Mascherano, as rumours continue to link him to Spain. Defence could be the issue for new manager Roy Hodgson, but if the back four can stay solid, the Reds could yet mount a challenge when it’s least expected.

Last Season: 7th
Prediction: 3rd
Key players: Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres.

Tottenham

Last year was a breakthrough season for Harry Redknapp and Tottenham Hotspur, as qualification into the Champions League was achieved. It was no fluke; this is a quality Spurs outfit, with important players across the park. Despite little spending this summer, Tottenham will be a joy to watch yet again.

They possess exhilarating pace in Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Defoe, who will complement influential stars such as Gareth Bale, Luca Modric and Peter Crouch. Spurs will have an eye on their European campaign which could work against them domestically, but they will beat some very good sides. Tottenham will compete for the top four throughout the season, but may fall short to the more glamorous clubs.

Last season: 4th
Prediction: 6th
Key players: Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Defoe.

Chelsea

On the back of the best season in their history, the Chelsea boys are adamant they have the side to defend their title. The West Londoners boast a wealth of talent and experience among their ranks; from the defensive cornerstone of John Terry, to the instinctive brilliance of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. Many suggest the aging side is a weakness, but their manager Carlo Ancelotti would have them think otherwise. By releasing Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti and Deco, Ancelotti has gone to some lengths to restructure the side.

Despite numerous far-fetched rumours, the Italian has resisted big spending. He has signed winger Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool to replace the outgoing Joe Cole and the signing of promising young Benfica midfielder Ramires is all but confirmed. Instead however, Ancelloti is looking to invest some faith in the emerging Chelsea youth system. On the back of winning the FA Youth Cup, promising youngsters Nemanja Matic, Gael Kakuta and Jeffery Bruma should get more first team opportunities this year. Despite their patchy pre-season form, Chelsea again seems the team to beat.

Ancelotti has made a huge impact on the culture at Stamford Bridge, and with his attacking 4-3-3 formation, defenders will have their work cut out against them.

Last season: 1st
Prediction: 1st
Key Players: Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba.

Arsenal

Arsenal are in the midst of a title drought. It’s been five years since the Gunners have won a major trophy, and there is little to suggest their fortunes will change this season. Manager Arsene Wenger continues to persist with a young side which shows promise, but continually fails to deliver.

On the attacking front, Arsenal can match the best. Robin Van Persie is a quality striker and he will get valuable assistance from Andrey Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas, (should the club resist the cash from Barcelona for their prized Spaniard). They have attained Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux who should provide some good impact on attack, and Laurent Koscielny, a highly-rated French central defender.

However, the defence could again prove the downfall for the North Londoners, as unproven players are again called upon by the gaffer. The goalkeeping woes at Arsenal have been highly publicised, and there has been no progress made in their search for a replacement. Arsenal shouldn’t struggle for goals and they will play some enterprising football this year, although their struggles at the back could prevent the required consistency to challenge through to May.

Last Season: 3rd
Prediction: 5th
Key players: Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas.

Manchester United

As per usual, Manchester United will again compete for the Premier League crown. This looks to be the last season the trio of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson will work together, signalling a changing of the guard at Old Trafford. Like Chelsea, the Red Devils have only dipped into the transfer market. Ferguson has secured striker Javier Hernandez, who impressed for Mexico in South Africa. Hernandez could prove a strong foil for Wayne Rooney, who himself will again hold much of United’s hopes.

20-year-old Chris Smalling, who has signed from Fulham, could also see some time in defence. This year though could be the one for winger Nani to establish himself as a superstar of the English game. The versatility and intuitive creation of the Portuguese international could be the driving force behind United’s challenge. Many young players look set to make the step up into the first team from the Old Trafford academy, including defender Jonny Evans who will make an impact at the club.

Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand should be the backbone of a typically strong defensive line. There is little doubt that United will be tirelessly strong across the park. Although perhaps lacking the stars of yesteryear, it is difficult to find a fault in the setup. Desperate to bring the title back north, Man United will contend until the end.

Last season: 2nd
Prediction: 2nd
Key players: Wayne Rooney, Nani.

Manchester City

This season could once and for all answer an age-old football question; does money buy immediate success? Manchester City’s spending spree has seen them buy a number of players well above their market value. They now possess quality and depth within the squad but with it the pressure of title glory. Opinions are differed, will they be up with United and Chelsea in May? Or will it be a story of overriding ego’s dominating a team which struggles to ‘gel’ together?

The front three are extremely potent attackers and now are joined by Spanish winger David Silva. The Abu Dhabi United Group have supplied funds for the purchase of Aleksander Kolarov, Jerome Boateng and Yaya Toure along with Silva.

The expensive signings of young striker Mario Balotelli and Aston Villa’s James Milner also seem near completion, creating intense competition for starting places in Roberto Mancini’s side. The owners expect success, and Mancini knows that anything less and his tenure will likely be over. Many football purists will be praying for a disastrous season at Eastlands, to prove there is more to a club than cash.

Last season: 5th
Prediction: 4th
Key players: Yaya Toure, Carlos Tevez.

Rounding out the top ten:

7th: Everton possess some exiting players to worry more fancied opponents, but may lack the depth to push for European qualification.

8th: The resignation of manager Martin O’Neill just five days away from the first game will hurt Aston Villa. He was the tactician and leader behind the side and with the departure of James Milner reportedly near, it could be a difficult season for them. Despite this, they still have talent in the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young to pose a threat.

9th: Birmingham City will aim to build on last year’s relative success and prove tough to break down. They will be difficult to beat on their home fortress and possess a quality keeper in Joe Hart between the posts.

10th: Newcastle United should rebuild into an established top flight club with solid line-up featuring young striker Andy Carroll as the x-factor.