By Yemisi Adegoke
Football fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Summer’s drought is over and the English Premier league is back. After having our appetites whetted by a thrilling World Cup, what lies in store for us this season? Will the trophy stay in Manchester, move to London or make an appearance in Merseyside? And more importantly who will remain in the top 4?
Here is my list of 7 things to look out for this season.
1. Arsenal’s Arsene
When pictures of Arsene Wenger frolicking on a Brazillian beach hit the net, Arsenal fans groaned in unison, as other managers were busy signing players Arsene was missing in action but ‘the professor’ had been playing us all along and after signing Alexis Sanchez, it looks as though the Gunners are ready to pick up where they left off and put the trophy-less years to bed. A decisive 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield is not a bad way to start.
2. Van Gaal’s men.
After their worst season in recent memory, the Red Devils will be keen to quickly erase memories of the Moyes era. Van Gaal has been a huge hit with United fans and has inspired confidence after leading the Netherlands to a 3rd place World Cup finish and overseeing an unbeaten pre-season campaign in the US. Van Gaal has said he aims to get United back to the top within a year and without the distraction of the Champions League, fans will be hoping this season marks the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford.
3.Over to Mou
After a trophy-less season Jose Mourinho will be out to prove The Blues are still worthy contenders for the Premier league crown. After the departures of Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Demba Ba, Samuel Eto’o and David Luiz, Mourinho is in rebuilding mode and after capturing Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, he is off to a solid start. Not to mention the return of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. Could this be the season for The Blues?
4.Toothless Reds?
It was all going so well for Liverpool, but then the League slipped away and Suarez bit, was banned and bolted to Barcelona, so without him do Liverpool have the bite to go all the way? Brendan Rogers certainly seems to think so and has been quick to invest after Suarez’s departure, buying seven players so far. Liverpool will also be back in the Champions League which will be a huge boost for fans, but without Suarez or a big name signing to replace him will the Reds be within touching distance of glory again?
5.City Slickers
Three years, two Premiership trophies. It’s not a bad way to begin a season and Manchester City have no plans on slowing down. After splashing out on Brazillian midfielder Fernando and defenders Barcary Sagna and Eliquaim Mangala, Manuel Pellegrini has signaled his intent. City have also been able to hold on to their crucial playmaker Yaya Toure who had expressed his upset at a perceived lack of respect shown by the clubs owners. For now he seems to staying put which means City remain a real threat.
6. New Kids On The Block
Three teams have been promoted to the Premier league, Burnley, QPR and Leicester City. All of whom will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Crystal Palace by avoiding a straight drop back to the Championship. Burnley have been absent from Premier league football for four years, do they have what it takes to stay up? Harry Rednapp has lead QPR straight back to top flight football, , but will he keep them there? Leicester City make a comeback after 10 years, they are yet to make a big name signing, can they stay up without one?
7.Now you see it…now you don’t. Vanishing spray! It was all the rage in Brazil and now the Premier League has ordered 2, 000 cans of it.
What are you most looking forward to seeing this season, let us know in the comments?