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"Tomorrow the 2nd round of matches starts with the highly anticipated new season of the English Premier League, titled the strongest national championship, so the [link="http://www.eurofootball.com"]"EuroFootball.com"[/link] segment "Fan's Thoughts" and forum user Samir invite to review the changes that have taken place over the summer, predict future victories, and teams perspectives. ARSENAL Coach: Arsene Wenger. After six "empty" seasons in a row, the trust in the Frenchman inevitably started to wane. The "Professor," faithful to his principles, will have to silence critics not with beautiful play, but with trophies. Arrived: Gervinho (Lille), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Southampton), Carl Jenkinson (Charlton Athletic), Carlos Vela (West Bromwich Albion), Armand Traore (Juventus). Departures: Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Denilson (Sao Paolo). Summer 2011: This year's repertoire featured the classic soap opera "Will Cesc return to Barca?" supplemented by a new creation of the same nature titled "The Nasri dilemma." Real work was scarce - the main left-back Gael Clichy was sold, the less hopeful Denilson was loaned out, and the attack was strengthened by Gervinho, who shined in Ligue 1 last year. Leader: Robin van Persie. An impressively fast striker that could be one of the best snipers in Premier League history if not for one "but" - injuries. In the last six seasons, the Dutchman has only crossed the 25-match mark in the league once. Worth noting: Kieran Gibbs. After Gael Clichy left the team, this 21-year-old player will have to take his place starting on the left side of the defense. Outlook: Cloudy. If they can keep Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri until the end of the transfer window, they can dream of fighting for the top spots. Otherwise, it won't be easy to even defend a place in the top four. ASTON VILLA Coach: Alex McLeish. Transferred from eternal rivals Birmingham City, the experienced Scotsman caused considerable dissatisfaction in the second English city. However, if this former defender is able to bring together the previously very uncertain defense of Villa, the fans of this club will quickly forget his connections with the blue team. Arrived: Charles N'Zogbia (Wigan Athletic), Shay Given (Manchester City), Stephen Ireland (Newcastle United). Departures: Ashley Young (Manchester United), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Brad Friedel, Kyle Walker (both - Tottenham Hotspur), Nigel Reo-Coker (Bolton Wanderers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Robert Pires (released). Summer 2011: Describing the changes at Villa Park this summer as a "revolution" would be a bit too grandiose, but the team starts the new season significantly renewed. Not only the coach has changed, but also the team leaders. Ashley Young and Stewart Downing moved to larger and stronger competitors, the main goalkeeper Brad Friedel went to the capital when his contract ended, and they failed to retain last season's shining star defender Kyle Walker. They were replaced by Shay Given, who lost his starting spot in the Manchester City lineup, and the left-back Charles N'Zogbia, who not only shines with talent but also with caprices. Leader: Darren Bent. With only single-digit goals in league matches over the last nine seasons, he has had to settle for just one. Worth noting: Marc Albrighton. Leaving the team for Ashley Young and Stewart Downing will force younger players to take on more responsibility. Albrighton has already shown he can play successfully in the past season. Now he will need to demonstrate stability. Outlook: A place in the top ten shouldn't be a big problem, but getting into the UEFA Europa League is unlikely. BLACKBURN ROVERS Coach: Steve Kean. At the right time in the right place, the Scot took over the reins of a Premier League team, but it wouldn't be too surprising if he became the first league manager to see the exit doors this season. Arrived: El Hadji Diouf (Rangers), David Goodwillie (Dundee United). Departures: Phil Jones, Mame Biram Diouf (both - Manchester United), Benjani Mwaruwari (released). Summer 2011: Silence and calm. The most important offseason event was the filming of the team's players in a Venky's chicken ad. Leader: Christopher Samba. The physically powerful central defender has attracted the attention of much stronger clubs, but for now, he remains a member of Blackburn. Worth noting: David Goodwillie. Last season this forward was recognized as the best young player in the Scottish Premier League. Outlook: Fight for survival. However, most likely with a successful outcome. BOLTON WANDERERS Coach: Owen Coyle. Taking over Bolton in January 2010, the Scottish coach began to restructure the team according to his vision, in which the team should play technical, pass-based football rather than rely on long-pass tactics introduced by Sam Allardyce. Arrived: Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa), Chris Eagles, Tyrone Mears (both - Burnley), Darren Pratley (Swansea City). Departures: Johan Elmander (Galatasaray), Matthew Taylor, Joey O'Brien (both - West Ham United), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Rodrigo Moreno (Benfica), Jlloyd Samuel, Tamir Cohen (both released), Gavin McCann (retired) Summer 2011: Summer changes dealt a painful blow to Bolton's attacking potential - among the top three most productive players of last season, only Kevin Davies will represent the "Trotters" this season. It was not possible to retain the main left-back Gael Clichy, and the unconvincing Denilson was sent on loan. The attacking front was bolstered by Gervinho, who shone in Ligue 1 last season. Leader: Gary Cahill. The successful central defender in recent years has attracted the attention of stronger clubs and received an invitation to the England national team. Worth noting: Fabrice Muamba. Along with Nigel Reo-Coker in the midfield, he can form a solid defensive midfield duo that will be a serious headache for many opponents. Outlook: It is difficult to find reasons for great optimism, but Bolton fans should not worry too much - the team's lineup seems good enough to stay in the elite division without major problems. CHELSEA Coach: Andre Villas-Boas. A former scout for Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese quickly burst onto the European football elite. To bring the 33-year-old specialist back to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea paid the Porto club a record 13 million pounds, and considering last season's "Dragon" achievements, it's not hard to understand why. Arrived: Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht), Daniel Sturridge (Bolton Wanderers), Oriol Romeu (Barcelona), Gael Kakuta (Fulham). Departures: Yuri Zhirkov (Anji Makhachkala). Summer 2011: Chelsea sought to buy stars like Luka Modric and Javier Pastore, but in the end, they had to settle for younger players - the rising Belgian football star Romelu Lukaku joined the team, Daniel Sturridge returned from Bolton, and Oriol Romeu, who played for Barcelona's reserve team last year, also joined. Leader: Frank Lampard. He is not much younger than the team's head coach but remains a central figure on the field. Worth noting: Josh McEachran. Playing for England U21, the eighteen-year-old midfielder is considered the most talented graduate of the Chelsea academy since John Terry's time. Outlook: In the last eight seasons, Chelsea has not fallen below the third position, so it is unlikely that anything will change this year. Nevertheless, they may need a few more points to claim the championship title. EVERTON Coach: David Moyes. Starting his tenth season at Everton, the Scottish coach is one of the best "transfers" specialists in the league, constantly finding players who perfectly complement the team. Arrived: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Leicester City), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce). Departures: None. Summer 2011: Nothing new. The club facing chronic financial difficulties did not want to sell necessary players, couldn't get rid of unnecessary ones, and had no funds to purchase anyone. Leader: Leighton Baines. The left-back's raids into the opponents' half and precise passes from the flank are one of the key elements of Everton's play. Worth noting: Ross Barkley. A gem from the Everton academy recovered from a very severe injury last season and performed very successfully in preseason matches. The eighteen-year-old midfielder won't be a key player this season, of course, but it will certainly be interesting to see how he adapts to men's football. Outlook: Stable lineup - stable results? In recent years, Everton has consistently occupied places in the top ten or just outside it, and it is very likely that they will do the same this season. FULHAM Coach: Martin Jol. The Dutchman returns to England after four productive years on the continent, during which his teams, Hamburger and Ajax, performed well in both domestic competitions and European arenas. Arrived: John Arne Riise (Roma), Pajtim Kasami (Palermo), Marcel Gecov (Liberec Slovan), Csaba Somogyi (Rakospalotai). Departures: Jonathan Greening (Nottingham Forest), John Pantsil (Leicester City), Zoltan Gera (West Bromwich Albion), David Stockdale (Ipswich Town), Gael Kakuta (Chelsea), Eidur Gudjohnsen (AEK), Pascal Zuberbuhler (released). Summer 2011: After playing their first official matches in June, the Fulham players had significantly less rest than their colleagues from other league clubs, and Martin Jol had to balance team-building with preparing for the UEFA Europa League matches. It is safe to say that the London team avoided any major changes and starts the new season with the core of the team that performed excellently in recent years. Leader: Brede Hangeland. The Norwegian rock received the attention of several opponents' attacking waves in recent seasons. Worth noting: Pajtim Kasami. This nineteen-year-old Swiss played well for Palermo last season and is considered the Swiss national team's most promising player. Outlook: It will be difficult to stay in the top ten, but the threat of relegation seems distant. LIVERPOOL Coach: Kenny Dalglish. Returning to Anfield after a 20-year hiatus earlier this year, the coach inherited a team in crisis from his predecessors. The challenge to restore Liverpool to the elite is taken seriously by the Scot, and in just over half a year, the team has changed beyond recognition. This season there are no excuses for a poor performance, as the team is shaped according to his wishes, and after club owners invested heavily to meet those wishes, they will want to see tangible results. Arrived: Stewart Downing (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), Charlie Adam (Blackpool), Alberto Aquilani (Juventus), Emiliano Insua (Galatasaray), Doni (Roma). Departures: Milan Jovanovic (Anderlecht). Summer 2011: The club executives were active in the transfer market, but it didn't seem very successful at first glance. Spending over 50 million pounds to acquire players, Merseyside club failed to sign a high-profile star capable of returning the club to the trophy hunt. Worse yet, the team's composition is poorly balanced, and either some players will have to play in positions they are not used to, or the high-paid players who left will spend their days on the bench. Leader: Luis Suarez. The new South American champion is expected to take over as the team's leader from the older, slower, and more injury-prone Steven Gerrard. Worth noting: Jordan Henderson. This midfielder costs the Liverpool team almost 20 million pounds and will seek to prove that this money was not spent in vain. Outlook: Liverpool is unlikely to qualify for the UEFA Europa League, but finishing in the top four doesn't seem like a realistic goal. MANCHESTER CITY Coach: Roberto Mancini. Although the Italian received a lot of criticism for his overly defensive tactics, he managed to end the club's 35-year title drought. The next task is to show that City can be a serious competitor to the strongest European clubs in the UEFA Champions League. Arrived: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Stefan Savic (Partizan), Emmanuel Adebayor (Real Madrid), Craig Bellamy (Cardiff City), Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland), Wayne Bridge (West Ham United). Departures: Jerome Boateng (Bayern), Shay Given (Aston Villa), Patrick Vieira (retired), Michael Johnson (Leicester City). Summer 2011: City was more modest with money this summer than last year or the year before, but one drama with the theme "I'm unhappy in Manchester" was brought by captain Carlos Tevez, and the bulvar press was not allowed to be bored by tales of emotion from the striker's side. Among the unnoticed events is the acquisition of the Argentine national team star Sergio Aguero for a record 38 million pounds, who, if he quickly adapts to England, can bring a lot of vitality to the often static team's attack. Leader: Yaya Toure. Although playing as an attacking midfielder, this player looks like an elephant in a china shop. Toure compensates for the lack of grace with his style and efficiency. Worth noting: Mario Balotelli. The Italian is one of the most talented players in the entire Premier League, but also possibly the most troublesome. If Roberto Mancini can even slightly suppress the striker's emotions pouring over the edges, he can become one of City's most dangerous weapons. Outlook: One of the two most realistic contenders to dethrone United from the champion's throne. Nevertheless, to achieve the highest goals, they may need to play a more attacking style. MANCHESTER UNITED Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson. There is no need to introduce this man a long time ago. Arrived: David de Gea (Atletico Madrid), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Phil Jones (Blackburn Rovers), Danny Welbeck (Sunderland), Tom Cleverley (Wigan Athletic). Departures: Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes (both retired), John O'Shea, Wes Brown (both - Sunderland), Owen Hargreaves (released), Bebe (Besiktas) Summer 2011: In the champion squad, some changes took place - retired were the main goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and the long-time midfield general Paul Scholes, the injury-plagued Owen Hargreaves was not retained, the uninterested Jordan O'Shea and Wes Brown went to Sunderland. These club "drivers over 30" were replaced by younger players - the Spanish star David de Gea, England U21 player Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley returning from loan deals, and Ashley Young grown out of Villa's jerseys. Leader: Wayne Rooney. The last season was not particularly successful for this footballer, but class is key - the team's attacking front will be constructed around him again. Would be worth noting: David de Gea. No one doubts this goalkeeper's ability to ward off "deadly" shots, but how he handles the psychological pressure and anchors the team's defense will largely determine United's results. Outlook: Although "on paper," United looks somewhat weaker than last season, the team remains a favorite to defend the champion's title. NEWCASTLE UNITED Coach: Alan Pardew. Taking over the team in the middle of last season, the coach led Newcastle to the highest position in the league in three decades. To prove that he is better than his predecessor Chris Hughton, Pardew will need to show that his team can compete with the strongest English clubs. Arrived: Demba Ba (West Ham United), Yohan Cabaye (Lille), Sylvain Marveaux (Stade Rennais), Xisco (Deportivo). Departures: Kevin Nolan (West Ham United), Stephen Ireland (Aston Villa), Sol Campbell, Shefki Kuqi (both released). Summer 2011: Many of the team's fans hoped that the club would use the millions received for the sale of Andy Carroll to reinforce the squad. However, the team added a few solid midfielders that successfully competed in the Championship and two young forwards - Conor Wickham, who shone at Ipswich last year, and Ji Dong-Won discovered in South Korea a couple of years ago. Leader: Cheick Tiote. A hardworking, strong, and reliable defensive midfielder who excellently cements the Magpies' play in the middle of the field. Worth noting: Marc Albrighton. Leaving Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, responsibility will fall on young players. Albrighton has already proven he can play well in the past season. Now he will have to demonstrate stability. Outlook: A place in the first half of the table shouldn't be a big problem, but getting into the UEFA Europa League is unlikely. BLACKPOOL Coach: Ian Holloway. Although the success of the straight-talking coach is sometimes questioned, his ability to motivate his team cannot be underestimated. After leading the team to the Premier League from the Championship, he will try to keep his team in the top flight for another season. Arrived: None. Departures: Charlie Adam (Liverpool), DJ Campbell (Blackburn Rovers). Summer 2011: With the departure of key players, such as Adam, Blackpool will face a difficult season in the Premier League. The team is made up mostly of players with no previous top-flight experience, so adjustments will be needed quickly. Leader: David Vaughan. The central midfielder was one of the team's standout players in the last campaign and will be looked upon to provide stability in the middle of the pitch. Worth noting: Matt Gilks. An underrated goalkeeper who has proven himself at the Championship level, Gilks will have a challenging task in the top flight. Outlook: Blackpool's chances of survival in the Premier League are slim, but with the right motivation and tactics, they could defy the odds and secure another season in the top flight.
