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It is hardly possible, but the new season of the English Premier League (EPL) promises even more passion and intrigue than the previous one, whose champion was determined in the final moments of a decisive round. Last season's Manchester City and Manchester United race would hardly have been imagined even by the best Hollywood screenwriter, but this year there should be even more unexpected twists of action.
As the clock ticks in the final seconds before the long-awaited start of the Premier League, it's time for predictions for the upcoming season.
Champions: "Manchester City"
Indeed, the actions of "Manchester City" in the transfer market have been passive so far (Jack Rodwell is not the super talent that will determine the fate of the title), and players like Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa have moved to the other side of Manchester. However, the essence remains unchanged - the "blues" have the most talented and best-balanced squad in the entire league. Certain questions arise about the central defense line (there is no one to adequately replace Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott) and the attacking midfielders (if David Silva or Samir Nasri were to suffer injuries or lose form), but any EPL coach would gladly take over these "problems" from Roberto Mancini. According to an old theory, winning a title is easier than defending it, but that's just a theory.
Places in the Champions League: "Manchester United", "Chelsea", "Arsenal"
The acquisition of R. van Persie says it all about Alex Ferguson. The 70-year-old strategist of "Manchester United" understands perfectly that he doesn't have much time left - either now or never. The "Red Devils" now have a beastly attacking potential, but they have not solved their most important problem - they did not acquire a world-class central midfielder. However charming Paul Scholes might be, he is already 37...
For the "Chelsea" team, last EPL season was nightmarish, but everything was saved by Roman Abramovich's favorite Champions League and FA Cup. The direction of summer work was completely clear - get rid of veterans and replace them with young talents. Eden Hazard, Oscar, and Marko Marin are ready to give a serious headache to all opponents, but the team will need time to smooth out their gameplay. This means - expect a surge from Chelsea towards the end of the season.
The "Arsenal" club is used to being the feeder of other, richer clubs, but R. van Persie's move to arch-rivals "Manchester United" was very painful. And despite that, Arsene Wenger has more reason for optimism than last summer. "Arsenal" finally bought players who have enough experience to be able to buy alcohol independently. Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski, and Olivier Giroud have already proven themselves in strong European leagues, and there is no reason why they couldn't shine just as brightly in rainy Albion.
By the way, "Hotspur" dropped out of the Champions League contenders because they have only one fierce striker in Jermain Defoe and no one to replace Luka Modric. On the other hand, the transfer window closes only on August 31, so the situation may change.
Player of the Season: Yaya Toure ("Manchester City")
No other EPL team has a player like him in the midfield. 29-year-old Y. Toure is not a technical virtuoso, but his physical strength, speed, endurance, and enormous work rate have no equals in England. How important he is to the "Manchester City" mechanism was shown last season. When Y. Toure left for the African Cup of Nations, the "Citizens" fell into a deep pit and barely managed to surpass their neighbors by the end of the championship. Y. Toure was perhaps the most important architect of this surge.
Best Striker: Sergio Aguero ("Manchester City")
Is the first season in the Premier League difficult for everyone? This statement would only amuse S. Aguero. Diego Maradona's son-in-law already scored 23 goals last year, and this year he will aim for even more serious victories. While Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli, and Edin Dzeko exchange places, S. Aguero's position in the City attack remains unchanged.
Exciting Newcomer: Eden Hazard ("Chelsea")
The most expensive (£32 million) purchase of English clubs this summer also creates the biggest hype. The 21-year-old Belgian will have a tough time, as all competitors will be after him. However, E. Hazard is used to that (in the French championship, he was a prominent leader in terms of provoked fouls), and his talent is beyond doubt. 20 goals and 18 assists per season in France say it all.
Player under the magnifying glass: R. van Persie ("Manchester United")
He became the most important summer transfer, but also left a whole lot of question marks. The most important one is - how will the R. van Persie duo with Wayne Rooney work? The second important question is - will the injury-prone Dutchman be able to play a second season "from whistle to whistle"? R. van Persie came to Manchester for titles. If they don't happen, the Dutchman who was bitten by a snake could become the main scapegoat.
Coach under the magnifying glass: Brendan Rodgers ("Liverpool")
The new "Liverpool" savior B. Rodgers is not placed on the brink of the abyss. The young coach has received a credit of trust, but it is not unlimited - the "Reds" must demonstrate some progress after a dismal last season. Spanish football lover B. Rodgers has his vision of the future, but currently he does not have enough suitable players to implement it.
Scandal Maker of the Season: John Terry ("Chelsea")
Candidates for this nomination - in bundles. The incomparable M. Balotelli, the eternal mood swing sufferer C. Tevez, Luis Suarez who likes to bite opponents' ears (in all senses). However, J. Terry has already become synonymous with scandals, and as his playing quality deteriorates, every step of the "Chelsea" captain will arouse even greater interest.
Fantasy Player: S. Cazorla ("Arsenal")
This year (as last year), you can compete with me in the official "Fantasy" game. Team selection this year has become a Sisyphean task, but among the new faces, the first to catch the eye is S. Cazorla. The success of D. Silva and Juan Mata in England shows that the new "Arsenal" player should quickly get used to English football as well. Other noteworthy players - Michu ("Swansea"), Jimmy Kebe ("Reading"), Carlton Cole ("West Ham United"), Fabio Borini ("Liverpool"). A good season to all players and fans.
