By Matt Mariconi
The EPL table currently has alphabetical leaders and losers. Arsenal sit at the top with Wolves at the bottom. Who would get the worst deal if things finished in this manner? Spurs and both Manchesters would surely be at a loss for words. While Aston Villa and the young Nathan Delfouneso would be quite pleased in second. Fortunately it’s not so simple, 38 weeks of football are ahead.
From my perspective Chelsea have the best opportunity to win the league. With Roman’s recession proof wallet the club’s depth and stars will remain. Keeping Drogba away from serious injury will be priority number one. As with any top team, staying healthy is the biggest concern. We all saw Arsenals breakdown last season. Could Cesc be missing more permanent time? Sounds as though Wenger has put his foot down with the Barcelona talks. So many questions are still yet to be answered and the excitement is building. Getting to see who’s worked the hardest in the off season will be enjoyed by many.
Here’s some matches I’m most looking forward to in week one.
Our first taste will be a rematch from late last season. Manchester City will be seeking revenge against the Champions League ready Tottenham Hotspurs. How will the “Real Madrid” of the EPL fare at White Hart Lane? Its hard to say, with all of the new pieces being added to their squad it could be a mess. David Silva is a very strong addition coming off of his best season in Spanish Primera.
I still don’t see the combination of Tevez and Adebayor working though. It’s like a Messi and Ibrahimovic gone wrong? Really though it’s astonishing the amount of talent they’ve brought in. Sheikh Mansour seems to be living in a fantasy world with this club. Where was he when David Villa was for sale. Spurs should be able to catch City off guard and unorganized in this one. Their home record is impressive, losing only one in their last twelve league games as well.
The next match you should definitely watch is between Sunderland and Birmingham City. Two top attackers will square off in Darren Bent and Cameron Jerome. Birmingham may have the upper hand with newly added Nikola Zigic. I’m looking forward to seeing the tall striker’s transition to the Premier League. Sunderland have their own “secret weapon” in Cristian Riveros of Paraguay. Oh and don’t forget their biggest rivals Newcastle are back in the top flight. I sense some drama on the horizon.
Other notable matches include Liverpool against Arsenal and Chelsea against West Brom. Hopefully Arsenal will be rejuvenated after their time off. One issue may be with Bendtner’s health. However Wenger isn’t concerned. Rightfully so with all of his attacking options. Last season we saw a constant rotation of goal scorers. Staying fit would be a dream come true for the French coach.
Andrei Arhsavin's back in the mix too after healing his calf injury. Hopefully Torres is healed in time for this match after grabbing another injury in the World Cup final. Chelsea meanwhile will look to continue their bounty of goals from the start. What better way then at Stamford Bridge against a young squad. Be sure to stay tuned for more news and analysis.
CHECK OUT MATT AND HIS EPL NEWS HERE. YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW HIM VIA TWITTER.
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