Can anyone bring the Premier League title back down the M1?

 
17 August 2012

Standard Sport writers give their views on whether London’s clubs have any hope of wrestling the Premier League trophy away from the champions or their neighbours, and who is likely to be in trouble at the other end of the table.

James Olley

Title winners: Manchester Utd

Tough one to call between the Manchester clubs but United’s injury problems were worse than City’s last season and Robin van Persie’s arrival is the boost they needed. Likely to be very tight again but while the title is hard to win first time, it is harder to defend, so United to edge it.

Top 4: Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal

Bottom 3: Southampton, Reading, West Brom

Most exciting summer signing: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

An Arsenal-style player given his technical ability and comfort in possession, Cazorla can be a significant asset to the Premier League if he adapts to English football. Aged 27 and tactically versatile, he appears ready to do so. Swansea’s £2million capture of midfielder Michu is also impressive.

Young player to watch: Junior Hoilett (QPR)

Notched seven goals and six assists in a poor Blackburn team who were relegated last season. Pace in abundance and willing to commit defenders, the 22-year-old has good potential but needs to find consistency.

Simon Johnson

Title winners: Manchester City

They may not have spent lavishly this summer but they still have the best squad in the country. The spine of Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and the wealth of talent up front is second to none and the players also have the confidence of winning the title last season.

Top 4: Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal

Bottom 3: Reading, Norwich, Wigan

Most exciting summer signing: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

The Belgium international has been signed to inspire a new era of entertaining football at Chelsea and certainly has the self-belief that he can achieve just that. However, football fans across the country will be watching to see if he can justify the hype.

Young player to watch: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)

Last season he provided a mere glimpse of what he could do and will surely have an even bigger role to play at Arsenal this term. If he continues to develop, England and his club will benefit.

Tom Collomosse

Title winners: Manchester City

Their victory last year will give them greater confidence and they have a strong squad who understand each other better and a coach whose knowledge of the League is growing constantly.

Top 4: Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea

Bottom 3: Stoke, Wigan, Reading

Most exciting summer signing: Lukas Podolski (Arsenal)

His pacy, direct style and work rate always seemed ideal for the Premier League. At 27, he is mature enough to make an impact abroad and he should perform strongly.

Young player to watch: Steven Caulker (Tottenham)

An outstanding first full season in the Premier League at Swansea earned him a return to Spurs and call-ups for Team GB and England. Must be given proper chances this term.

Ken Dyer

Title winners: Manchester United

I can’t see the title leaving Manchester this season. You would have thought that City would only get stronger after pipping United so dramatically but instead the Etihad has so far been fairly quiet, if not serene. United for me.

Top 4: Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal

Bottom 3: Wigan, Swansea, Reading

Most exciting summer signing: Robin van Persie (Man Utd)

I was going to go for Eden Hazard because, at £32m, he has to be special, doesn’t he? Instead, following yesterday’s £24m move from Arsenal to Manchester United, it has to be the mercurial Van Persie. He and Wayne Rooney up front for Sir Alex’s team sounds like a lethal combination.

Young player to watch: Jack Rodwell (Man City)

I’m going for young English talent — and England coach Roy Hodgson certainly needs some of that! Rodwell has looked a youngster of vast potential at Everton and now, at 21, he’s moved to City. He should blossom into a top player — provided he’s picked regularly.

David Smith

Title winners: Manchester City

Easy start will see Mancini’s men build a lead that will have Fergie and United, even with RVP, huffing and puffing in vain pursuit. It won’t come down to the last kick this time.

Top 4: Man Utd, Chelsea, Tottenham

Bottom 3: Swansea, Norwich, Wigan

Most exciting summer signing: Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior (Chelsea)

Long name, high expectations, huge talent. The exciting Brazilian will wear Didier Drogba’s vacated No11 shirt and bring samba football to Stamford Bridge.

Young player to watch: Kerim Frei (Fulham, above)

Born in Austria, raised in Switzerland, called up by Turkey, but there is no confusion at Fulham, who know the 18-year-old winger is their star in the making.

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