Yeah, yeah, yeah, I told you over the next three days I was going to provide you with the conclusion of our EPL previews. But I have to be honest, I can't remember much after Thursday night. Some Czech model slipped something into my drink, took me back to her place and pretty much kept me occupied for three days. And if you don't believe that, then I was busy watching four soccer matches on Saturday and lounging at the pool on Sunday. But that's all semantics. So without any further delay, here is the continuation of our EPL Season Preview:
7. Newcastle
Main additions: F Alan Smith (Manchester United), MF Joey Barton (Manchester City), D David Rozenhal (Paris St. Germain), MF Geremi (Chelsea), D Cacapa (Lyon), F Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough), D Jose Enrique (Villareal)
Main subtractions: D Titus Bramble (Wigan) MF Scott Parker (West Ham)
Breakout star: David Edgar - The 20-year old Canadian defender saw some spot action late last year and even scored a goal for the Magpies. At 6-foot-4, he was the protypical size for a defender and he's shown he can handle his own in reserve matches. Now, it's his chance to prove he belongs in the first team.
American connection: Manager Sam Allardyce played the 1983 season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL. The former Bolton Wanderers manager was a star defender for Bolton in the 1970s and brought the club to the Premiership and UEFA Cup football before leaving for St. James Park.
Outlook: Newcastle's roster has always been an impressive one and with the likes of Alan Smith, Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen up top, one can expect the goals to fly in for Newcastle. With Freddy Shepard and Glenn Roeder gone, expect teh new regime to provide just what Jordy fans have been pining for - wins.
8. Manchester City
Main additions: F Rolando Bianchi (Reggina), F Valeri Bojinov (Fiorentina), MF Elano (Shakhtar Donetsk), MF Gelson Fernandes (FC Sion), D Javi Garrido (Real Sociedad), MF Martin Petrov (Atletico Madrid), D Vedran Corluka (Dinamo Zagreb)
Main subtractions: MF Joey Barton (Newcastle), D Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth)
Breakout star: Michael Johnson - The 19-year old central midfielder is a ready-made replacement for Joey Barton and impressed during the end of last season. Liverpool tried to pry him loose with an $8 million bid, which is extremely telling, seeing as Liverpool seems to only buy players who speak Spanish.
American connection: U.S. national team winger DaMarcus Beasley spent the second half of the year on loan and performed well enough (three goals) to catch the eye of Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers. Former U.S. national team captain Claudio Reyna patrolled the center of the pitch for Citeh before arriving in New York with the MLS.
Outlook: Sven has landed! Linked with every high profile managerial opening Sven-Goran Eriksson finally saw a job worthy of returning to the touchline. But Manchester City? While it was a surprise move, he's got a great stadium, a rabid fan base and seemingly unlimited funds from former Thailand prime minister Thaskin Shinawarta. Last year's top scorer Joey Barton (six goals) was shipped off to Newcastle. That's right, the Sky Blues top scorer from a year ago was a midfielder with six goals. No wonder, Sven went out and bought nearly a whole new starting XI.
9. Blackburn
Main additions: F Roque Santa Cruz (Bayern Munich), Maceo Rigters (NAC Breda)
Main subtractions: D Michael Gray (Wolverhampton), D Andy Todd (Derby County)
Breakout star: Maceo Rigters - It will be hard for the young Dutch starlet to earn playing time behind Roque Santa Cruz, Benny McCarthy and Matt Derbyshire, but Ritgers will feature heavily in the team's Carling and FA Cup action and will quickly establish himself as a viable option, which in turn might lead McCarthy to being expendable in the January transfer window.
American connection: Arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and has been for the past six seasons, Brad Friedel is a god at Ewood Park. Last year, Friedel made an astounding 241 saves for Rovers and has been omnipresent between the pipes for Mark Hughes' side.
Outlook: Blackburn just missed out on European football last year, but they'll be in the mix once again especially with the addition of Roque Santa Cruz, who already proved his worth with a goal in Blackburn's first game of the year. Mark Hughes is one of the brighter managers in England and has a healthy squad to chose from. If Rovers fall down the table, Benny McCarthy and Morten Gamst Pedersen might be sold, with Pedersen interesting the top clubs in Europe.
10. Portsmouth
Main additions: D Sylvain Distin (Manchester City), D Herman Hreidarsson (Charlton), MF Sulley Muntari (Udinese), F David Nugent (Preston North End), F John Utaka (Rennes)
Main subtractions: F Andy Cole (released), F Lomana Tresor LuaLua (Olympiakos)
Breakout star: Niko Kranjcar - Thought of as one Europe's top young talents prior to the World Cup, Kranjcar has struggled to cement a starting XI spot at Fratton Park, but expect the Croatian midfielder to work his way into the lineup and become a fixture by the end of the season. He oozes of class and can strike the ball with the best of them from beyond the box.
American connection: Manager Harry Redknapp played for the Seattle Sounders from 1976-1979 playing in 24 games for the NASL team.
Outlook: Harry Redknapp has a squad the size of some of the top clubs in England and he's done marvelously well in the transfer market the past two summers. He had to fight off a host of teams, including Everton and Sunderland, for David Nugent's signature and the English U-21 forward will be looking to impress in his long-awaited Premiership curtain raising. The capture of Sylvain Distin from Manchester City even more importnat. The French defender is as steady as they come and will pair with Sol Campbell to make the defense in front of David James one of the most formidable in the top flight.
11. Bolton
Main additions: MF Daniel Braaten (Rosenborg), MF Christian Wilhelmson (Nantes), F Heidar Helguson (Fulham), MF Gavin McCann (Aston Villa), D Jlloyd Samuel (Aston Villa), D Gerald Cid (Bordeaux), M Danny Guthrie (Livepool), D Andy O'Brien (Portsmouth)
Main subtractions: D Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea), MF Henrik Pederson (released), MF Quinton Fortune (released)
Breakout star: Christian Wilhelmson - Have I mentioned I have a man crush on the Swedish national team? This further cements that, but the pacy Wilhelmson will electrify Wanderers' fans. He can't seem to stay at one club for too long (Nantes loaned him out to Roma last year), but he's impressed at each spot. Wilhelmson came to prominence for his work in Euro 2004 and continued to draw notice at last year's World Cup.
American connection: If you thought Wilhelmson was fast, well American youngster Johann Smith makes the Swede winger look like a four-cylinder 2000 Jetta with 100,000 miles on it (i.e. my whip). Smith was slated for plenty of action in the U-20 World Cup to be paired alongside Jozy Altidore, but he suffered an injury in training. The 20-year old spent last season on loan at Colchester United and might again be loaned out with the mergence of Portugese youngster Ricardo Vaz Te, but Smith is a name for the future for American soccer fans.
Outlook: With Big Sam gone, now it's time for Little Sam to show what he's got. Sammy Lee (a watered-down version of Gary Busey) has the task of keeping Bolton in the top half of the table and competing for European football, something his predecessor Sam Allardyce was remarkably able to do. Bolton has much of the same roster it did with Allardyce, but Big Sam was a presence that got the most out of players (i.e. Nicolas Anelka, El Hadji Diouf). It remains to be seen if Little Sam can do the same.
12. West Ham
Main additions: F Craig Bellamy (Liverpool), MF Scott Parker (Newcastle), MF Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal), MF Julien Faubert (Bordeaux)
Main subtractions: F Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa), MF Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa), F Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), MF Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool), D Paul Konchesky (Fulham)
Breakout star: Mark Noble - After spending half of the year on loan at Ipswich Town, Noble returned to West Ham and started 10 games, scoring twice. The 20-year old showed the type of endeavor in the midfield the Hammers are going to need with the loss of Nigel Reo-Coker and influential midfielder Yossi Benayoun.
American connection: Yankee fullback Jonathan Spector started 17 games for the Hammers last year and earned rave reviews for his performance against his former club, Manchester United, namely Cristiano Ronaldo.
Outlook: Alan Curbishley took over a sinking ship last year and with the help of Carlos Tevez was able to keep the Hammers up. Now, Tevez is with Manchester United after a summerlong soap opera that was far more entertaining than Mark Schlereth's appearances on Guiding Light. West Ham has talent, but can never seem to put it all together. The loss of Reo-Coker and Benayoun in midfield will hurt, but Freddie Ljunjberg's vast experience should help offset the departures.
13. Aston Villa
Main additions: MF Marlon Harewood (West Ham), MF Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham), GK Scott Carson (Liverpool, loan)
Main subtractions: F Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bull), MF Steven Davis (Fulham), D Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham), MF Gavin McCann (Bolton), D Jlloyd Samuel (Bolton), D Aaron Hughes (Fulham)
Breakout star: Ashley Young - The dimunitive winger has loads of pace and tricks and will provide a solid 1-2 punch with Gabriel Agbonlahor patrolling the other wing. Aston Villa paid Watford a pretty penny to pry the 22-year old loose, but Young is the type of player that gives defenders fits.
American connection: Cleveland Browns owner Al Lerner signs the checks.
Outlook: Villa fans always seem to think their team is worthy of European contention, but the reality is this is a mediocre team and will be until proper funds are pumped into the squad. Martin O'Neill purged his roster of a number of David O'Leary holdovers including talented young players like Steven Davis and Liam Ridgewell. Marlon Harewood is a limited striker, but manages to score. Keep an eye on Luke Moore, who might keep Harewood on the bench. Getting Scott Carson on loan from Liverpool was a coup especially with Thomas Sorensen's hot and cold play.
Original Story:
http://sportsyenta.blogspot.com/2007/08/....
7. Newcastle
Main additions: F Alan Smith (Manchester United), MF Joey Barton (Manchester City), D David Rozenhal (Paris St. Germain), MF Geremi (Chelsea), D Cacapa (Lyon), F Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough), D Jose Enrique (Villareal)
Main subtractions: D Titus Bramble (Wigan) MF Scott Parker (West Ham)
Breakout star: David Edgar - The 20-year old Canadian defender saw some spot action late last year and even scored a goal for the Magpies. At 6-foot-4, he was the protypical size for a defender and he's shown he can handle his own in reserve matches. Now, it's his chance to prove he belongs in the first team.
American connection: Manager Sam Allardyce played the 1983 season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL. The former Bolton Wanderers manager was a star defender for Bolton in the 1970s and brought the club to the Premiership and UEFA Cup football before leaving for St. James Park.
Outlook: Newcastle's roster has always been an impressive one and with the likes of Alan Smith, Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen up top, one can expect the goals to fly in for Newcastle. With Freddy Shepard and Glenn Roeder gone, expect teh new regime to provide just what Jordy fans have been pining for - wins.
8. Manchester City
Main additions: F Rolando Bianchi (Reggina), F Valeri Bojinov (Fiorentina), MF Elano (Shakhtar Donetsk), MF Gelson Fernandes (FC Sion), D Javi Garrido (Real Sociedad), MF Martin Petrov (Atletico Madrid), D Vedran Corluka (Dinamo Zagreb)
Main subtractions: MF Joey Barton (Newcastle), D Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth)
Breakout star: Michael Johnson - The 19-year old central midfielder is a ready-made replacement for Joey Barton and impressed during the end of last season. Liverpool tried to pry him loose with an $8 million bid, which is extremely telling, seeing as Liverpool seems to only buy players who speak Spanish.
American connection: U.S. national team winger DaMarcus Beasley spent the second half of the year on loan and performed well enough (three goals) to catch the eye of Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers. Former U.S. national team captain Claudio Reyna patrolled the center of the pitch for Citeh before arriving in New York with the MLS.
Outlook: Sven has landed! Linked with every high profile managerial opening Sven-Goran Eriksson finally saw a job worthy of returning to the touchline. But Manchester City? While it was a surprise move, he's got a great stadium, a rabid fan base and seemingly unlimited funds from former Thailand prime minister Thaskin Shinawarta. Last year's top scorer Joey Barton (six goals) was shipped off to Newcastle. That's right, the Sky Blues top scorer from a year ago was a midfielder with six goals. No wonder, Sven went out and bought nearly a whole new starting XI.
9. Blackburn
Main additions: F Roque Santa Cruz (Bayern Munich), Maceo Rigters (NAC Breda)
Main subtractions: D Michael Gray (Wolverhampton), D Andy Todd (Derby County)
Breakout star: Maceo Rigters - It will be hard for the young Dutch starlet to earn playing time behind Roque Santa Cruz, Benny McCarthy and Matt Derbyshire, but Ritgers will feature heavily in the team's Carling and FA Cup action and will quickly establish himself as a viable option, which in turn might lead McCarthy to being expendable in the January transfer window.
American connection: Arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and has been for the past six seasons, Brad Friedel is a god at Ewood Park. Last year, Friedel made an astounding 241 saves for Rovers and has been omnipresent between the pipes for Mark Hughes' side.
Outlook: Blackburn just missed out on European football last year, but they'll be in the mix once again especially with the addition of Roque Santa Cruz, who already proved his worth with a goal in Blackburn's first game of the year. Mark Hughes is one of the brighter managers in England and has a healthy squad to chose from. If Rovers fall down the table, Benny McCarthy and Morten Gamst Pedersen might be sold, with Pedersen interesting the top clubs in Europe.
10. Portsmouth
Main additions: D Sylvain Distin (Manchester City), D Herman Hreidarsson (Charlton), MF Sulley Muntari (Udinese), F David Nugent (Preston North End), F John Utaka (Rennes)
Main subtractions: F Andy Cole (released), F Lomana Tresor LuaLua (Olympiakos)
Breakout star: Niko Kranjcar - Thought of as one Europe's top young talents prior to the World Cup, Kranjcar has struggled to cement a starting XI spot at Fratton Park, but expect the Croatian midfielder to work his way into the lineup and become a fixture by the end of the season. He oozes of class and can strike the ball with the best of them from beyond the box.
American connection: Manager Harry Redknapp played for the Seattle Sounders from 1976-1979 playing in 24 games for the NASL team.
Outlook: Harry Redknapp has a squad the size of some of the top clubs in England and he's done marvelously well in the transfer market the past two summers. He had to fight off a host of teams, including Everton and Sunderland, for David Nugent's signature and the English U-21 forward will be looking to impress in his long-awaited Premiership curtain raising. The capture of Sylvain Distin from Manchester City even more importnat. The French defender is as steady as they come and will pair with Sol Campbell to make the defense in front of David James one of the most formidable in the top flight.
11. Bolton
Main additions: MF Daniel Braaten (Rosenborg), MF Christian Wilhelmson (Nantes), F Heidar Helguson (Fulham), MF Gavin McCann (Aston Villa), D Jlloyd Samuel (Aston Villa), D Gerald Cid (Bordeaux), M Danny Guthrie (Livepool), D Andy O'Brien (Portsmouth)
Main subtractions: D Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea), MF Henrik Pederson (released), MF Quinton Fortune (released)
Breakout star: Christian Wilhelmson - Have I mentioned I have a man crush on the Swedish national team? This further cements that, but the pacy Wilhelmson will electrify Wanderers' fans. He can't seem to stay at one club for too long (Nantes loaned him out to Roma last year), but he's impressed at each spot. Wilhelmson came to prominence for his work in Euro 2004 and continued to draw notice at last year's World Cup.
American connection: If you thought Wilhelmson was fast, well American youngster Johann Smith makes the Swede winger look like a four-cylinder 2000 Jetta with 100,000 miles on it (i.e. my whip). Smith was slated for plenty of action in the U-20 World Cup to be paired alongside Jozy Altidore, but he suffered an injury in training. The 20-year old spent last season on loan at Colchester United and might again be loaned out with the mergence of Portugese youngster Ricardo Vaz Te, but Smith is a name for the future for American soccer fans.
Outlook: With Big Sam gone, now it's time for Little Sam to show what he's got. Sammy Lee (a watered-down version of Gary Busey) has the task of keeping Bolton in the top half of the table and competing for European football, something his predecessor Sam Allardyce was remarkably able to do. Bolton has much of the same roster it did with Allardyce, but Big Sam was a presence that got the most out of players (i.e. Nicolas Anelka, El Hadji Diouf). It remains to be seen if Little Sam can do the same.
12. West Ham
Main additions: F Craig Bellamy (Liverpool), MF Scott Parker (Newcastle), MF Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal), MF Julien Faubert (Bordeaux)
Main subtractions: F Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa), MF Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa), F Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), MF Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool), D Paul Konchesky (Fulham)
Breakout star: Mark Noble - After spending half of the year on loan at Ipswich Town, Noble returned to West Ham and started 10 games, scoring twice. The 20-year old showed the type of endeavor in the midfield the Hammers are going to need with the loss of Nigel Reo-Coker and influential midfielder Yossi Benayoun.
American connection: Yankee fullback Jonathan Spector started 17 games for the Hammers last year and earned rave reviews for his performance against his former club, Manchester United, namely Cristiano Ronaldo.
Outlook: Alan Curbishley took over a sinking ship last year and with the help of Carlos Tevez was able to keep the Hammers up. Now, Tevez is with Manchester United after a summerlong soap opera that was far more entertaining than Mark Schlereth's appearances on Guiding Light. West Ham has talent, but can never seem to put it all together. The loss of Reo-Coker and Benayoun in midfield will hurt, but Freddie Ljunjberg's vast experience should help offset the departures.
13. Aston Villa
Main additions: MF Marlon Harewood (West Ham), MF Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham), GK Scott Carson (Liverpool, loan)
Main subtractions: F Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bull), MF Steven Davis (Fulham), D Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham), MF Gavin McCann (Bolton), D Jlloyd Samuel (Bolton), D Aaron Hughes (Fulham)
Breakout star: Ashley Young - The dimunitive winger has loads of pace and tricks and will provide a solid 1-2 punch with Gabriel Agbonlahor patrolling the other wing. Aston Villa paid Watford a pretty penny to pry the 22-year old loose, but Young is the type of player that gives defenders fits.
American connection: Cleveland Browns owner Al Lerner signs the checks.
Outlook: Villa fans always seem to think their team is worthy of European contention, but the reality is this is a mediocre team and will be until proper funds are pumped into the squad. Martin O'Neill purged his roster of a number of David O'Leary holdovers including talented young players like Steven Davis and Liam Ridgewell. Marlon Harewood is a limited striker, but manages to score. Keep an eye on Luke Moore, who might keep Harewood on the bench. Getting Scott Carson on loan from Liverpool was a coup especially with Thomas Sorensen's hot and cold play.
Original Story:
http://sportsyenta.blogspot.com/2007/08/....
