|
Deleted User
|
Oct 22 2013, 06:16 AM
Post #31
|
|
Deleted User
|
- Joe Bobs Fine Foods
- Oct 21 2013, 07:44 PM
- dream_team
- Oct 21 2013, 07:40 PM
- Joe Bobs Fine Foods
- Oct 21 2013, 07:20 PM
- phatosas
- Oct 21 2013, 06:41 PM
- supercollider7
- Oct 21 2013, 03:34 PM
- phatosas
- Oct 21 2013, 01:46 PM
- supercollider7
- Oct 21 2013, 10:03 AM
Well we can't predict winners right now but we can predict who will be in the title race.
At the moment it points to Arsenal, Chelsea, and City as the real contenders. United I'm sure will improve but I wonder if it might be too late for them. They are not too far behind but one or two more bad results and it's over for them. We could end their title challenge at Old Trafford next month.
The January window will be interesting. But I don't see any of the three aforementioned challengers signing anyone significant. Dont' think Dortmund will let Lewandowski go mid-season. Don't think any strikers will move who didn't this summer. Maybe we have a chance of getting Benzema but that also depends on RM signing another big name which I don't see happening.
Chelsea and City could really use a midfielder, though. And they may be able to sign one in January.
But even if we don't sign anyone we will have Walcott, Podolski, and Oxlade-Chamberlain - who scored nearly 40 goals together last season - coming back for the second half of the season. Unlike in 07/08 or 10/11 where we lost players to injuries in the run-in and the team lost steam, we could be looking at a strong second half of the season again.
The key for us will be how well we do in the big games with the injuries that we have. If we can keep within 5 points of the leaders come January I think we have a really good chance. Wenger will just have to be very delicate in using our key players so that Giroud, Ramsey, Ozil aren't physically jaded come March.
Why are Arsenal more contenders than Liverpool and Spurs? Taking off our bias glasses and looking at the league table, those teams have every right to feel just as optimistic about their chances as Arsenal. I am not trying to be negative or anything but I think only Chelsea and City who have competed for the League title in recent years can really lay a claim to being title contenders. Between Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs, some would fall on the way side. As a fan you hope that Arsenal have the ability to last the entire season playing at this level. The first test comes this run of games that would push Arsenal to the limit.
You're right. I was going to include Spurs and Liverpool but I don't think they have the staying power, and I think even from an un-biased point of view Arsenal are a little bit better than both teams. So far they are in with a shout but then so are United who aren't actually that far behind. If I'm being picky then I pick Chelsea, City, and Arsenal. I don't think City and Chelsea are clear favorites because they have new managers and their performances so far have been inconsistent. Arsenal have the advantage in terms of continuity so I'll place them in there, especially given the fact that we are in 1st place after 8 games.
To be honest between Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs, I dont know who has staying power. I watched match of the day and the pundits were asked if Arsenal would win the league, they hesitated and later said no. I dont blame them, the football we are playing is showing them that there is something special about this team but staying power is a completely different issue.
The same pundits have had Arsenal out of the top four pretty much every season for the past several years.
that's a lie though not the MOTD pundits, in the past 8 years I think the MOTD(the 2 alans) pundits predicted arsenal to finish out of the top 4 only once. What I always here them say every season is Arsenal won't challenge for the title and that has always been the case.
OK, Pizz, thanks for clearing that up. you're welcome!
|
|
cruyff_turn
|
Oct 22 2013, 11:05 AM
Post #32
|
|
Administrator
- Posts:
- 8,067
- Group:
- Admins
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- Jul 3, 2013
|
- dream_team
- Oct 19 2013, 02:44 PM
I think I have a pretty good idea what's going to happen in the transfer window, united would most likely be the biggest spender and the other top teams would probabky just sign one or two players to add depth to the squad. Taking that into consideration, I believe this would be the league table come May.
1.Chelsea 2.Arsenal/Mancity 3.Arsenal/Mancity
Liverpool United and spurs would be fighting for the 4th spot. Why even bother listing teams after the first if you're not going to settle on places?
|
|
Deleted User
|
Oct 22 2013, 12:59 PM
Post #33
|