Okay, I haven't really had the time to deeply analyze/write up every team as I have done the past few years. But, as of right now, here is my quick EPL prediction post.
The Contenders:
I see this as a three team race, as just about everyone else out there seems to. No surprises. And as of this writing Rooney is still on United, Suarez still on Liverpool and Arsenal still have done nothing.
1-ManUnited
2-ManCity
3-Chelsea
Honestly, I simply see it as a two horse race, although Chelsea is a threat to steal it. If Rooney stays at United, I just like United's chances the best. They have lost not a single player from last year's title team, have added a small piece is Zaha, and a few of their younger players have had a bit of experience, time to develop. Sure Vidic and Rio are a year older, but they are still solid, Rio was remarkable last year. Evra is still solid, and I'll just cross my fingers that Rooney is content and plays well for another year at OT.
City had some fantastic signings, and the only team that boasts a bigger, deeper squad in all of Europe may be Bayern Munich. From 1-25, City has it won, hands down in England. But the game isn't played 25v25, rather 11v11. Losing Tevez will be felt, as I don't see another forward that matches his effort and determination. And Balotelli had that touch of magic from time to time to get the crucial goal. But, let's be honest, the cupboards are well stocked, with suber sub Dzeko, Arguero and Negredo who I have tipped to score the most goals on ManCity this year. The secret for City will be finding a starting 11 that can dominated with the talent as they should. Silva was underwhelming in my eyes last year. Toure is getting older, but still can go into beast mode when need be, but how will this team rotate talent in and out every game. And City has the clinical precision to score 4 or 5 per game, but sometimes seem to struggle to get 1 or 2. Kompany needs to be better, but this team certainly has championship pedigree.
The most common argument I hear for Chelsea winning the title is on talent alone, their starting 11 may be the best in the EPL. Maybe. But, you need a deep team for the long year to win, and I'm just not sure how deep Chelsea is. I don't know if I trust Ba and Torres to get the game winning goals. It's hard to argue against that midfield though, and they have a good stable of defenders, even if Terry is getting a bit long in the tooth. They should be there all year, I just rate them a touch behind the the Manchester sides.
Europe, Europa:
4-Tottenham
5-Liverpool
6-Arsenal
7-Everton
I think this will be tight, with a few teams right behind nipping at their heels all year long too. But, I really like what Tottenham has put together over there. Of course, all of that is tempered with keeping one Mr. Bale, but this team is solid and deep. Lloris is highly rated, and although I think he tends to try to make the mediocre look spectacular, he has enough talent to be the clear cut #1. Spurs no longer need pray Ledley King's knees held up, they now can rotate a pretty solid stable of defenders. Vertonghen is very good, Dawson and KAbul serviceable enough, but the right and left backs will be pressing forward and have speed to burn. The defense is good enough they were able to part with highly rated Caulker. The midfield is very good and again deep, it will be a nice luxury to rest guys like Parker, Siggy, Dembele, and I'm pretty excited to see what Paulinho can add to the mix. Striker is of course the question and if Soldado has it in him, Spurs will be a tough team week in, week out.
I was high on Liverpool last year, I am high on them again, or maybe I'm just high. They are a tough team to play against as they have so many attacking chances. And of course if Suarez is still around, they have the second best scorer in the league. On defense, it may be addition by subtraction with Carragher retiring, but they still can put a pretty decent back line out there - but I do feel there are holes there which is why I can't rate them higher. Midfielders all around, they seem to have found a solid rotation though out there. If Aspas can continue where he left off in the friendlies, and Sturridge is a dynamic player, I expect Liverpool to have a very nice season. Just a bit nicer than Arsenal, who to me, they just seem to be missing one thing to really put them higher. It certainly surprised me a bit to know Arsenal had the second stingiest defense last year, and really they have a solid back line, in particular if Varmaellen returns to form. but I guess keeping possession really helps out defense and the Arsenal midfield is good. Arteta hurt will be a blow. I like what Giroud offers in attack and Podolski can be a threat, but yeah, this team really needs something more that isn't there right now.
I rate Everton pretty highly this year, as they have done well to keep their key players in Baines and Fellaini. But, they really didn't add anything either. I think there may be some growing pains as the team adjusts to Martinez's tactics, but I think that will suit them just fine. They'll lose a few games they should have won, but they'll play the big boys tight. Not a glamorous team or a pick, but a safe team in my eyes, and that's how we'll play it.
part 2 to follow...