The race to get a squad good enough to win the EPL starts in earnest. Back when Sir Alex's Man U dominated the league, 85 points would usually be enough to win the league. Some seasons it could be done with 75, but since 2017 you need to hit the mid 90s to be in with a shout. This level of consistency requires a squad with considerable talent and depth.
Liverpool have a particularly tough challenge. They'll be playing every Thursday and Sunday with Europa League commitments and need to completely overhaul their defence and midfield. They have made a great start with the signing of Argentine World Cup winner MacAllister from Brighton. The 24-year-old fits perfectly the profile of player they need. Firmino, Keita, the Ox and Jimmy Milner have all left, so expect several more signings.
Chelsea is a club to watch carefully. They have too many players and will need to off-load up to 10 to start the season with a decent squad size. Kante, Havertz and Ziyech are close to leaving, with Brighton's Caicedo due to come in. Lukaku, Koulibaly and Pulisic are surely soon to go. With no European footy next season and the arrival of Poch, if the Blues can get their squad right, they will pose a big threat and may be a surprise front runner.
Arsenal have probably the least business to do. They surely only need a couple of fresh faces to maintain their challenge. The big one they want is Rice, from West Ham. Apparently Havertz is due to come in from Chelsea, with Partey and Xhaka set to leave, to be replaced by Rice and Lavia. On paper, that would be some midfield. I hope they pull it off, they came so close last time out. Newcastle will splash the cash too, no doubt. But attracting top players to the North East has never proved easy.
Offering a dig at the UCL will help, along with lashings of Saudi cash. They need some new faces, especially a left back. Club legend Big Dan Burn is not a natural at left back and the gaffer will want better options in midfield to support Bruno Guimares too. Could Maddison or Tielemans move to the Toon?
Offering a dig at the UCL will help, along with lashings of Saudi cash. They need some new faces, especially a left back. Club legend Big Dan Burn is not a natural at left back and the gaffer will want better options in midfield to support Bruno Guimares too. Could Maddison or Tielemans move to the Toon?
I doubt City will do much. Gundo is set to be replaced by Chelsea's Kovacic in a surprise move. And apparently they are chasing Gvardiol from Leipzig to replace Cancelo at left-back. They may also buy a right-back if Walker leaves.
But it is Man U who arguably have the most business to do. Erikson and Casemiro are no spring chickens and McTominay and Fred are not up to the required standard. Holding players are much in demand this summer!
Another one to get the shove is De Gea, with Pickford reported to be the number one target. Mason Mount is supposed to be close to a move to Old Trafford. That will be one to watch, as there are doubts about his temperament. They also need a top striker to replace Martial. They seem to have ruled out Harry Kane and will look abroad to find the answer to that most difficult puzzle.
But it is Man U who arguably have the most business to do. Erikson and Casemiro are no spring chickens and McTominay and Fred are not up to the required standard. Holding players are much in demand this summer!
Another one to get the shove is De Gea, with Pickford reported to be the number one target. Mason Mount is supposed to be close to a move to Old Trafford. That will be one to watch, as there are doubts about his temperament. They also need a top striker to replace Martial. They seem to have ruled out Harry Kane and will look abroad to find the answer to that most difficult puzzle.
With the football season over I will switch my viewing habits to the Tour de France, while keeping an eye on the transfer dealings of the top clubs. Next season is shaping up to be another belter. I expect the winners will need over 95 points. If the top clubs can get their squads in order, we may be in for a classic season. Surely City can't win 4 in a row? The other front runners will want to be in poll position to take the crown if the City Treble hangover lingers.
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| Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports |
Peter,
ReplyDeleteLiverpool seem to be having problems in the transfer market. Only Alexis Mac at this stage. Not big enough to fill the massive midfield void. Your take on Chelsea is worth some reflection.
Too early to say Mackers. They got Nunez, Diaz and Gakpo so surely they will have done their homework on midfielders too? TA-A playing in midfield now for England, so a new right back at Liverpool? Matip possibly leaving and VvD getting on in years so new centre-half too? They've had years to plan for this so I will watch with interest. Are you getting nervous lol
ReplyDeletePeter, they do make me nervous. This is something we could see at the end of the season where they were in with a chance of four trophies. I felt their ability was inflated that year. I am beginning to wonder about Nunez as he seems to be falling out of favour a bit. I liked his enthusiasm but Shaqiri who they let go a while back had that. Not much use if you can't finish to the level expected from you.
ReplyDeleteWinning the Europa may be the easiest way for LFC to get a C L spot . Spurs & Chelsea will improve significantly next season . Same goes for Man U & Newcastle , Arsenal had the same points tally as their # 2002 title winning side that only lost twice ( both@ home ) & were just 3 points short of the # 90 points invincibles . Top 7 is done & dusted ; 6 teams are competing for 3 C L spots . I'm assuming that City are nailed on # top 4 . Reds need 3 more midfielders & 2 additional defenders .
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