English Premier League

The English Premier League Starts Here, But Who Will Be The New Champions?
By David Carter

The English Premier League gets under way this week, and though it doesn't seem five minutes since Chelsea were lifting the trophy for the second season in a row, here we go again.

Chelsea start as clear favourites, 1/2 say the bookies, and that does not represent good value. There may be better value to be had in the next few weeks. True, Chelsea have improved their squad by recruiting Shevchenko from AC Milan and Ballack from Bayern Munich, though the unfortunate Ballack was promptly injured in the traditional warm up match, the Community Shield. It doesn't appear a serious injury though, and Ballack should be back soon. But Chelsea have also puzzlingly let Duff go to Newcastle for a pittance of a fee, and there are problems with one or two other players. It may be that Chelsea concentrate their main fire this season on the Champions League, and if they do that, there are three, possibly four challengers, who will be eager to jump in and snatch the title.

Incidentally Chelsea lost that Community Shield match to Liverpool 2-1 with a late goal from the beanpole giant Peter Crouch, and Liverpool look well equipped to challenge the blues this season. They have not won the title since 1990, and amazingly have never won the Premier League. Their supporters are hungry for the league title, and this year urged on by inspirational captain Steven Gerrard, they could go close. They have strengthened again by acquiring the lightning fast Bellamy from Blackburn Rovers, though he is injury prone, and accident-prone too. Liverpool will go close. Current price 8/1.

Second last year were Manchester United, and I have a feeling if you offered them a top two place right now, they might take it. They have lost their talisman goal scorer Ruud to Real Madrid and they will certainly miss his thirty goals a season. But oddly now he has gone, the other players know they must step up and start scoring right through the team. They do have goalscorers in the side and Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager, has cash in his pocket to spend, though he seems to be finding it difficult locating the right players. They will be desperate to stay ahead of their nearest and bitterest rivals Liverpool, and will do well to do so. Lots will depend on Rooney and Ronaldo, keeping their tempers and concentration. You write off Manchester United at your peril. 8/1 for the league.