Not sure how to create a poll on here (perhaps someone can assist?) but I just thought as we were choosing our 'team of the year so far' I was wondering who people thought were going to end up top of the pile come May. After a thoroughly boring one-horse race last season this year promises to be a roller-coaster ride that takes us through the next few months, with only a tiny margin separating the challengers at the moment. The smart money has to be on either Man City or Chelsea with the strength in depth they both have at their disposal, Arsenal are clearly going to be giving it a bloody good go and surely won't be too far away - certainly they're set for their best finish for a few years - and Everton are proving to be a tough nut to crack and are genuine contenders for the top four at least, though I doubt whether they will have it in them to mount a serious title charge. Man United and Spurs fans would love to think they can challenge for the title, but I don't think either will be involved in the race come the latter stages - United have dropped too many silly points already whilst Spurs aren't scoring enough goals. And this leaves just one team left to talk about, and here comes my curve-ball out of left-centre that I'm certain nobody will agree with - I genuinely think Liverpool can win the league this year as long as Suarez and Sturridge stay fit for the remainder. They are simply superb together up front and have it in them to destroy any defence. Admittedly Liverpool don't have the strength in depth of Man City or Chelsea, but they have an awful lot of goals in them and it reminds me of another SAS strike force when Shearer and Sutton blasted Blackburn to the title in the 90's. They do have an excellent keeper though, and have plenty of other quality in their first-team such as Coutinho, Sterling, Lucas, Henderson and of course Steven Gerrard. It's a long shot, and I won't be putting any serious money on them (well ok, maybe I did just stick a couple of quid each-way at 17/2) and if I had to put my hand on my heart I would probably say that Man City will be too strong in the end, but I have a funny feeling that Liverpool are going to be right in their, pushing them to the finishing line. Thoughts?
Munky, remember how you and Superman poured scorn on me in the summer for saying Arsenal would win it if they managed to sign Suarez? Doesn't look so daft now eh?
Enjoy these and a really tough one, though it looks like Man City are rapidly racing into an unassailable lead here instead! Can see this going down to the last day of the season with multiple teams in it, not just two. I've gone for Chelsea in anticipation of a couple of big January signings, combined with Mourinho's experience and anti-football tactics which unfortunately work best when the going is tight and one slip up could mean it's all over. It could be interesting to see the situation at the end of the January transfer window. I agree that Arsenal should be there or thereabouts - not sure it will necessarily their best finish (they have regularly finished 3rd and I see this as pretty likely), I do think it will be their strongest and most encouraging finish for a while, even if that isn't replicated on the table. I think I'd rather they win, but I'm not convinced that they quite have the grit yet. My money would also be on Liverpool to take the 4th spot, though I hope Everton get it. I agree that Suarez/Sturridge combo makes Liverpool a scary proposition for any team, but having seen their performances against the top sides so far, I'm not convinced they can compete frequently there and will drop too many points to go all the way. At 17/2 I'd say you've got OK odds though.
But Arsenal didn't sign Suarez and haven't won the title (nor are they favourites) so I don't see how can you say that?
Mad to write off Chelsea with Mourinho at the helm. They probably have the two strongest squads in the PL alongside City, which will come into play March-April time when everyone starts tiring. Their bench is good enough to finish 5th alone... Schwarzer Azpilicueta, Terry, X, Bertrand Mata, Lampard, Essien, Willian Eto'o, Ba
I just think this is Arsenal's year. Though the way Man City have picked up their away form, they are probably the team to beat. If Arsenal get a decent striker to help out Giroud then I think they'll have a much easier job.
You have to go back to the original exchange in the summer. Neither of them gave Arsenal a hope in hell of being anywhere near title contenders, never mind serious ones. They were actually predicting that Arsenal would drop out of contention for a top four place and have their worst season for a long time. My view was that Arsenal were actually only one signing (Suarez) short of being a team who would win the league. I'd say my far more positive assessment of the Gunners has been vindicated whether Arsenal win the title or not.
Mourinho looks tired and burned out to me, he's lost that aura about him. Besides anyone who treats Mata the way he has doesn't deserve any trophies
I've gone for Chelsea - I said them before the season started and I'll stick by it. I think it will be a very close run thing though - still at least 3 teams in it with a couple of games to go I reckon.
Just thought I'd dig this one up again as it's definitely starting to really hot up at the top. Liverpool are currently flying, they've taken 20 out of the last possible 24 points, have overtaken Man City as top scorers and are banging in goals for fun despite Suarez being on a run of five games without one (he's set a fair few up however and has looked generally brilliant as ever). They have no European distractions, no other cup distractions and don't play another midweek game all season. They have also got to entertain Man City and Chelsea at Anfield which could potentially be massive games. Still available at 8/1 to be champions - am I still the only one who thinks they can do it?
That cross into sturridge yesterday was genuine world class. That would have been a lot harder than it looked. The technique he showed to get it just over the defender without going over Sturridge as well as the swerve was genius.
Liverpool are largely reliant on scoring more than the opposition. They are weak at CB and LB, and while Mignolet is a good shot stopper, he is not a goal-keeper who inspires confidence and is good at organising his defence. I think that weakness at the back will prove their undoing against Man City and Chelsea, and possible one or two others as well.
I have voted for Man City but would not be surprised if Arsenal manage to win it this season. Of course Chelsea are well in the frame, but I just feel they wont quite have enough in the tank to cross the finishing line (a cliche I once heard and wanted to give a run out)
Isn't that the case for everyone though? I mean, how else do you win games other than scoring more than the opposition? I can definitely see Liverpool finishing above Arsenal at least, and whilst I won't be putting any more money on them it really wouldn't surprise me if they finished above City and Chelsea as well.
