I'm going to go with Swansea. They have a very strong squad, with cover in all key positions. They've made some shrewd and exciting signings, and I am especially looking forward to seeing the likes of Routledge, Dyer and Michu link up with Bony, who I believe could prove to be one of the "buys" of this window. They certainly seem to have a very good pre-season, and looking strong and full of goals. The other key factor in Swansea's favour is that they've managed to hold onto their manager, despite him being linked with the Barca job. I really rate Laudrup, and believe that he is easily worth at least 10 points towards Swansea's season.
I think that Swansea will do well but struggle a bit at times when they're playing European games and then league games, if they stay in the Europa, which I think they will. Michu and Bony does look a very potent pairing on paper though, you're right. If they do well I'm not sure it'll surprise many people. I'd go with Norwich. Seemed to struggle to score at times last season, so Hughton's brought in van Wolfswinkel and Hooper up top, with Fer and Redmond to add to the supply. I think they'll upset a few people.
Swansea and Norwich as have been said. I think Wolfswinky and Hooper could be potent and obviously they have BASSONG.
I think Spurs will be the surprise package and I am surprised that none of the media have written a story on what is happening at WHL. I don't think we are aiming just to scrape 4th.
If we keep Bale, I'd tend to agree with you. If we lose Bale, I think AVB will need another year to re-build.
I still think we will keep Bale, but remember the 4 teams above us did not have Bale and they did alright.
Hm. Not so sure that argument works. There are a lot of players that we don't have - Rooney, RVP, Kompany, Aguero, Oscar, Mata - to name but a very few.
The point I am trying to make is that it is not all about 1 player, whoever he is. BTW The argument works because you argued with it.
I'm very optimistic about Spurs at the moment, so unless we win the title (which i HIGHLY doubt) then we won't be a surprise. Even if Bale leaves and we bring in Lamela i'll be optimistic. The team is shaping up VERY nicely and if he's still here i can even see Bale getting a rest occassionally.
[/QUOTE] The point I am trying to make is that it is not all about 1 player, whoever he is. [/QUOTE] Well said Spurf. With or without Bale this season, we will still kick on and improve on last season.
Exactly what I was going to say Spurf. This season looks to be the start of a new era, where the board actually have a plan to move us forward backed with cash. I think they are aiming for 3rd or better. Hopefully they will get it or the wallet will snap shut for another few years.
With respect, I appreciate all too well the argument you are making, it's just that I disagree with it. Yes, we have undoubtedly strengthened, all the more so if we keep Bale. However, let's be under no illusions that we, even yet, have the strength or depth of any of the teams above us (except, perhaps, for Arsenal). But, if we keep Bale, we'll be more likely to match them, than if we lose him. The surprise I see us springing is to finally finish above Arsenal. But I've been saying that for the last three years.
Swansea will do well to better last season. Maintaining it won't be a surprise. Usually one of the promoted clubs exceeds expectations - I'll go for Hull Tigers.
There are a couple of teams which I believe could do quite well and surprise a few. Southamptoan: Initially I though their sacking of Adkins was wrong but as the weeks went by it became more apparent the players needed a change and you can see not just by their performances but also in interviews the whole squad is right behind the manager and his philosophy, plus Lambert will be fired up this season and they haven't made many signings, keeping the main basis of their squad. They have young players like shaw who will be much better this year and Artur Boruc, a keeper I rated from his time with Celtic, should be in fine form this year. Although I don't rate their big money signing Wanyama much, he was great at times in big games but overall in the SPL he wasn't consistent and he strikes me as a big game player, similar to Adebayor, so much will depend on which Wanyama turns up. Yet they could surprise a few this year and finish top 8 and get to a cup final. West Ham : Not one any of us want to do well but I see a few have them down for relegation and while players like downing and carroll have been attacked in the past (and present) mainly for the transfer fees, if they link up well, nolan will score from midfield and their defence was pretty decent at times, they could have a good season and carroll & downing will be crucial if that happens.
Surprise surprise! it is Spurs then. 5th last season without any depth at times (injuries) Much better depth already this season. We are not spending millions just to stay where we are. That would make no sense therefore selling Bale makes no sense unless we are forced to by the player demanding a transfer. His silence suggests he does not want to rock any boats and that he is following Levy's orders.
Just got ourselves another midfielder who can play centre back. Not another centre back who can play midfield. Just saying. Anyway I don't think we will be a surprise package everyone knows that we are threatening, seriously threatening. Out of the rest I'm interested to see how Everton do under Martinez.
I wouldn't say Swansea would be a surprise package this season, partly because it's almost expected of them to be a Top 8 club at this point, but they may also stutter due to European commitments. Villa might surprise people this season, given their squad isn't being strip-mined by the Manchester clubs any more.
