With just a week left before the English Premier League kicks off, students are warming up to what looks like the most exciting and competitive season yet, with up to five serious contenders for the title. Endless arguments on which team will win this season’s Premier League cannot go unnoticed. Those who are super confident about their team have the guts to bet their all.
Jerseys have been bought ready to be worn when their team is playing as a sign of solidarity and support. Vuvuzelas and all paraphernalia used to cheer teams are in place. But what should we expect from this season’s campaign? Will this season’s Premier League surpass the previous ones and be the most intriguing ever? Well, I would say an emphatic yes because of the following reasons
Myriad signings
Teams are ready to break the bank to buy players of their choice. World class players have been signed by various teams in this transfer window which closes on the 31st August. Apparently, West Bromwich Albion and New Castle United has been the busiest clubs having signed eight and seven players respectively so far.
There has been mega-signings too. Arsenal has signed Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona while Chelsea has signed Cesc Fabregras and Diego Costa from Barca and Atletico Madrid respectively. Manchester United has signed Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera. Liverpool has signed Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana both from Southampton among others.
Everton signed Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea who was on loan at Goodison Park last season. With such a busy transfer market, expect lots of fireworks because these signings inject dynamism to the respective teams and hence a more competitive season is in the offing.
Management shake ups
There have been several changes of managers of various teams. Louis Van Gaal is most notable and also Ronald Koeman. Mauricio Pochettino has left Southampton and joined Tottenham Hotspur. Most of these managers have brought with them wonderful CVs from past clubs they managed.
Louis Van Gaal was appointed the manager for Manchester United and came to the club immediately after overseeing Netherlands win their third place World Cup play-off against Brazil. He has won a number of trophies including the Uefa Champions League. LVG has a huge responsibility to resuscitate Manchester United after a disastrous campaign last season under Moyes. Being a master tactician coupled with a few signings, no one should write him off.
Mixture of experience and fresh legs
Many teams seem to blend the experience of old players with the fresh legs of their younger players. Chelsea, for example, has brought back their legend Didier Drogba. The 36-year old Ivorian made a sensational return to Stamford Bridge from Galatasaray.
On the other hand, they have brought back their 22-year old goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who was on loan at Atletico Madrid to rival their veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech, 32, for the number one position. Queens Park Rangers have secured the services of Rio Ferdinand. 35, from Manchester United.
Manchester City in their quest to reinforce their midfield has signed Frank Lampard, 36, on loan for the next six months before he makes a switch to New York City in January. This blend of experience coupled with the fresh legs and enthusiasm of young players will give this season a different dimension in terms of entertainment and competitiveness. Brace yourselves for a breathtaking and entertaining EPL.
[poll id=”17″]
