Barclays Premier League 13/14 Thread

[NickisBHAFC]

First topic message reminder :

Lamela is the biggest waste of money ever

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

After these 8 games so far, there only looks one winner to me, and that's Le Arse.

I'm not convinced by Chelsea yet, Spurs are just Spurs still, Citeh if they get there act together on the road will be up there, Utd are in transition and Liverpool rely too much on SAS

[CFCNick]

Arsenal players are hungry that's for sure but they don't have the proven winners in the squad and will lose focus at some point. Not even their lord and saviour Ozil has a great track record of winning. Maybe they can win the League Cup and push on like the 04-05 Chelsea team.

I do think they have every right to be as high as 2nd but they don't have the little bit of experience to finish top. I think City and Chelsea, who have tough teams that are hard to break down and hard to go man to man with, will be too strong for Arsenal. Having seen the Jekyll and Hyde nature of City is the reason I think Arsenal could be a comfortable 2nd.

I'm excited that Arsenal look to be the force they once were but we'll see how far they've come when they play against some muscle.

[Duty281]

United will still win the league.

Arsenal have a lack of depth.
Chelsea will implode...that's inevitable.
Citeh are inconsistent.
Spurs are like Belgium - individual quality but no winning mentality.
Liverpol can't keep their good start up forever.

United. Somehow. As soon as RVP starts lashing them in again. Really, there's not too much between United last season and United this season - except RVP's not scoring as frequently. But he will soon, and United will conquer all England once more. In order then come the end of the season:

United (Champions led by Rooney and RVP)
Liverpool (Oh so close)
Chelsea (Pip Arsenal to 3rd...again)
Arsenal (Consistent. Will drop away after Wenger doesn't spend in January)
Tottenham (Disappointing once more)
Citeh (Will underperform massively)

[CFCNick]

United will still win the league.

Arsenal have a lack of depth.
Chelsea will implode...that's inevitable.
Citeh are inconsistent.
Spurs are like Belgium - individual quality but no winning mentality.
Liverpol can't keep their good start up forever.

United. Somehow. As soon as RVP starts lashing them in again. Really, there's not too much between United last season and United this season - except RVP's not scoring as frequently. But he will soon, and United will conquer all England once more. In order then come the end of the season:

United (Champions led by Rooney and RVP)
Liverpool (Oh so close)
Chelsea (Pip Arsenal to 3rd...again)
Arsenal (Consistent. Will drop away after Wenger doesn't spend in January)
Tottenham (Disappointing once more)
Citeh (Will underperform massively)

Can I have what you're smoking???

[Guest]

United will still win the league.

Bold Duty, very bold. Currently around 7/1. Get your money on.

[Duty281]

Arsenal to win the Champions League though - completely changing what I said pre-season about them getting knocked out in the group stages.

They'll tear Europe apart, but will focus less on the league as a result.

[Duty281]

United will still win the league.

Arsenal have a lack of depth.
Chelsea will implode...that's inevitable.
Citeh are inconsistent.
Spurs are like Belgium - individual quality but no winning mentality.
Liverpol can't keep their good start up forever.

United. Somehow. As soon as RVP starts lashing them in again. Really, there's not too much between United last season and United this season - except RVP's not scoring as frequently. But he will soon, and United will conquer all England once more. In order then come the end of the season:

United (Champions led by Rooney and RVP)
Liverpool (Oh so close)
Chelsea (Pip Arsenal to 3rd...again)
Arsenal (Consistent. Will drop away after Wenger doesn't spend in January)
Tottenham (Disappointing once more)
Citeh (Will underperform massively)

Can I have what you're smoking???

Cuban cigars. I swear by them for complete zen-like focus.

[mystiroakey]

Arsenal players are hungry that's for sure but they don't have the proven winners in the squad and will lose focus at some point. Not even their lord and saviour Ozil has a great track record of winning. Maybe they can win the League Cup and push on like the 04-05 Chelsea team.

I do think they have every right to be as high as 2nd but they don't have the little bit of experience to finish top. I think City and Chelsea, who have tough teams that are hard to break down and hard to go man to man with, will be too strong for Arsenal. Having seen the Jekyll and Hyde nature of City is the reason I think Arsenal could be a comfortable 2nd.

I'm excited that Arsenal look to be the force they once were but we'll see how far they've come when they play against some muscle.

Dortmund next week will be interesting. I am happy to put my neck on aresenal tbh. I think they are playing so well that they deserve it!!! Up the gooners!!! Up the Palace( I have to say that or I am a traitor)

[mystiroakey]

United and Liverpool top 2..

I will give you 100/1 dude!!!

[Nakatomi Plaza]

City are the team to beat for me. Have put in the two best performances I've seen this season (Newcastle & Man Utd).

Think Arsenal and Chelsea will battle for second.

Surprised Spurs are being dismissed so quickly on the back of a bit of a freak result against West Ham. If they win tomorrow they'll only be three points of the lead without gelling yet. Think they will battle United and Liverpool for fourth.

[Duty281]

I've actually got a funny feeling Liverpool might just win the league this season. They are the most balanced team in the PL - tight at the back, quality up front, decent through the middle and the wings, with a few young players breaking through.

Not this year though on reflection. United for the league. Maybe in a couple of years for Liverpool. Maybe.

[mystiroakey]

I am backing spurs for 4th .

Liverpool united and Everton for UEFA cup spots

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I just don't believe in AVB tbh

[mystiroakey]

If Defoe Townsend and soldado get going they will be offensively fine. Their defense is also actually very credible. The west ham game was a blip

[Guest]

I've actually got a funny feeling Liverpool might just win the league this season.

My best mate would whisk you off for a dirty weekend in Brighton for saying that alone Dutster but I just can't see it myself.

I'd be more than happy with a top 4 spot.

[Guest]

I actually think that this Spurs squad isn't that great. It was better under Redknapp.

[mystiroakey]

For man u to come close they need players in the window.

Modric will surely be available!!!

[GSC]

I don't see the quality in Liverpools squad for a sustained assault at the top 4, let alone title

[Guest]

I've actually got a funny feeling Liverpool might just win the league this season

Stop it, please. Your funny feeling's are just ridiculous & won't happen. Liverpool are not a great side & has been proven up against even the average sides of Southampton & Newcastle.

As for Man U, I don't see United desperately throwing cash around in January on b-rate targets, would look terrible for the club in an attempt to somehow rescue a transitional season. As long as their in contact with the top 4, I see them seeing the season out & then Moyes can rebuild in the summer.

[mystiroakey]

they should only buy good players if thats possible- you are right john. Maybe they could utilize the players they have though. ZAHA.

or is he going your way on loan?

[westisbest]

Great John Motson.

Hmm what else is on.

[Guest]

Think we've been in contact with United regarding Zaha, also with City for Micah Richards. I'd take him, although not sure what that would mean for HBA.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

If Defoe Townsend and soldado get going they will be offensively fine. Their defense is also actually very credible. The west ham game was a blip

I'm far from convinced about Soldado tbh. I dunno what it is, just not sure its gonna click.

John rumor Newcastle are interested in Toivonen on my twitter feed (follow a dutch football thing from our excursions)

[Guest]

I don't see the quality in Liverpools squad for a sustained assault at the top 4, let alone title

In this league I do.

[westisbest]

If Defoe Townsend and soldado get going they will be offensively fine. Their defense is also actually very credible. The west ham game was a blip

I'm far from convinced about Soldado tbh. I dunno what it is, just not sure its gonna click.

John rumor Newcastle are interested in Toivonen on my twitter feed (follow a dutch football thing from our excursions)

We shall see what their defence is like tomorrow.
Hopefully they'll have an offday.

[Guest]

Toivonen....no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no!!!!!!!!

Yeah, we need a big man but he is just not it at all.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

City for me. Think they will win the big games. They were good today, and when they savage teams (United and little Newcastle too, although it was ONLY Newcastle ) they do it with class but like a machine too. Dont think Arsenal have that ruthless machine like gear just yet, whereas I dont think Chelsea have a best XI yet.

[Guest]

To be fair, we were all over the shop that night, we weren't ready. Plus Yohan got his head-turned & we didn't have Remy & then Taylor got sent off after 20 mins. Hard to judge that game really. Yeah, we got smashed but the circumstances played into City's hands.

[Guest]

What would Robin van Persie do to play in that side?

A year is a long time in football..

[Guest]

What the Arsenal side? Not alot. He's won an EPL title, playing for a bigger, more successful club globally & being paid more money. 8 games in & you think he'd be better off at Arsenal? Or do you mean something else?

[GSC]

I don't see the quality in Liverpools squad for a sustained assault at the top 4, let alone title

In this league I do.

I don't buy it.

You're asking City, Chelsea and Spurs all not to click, Arsenal to be destroyed by injury and United not to improve. Even Everton to collapse

[Guest]

What the Arsenal side? Not alot. He's won an EPL title, playing for a bigger, more successful club globally & being paid more money. 8 games in & you think he'd be better off at Arsenal? Or do you mean something else?

Right now. Where would he rather be? Old Trafford or The Emirates.

A floundering Man Utd side or an Arsenal side purring.

Yes 8 games in.

[Duty281]

I've actually got a funny feeling Liverpool might just win the league this season

Stop it, please. Your funny feeling's are just ridiculous & won't happen. Liverpool are not a great side & has been proven up against even the average sides of Southampton & Newcastle.

As for Man U, I don't see United desperately throwing cash around in January on b-rate targets, would look terrible for the club in an attempt to somehow rescue a transitional season. As long as their in contact with the top 4, I see them seeing the season out & then Moyes can rebuild in the summer.

I never said Liverpool were a great side. This is the poorest standard of the PL for quite a while, meaning it's very exciting for the neutral. Any one of six teams can win the title - every one of them has a serious drawback of some description. I fancy United for the title, but Liverpool will run them close.

[mystiroakey]

I never said Liverpool were a great side. This is the poorest standard of the PL for quite a while, meaning it's very exciting for the neutral."




I would say its the highest quality- but more spread out. liverpool will do well to finish 5th or 6th tbh 

[Guest]

I don't see the quality in Liverpools squad for a sustained assault at the top 4, let alone title

In this league I do.

I don't buy it.

You're asking City, Chelsea and Spurs all not to click, Arsenal to be destroyed by injury and United not to improve. Even Everton to collapse

Not saying in any way shape or form are 'Pool are going to challenge for the title but a top 4 finish is not beyond the realms of possibility.

This is not a great league in terms of quality teams.

I don't know what has to click regarding Spurs. They're about par for the course so far.

[CFCNick]

Right now after 8 games in I'd go with;

1. Chelsea/City
2. Chelsea/City
3. Arsenal
4. Spurs/Liverpool
5. Spurs/Liverpool
6. United

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Happy to see Sunderland suffering. Di Canio was being strict with them for a reason, they had underachieved for a long time and they were underachieving still. They rely entirely on Fletcher and are really suffering without him too. I hope they go down.

[GSC]

I also can't buy Chelsea as a contender. Squad is far too lopsided. Some of the shine has worn off Jose

[Hammersmith harrier]

What the Arsenal side? Not alot. He's won an EPL title, playing for a bigger, more successful club globally & being paid more money. 8 games in & you think he'd be better off at Arsenal? Or do you mean something else?

Right now. Where would he rather be? Old Trafford or The Emirates.

A floundering Man Utd side or an Arsenal side purring.

Yes 8 games in.

Well if he wasn't at United he wouldn't be a league winner so think he's happy where he is.

[Guest]

Happy to see Sunderland suffering. Di Canio was being strict with them for a reason, they had underachieved for a long time and they were underachieving still. They rely entirely on Fletcher and are really suffering without him too. I hope they go down.

Slight slice of a West Ham fanboy tang about that post Chris.

I loved Di Canio as a player but that gig ended up the way every man and his dog expected it too.

If he works in this country again I'd be stunned. Total crackpot.

[westisbest]

Kieran Westwood is to good for Sunderland.

What an absolute shower of you what they are.

[Guest]

Exactly. You think Nasri & Fabregas are having sleepless nights or having second thoughts about their choice of leaving because Arsenal are leading the EPL in the middle of October?

Look, I'm not dismissing Arsenal's start, it's been incredible & enjoyable to watch. Just think it's about who's purring or leading the league in May that counts.

[Guest]

Look, I'm not dismissing Arsenal's start

You've been doing that the last 6 weeks, but carry on John.

[Hammersmith harrier]

Arsenal have had their fair share of good starts in the past ten years but none of them have to anything but 4th placed finishes on the whole.

[Guest]

Arsenal have had their fair share of good starts in the past ten years but none of them have to anything but 4th placed finishes on the whole.

Ten years ago they were on the way to becoming invincible but I get your point.

[GSC]

Look, I'm not dismissing Arsenal's start

You've been doing that the last 6 weeks, but carry on John.

Invested a whole summer in it, why stop now?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Happy to see Sunderland suffering. Di Canio was being strict with them for a reason, they had underachieved for a long time and they were underachieving still. They rely entirely on Fletcher and are really suffering without him too. I hope they go down.

Slight slice of a West Ham fanboy tang about that post Chris.

I loved Di Canio as a player but that gig ended up the way every man and his dog expected it too.

If he works in this country again I'd be stunned. Total crackpot.

Yeah selling Sessegnon was a complete #headsgone

Stoke seemingly in a bit of bother. Can't see goals in that side.

[Guest]

Look, I'm not dismissing Arsenal's start

You've been doing that the last 6 weeks, but carry on John.

Invested a whole summer in it, why stop now?

 

"I told you so"

[GSC]

Sessegnon was poor last season before Di Canio

[Hammersmith harrier]

History suggests what happens to Arsenal under Wenger which is why I have no clue how United are going to do, were Fergie still in charge a) we wouldn't have started so poorly and b) we'd pick it up and end up right up there. Under Moyes I have no idea what is going to happen, judging by today he doesn't quite seem to be able to differentiate from a team of Evertons level and that of United. Everton 1 nil up against Southampton at home then go ahead bring on a defender for your best player but at United that tactic suggests weakness and vulnerability.

[Sponsored content]