English Premier League fixtures pull-out
WHO’LL PUSH MOURINHO OFF HIS PERCH?
THE traditional English Premier League opener has brought fresh optimism for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal as they bagged the first piece of silverware with a 1-0 triumph over Chelsea.
Chelsea might have had more ball possession but it’s the result that counts, as Arsenal produced a disciplined performance to outwit Mourinho – the first time Wenger achieved this in 14 attempts.
The “Special One’s” mind games continued after the match, when he said the “better team lost on the day”.
That said, this victory will give Arsenal confidence going into the first round of fixtures that start this weekend.
Arsenal have been trophyless for a while until they racked up back-to-back FA Cups over the past two seasons, and currently look ominous, stating their intentions early of being serious contenders for league glory this season.
They look the part, and having acquired the services of Petr Cech from Chelsea seem quite solid at the back.
Chelsea will definitely be up there trying to hold on to the tile of league champions, but one has to take note that it is going to be tougher than last season, seeing the reinforcements that rival teams have made.
Mourinho is the perfect tactician, making intelligent buys, as well as getting the team gelling well together. It’s going to be a really tough task to push him off his pedestal. THE English Premier League (EPL) has some mouth-watering fixtures for the first week of the season, starting this weekend.
There is plenty to think about for owners, managers, coaches and players, as some will be challenging for the title and others trying to fight off the relegation battle.
The greatest joy of following the EPL is certainly the strength of the league, with relegation-threatened teams beating title-challenging teams.
As we have already witnessed last season, that’s always a possibility and, for me, this is what makes the Premier League so interesting and exciting to follow.
Teams will also be challenging for places in the Champions League and Europa League.
Well, just like every other season, everyone wants to know who will finish in the top four. I believe it will be intensely fought out between seven clubs, namely, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur… and possibly Southampton.
The games contested against each other will be vital, as points against each other will prove to be important come end of the season, and ideally the season kicks off with Manchester United taking on Spurs in an early kick-off.
The performance of both teams in that game will surely send a message to rival teams in what seems to be the match of the weekend.
IN OTHER matches on Saturday, we see the three newlypromoted Premier League sides all going into action.
They will surely want to prove their worth and stay in the league. Bournemouth take on Aston Villa, hoping to cause an upset while Villa will try to find their match fitness.
Everton will be up against Watford, and the other newcomer Norwich City will play Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace. A good start for these promoted clubs will give them immense confidence for the start of the campaign.
In a later kick off on Saturday, Champions Chelsea take on Swansea City. Mourinho will want to make amends for the Community Shield loss and start with a bang.
On Sunday we have a London derby where Arsenal will take on West Ham United, wanting to cap it off with a win, showing Mourinho’s men that it was not a once-off performance.
Liverpool play Stoke City who last season thumped Liverpool 6-1 in the final game of the season.
Liverpool will definitely want to overturn that scoreline and result, and prove to be a force to reckon with this season, especially with the number of new signings.
Stoke will, as always, use their power and strength to cause another upset.
The last match of the week, on Monday night, sees Manchester City line up against West Brom. City will want to start their season with a strong showing as title contenders and should come away with three points.
Anything less will leave City fans reeling, looking at their average defensive showing in pre- season.
Players will need to step up if they want to be crowned champions again. The last two times City played their opening league encounters on a Monday night and won, they went on to win the league.
Finally, the first transfer window for the season will allow teams to buy and sell until the last hour which ends at midnight on August 31. This will allow teams to make final adjustments after the first few opening matches.