PREDICTION TIME

With the season nearly upon us and with anticipation high of another successful campaign I have spent hours mulling over the forthcoming 2011-12 fixtures and have predicted the outcome of every clubs games. I have tried to be as neutral as I possibly could. When you are doing this you still find yourself predicting your own teams results as you would want them to pan out rather than how they may pan out. However, I believe I have been as fair as I can be!! With the transfer window still open and a good chance that some transfers are highly likely to take place I may wish I had waited. But it's better to do it without a ball being kicked as the first few games can give an insight in what lies ahead.

So here goes........

Champions- United (78)

Runners-up- City (76)

3rd- Chelsea (74)

4th- Spurs(69)

5th- Liverpool(65)

6th- Arsenal(64)

7th- Villa, 8th- Bolton, 9th- Stoke, 10th- Fulham, 11th- WBA, 12th-Sunderland, 13th-Everton, 14th- QPR, 15th- Wigan, 16th- Wolves, 17th-Newcastle, 18th- Blackburn, 19th- Norwich, 20th- Swansea

Apologies for putting the rags on top again but it was only by 2 points!!With a little luck my maths will be wrong and it's us finishing with two more points than United. The rags have found some cash to spend this summer. They have bought Young, De Gea and Jones which has strenghthened the reigning Champions squad. City have been relatively inactive given their recent history during the transfer windows but I'm certain they will make at least one marque signing to add to Savic and Clichy. If I could be certain Tevez was staying and his form continued then I would have placed City in first place. The Argentinians goals will be missed but if they get fellowcountryman Aguera, then that could all change. I'm assuming Chelsea's new boss, AVB will struggle with the premiership in his debut season and may possibly concentrate on the Champions League in order to keep his job! Spurs were suffering last term with a small squad and the efforts needed to remain in the C L. Without that distraction this term, they may be stronger challengers this time round. Much may depend on where Modric is playing but I'll assume he stays at WHL. Liverpool under Daglish finished in a creditable position last year, given where they were when he took over. Whether the Daglish effect continues, only time will tell. He has spent lots of dosh this summer and with Downing, Henderson, Doni and Adam added to Andy Carroll and Suarez, the 'pool could be the surprise package. Arsenal have been targeted by all and sundry in attempts to sign their players. Clichy has joined City, Fabregas is still there but appears to want away asap. Nasri is thought to want away, with City interested at one stage. They have signed Gervinho and Jenkinson but as is the norm with Wenger, he seems reluctant to spend money.The league will be divided into two mini leagues with teams moving between one or the other in the first half of the season. I expect Stoke to build on reaching the Cup Final and become even more difficult to beat. Fulham, under Martin Jol, could have a good season, though their Europa Cup exploits could cause them problems.Villa, under McLeishcould surprise a few people as can QPR under the guiding hand of old campaigner, Neil Warnock. Newcastle along with Everton will be involved in a relegation battle, only to secure their place with a late points haul. As is usual, I anticipate that at least two of the promoted clubs will fail to stay in the Premier League. They may surprise in the early weeks but I expect they will fade and struggle with what they face. The none promoted club I expect to drop down is Blackburn. They struggled for most of last season only to escape by the skin of their teeth and I can't see things improving any this season.So that's it folks. In a nutshell it's City to continue to improve but possibly miss out by a whisker, but if either United or Chelsea fall short in any way then expect City to take full advantage. The Blue Moon is still rising and will continue to do so.So come on you Blues wherever you are, let's have your predictions for the coming season.

Geoff Stevenson

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