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Post by Trouserdog on May 26, 2015 13:54:43 GMT
Although it might seem ridiculously early for this, at the end of May I always gather my thoughts on what sides are likely to improve or deteriorate for next season and how they'll go about it. This is very much with betting in mind, but it's an approach that's served me pretty well over the years. It's nothing super scientific or anything, but I've penned a blog for the Online Betting Guide on this topic, obviously shoehorning some Stoke mentions in there, so have a read of that if you like... Early Homework: 5 Ways to Prepare for Next SeasonYou'd be mad to put any money down for months yet, so this is more about keeping your eye on certain things without forming concrete opinions. A few initial thoughts though on the Premier League: * Everton surely can't be as bad again as they were this season? Another year of experience for Stones and Barkley (who wasn't fit for the first few months this time) will serve them well, plus they haven't got the Europa League to distract them. * Liverpool could be up shit creek. Gerrard was still their best midfielder, Sterling is on his way out, they've wasted fuck knows how much money, and the team just looks shit from front to back, apart from literally one or two players. Could they drop out of the top 6? Even the top-half? * The top 4 are miles ahead of the rest again. Might there be an opportunity for another side to challenge Tottenham for 5th spot, as they look almost as dodgy as Liverpool? * If Zaha, Puncheon and Bolasie say at Palace, they could improve further. * West Ham's managerial appointment will be crucial. Get it wrong and they could be next season's surprise relegation contender. * West Brom will be safe under TP and do exactly what we did for years- hover around 11th-14th. * Will Chelsea be affected by pressure on Mourinho to blood some youngsters? * Having watched all of the promoted sides I think Bournemeouth look the most impressive on what I've seen (admittedly not a lot). |
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Post by chiefdelilah on May 26, 2015 13:59:53 GMT
Newcastle may well have one of their periodic upturns next year.
Sunderland will surely be down there again.
Still refuse to believe that Sherwood won't get found out in the end.
Can Leicester do it again?
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Post by broomey1983 on May 26, 2015 14:01:11 GMT
Swansea - without spending money they could be short on goals, punched about their weight for a couple of seasons I think we can see them lower down next season
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Post by Trouserdog on May 26, 2015 14:06:58 GMT
Swansea - without spending money they could be short on goals, punched about their weight for a couple of seasons I think we can see them lower down next season Not sure about this. Montero-Sigurdsson-Dyer are an impressive trio and Gomis not that much of a downgrade from Bony if results from the latter half of the season are anything to go by. I think our squad and theirs are pretty evenly matched at the moment. |
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Post by dutchstokie on May 26, 2015 14:10:11 GMT
1. Chelsea
2. Man United
3. Man City
4. Arsenal
5. Tottenham
6 .Everton
7. Stoke
8. Liverpool
9. Southampton
10. Swansea
11. Crystal Palace
12. Newcastle
13. West Brom
14. Bournemouth
15.Aston Villa
16.West Ham
17Leicester
18.Sunderland
19.Norwich
20. Watford
After a sticky start I think will Bournemouth will be comfortable
And we will improve again
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Post by Kjones9 on May 26, 2015 14:11:17 GMT
I think how the past seasons have gone I don't worry about what other teams are doing.
You'll never predict it.
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Post by muglump on May 26, 2015 14:15:17 GMT
Too many variables in football to make predictions. I think all we can say is that the league will be won by one of the top four teams and that's about it. I'd like to think we can aim for sixth, but if we finish top ten would be fine. Another cup final would be nice though please
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Post by cmc89 on May 26, 2015 14:19:44 GMT
Unsurprisingly it all depends on transfers with a splash of managerial appointments (west ham and Liverpool).
Think Southampton will lose a few players this summer but their black box recruiting system seems to be working well and I wouldn't be surprised to see them challenging for 6th again.
Watford look destined for the drop to me. Bournemouth will go down playing the 'pretty' way and Leicester will be in trouble if they splash out big and end up with has beens and if huth goes but gets injured.
My crystal ball has never worked mind...
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 14:21:27 GMT
Swansea - without spending money they could be short on goals, punched about their weight for a couple of seasons I think we can see them lower down next season Not sure about this. Montero-Sigurdsson-Dyer are an impressive trio and Gomis not that much of a downgrade from Bony if results from the latter half of the season are anything to go by. I think our squad and theirs are pretty evenly matched at the moment. agreed, i think saying they've punched above their weight is a bit of an insult. they've looked a very decent team at times and to do what they've done after Bony going in January shows that for me. |
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Post by shipshape on May 26, 2015 14:25:35 GMT
Swansea - without spending money they could be short on goals, punched about their weight for a couple of seasons I think we can see them lower down next season Not sure about this. Montero-Sigurdsson-Dyer are an impressive trio and Gomis not that much of a downgrade from Bony if results from the latter half of the season are anything to go by. I think our squad and theirs are pretty evenly matched at the moment. Gomis looks quality. Wish we had him. |
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Post by sheikhmomo on May 26, 2015 14:26:11 GMT
At the current prices www.oddschecker.com/football/english/premier-league/relegationPalace make limited appeal at 13/2 for the drop. They don't normally hang around in the top flight too long and will surely lose their star turns in the summer. They will struggle to replace like with like, even if they're swimming in dosh and despite their 'legendary annoying as fuck Ultra's' they lost more games at home than any other side in the division. It would only take a small downturn in their away form and things could get on a slippery slope pretty quickly. |
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Post by Bojan Mackey on May 26, 2015 14:26:20 GMT
On my FIFA 15 2015/16 season, Liverpool finished 17th, staying up on the last day of the season with a 2-1 win at West Brom.
With how they're looking at the moment that might not be far off the truth, daft wankers.
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Post by geoff321 on May 26, 2015 14:30:21 GMT
The owners of Spurs think they should be a top four side, the owners of Liverpool think they should win the title, the owners of Everton think they should be a top six side, so three managers in particular will be in the firing line early next season.
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Post by broomey1983 on May 26, 2015 14:39:26 GMT
Not sure about this. Montero-Sigurdsson-Dyer are an impressive trio and Gomis not that much of a downgrade from Bony if results from the latter half of the season are anything to go by. I think our squad and theirs are pretty evenly matched at the moment. agreed, i think saying they've punched above their weight is a bit of an insult. they've looked a very decent team at times and to do what they've done after Bony going in January shows that for me. Just a feeling I have with them really as they have sold there better players in the last couple of seasons. They have done well no one can argue I just cant see it continuing really. But thats football, anything can happen Will Newcastle go if they dont improve the squad and manager? |
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 14:40:45 GMT
I see Leicester as the biggest improvers , with Newcastle and Spurs being two more .
I don't see Liverpool or Everton getting any better at all .
United I see as the main threat to Chelsea , but a lot depends on what happens at Man City this close season .
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 14:42:33 GMT
Apart from the 3 promoted teams there is so much shit floating around.
Newcastle are just shambolic, and were very lucky to stay up, same with Sunderland.
I bet Villa are glad that the FA Cup runners up don't get Europe, cuz they have got a huge season ahead of them anyway.
The Mid table teams all should be comfy, West Ham are due a meltdown though.
I think table could look like this...
Chelski.
Citeh.
Scum.
Arse.
Spuds.
Loserpool
Stoke
Saints.
Everton
Baggies
Leicester
West Ham
Bournemouth
Swansea
Villa
Palarse.
Blunderland
Watford
Newcastle
Narwich
And I think it will go to the wire again in terms of last relegation spot.
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Post by interestedobserver on May 26, 2015 14:43:38 GMT
At the current prices www.oddschecker.com/football/english/premier-league/relegationPalace make limited appeal at 13/2 for the drop. They don't normally hang around in the top flight too long and will surely lose their star turns in the summer. They will struggle to replace like with like, even if they're swimming in dosh and despite their 'legendary annoying as fuck Ultra's' they lost more games at home than any other side in the division. It would only take a small downturn in their away form and things could get on a slippery slope pretty quickly. Everton at 66 looks interesting. Lots of quality in that team but if they get off to a bad start, I think there will be real turmoil there. |
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Post by shipshape on May 26, 2015 14:48:52 GMT
I'd be amazed if Newcastle were anywhere near as bad again. Mike Ashley might be disliked but he's no fool. His interview the other day was interesting, not just because it was so rare. Seemed to be suggesting a change in outlook going forwards. I wouldn't back them to do anything spectacular but don't expect them to be in the relegation battle again.
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Post by upthefud on May 26, 2015 14:51:55 GMT
Chelsea
Arsenal
Man City
Man Utd
--------
Spurs
Liverpool
Stoke
--------
Everton
Palace
Swansea
--------
Southampton
WBA
Leicester
Norwich
Villa
Sunderland
Bournemouth
-----
West Ham
Newcastle
Watford
I'm predicting west ham to really struggle with Europe and the pressures it brings to an ageing squad. Newcastle are still in absolute turmoil.
From that list I'd say anyone from Norwich down could be in trouble.
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Post by Trouserdog on May 26, 2015 15:00:33 GMT
I'd be amazed if Newcastle were anywhere near as bad again. Mike Ashley might be disliked but he's no fool. His interview the other day was interesting, not just because it was so rare. Seemed to be suggesting a change in outlook going forwards. I wouldn't back them to do anything spectacular but don't expect them to be in the relegation battle again. They need to invest in some key areas though. This squad looks a bit crap, especially at the back- Collocini is ancient and Mike Williamson's fucking dog shit. I think chiefdelilah mentioned that Cisse is leaving on a free this summer too. I suppose the one thing they've got going for them is that they are a big club who will attract players should they be willing to pay for them. |
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Post by skip on May 26, 2015 15:02:04 GMT
Chelsea and Manure to provide us with an amazing spectacle of victimhood and doublespeak from the managers, then the other big clubs fighting it out for two more of the Champions* League.
Us 8th and a cup final would be nice.
Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland to go down. One can but dream.
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Post by cheekymatt71 on May 26, 2015 15:06:48 GMT
I think West Ham could be anywhere from 5th to 20th next season based upon the noises coming from the dildo twins. They are after a huge name as manager and want to spend big. It could end up being QPR all over again but who really knows.
Other than that there is a bit more stability in the Premier League in the past 12 months with slightly less managerial sackings. There is a base of 10 or 12 managers that you can pretty much guarantee you results and a certain level of consistency (Pulis, Pardew, Monk, Hughes, Mourinho, Wenger, Pochettino)
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Post by chiefdelilah on May 26, 2015 15:09:12 GMT
Ashley's going to spend some cash this year - think he knows he needs to buy himself some breathing room. If he appoints the right manager they could be top half again easily.
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Post by shipshape on May 26, 2015 15:15:12 GMT
I'd be amazed if Newcastle were anywhere near as bad again. Mike Ashley might be disliked but he's no fool. His interview the other day was interesting, not just because it was so rare. Seemed to be suggesting a change in outlook going forwards. I wouldn't back them to do anything spectacular but don't expect them to be in the relegation battle again. They need to invest in some key areas though. This squad looks a bit crap, especially at the back- Collocini is ancient and Mike Williamson's fucking dog shit. I think chiefdelilah mentioned that Cisse is leaving on a free this summer too. I suppose the one thing they've got going for them is that they are a big club who will attract players should they be willing to pay for them. The squad looks weak but based on Ashley's comments I'm expecting them to invest. I don't see why he'd say anything just to appease the fans. He doesn't give a shit what they think about him. I kind of admire his pig-headedness. The danger as always at Newcastle is their strange fans, who seem to think they should be annual title challengers, despite not winning it since the 1920s. Obviously the managerial appointment is key. Trying to convince someone decent to put up with the ludicrous expectations of the Toon army could be tough. |
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Post by Trouserdog on May 26, 2015 15:15:58 GMT
Ashley's going to spend some cash this year - think he knows he needs to buy himself some breathing room. If he appoints the right manager they could be top half again easily. I think they might have to judging by this verdict from their message board! Their view pretty much tallies with my assessment of their players- namely that Janmaat, Colback, Sissoko and Cisse are the only decent players they've got, and two of those apparently want out. Like you say though, Ashley knows that he's got to spend big and he probably will. Like West Ham, I think they desperately need someone in charge who can get the best out of a fairly bad bunch and perform some magic in the transfer market. |
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Post by KevinWhimper on May 26, 2015 15:17:39 GMT
Good post trousers. Had a look through some of your blogs on there and they raise some great points. Particularly enjoyed the Post-Bojan injury thread. BojanMackey would have been proud!  |
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Post by viewfrominside on May 26, 2015 15:17:40 GMT
Ashley's going to spend some cash this year - think he knows he needs to buy himself some breathing room. If he appoints the right manager they could be top half again easily. Willing to spend cash he may be, firstly though they have to appoint the right man to spend it right, secondly they will be lucky to attract the players they want to compete for..... wait for it.... champions league football  (Almost as deluded as the Geordie fans) there must be something in the water. Last but not least there is spending money and there is spending money let's see which Ashley is looking to do, my suspicions are he's biding his time hoping for a sale |
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Post by Staffsoatcake on May 26, 2015 15:38:40 GMT
Liverpool's position next season depends on who is in charge, if it is still Rogers I think they will struggle to finish in the top 8, if they got someone in like Kloppe, they will finish in the top 5.
The top 4 is already sorted,so shuffle Chelsea, Man C. The Shit and the Wankers to see who finishes where.
2 Teams who can finish higher next season than they did this season, Stoke, Everton.
2 teams who could finish lower next season. Southampton and Swansea.
I would think all the 3 promoted sides plus Sunderland, WBA, and Villa to be in the bottom 6.
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Post by Trouserdog on May 26, 2015 15:52:24 GMT
Sunderland fans are pretty damning of their side this year, as you'd expect. There's some shit talked here about one or two of our players, particularly N'Zonzi, but the consensus seems to be that other than Pantillimon, Cattermole and Adam Johnson their squad is full of shite. Another side who need to appoint the right manager, as the only way I can see that squad surviving next year is if they organise themselves sufficiently to grind out a few results. Advocaat worked a miracle to keep that lot up IMO. |
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Post by dan55 on May 26, 2015 16:18:11 GMT
I can see liverpool fading away abit next season, not just because of the hiding we gave them but their whole situation. They were carried pretty much by saurez and gerrard last year. saurez left and they dropped some places this season due to that, now gerrard has gone and sterling, that will have a negative effect and will possibly drop them afew more places down the league next year. They need some world class and no world class players will join if they can't offer Champions League.
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(Almost as deluded as the Geordie fans) there must be something in the water. Last but not least there is spending money and there is spending money let's see which Ashley is looking to do, my suspicions are he's biding his time hoping for a sale
