Number 1 on my list was going to
read: “Paolo Di Canio could get the sack before the season is out.” Now, I am
neither fortune teller or rocket scientist, I think the writing was on the wall
for this one but it does mean I have to think of something extra for this list!
1. Chelsea
striker Romelu Lukaku could end up as this season’s Premier League top scorer –
for Everton! His impressive Toffees debut resulted in his first goal of the
season but with Leighton Baines supplying the ammunition, I wouldn’t be
surprised to see Lukaku score more than the 17 he got last season whilst on
loan at West Brom.
2. Someone
other than Man City, Man United and Chelsea could win the Premier League this
season! Most pundits are still plumping for one of those 3 but with Ozil,
Ramsey and Giroud firing on all cylinders, Arsenal have a chance. Spurs fans
must also be wondering (albeit it silently for now) just how far their new team
can go. For a team that is still gelling, they have been mightily impressive so
far. The London derby with Chelsea this coming week may give us further clues.
3. Paolo
Di Canio might not be the only Premier League manager to lose his job this
season. By my reckoning, by the time last season had come to a close, no fewer
than 7 Premier League managers had paid the ultimate price (Mark Hughes, Nigel
Adkins, Brian McDermott, Roberto Di Matteo, Roberto Mancini, Tony Pulis and
Martin O’Neill). Di Canio has already gone, so who else could be in danger this
season? Ian Holloway? Chris Hughton? Alan Pardew? Martin Jol? Jose Mourinho? The
new Sunderland manager?
4. This
could be the closest title race for years. Okay so Man City sneaking past
United on goal difference a couple of seasons back was pretty close but those
two were miles ahead of the rest. This season could see a 4 or even 5 horse
race. (see number 2 above)
5. Leighton
Baines could finish the season playing for another club. Man United will be
favourites to land the left back in the January transfer window but after such
a scintillating start, other clubs could come knocking too. If Baines does
leave, it might seriously scupper the chances of number 1 (see above) happening.
6. Manchester
United could finish outside the top 4! Although teams in the lower reaches of
the table would still covet most of United’s squad, the Red Devil’s failure to
significantly strengthen in the summer could signal their lowest finish for
ages!
7. Another
one for Lukaku here – The Belgian could score more goals than the current
Chelsea front-line combined! Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba might yet
come good but you can’t help sensing that it’s Chelsea’s midfielders that will
weigh in with the majority of Blues goals this season.
8. A
Welsh player could win Player of the Year for the second time in a row! Gareth
Bale has gone to pastures new, but if he can keep his current form going who
could rule out a chance of Aaron Ramsey succeeding the ex Spurs player?
9. Tom
Huddlestone could cut his hair! Apparently, the Hull City midfielder has vowed
not to give it the chop until he scores a Premier League goal. Whilst his
appearances were restricted for Spurs last season, if he can avoid injury,
there has to be a very good chance he could burst the net this season.
10. Stoke City could become the next Arsenal! Mark Hughes has them playing a totally
different style of football and who knows, with a few more quality additions in
January, the transformation from “lump it forward” to “knock it around very
nicely” might be complete!
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