Will Premier League Team "F" be Fabulous or Flops?

If you were with us for the Team “E” post, you will remember that they were possibly the weakest squad in this series of alphabetic Premier League teams (essentially squads made up entirely of players with surnames of a particular letter of the alphabet). I am not sure I would label team “F” as fantastic but they certainly look an improvement (on paper at least) over team “E”.

Let’s have a look at the starting eleven.

Goalkeeper: Fabianski (Arsenal)

Defenders: Flanagan (Liverpool), Ferdinand (Man United), Fonte (Southampton), Fabio (Cardiff City)

Midfielders: Flamini (Arsenal), Fernandinho (Man City), Fer (Norwich City), Fellaini (Man Utd) Darren Fletcher (Man Utd)

Forward: Steven Fletcher (Sunderland)

Squad Members/Reserves: Friedel (Spurs), Fryers (Spurs), Faye (Hull City), Fryatt (Hull City), Fox (Norwich)

With a lack of strikers in this category, we have once again opted for a 4-5-1 formation. If all of them play to their potential though, it’s a pretty tasty midfield! In fact there isn’t an awful lot more depth to this squad than there was for Team “E” but at least there are a handful of substitutes to just about keep the squad fresh.

I have opted for Fabianski in goal. Friedel would be another solid choice but he is 42 now so I have opted for the younger goalkeeper.

Rio Ferdinand (I still don’t understand why he isn’t featuring more often under David Moyes) and Jose Fonte are the two centre backs - No spring chickens but entirely capable with bags of experience. The full backs are Jon Flanagan of Liverpool who is enjoying a good run in the side at present and Fabio who hasn’t really fulfilled his potential yet but a recent move to Cardiff City might kick start his career.

The midfield five is strong. Flamini can sit just in front of the defensive unit and provide valuable cover whilst also using his ball winning skills in midfield. Fernandinho, after an unconvincing start at the Etihad Stadium has now won the fans and critics around with his busy and effective performances. Fellaini and Fletcher are two of the misfiring Manchester United midfielders but if form returns are both classy midfielders. Leroy Fer meanwhile has enjoyed a solid start to his Norwich career in a season of struggle for The Canaries.

The lone striker is Steven Fletcher who enjoyed a more productive season last time and is struggling for game time but he is our only available striker in this category.

What do you think of the line-up?

Can Dembele, Dejagah and Dzeko Propel Team "D" Up the League?

Throughout the series so far, teams have tended to line up with either a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 system, so team D is certainly a first, with a 4-5-1 system seeming like the best option given the availability of players under this “D” category. Let’s have a look.

Goalkeeper: De Gea (Man Utd)

Defenders: Debuchy (Newcastle Utd), Michael Dawson (Spurs), Ben Davies (Swansea City), Demichelis (Man City)

Midfielders: Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur), David Luiz (Chelsea), De Guzman (Swansea City), Downing (West Ham Utd), Dejagah (Fulham)

Forwards: Dzeko (Man City)

Squad Players/Reserves: Dummet (Newcastle), Delph (Aston Villa), Demel, Diame & Diarra (West Ham), Curtis Davies (Hull City), Dann, Delaney & Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace) Do Prado (Southampton), Duff (Fulham), Deulofeu (Everton)

As with team “C”, David de Gea is really the only available choice in the goalkeeping position and I am not going to complain, despite Manchester United’s poor form this season, de Gea has certainly now established himself as number one at Old Trafford and at still only 23 is becoming a very capable goalkeeper.

In the full back positions, we have the highly rated Debuchy of Newcastle and the equally highly rated Ben Davies of Swansea. In the centre we have the steady Michael Dawson and perhaps the most controversial choice in this team, Demichelis of Man City. Others may opt for Demel or Curtis Davies but I stick by my choice.

Now then, the 5 midfielders in this 4-5-1. Dembele would probably walk into at least 18 of the Premier League midfield units, so is a strong choice here. Perhaps the same could be said of David Luiz, although some might prefer to play him as a defender. Stewart Downing on his day (although he does seem to be having fewer of them) can be terrific and can supply a steady stream of crosses into the box. De Guzman is also creative and gets from box to box well, while Dejagah has been one of the few bright lights for struggling Fulham this season. Dejagah is also possibly the only Iranian international to be playing regular Premier League football.

The lone striker then is Edin Dzeko. I would imagine that Dzeko has one of the best Premier League strike rates (goals per game time) in recent years. He has 38 goals in 98 league appearances for Man City with many of those appearances being as a late substitute. One goal in every 2.5 matches is relatively decent in normal circumstances but taking his game time into account, it’s nothing short of prolific. Dzeko is probably the only out and out striker in the team “D” squad with perhaps only Deulofeu offering any challenge for the position.

I think that this team pretty much picks itself, what do you think?

The "A" Team Brings its "A" Game to the Premier League

Let’s go right back to the start of the alphabet to see if we can create teams of current Premier League players with some of those early letters, starting with the A Team.

Goalkeeper – Adrian (West Ham United)

Defenders – Azplilcueta (Chelsea), Agger (Liverpool), Amat (Swansea), Alonso (Sunderland)

Midfielders – Arteta (Arsenal), Joe Allen (Liverpool), Charlie Adam (Stoke City)

Forwards – Aguero (Man City), Adebayor (Spurs), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)

Subs or Squad Players – Albrighton (Villa), Alcaraz (Everton), Assaidi and Arnautovic (Stoke), Aluko (Hull City), Altidore (Sunderland), Anita (Newcastle)

There’s not a lot of defensive cover on the bench but that’s not a bad side, especially in an attacking sense. With Sergio Aguero, Emmanuel Adebayor and Gabby Agbonlahor bearing down on an opposing defence, there are sure to be goals, with a supply line coming from Arteta in particular.

There weren't many “A” goalkeepers to choose from, in fact West Ham’s Adrian was the only one currently playing. However, he has been in fine form so certainly an inspired choice! Defensively, there is a mixture of experience and inexperience so it would be up to Agger and Azpilicueta to guide the other defenders through each game. There are plenty of options on the bench for an attack minded team but there isn’t a lot of depth to this squad.

It’s not often the B team is stronger than the A team but we will find out soon. Stay tuned.

Team "S" Takes its Place in the Premier League Alphabet and has more than a Hint of Liverpool

An abundance of “S” named players has made this the first of my alphabet teams where I have really struggled (with the exception of the strikers) to pick a first choice 11. The quality left on the bench or as squad players is ridiculous, especially in the attacking midfield and forward departments.

So, let’s have a look at the team.

Goalkeeper – Szczesny (Arsenal)

Defenders – Shawcross (Stoke City), Sakho (Liverpool), Skrtel, (Liverpool), Shaw (Southampton) Santon (Newcastle United)

Midfielders – Silva (Manchester City), Sidwell (Fulham), Sigurdsson (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards – Suarez (Liverpool), Sturridge (Liverpool)

Subs and Squad Players – Stekelenberg (Fulham), Smalling (Man United), Senderos (Fulham), Stones (Everton), Sagna (Arsenal), Schneiderlin (Southampton), Shelvey (Swansea City), Sissoko (Newcastle United), Snodgrass (Norwich City), Schurlle (Chelsea), Sagbo (Hull City), Sterling (Liverpool), Sessegnon (West Bromwich Albion), Soldado (Spurs)

Choice of goalkeeper was fairly straightforward and there probably won’t be any arguments there, although Stekelenberg and indeed Speroni are waiting in the wings if Szczesny has a wobbly spell.

Some of the other teams in this series have looked a bit weak at the back so I have opted for a 5-3-2 formation here to emphasise the strength in defence. Both Luke Shaw and Davide Santon (who can play on both sides) are very attack minded full backs so can easily supplement the midfield when called upon. Sakho, Shawcross and Skrtel provide plenty of power and strength in the central positions and offer a significant threat from set pieces.

Midfield was a really tricky puzzle to solve and there are sure to be plenty of disagreements over the selection here. Anyway, David Silva simply had to be in as one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League. Steve Sidwell, who can score a goal two is really picked for his tenacity in the tackle and ball winning ability, while Gylfi Sigurdsson, who isn't a regular in the Spurs team, offers plenty of craft and invention and is great at striking the ball from distance.

The SAS partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge just had to lead the line. Even as a non- Liverpool fan it’s impossible to play any of the other strikers ahead of them. Mind you, there are plenty of options for impact substitutions and if injuries play their part.

So, what do you think? Who would you have played in midfield? Would you have played a different formation? How does the team compare to the "J" team or the "R" team?

Football Alphabet - Premier League "R" Team is Full of Attacking Flair

I might go back through the alphabet and do a few more of these. I, at least find them quite intriguing - to see the kind of team/s that can be created with players whose names all start with the same letter of the alphabet. I already did a “J” team and a “K” team and below you will find the “R” Team.

Goalkeeper – John Ruddy (Norwich City)

Defenders – Rafael (Man United), Danny Rose (Spurs), Liam Ridgewell (West Brom), Winston Reid (West Ham)

Midfielders – Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Ramires (Chelsea), Thomas Rosicky (Arsenal), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton)

Forwards – Wayne Rooney (Man United), Loic Remy (Newcastle United)

Subs and Squads Members or Reserve Team

Robles, Riise, Rosenior, Rat, Reither, Rangel, Richardson, Rodwell, Routledge, Rodallega, Rodriguez

Without intending to be critical of central defenders Ridgewell and Reid, I can’t see this team keeping many clean sheets, although possession statistics are likely to be the roof with that midfield! However, with Rafael and Danny Rose bombing forward at every opportunity, they could be susceptible to counter attacks.  John Ruddy has flirted with the England squad on a few occasions and despite Norwich’s poor form this season, he is a solid number one.

The midfield is, in my opinion, fabulous! Aaron Ramsey was arguably the player of the season until he picked up an untimely injury and Thomas Rosicky although not a frequent starter has shown something like his best form this season. Gaston Ramirez has had a fairly stop-start Southampton career so far and is not a guaranteed starter but the Uruguay international has plenty of ability and adds plenty of flair to an already creative midfield. Chelsea’s Ramires is perhaps the only one of the quartet that adds a bit of steel and defensive cover, so he would be absolutely essential in this team.

Up front we have two of the in-form strikers of the season so far. Wayne Rooney has been far and away Manchester United’s best player this season and Loic Remy is enjoying his spell with the Magpies and proving he is a genuine Premier League quality striker.

If there is an injury crisis, there are plenty of decent options on the bench in most positions – so the “R” Team on the whole has plenty of strength in depth. Check out the J and K teams to see which you think is the best.

Premier League Football Alphabet - Norwich, Negredo, Ozil and Oscar

Some letters of the alphabet lend themselves better to this Premier League football series than others. “N” and “O” might be slight on quantity but there is plenty of quality to make up for it.

N

Norwich City are the only team to fit into this particular chapter and despite 3 wins in their last 5 games (they won only 2 of the first 10) this could be another season of struggle for the Canaries. Those recent wins have taken Norwich up to 14^th (at the time of writing) with 17 points from 15 games and they have 4 points between themselves and the bottom 3. In the summer, Grant Holt was sold to Wigan and in came 3 new strikers in Gary Hooper, Johan Elmander and Ricky van Wolfswinkel. These 3 new arrivals all came with good pedigree and hopes were high that the goals would flow and this might keep Norwich away from the relegation scrap. Van Wolfswinkel picked up an injury, Elmander has yet to score a league goal and Hooper after a slow start is now showing signs of promise with 3 goals in his last 5 appearances.

In their next 10 league matches, the Canaries only face 2 of what might be considered top 6 sides (Man United and Everton), so this will be an absolutely crucial period in which points must be won. If you look at their last 4 fixtures of the season, it’s not difficult to envision a zero return from them – Liverpool and Arsenal at home, Manchester United and Chelsea away! So, where will Chris Hughton’s team finish this season? For me, they will avoid the drop – but only just.

Manchester City brought in 4 or 5 big name signings in the summer and so far it is only Alvaro Negredo that seems to have really justified the cash outlay. He has 6 goals to his name already and in recent weeks has been linking up well with Sergio Aguero (who admittedly has been hogging the limelight with his prolific goal scoring) and it seems that the manager has settled on these two as the best partnership for now. Negredo scored goals throughout his time in Spain’s La Liga and has a record of almost 1 goal every 2 games for the national side – although he is not used with any particular frequency. I think the Premier League will see a lot more goals from this Spanish International.

O

Arsenal bought Mesut Ozil at the end of the transfer window and despite only one league defeat at the time, there was a certain doom and gloom surrounding Arsene Wenger and the Emirates Stadium. It’s a signing that has quite literally transformed the atmosphere around the Gunners. They are playing great football, sit clear at the top of the Premier League and have a number of players in terrific form, including Ozil. The German international has brought a confidence to Arsenal that hasn’t really been present since losing Van Persie and perhaps even Fabregas before that.

Another two “O” players definitely worth a mention here are a Brazilian and an Argentinian Italian. Chelsea’s Oscar has been terrific so far this season. He was good in spells last year but now looks like he has truly settled in England and is really showing his qualities. Dani Osvaldo was certainly a big signing for a club the size of Southampton. He was a regular goal scorer in both the Spanish and Italian leagues before joining the Saints. Osvaldo has had a relatively slow start to his career on the South Coast but fans who saw his goal against Man City recently will begin rubbing their hands in anticipation of the kind of player they now have at their club.

Football Alphabet - Managers Moyes, Mourinho, Meulensteen and Mackay do Battle

The battles at the top and bottom of the Premier League are starting to take shape now that we are 15 games into the current season and I have picked out a quartet of managers with names beginning with "M" that may well be contesting some of those vital league positions.

Moyes versus Mourinho

This battle may yet develop into the close contest many thought it would be at the start of the season but thanks to Manchester United’s dreadful (by their own standards) start to the season, David Moyes is struggling a bit and United are already playing catch up. Jose Mourinho, despite a much healthier league position and return of points, hasn't had it all his own way either. Just when Chelsea look like they are really hitting their stride and playing great football, they throw in a lazy draw or unlikely defeat and at the time of writing, remain 5 points behind early pacesetters Arsenal.

However, there is still plenty of time for the Moyes v Mourinho battle to take shape, if not this season, then over the coming seasons. Both managers are adapting to a new environment (albeit Mourinho is a little more familiar with his) and really have their hands full in attempting to deliver silverware for their expectant supporters this year. Most pundits believe that the league season is already over for Man United (who sit 13 points off the top of the table) and although there is an almighty gap to make up, history tells that they don’t often “get going” until January anyway. Most pundits also believe that they need to buy 3 or 4 world class players in the January transfer window.

Mackay versus Meulensteen

At the time of writing there is only 1 point and 2 league positions separating Fulham and Cardiff City (1 point better off), so although new Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is fresh to the fray, this battle is already in full swing. Fulham, frankly have had a dreadful start to the campaign and although many believe Martin Jol is a highly competent manager, the body language from both him and his team had been very, very poor in the month prior to Jol’s unfortunate but inevitable sacking. Fulham have already shown considerably more fight in Meulensteen’s first 2 games in charge and are perhaps unlucky to only have 3 points to show for their efforts.

Cardiff City have only 1 win in their last 9 games and despite some impressive performances (a win against Man City and a draw with Man United), the Welsh team now seem to be finding the Premier League as tough as they might have expected when they got promoted. Malky Malkay (perfect initials for this episode) hasn't just had to contend with getting his team to perform on the pitch but also issues behind the scenes, with a chairman who although undoubtedly has put money into the club, very much has his own way of doing things.

On paper at least, Fulham seem to have the more creative squad and are perhaps better equipped to survive, but Cardiff will battle, make no mistake about that and the Mackay v Meulensteen battle may well turn out to be a more interesting contest than the one involving Moyes and Mourinho.

Liverpool, Lukaku, Lloris and Lallana Light up Premier League Alphabet

It’s still relatively early days but Liverpool can be really happy with their season so far. However, with Everton, Man City, Chelsea and Spurs to play (all away from home) before the New Year, things may look quite different come the half way stage of the season. In recent seasons though, Liverpool have not been flying quite as high as they are right now. Brendan Rodgers has settled in and his team is starting to take shape after he inherited a squad that had been built largely by Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson.

Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have been prolific so far. Steven Gerrard, admittedly now in the twilight of his career, is probably having his most injury free run in the side for a few years and seems to be relishing the responsibility he has been given with the England captaincy. Coutinho has added some much needed flair to that midfield while Jordan Henderson is having is best spell ever in a Liverpool shirt.

Defensively, it’s been a mixed bag. The Reds kept 3 clean sheets in succession at the start of the season but didn’t get another until the recent thrashing of Fulham. Many will point to the experimentation of playing 3 centre backs which doesn’t really seem to have worked but also to Glen Johnson. He was present for the opening 3 clean sheets but then effectively missing through injury until the latest clean sheet against Fulham. So, a great start for Liverpool and by January 1^st 2014 we should know whether they have the legs for a title challenge or whether they will be content with battling for a Champions League spot.

There are some great players in this “L” category too and many of them have already created good talking points this season.

Hugo Lloris – Is the Tottenham goalkeeper the best in the Premier League and should he have been substituted after that head injury at Everton?

Romelu Lukaku – What a great loan signing for Everton and sure to be amongst the league’s top scorers this season.

Frank Lampard – Still a favourite of Jose Mourinho but could this be Frank’s final season at the very top? I am a massive Lampard fan and in my opinion he has been the best midfielder in the league for 10 years, but there are signs that age is finally catching up with him.

Ricky Lambert and Adam Lallana – Have now both been capped by England and their terrific form has helped Southampton to the dizzying heights of the top 4 in the Premier League.

Erik Lamela – Many hadn’t even heard of him when Spurs made him their most expensive signing ever and with the emergence of Andros Townsend coupled with his (Lamela’s) inability to speak English, he has found settling in London really tough. However, those who saw his display against Sheriff Tiraspol in the last round of the Europa league, will have noted the potential of the young Argentinian. It may take a while but there could be a superstar waiting to explode at White Hart Lane – and they certainly need one after the departure of Gareth Bale!

Premier League Football Alphabet - The "K" Team

After the relatively successful experiment last time out of compiling a functional team of current premier league football players whose last names begin with the letter “J”, I thought I would try it again with the letter “K”. Off the top of my head, I was struggling but I think I found enough players to probably form a better team than team “J”.

Think of the past and names such as Keegan, Kennedy, Klinsmann, Keane, King, Kanu and Kuyt have all graced the top flight of English football, but what of the current “K” team?

How they line up:

Goalkeeper – Krul (Newcastle United)

Defenders – Koscielny (Arsenal), Kompany (Man City), Kolorov (Man City), Kaboul (Spurs)

Midfield – Kasami (Fulham), Kagawa (Man Utd), Karagounis (Fulham), Kacaniklic (Fulham)

Forwards – Kone (Everton), Kozak (Aston Villa)

Subs: Kane, Kim, Ki, Kebe

There wasn't much in the way of available substitutes for team “J” but the “K” team has strength in depth for starters.

This defensive unit is truly impressive although one of those centre backs is going to have fill in at right back in order to play a flat back four. You could play a 3 at the back and push Kolorov into midfield so there is flexibility too.

The midfield is perhaps a little but Fulham heavy – so perhaps Kebe (Crystal Palace) in for Karagounis (since he is getting on a bit) might work a bit better. An in form (his Borussia Dortmund days) Kagawa adds a touch of class to a team that is full of seasoned internationals but is perhaps erring on the side of solid rather than spectacular.

The front two perhaps indicate that the long, aerial ball might better suit this team but you could probably swap out the currently injured Kone for Tottenham’s Harry Kane if you wanted a bit more guile.

I personally thing that this “K” team could certainly hold its own in the Premier League with plenty of 1-0 victories and draws away from home. Put them head to head against team “J” and there is only one winner – what do you think?

Football Alphabet - Jol to manage "J" United if Fulham Job Goes Pear Shaped

I thought I would attempt something different for this instalment of the Premier League Alphabet and see if I could form a decent-ish team from players whose last names begin with the letter “J”. Despite an initial concern that there wouldn't be enough “J” players to complete an 11, I was pleasantly surprised with what came up and while probably not a team to challenge for the Premier League title, they could potentially be a solid mid table outfit.

Of course the team could be managed by Martin Jol. Despite a tough start for Fulham this season, Jol has enough managerial credentials both at home and abroad to do a very solid job for “J” United.

How they would line up:

Goalkeeper – Jaaskelainen (West Ham United)

Defenders – Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Declan John (Cardiff City)

Midfielders –Adam Johnson (Sunderland), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace), Bradley Johnson (Norwich City)

Strikers – Kenwyne Jones (Stoke City), Stevan Jovetic (Man City), Nikica Jelavic (Everton)

There is only one player in the above 11 who hasn’t been capped at full international level and that’s Norwich City’s Bradley Johnson. So, a team packed full of international quality (3 current England defenders included), perhaps the main limitation might be the forced formation of 4-3-3. The defence is pretty solid but would there be enough cover for the midfield in a tough battle? With the exception of perhaps Jovetic, the other two strikers are pretty much out and out forwards and unlikely to get through their share of midfield duties.

Having said all that, not bad at all for a team full of J’s! However, they could prove to be a commentator’s nightmare with 3 Johnson's, 2 Joneses, 1 John, a Jaaskelainen, a Jovetic, a Jelavic, a Jagielka and a Jedinak!

Football Alphabet - "I" Ivanovic and Ibe to the Premier League Rescue

Just a brief instalment for the letter "I" and without Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic and Liverpool’s Jordan Ibe it would have been even briefer!

Branislav Ivanovic – The Serbian defender is now in his now in his 7^th season with Chelsea (although he failed to make an appearance in his first season). Despite not always being a regular in the starting 11, Ivanovic has chalked up in excess of 220 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit. In the last couple of seasons in particular, he has been a favourite for fantasy football managers, thanks to his knack for popping in the opponents penalty area and scoring goals at a decent rate (for a defender at least).

He can play at right full back or in the centre of defence and seems to find himself in a different role each time Chelsea appoint a new manager! Ivanovic has 64 caps for his country and was of course the recipient of the Luis Suarez “bite” which led to the Uruguayan’s 8 game ban.

Jordan Ibe – No disrespect to Jordan here, but had there been a larger abundance of current “I” named players or teams in the Premier League, then the Liverpool FC winger probably wouldn't have made this list. He’s in though, so let’s have a quick look.

With just one Premier League appearance so far (in the last game of last season) the former Wycombe Wanderers player has time on his side. He is still only 17 years old and has frequently been on the Liverpool substitute’s bench so far this season, without yet making an appearance. So, Jordan Ibe is officially in my Premier League football alphabet and is certainly a name to keep an eye on in the coming seasons.

Premier League Football Alphabet - "H" for Hull City, Hazard, Hernandez and Half Time

Johnny Howson deserves a mention in this part of the alphabet simply because he scored the winning goal for Norwich City today in their 1-0 victory at Stoke City. The win takes the Canaries onto 7 points from 6 games and 15^th position in the Premier League table at this early stage of the season.

Hull City – The Tigers took 3 seasons to fight their way back into the Premier League after their relegation in May 2010. Although they have tasted defeat twice in 6 games (away to Chelsea and away to Man City) it’s been a hugely impressive start to the season, with not only 3 league wins under their belts but also progression through 2 rounds of the League Cup. From the moment that new signings Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore were introduced after an hour (already 2-0 behind) of their opening day defeat at Stamford Bridge, Hull have played some terrific football.

Steve Bruce has assembled a decent looking squad and you would think that if they keep picking up points against teams that are supposedly meant to finish in the lower reaches of the table, then Premier League safety will be assured. A note of warning, however, in 2008-09 the Tigers enjoyed a similarly excellent start to the season and only escaped relegation on the last day of the season.

Eden Hazard – It’s fair to say that Hazard had a terrific first season in the Premier League with Chelsea, weighing in with 9 goals and 11 assists and a host of man of the match performances. It’s probably also fair to say that the skilful Belgian hasn't yet come to life under new manager Jose Mourinho. It’s early days though and there is plenty of time yet for Hazard to begin tormenting defenders once again. For a player that is still only 22 and with 38 international caps already won, we have yet to see the very best of this talented winger.

Javier Hernandez – Chicharito is rated very highly by just about everyone in football and in his first 3 seasons at Manchester United he averaged very close to a goal every 2 games. The problem for Hernandez may well be Man United. With Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie and others as attacking red devils, his starting opportunities are always going to be limited. This season could be the most important of his career; he is 25 now and should be approaching his most productive years as a footballer. The Mexican international (35 goals in 53 appearances) needs either a sustained run in the United team or to look for pastures new (possibly even as early as January) because even though he will never be a doubt for the Mexico World Cup squad (should they qualify) in Brazil 2014, he will want his fitness and form to be in good order. Watch this space!

Half Time is very important in any Premier League match. If you are at a game, these are the very precious 15 minutes when you get to stamp the feeling back into your feet, get a hot drink and get the smart phone out to scan the rest of the half time scores. It’s also the time to dream that you can get back into a match that you are losing convincingly, if only the manager well reshuffle the pack or the time to panic if you have dominated the first half and only have a 1 goal lead. It’s also usually the time when your club tries to outdo itself with some particularly bad half time entertainment!

Football Alphabet Premier League - "G" for Giggs, Giroud, Giaccherini and Gedo

It really should be against the law to go through an alphabet of the Premier League and not mention Ryan Giggs and that’s why Mr Premier League himself is first up in our foray into the letter “G”.

Ryan Giggs is probably the only player that will be mentioned in this whole series that actually pre-dates the beginning of the Premier League, making his league debut for Manchester United in March of 1991 (the Premier League kicked off at the start of the 1992 -1993 season). In the twenty plus years since that debut, Giggs has ended up with a league winners medal on no less than 13 occasions! In November 2013 he will be 40 years old and has already featured in 3 of the first 4 games of the current season. The Welshman is the only player to have scored in every season (114 league goals total) of the Premier League’s existence so far and has never been sent off for his club. I don’t think any genuine football fan would begrudge this player his place in this alphabet.

Olivier Giroud has a goal per game (4) at the start of this new season and one would think he is well on the way to smashing past the 11 goals he scored in the league last season. Signed on the back of a very impressive season for Montpellier (21 league goals) in 2011-2012, Giroud initially struggled to make his mark in English football. However, he seems to have settled and with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Carzorla, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey to feed him the ball, you sense it could be a bumper season for the French international.

Emanuele Giaccherini is one of the (it feels like hundreds) new signings at Sunderland this season. With 15 caps for Italy and 40 appearances for Juventus, on paper at least the player has plenty of pedigree. There are so many new players at the Stadium of Light, however, that it may be a tough season to be thrown into English football. At least he will be able to understand his manager’s frantic gesticulating on the touchline!

Gedo (Mohamed Nagy) rounds off our look at this section of the Premier League alphabet and he is a player that at the time of writing has yet to feature for Hull City in the top division. With 17 goals in 33 appearances for the Egyptian national team, Steve Bruce will be hoping he can do something similar for the Tigers. On the 16^th September 2013 it was confirmed that the club had received all of the relevant paperwork to allow Gedo to begin his Premier League career.

Premier League Football Alphabet – F for Fulham, Fellaini, Fletcher and Fernandinho

Fulham have started the new season in typical Fulham style – unpredictable and inconsistent with signs of both promise and concern. 4 games in, they have 2 defeats, a victory and a draw.

Comparing the new squad to last season’s you would certainly say it’s looking stronger this time out, with Scott Parker and Adel Taraabt added to the midfield offering both defensive and attacking options. Up front, Darren Bent has been added to the already useful Berbatov, Ruiz and Rodellega but the challenge will be to get Bent on the pitch for long enough to strike up what could be a very useful partnership with the skilful Berbatov. If Fulham can get that duo firing on all cylinders, there could be plenty of goals to follow.

New goalkeeper, Maarten Stekelenburg, should prove to be a useful replacement for the now departed Mark Schwarzer but he was injured on his debut and hasn’t featured since. Elsad Zverotic and Fernando Amborebieta have been brought in to add some more experience and cover to an already experienced (ageing?) defensive unit. Overall, however, the new signings look promising and if manager Martin Jol can encourage the best out of them, then Fulham should have a relatively comfortable season – but a lot will depend on this team “gelling”.

Fellaini – Marouane Fellaini secured his much expected move to Old Trafford on deadline day and became Manchester United’s sole summer signing and there are great expectations from the 25 year old Belgian who cost the Red Devils in excess of £27 million. His last 2 seasons at Everton were probably the player’s best and if he can take that sort of form to his new club then United might finally have that dynamic midfielder they have been craving.

Fletcher – Steven Fletcher, from early season evidence, will have a real struggle on his hands this year along with the rest of his Sunderland team. Granted, it’s far too early to make sweeping judgements but manager Paolo Di Canio doesn’t yet seem to have a grip on this radically altered Black Cats squad. With just 1 point from 4 games it already looks like a long, hard season ahead. Fletcher’s goals (if he gets enough game time) will be just as crucial as they were last season.

Fernandinho (or Fernando Luiz Rosa) started the first 3 league games for Manchester City this season but was left out of the starting 11 for their 0-0 draw with Stoke City. In Negredo, Navas, Jovetic and Demichelis, there are plenty of potential new stars in the City squad and it might be difficult for Fernandinho to make an impact. At 28, the Brazilian only has 5 international caps, which suggests there are a whole host of Brazilian midfielders ahead of him in the cue for a place in the World Cup 2014 squad in Rio. With Yaya Toure, Nasri, Navas and David Silva all laying claims to a starting position, perhaps the Brazilian (who cost City £30 million by the way) might be more of a “cup” player this season.

Premier League Football Alphabet 2013/2014 – E for Everton

It’s an important season for Everton. In fact, that might be an understatement, it’s a massive season for Everton and all those associated with the Goodison Park club. After 11 years of hard work and quality service, David Moyes left his managerial post to take on the biggest job in English football as manager of Manchester United. In stepped former Wigan Athletic manager, Roberto Martinez – highly respected but somewhat unproven at the very top levels of the game. In his final season at Wigan, Martinez led the Latics to FA Cup Glory but also relegation from the Premier League.

So, there is a change at the top and new ideas to not only bring in but to bed in. There are some new players too and one might argue that despite the loss of hugely influential Belgian, Marouane Fellaini (who followed his old boss to Old Trafford) on transfer deadline day, they did manage to hold onto (some would say even more influential) Leighton Baines. The Toffees also managed to secure the services of midfield duo James McCarthy and Gareth Barry as well as striker Romelu Lukaku. Many expected Lukaku (dubbed by some as the new Didier Drogba) to feature heavily for Chelsea this season after his 17 goals for West Brom last time out and an impressive pre season for Chelsea, so his signature (even on a season long loan) could be highly significant. It does perhaps leave Arouna Kone wondering what he might have to do to become a first team starter.

How high can Everton finish? Before the transfer window closed, many may have settled for mid table solidity in the first season under a new manager, but with those new additions, perhaps there will now be hope of something a little better. After the first 3 games, the Toffees defence looks as solid as ever but with just 2 goals scored, the Goodison faithful will be pinning a lot on Lukaku getting on the end of those delicious crosses from Baines.