EPL 2014 /15 Season . Team Preview -part 1
Manager: Sean Dyche
Opening Fixture: Chelsea (h)
Transfer Activity: Despite the obvious riches which come with promotion to the Premier League, Burnley have spent MODESTLY this summer on British players exclusively, with Lukas Jutkiewicz (Middlesbrough) being the most expensive of which at just over £2million. Marvin Sordell (Bolton) has joined the club too, with Sean Dyche having worked with the player previously at Watford.
Michael Kightly (Stoke) returns permanently after a successful loan spell at Turf Moor last season, whilst Steven Reid (West Brom), Matt Gilks (Blackpool) and Matthew Taylor (West Ham) will add invaluable experience to the Premier League new-boys. Crucially, the Clarets have lost no key players from their promotion-winning campaign, but notable departures include Joseph Mills, Junior Stanislas, Chris Baird, Brian STOCK and Keith Treacy. Possible Starting XI: Heaton; Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Mee; Arfield, Jones, Marney, Kightly; Vokes, Ings
Key Player: Danny Ings
Verdict: It’s hard to argue that the new recruits are any better than Burnley’s starting eleven which got them promoted last season - although they do add much-needed depth to the squad - however that may not necessarily be a bad thing. Confidence will be high amongst a team which is used to winning right now, and they will be determined to justify Sean Dyche’s decision to give the players that got the club to the Premier League the chance to keep them there.
Having played a traditional 4-4-2 last season with a tried and trusted little and large combination up front in Danny Ings and Sam Vokes, Burnley fans will be hopeful that Ings in particular can fire the goals to stave off relegation, although that may prove to be a bridge too far for last season’s overachievers.
HULL City
Last Season: 16th
Manager: Steve Bruce
Opening Fixture: QPR (a)
Transfer Activity: Jake Livermore (Tottenham) has re-joined Hull for a club record fee after impressing whilst on loan last season, and he is one of a number of promising young British players to come into the club this summer. Tom Ince (Blackpool) turned down European giants Inter Milan to join the Tigers, and manager Steve Bruce will see that as a real coup for a team who will be competing alongside Inter in the Europa League this season. Left-back Andy Robertson (Dundee United) and Harry Maguire (Sheffield United) are another two highly-rated youngsters to have signed for a combined total of over £5million, and considering that the club also paid around £6million for winger Robert Snodgrass (Norwich), Hull fans will be hoping the club’s willingness to splash the cash will pay dividends this campaign. Notable departures include Robert Koren, Abdoulaye Faye, Cameron Stewart, Conor Henderson, Joe Dudgeon and Matty Fryatt.
Possible Starting XI: McGregor; Elmohamady, Bruce, Davies, Chester, Figueroa; Huddlestone, Livermore, Meyler; Long; Jelavic
Key Player: Tom Huddlestone
Verdict: In avoiding relegation and reaching the FA Cup final, last season surely went better than any Hull supporter could have realistically expected, and the reward for their cup success was qualification for the Europa League this campaign – but how much of a reward actually is it? As demonstrated in the past, Europa League campaigns can have a seriously negative impact on a club’s league campaign, and that may prove to be the case for Hull this season.
Nonetheless, players such as Curtis Davies, Tom Huddlestone and Shane Long are of proven quality and provide a spine to the team which at least half of the clubs in the Premier League would be more than happy with. Whether Bruce can strike a balance between the four competitions which Hull are competing in to allow Hull’s best players to be fit and ready to play in the league will be crucial in determining whether the club stay up or not this season, it may just prove too difficult a task.
West Bromwich Albion
Last Season: 17th
Manager: Alan Irvine
Opening Fixture: Sunderland (h)
Transfer Activity: Having lost several experienced players this summer including Liam Ridgewell, Steven Reid, Zoltan Gera, as well as the likes of Diego Lugano, Scott Allan, George Thorne and Billy Jones, it was vital that West Brom strengthened the side sufficiently. In fact, they have made eight signings, most notably striker Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev) who has joined for a club-record fee believed to be £10million.
Sebastien Pocognoli (Hannover), Jason Davidson (Heracles) and Cristian Gamboa (Rosenborg) are the other three players for which Albion have paid a fee, although Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Chris Baird (Burnley) and Craig Gardner (Sunderland) have joined on free transfers too, and Andre Wisdom (Liverpool) has signed on a season-long loan after impressing at Derby in the Championship last season.
Possible Starting XI: Foster; Wisdom, McAuley, Olsson, Pocognoli; Yacob, Mulumbu; Morrison, Gardner, Brunt; Ideye Key Player: Brown Ideye Verdict: It’s hard to see where the goals are going to come from for West Brom this year and so whether or not record signing Brown Ideye hits the ground running could go a long way to deciding the Baggies’ Premier League fate. It often takes foreign strikers a season to adapt to the unique style of the Premier League, take Roberto Soldado, Andrei Shevchenko and Diego Forlan’s debut seasons as just a few examples, but given his hefty price-tag Ideye will enjoy no such LUXURY of having time to adapt – otherwise he might find himself having to adjust to the Championship too.
That said, West Brom do have their strengths and their defence is certainly one of those, they have four quality centre-backs in Joleon Lescott, Jonas Olsson, Craig Dawson and 2013 Player of the Year Gareth McAuley. Alan Irvine was not every West Brom fan’s first choice as manager to say the least, with many believing that chairman Jeremy Peace chose the cheaper option with the likes of Tim Sherwood available, and the negativity surrounding the appointment could lead to relegation for West Brom, especially if they do not get off to a good start.
Aston Villa
Last Season: 15th
Manager: Paul Lambert
Opening Fixture: Stoke (a)
Transfer Activity: Aston Villa have arguably underachieved during Paul Lambert’s time as manager, and one criticism often thrown at him by Villa fans is that he relies too heavily on youth whilst disregarding more experienced players such as Darren Bent, Alan Hutton and Shay Given.
Lambert has seemingly tried to address the issue this summer by bringing in several experienced players including Joe Cole (West Ham), Philippe Senderos (Valencia), Aly Cisshoko (Valencia) and Kieran Richardson (Fulham), and disposing of less experienced players including Jed Steer, Marc Albrighton, Nathan Delfouneso, Jordan Bowery, Yacouba Sylla, Antonio Luna and Nicklas Helenius. An in-form Cole, in particular, could prove to be an astute signing if he can stay fit, but Villa supporters will be hoping that the spending is far from over yet this summer. Possible Starting XI: Guzan; Hutton, Vlaar, Okora, Richardson; Westwood, Delph; Weimann; Cole, Agbonlahor; Benteke Key Player: Christian Benteke
Verdict: Whether Aston Villa keep club captain Ron Vlaar amidst interest from Southampton could go a long way to determining whether they stay up this season, however they may find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle either way given their lack of eye-catching signings so far this summer.
However, with the likes of Christian Benteke, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann amongst their ranks goals should not be hard to come by, and Paul Lambert has always favoured an attacking style of play. Their main issues could come at the back where they have a real lack of depth, although the return of Jores Okora after a long-term knee injury should provide a huge boost to the side. Overall Villa should have just enough to stay in the division, although it could go down to the wire.
Leicester City
Last Season: 1st (Championship)
Manager: Nigel Pearson Opening Fixture: Everton (h)
Transfer Activity: Many football experts expected Leicester to splash the cash upon their return to the Premier League this season, however, the £8million they spent on Leonardo Ulloa (Brighton) aside, Nigel Pearson has dealt largely in free transfers.
Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa), Jack Barmby and Louis Rowley (both Manchester United), Ben Hamer (Charlton) and Matthew Upson (Brighton) all arrived without a fee. Departures include Sean St. Ledger, Neil Danns, George Taft, Zak Whitbread and most notably Lloyd Dyer, who played a huge part in Leicester’s promotion but turned down a new contract OFFER in order to sign for Watford.
Possible Starting XI: Schmeichel; De Laet, Morgan, Upson, Konchesky; Albrighton, Drinkwater, King, James, Mahrez; Nugent
Key Player: Wes Morgan
Verdict: Nigel Pearson experimented with different formations at the beginning of last season as he endeavoured to find a setup which could fire them to the Premier League, eventually they settled on a straight 4-4-2 which utilised the talents of the likes of Anthony Knockaert and they took the Championship by storm.
Many Foxes supporters hope that they continue with that attacking philosophy this campaign, however it is likely that Pearson will look to pack the midfield with a 4-5-1 formation at times, particular in away games. That may not be a popular decision, but perhaps a necessity for a newly promoted side to compete with the dazzling attacking talents of the Premier League. Expect more signings yet from Leicester and a highly competitive team who will be looking to consolidate their place in the top flight.
Crystal Palace
Last Season: 11th
Manager: Tony Pulis
(resigned Just before Kick off Seasons first game)
Opening Fixture: Arsenal
Transfer Activity: Crystal Palace may have not spent much in this transfer window, but they’ve definitely BAGGED a couple of bargains. In activating a relatively modest release clause of £900,000 for Frazier Campbell (Cardiff), the Eagles have signed an out-and-out goal scorer to add to their depth of striking options. Brede Hangeland (Fulham) has arrived on a free transfer too, he is an accomplished defender in the Premier League and his experience could prove vital.
Young goalkeeper Chris Kettings (Blackpool) is the only other player to have signed for Palace this summer so more signings could be on the way, considering that the club have lost a number of players including Neil Alexander, Danny Gabbidon, Jonathan Parr, Ibra Sakajja, Osman Sow, Dean Moxey, Aaron Wilbraham, Jack Hunt and Jose Campana. Perhaps most significantly, Kagisho Dikgacoi, a key player for Palace last season, turned down the OFFER of a new contract to join Cardiff.
Possible Starting XI: Speroni; Mariappa, Dann, Hangeland, Moxey; Jedinak, Bannan; Puncheon, Ledley; Bolasie; Gayle Key Player: Mile Jedinak
Verdict: Tony Pulis worked miracles at Palace last year, that goes without saying. Under Ian Holloway they looked destined for relegation before the Welshman was appointed and led them to 11th in the Premier League. The only question now is can they repeat such an unbelievable achievement?
The Eagles have the most passionate supporters in the Premier League and Selhurst Park is a fortress, couple that with the fact that they have some excellent top flight players in Scott Dann, Mile Jedinak and Yannick Bolasie, they should see off relegation once again, but such a high finish might be a bit out of reach this time around.
Queens Park Rangers
Last Season: 4th (Championship)
Manager: Harry Redknapp
Opening Fixture: Hull (h)
Transfer Activity: Nobody knows his way around the transfer market like Harry Redknapp, who is renowned for his ability to bag a bargain. That said, QPR have been reasonably quiet on that front so far this summer, although if there’s one thing you can bank on it’s that Redknapp will be right at front of things on deadline day trying to seal some LATE DEALS(probably from his car window). So far they’ve brought in Jordon Mutch and Steven Caulker (both Cardiff) for a combined total of around £14million, Mauricio Isla (Juventus)and Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) on a free.
Ferdinand and Caulker could form a formidable partnership in defence, combining a mix of youth and experience. Caulker has remarkably similar traits to that of a young Rio in that he is a pacey, dominant defender who is comfortable on the ball and so will undoubtedly learn a lot from playing alongside the former Leeds man. Notable departures from Rangers this summer include Yossi Benayoun, Angelo Balanta, Hogan Ephraim, Tom Hitchcock, Aaron Hughes, Andrew Johnson, Stephane Mbia, Luke Young, Samba Diakite, and Esteban Granero.
Possible Starting XI: Green; Isla, Ferdinand, Caulker, Hill; Barton, Faurlin; Phillips, Mutch, Hoilett; Austin Key Player: Alejandro Faurlin
Verdict: Some may be surprised to see QPR higher-placed than Leicester and Burnley on this list, who were both promoted automatically from the Championship whilst Rangers struggled to a play-off final win over dominant Derby, but Harry Redknapp is a shrewd Premier League manager and, under the ownership of Malaysian Tony Fernandes, the Hoops have greater financial resources.
However, as QPR proved themselves two seasons ago, throwing money at big name signings does not necessarily guarantee success, it is UP TO Redknapp to ensure that he builds a team rather than a team of individuals. If he does that, then with players such as Loic Remy, Alejandro Faurlin, Adel Taarabt and Julio Cesar returning from loan spells adding to the quality already at the club, then they should steer clear of relegation and towards mid-table, but their home form will be crucial.
Swansea City
Last Season: 12th
Manager: Garry Monk
Opening Fixture: Manchester United
Transfer Activity: In Michel Vorm, Michu and Ben Davies, Swansea have undoubtedly lost three key players this summer, however they have replaced them with Lukas Fabianski (Arsenal) who arrived on a free transfer, former-player Gylfi Sigurdsson (Tottenham) and promising young left-back Stephen Kingsley (Falkirk). The Swans have also strengthened in the striking department, with Marvin Emnes (Middlesbrough) returning to the club and the much-coveted Bafetemi Gomis (Lyon) opting to sign for the Welsh side. Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montero (Monarcas Morelia), who was linked with a move to rivals Cardiff last summer, has also joined. Other notable departures from the Liberty Stadium include Leroy Lita, David Ngog, Darnel Situ, Gwion Edwards and Alejandro Pozuelo.
Possible Starting XI: Fabianski; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Taylor; Britton, de Guzman, Sigurdsson; Dyer, Hernandez; Bony
Key Player: Ashley Williams
Verdict: Almost any side in the Premier League would be reluctant to lose a player of Michu’s quality, who has signed for Napoli on a season-long loan. However, the Swans proved last season that they are more than capable of competing in the top flight without him, as the Spaniard was injured for most of the campaign. If anything, they are stronger now, given the signing of Gylfi Sigurdsson who proved how much of a goal threat he is during his previous spell at the club.
The jury is still out on Garry Monk as a manager, who perhaps doesn’t have the charisma of a Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers or Michael Laudrup, but what’s crucial is that he maintains the passing style of football which Swansea have become renowned for, and if he does that, the Swans should remain clear of the bottom three.
West Ham United
Last Season: 13th
Manager: Sam Allardyce Opening Fixture: Tottenham
Transfer Activity: Sam Allardyce has addressed the issue of Andy Carroll’s injury problems leaving West Ham short up front by brining in two strikers, Ecuador’s World Cup star Emner Valencia (Pachuca) for £12million and ex-Birmingham forward Mauro Zarate (Velez), and Allardyce has publicly stated that he’d still like to bring in yet another striker. Aaron Cresswell (Ipswich) and Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal), two of the most promising young full-backs in England, have joined the club too, with the former joining for around £2million and the latter signing on a season-long loan.
Diego Poyet (Charlton), son of Sunderland boss Gus, and Cheikhou Kouyate (Anderlecht) have also signed for the Hammers. There have been several notable departures from the club this summer including Joe Cole, Jack Collison, Callum Driver, George McCartney, Jordan Spence, Matthew Taylor, Alou Diarra, Raphael Spiegel and Stephen Henderson. Possible Starting XI: Adrian; Jenkinson, Reid, Collins, Cresswell; Diame, Noble; Downing, Nolan, Jarvis; Valencia Key Player: Winston Reid
Verdict: Sam Allardyce is a good manager who gets results, there is no question about that, but he has never been a manager who plays ‘attractive’ football and that is something which West Ham supporters find difficult to accept. The negativity surrounding the club and particularly Allardyce at the moment makes it hard to see anything other than a solid season at best for the Hammers.
They shouldn’t find themselves anywhere near the relegation zone with players like Winston Reid, Aaron Cresswell and Mohamed Diame in the squad, but the top half of the table may be just out of reach too.
Sunderland
Last Season: 14th
Manager: Gus Poyet
Opening Fixture: West Brom
Transfer Activity: To say that Sunderland have trimmed their squad this summer is an understatement with first team players including Phil Bardsley, Carlos Cuellar, John Egan, Jordan Pickford, Andrea Dossena, Craig Gardner, Billy Knott, Louis Laing, Oscar Ustari, David Vaughan, Kieran Westwood, Ignacio Scocco all having left the club. Perhaps most significant though is the loss of Jack Colback to bitter rivals Newcastle on a free transfer. Colback is a very underrated player, as is one of Sunderland’s summer signings Billy Jones (West Brom) who’s attacking threat from full-back matches his defensive strength.
The Black Cats have also brought in Jordi Gomez (Wigan) and Costel Pantilimon (Man City) on free transfers, whilst paying fees for Patrick Van Aanholt (Chelsea) and Jack Rodwell (Man City), who will be looking to get his career back on track and replicate the form which won him so many plaudits at Everton. Santiago Vergini (Estudiantes) will also return to the club on loan after impressing Gus Poyet last season. Possible Starting XI: Mannone; Jones, Brown, O’Shea, Van Aanholt; Cattermole, Rodwell, Larsson; Johnson, Giaccherini; Wickham
Key Player: Adam Johnson
Verdict: There is no doubt that Sunderland are a much improved side under Gus Poyet, who worked wonders to steer them clear of relegation last season after a poor start under Paolo Di Canio. Given a full season in charge of the North East side this time around, Black Cats supporters should see further improvement and will be hoping that they remain comfortably clear of a relegation battle.
With Emanuele Giaccherini having experienced one season in the Premier League now and the addition of Jordi Gomez, Sunderland should see a lot more creativity in their side this campaign. In Adam Johnson too, they have a player who, when at his best, will cause problems for any side in the league. Connor Wickham hit form at the end of last season and if he can continue that and fulfil his undoubted potential, Sunderland should do well.
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