Preview to the Season Part II (Everton – Manchester City)

By: Rob | August 13th, 2008

SuperIreland The season kicks off on Saturday, so here I’m boldly predicting where everyone is going to finish, while filling you in on the comings and goings of each EPL club in turn. Part one of the Season Preview is HERE.

Everton

Last Season – Threatened the big four, but eventually didn’t have enough in the tank to grab that last Champions League spot away from their local rivals.

Story of the Summer Yobo’s brothers gets held by kidnappers for 12 days, Paul McCartney finally admits that he’s an Everton man, David Moyes thinks about a new contract.

Who’s The New Boy? Steven Pienaar. Arrived from Dortmund, after spending last season on loan at Everton. Only cost 2m, but he only got 2 goals last season from midfield.

Who Needs A Big Season? If Joleon Lescott can replicate his club form for England, he could well start pushing his way into that side. Or at least the bench.

Prediction – 6th.

Fulham

Last Season – Looks absolute certs for the drop all season long. And then Roy Hodgson came along and saved them.

Story of the Summer Brian McBride goes back to America and then decides he should stay forever.

Who’s The New Boy? John Paintsil. A problem with his passport means he’ll play in this country as John Pantsil. Fans should have a field day.

Who Needs A Big Season? Pretty much the entire side, if they want to prove they are still EPL worthy.

Prediction – 17th. Just.

Hull City

Last Season Fought their way through the worst Championship season in recent memory to grab a play-off spot, and stop Bristol City’s dreams of two straight promotions stone dead.

Story of the Summer Fans try and get a street in Hull named after Dean Windass.

Who’s The New Boy? Bernard Mendy. Roughly the French League equivalent of Titus Bramble. Error-prone, and was once attacked by his own fans during training at PSG. Though he made up for it – converting the pen to win the French League Cup for PSG last season.

Who Needs A Big Season? Every last one of them is going to have to play out of their skins, week in, week out.

Prediction – I would absolutely love them to stay up and “do a Reading” for at least one season, but I just don’t see sadly. 20th.

Liverpool

Last Season Struggled to begin with and there was talk of Rafa losing his job, but eventually he dragged them to the CL semi-final, mostly thanks to El Nino.

Story of the Summer Apparently there was something about Gareth Barry?

Who’s The New Boy? Robbie Keane. A big signing, but he had a great season for Spurs last year. We know what he can do in the league, but is he just a replacement for Peter Crouch on the bench?

Who Needs A Big Season? Dirk Kuyt. There’s a bit of a feeling that he’s only playing because Liverpool haven’t got any proper wingers.

Prediction – 4th I think Unless Rafa plays both Torres and Keane and they score absolute hatfulls, though I still think they need wingers.

Manchester City

Last Season Bought in Sven, and he led them to their best season in forever, including wins over Man United. So they sacked him of course.

Story of the Summer Ronaldinho is coming to Citeh! Oh no, Milan. Oh well.

Who’s The New Boy? Jo. the 21 year old Brazilian has looked a great prospect for awhile now, will be interesting to see what he can do.

Who Needs A Big Season? Stephen Ireland. An absolute nutter of the highest order as the whole Grandparent-killing story proved. But he’s also mighty good on the ball. He needs to remind of the latter more often that the former.

Prediction – 9th. But Sparky will do big things with City, if Thaskin doesn’t end up taken out the back and shot for human rights crimes.