Team By Team Preview – Part 3

By: Rob | August 12th, 2009

So yesterday we went through the prospects for the teams from Burnley to Hull, today its Liverpool through to Stoke. Obviously this also covers two of the more interesting topic of discussions from the summer – the two teams from rainy Manchester.

Can City possibly break the Top Four? Can United cope post-Ronaldo? Can Liverpool finally end those years of hurt and stop United overtaking their record? What the hell is happening at Portsmouth? And can Stoke stay up two years on the bounce?

I’ll let you know, as always, after the jump.

Liverpool

Last Season Looked strong contenders for the title for the first time in ages, and beat Man United home and away. They blew it themselves though, with far too many 0-0 draws.

New in Town Alberto Aquilani. The Italian international certainly has the talent, but has been blighted by injuries, if Liverpool can get him over that he will be more than enough of a replacement for Alonso, and could put Liverpool in a very strong position indeed.

What They Will Be Wearing A classy all red adidas number, with all black away.

Who Needs A Big Season Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. You feel if they keep them firing on all cylinders, they have a great chance.

Perfect Season Winning the league at Stamford Bridge having already stuffed Man United.

What They’ll Get I think they’ll be in the running. But see them just losing out to Chelsea. 2nd.

Manchester City

Last Season Got bought out one day before the transfer deadline and became the richest bullyboys in the world. Managed to pick up Robinho on the last day, but in the league finished a position lower than the year before.

New in Town Carlos Tevez. City have a raft of players to pick from (Barry, Adebayour, Toure) but Tevez is the one who has been the most controversial, being as he moved across the city in order to get more first team football. Destined to become a symbol of the New City for better or worse.

What They Will Be Wearing A Classily plain (other than the sponser, obviously) light blue one. A vast improvement on some of their recent efforts.

Who Needs A Big Season Mark Hughes. He has now had the chance to build his team of superstars, now he just has to work out where to play them and how to keep them all happy. Its Champions League or bust for him you feel as well.

Perfect Season Finishing in the Champions League spots as well as winning a cup final against Man United after a Carlos Tevez hat trick where he repeatedly kisses the City badge after.

What They’ll Get I think they are in contention for a Champions League spot. The trouble is going to be getting them to gel, and it is such a volatile mix of personalities, that there will be tantrums. Mark Hughes is a good manager though, and I think he’ll pull it together enough for a 5th placed finish.

Manchester United

Last Season Won the league, largely thanks to Vidic and Ferdinand’s perfect impression of a brick wall. Ronaldo started slowly but then found his feet, while Ryan Giggs picked up a player of the year award for playing 60 minutes now and then.

New in Town Michael Owen. Former Liverpool striker was laughed at for his brochure, but it attracted Alex Ferguson. A risk, will he be the new Henrik Larsson, or the new Kleberson?

What They Will Be Wearing As a throwback to some old kits they have a giant black V on the red shirt this year. Would be fine if the shorts matched, but they don’t, so they look awful.

Who Needs A Big Season Dimitar Berbatov. Was criticised a bit last year for being lazy, this year someone has to replace Ronaldo and Tevez. Its time for him to step it up.

Perfect Season Winning the league, a Michael Owen hat trick against Liverpool and beating Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

What They’ll Get I think it’ll be fascinating either way. They genuinely look weaker on paper than they did 12 months ago, and I don’t see Owen and Valencia doing enough to replace Ronaldo and Tevez. I’m going to be slightly controversial and say 3rd.

Portsmouth

Last Season Tony Adams made the country do a giant sadface every time he was TV due to his likable ineptitude. Was sacked, and Portsmouth just about survived.

New in Town Aaron Mokoena, a free transfer, from Blackburn. South Africa’s former captain though.

What They Will Be Wearing A strikingly simple blue home kit and a stripe down the front of their white away.

Who Needs A Big Season Whoever’s Left. No-one is quite sure whats happening at Portsmouth, constantly on the verge of being bought out. They have sold alot of players though.

Perfect Season Getting a new buyer in, buying loads of players, midtable finish to build on for next year.

What They’ll Get A struggle. They haven’t yet been bought, so they are in real trouble. I have a feeling the deal will go through before Janruary and they can then buy some renforcements to ensure a 14th finish.