Preview to the Season Part III (Man United-Stoke)

Part of my preview to the season which kicks off on Saturday – Parts one and two can be found HERE and HERE – now we’re getting to the other half of the league alphabetically. Remember to leave your comments and predictions.

Manchester United

Last Season Champions. It ended up going to the last day, and Arsenal looked good over the first two thirds, but ultimately they were the best side.

Story of the Summer Real Madrid Want Ronaldo, Ronaldo Wants to play for Madrid, Man United don’t want to sell Ronaldo, Blatter says Ronaldo is like a slave, Ronaldo agress, Ronaldo wants to stay, Ronaldo’s taxi driver’s brother’s uncle has his say, Ronaldo wants to go, Fergie tries to stop the rumours, rumours carry on.

Who’s the New Boy? Manucho. They haven’t got Berbatov just yet, so the only real in is Manucho who they signed last year, but was loaned out. Now could be a good option, probably from the bench.

Who Needs a Big Season? Wayne Rooney. Last season was critisised for his goal tally, and then there was the whole smoking thing. A great season is needed to remind us why he’s England’s best.

Prediction – If they do sign Berbatov, 1st. If not I think Chelsea will nick it.

Middlesbrough

Last Season - Same as ever, mid table.

Story of the Summer - Tuncay played in the wettest match in the history of the world.

Who’s the new boy? Marvin Emnes. A right winger, should give Boro a bit of balance in the middle, as they tend to throw it out left to Downing all the time.

Who needs a big season? Gareth Southgate. Slowly he’s establishing himself as a Prem manager. If he can push Boro on a bit, he can join the big boys.

Prediction – 12th. Pretty reliable, Boro.

Newcastle United

Last Season - Started off with uber-conservative Big Sam, and Newcastle’s defence looked a shambles, so after just a half season they sacked him and bought in renowned defense-manager and Toon-legend Kevin Keegan. He managed to finish in the same spot as when he took over.

Story of the Summer – Joey Barton gets to stay at the club, Mike Ashley starts scrimping on everything, KK wants money.

Who’s the new boy? Danny Guthrie. Described by Keegan as a mix of Paul Bracewell and Rob Lee. He knows how to get your pulse racing doesn’t he?

Who needs a big season? The entire Newcastle defense. Seriously, it was just so silly last season.

Prediction – One place up from Boro.

Portsmouth

Last Season - An impressive 8th, looked good, largely thanks to Benjani playing a freaky-good season, and an FA Cup win.

Story of the Summer - Harry Redknapp beats the Fuzz, in the high court.

Who’s the new boy? Peter Crouch. Last season he played games when they wanted to rest Torres, and most of the time he scored. Could do with repeating that kind of form for Pompy.

Who needs a big season? Jermaine Defoe. England don’t have alot of strikers up front, and Defoe is one I’ve never thought of as England quality, I’d like him to prove me wrong.

Prediction - 8th again, with Crouch replacing Benjani effectively.

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Stoke City

Last Season - Got up from the Championship in spectacular fashion.

Story of the Summer - Pele visted Stoke! he was unvieling a statue of Gordon Banks.

Who’s the new boy? Dave Kitson. Readings only real bright light last season, if he can bang in a few goals, it might keep Stoke up.

Who needs a big season? Again, Every last one of them. Its going to be uphill really.

Prediction – 19th, Though I wouldn’t be overly surprised if they did a Reading – the lower half of the Prem is lacking a bit quality.

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Category: Manchester United, Portsmouth, Stoke City

Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo, EPl, Harry Redknapp, Kevin Keegan, Manchester United, Middlesborugh, Mike Ashley, Newcastle United, Peter Crouch, Portsmouth, Premier League, Preview, Wayne Rooney

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