A lot of websites and forums run Q&A sessions with their members/writers at this time of year which focuses on the year ahead. Well as this is a one man operation I decided to write my most schizophrenic article to date.
The idea of this really is to show what my thinking is and put my hopes and expectations on record so we can look back on this, maybe mid season and, at the end of the season to show how woefully incorrect I have been on all fronts
Liverpool
How many points can Liverpool get this season?
Well last seasons paltry total was 52 points, it seems we have a lot of work ahead to improve. In saying that though we were unlucky on many occasions last season. I think it wont take that much to improve that total by 10 or more points. I’ll stick my neck on the line and say 68.
What would your starting 11 be as of right now?
Same as Rodgers’ against Gomel with Joe Allen coming in for Shelvey.
Reina, Johnno, Enrique, Agger, Skrtel, Lucas, Allen, Gerrard, Downing, Suarez, Borini
What position do we need to strengthen before window closes?
I still think we may still be short up from (especially if big Andy leaves). The links with the loan signing of Barcelona youngster Christian Tello look promising. I think we may also be short a skilful wide forward who can beat a man, but that may not be so important with the full-backs bombing on and certainly capable of beating a man. I would like to see us add another striker, whether or not big Andy stays.
Who would you be happy to see leave before the window closes?
We’ve already allowed more to leave than we have had join so far so I wouldn’t want to deplete the numbers too much. Having seaid that, I dont think it would be in anyway detrimental to see Charlie Adam and Joe Cole leave the club.
Which Youngsters can make the breakthrough this year?
I think everybody is excited by the prospect of Raheem Sterling finally making the breakthough. I can see him getting some more game time but I wouldn’t expect him to make the jump to starting a lot of games just yet. I think maybe 10 appearances or so will help his progress greatly. I think that without a back-up left back to Jose Enrique this could be a really big year for Jack Robinson. I think he looks a real prospect and should at least find a regular spot on the bench this season.
How Many games will Danny Agger play?
Providing he stays with the club, I think his fitness issues are now behind him. Hopefully he wont be asked to play 2 games in a week unless it is extremely important. Once he is managed right I see no reason why he cant improve on last years record and play in appx 30 league games.
How many goals will Borini score?
From the limited sample size we have had so far it seems he knows where the back of the net is. He has played in England before so hopefully it wont take him long to get used to the hustle and bustle of the Premier League. I wouldn’t like to put too much pressure on him. I think everyone would be more than satisfied to see him score 10/12 league goals this campaign. If anything happens to Suarez meaning he ends up playing a more central role he may even achieve more.
How many goals will Suarez score?
I am convinced that the team will be better set up this year to provide chances for Luis. Last season it seemed at times that he was trying too hard. He was required to make his own chances mostly and it seemed that by the time it came to get a shot away he was tired this resulted in a tame, or off target, shot. This season he will hopefully be able to play a lot of games with Stevie G, there were roots of a partnership starting to take hold in pre-season. Realistacally we probably shouldn’t hope for more than 15 goals, which would be an improvement on last year. However, I’m going to be bold and predict that our Uruguayan will break the 20 goal mark.
Will Andy Carroll stay this season (If so, how many games will he start)?
Its looking more and more likely that Andy will stay at the club. I dont think that Rodgers’was as desperate to get rid as many have said, I think its more a case that he was a saleable asset and so he would have cashed in. Without a concrete offer though I think he will stay. If he does, I dont think Rodgers is the kind of man who will ignore him purely because his supposed inability to fit the system. I think if he stays he will get a decent chance to prove himself. Not that this will be easy, barring injury to others his appearances will be sporadic and he showed last season that he usually needs a run to hit his full potential. There is a theory that all this transfer news has simply been orchestrated by Rodgers as a motivational tool for Andy. I think he will get 8/10 league starts plus a fair few sub appearances. He will get a lot of games in Europe and the cups too.
Premier League Overall
Who will win the League?
I think it will be between Utd and City again with City using the experience they picked up last season to eventually win the title
Who will make up the top 4?
I think its most likely to be City, Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea though not necessarily in that order. If Brendan Rodgers gets his ideas across quickly and we pick up some strong early results it may be possible for us to challenge but I think its too early to realistically expect top 4. Spurs are in a similar situation right now with AVB.
Who will be relegated?
I would love to see Fat Sam fail, but I think he probably has too much experience for that. I hope things work out for Steve Clarke at West Brom but I’m afraid they may be in danger. Other than that, Southampton look quite weak and I think Wigan could this time fail in their usual bid for late survival.
Which team will be the surprise package?
I think Villa should improve a lot under Lambert. But I am confident Reading will be very strong under Brian McDermott, maybe not top half but i'm sure they will be safe from relegation with a few weeks to spare.
Who will win Player of the Year?
Steven Gerrard now that he’s been returned to the advanced position he was so successful in under Rafa Benitez he will score a lot, create a lot and he’s liked by the general public in a way Luis Suarez can never be.
Who will be the first manager to be sacked?
I think its between Roberto Di Matteo, Mark Hughes and Steve Clarke...... I’m going to go with RDM.
