The 'big 4' this season

soggy biscuit · by **soggy biscuit** » 13 Dec 2009 11:01

17 losses between them last season, 15 the season before. 16 losses so far this season already and we are not even half way through yet.

Top teams getting weaker or the rest getting stronger?

(.)Boobies(.) · by **(.)Boobies(.)** » 13 Dec 2009 12:04

Weaker, certainly. United losing Tezez and Ronaldo is just unthinkable for a club like that, and in all honesty, they haven't been replaced with anyone of any significance. Indeed it seems the youth is the future again at Manchester United, with the likes of Evans, Gibson, Macheda, the twins at left and right back.___ Chelsea too haven't strengthened as such, but have maintained an already very good squad. The addition of Ancelotti was massive for Chelsea, and they will take the Premiership with ease this season.___ Liverpool, again like their neighbours Manchester United, have lost players they haven't replaced with anything like the same quality. Rafa doesn't have long left there, and the club faces unthinkable financially hell if they don't qualify for the Champions League next season.___ Arsenal are just fantastic. Time and time again they churn out young player after young player, much like Man Utd, and they're almost in the mix. They aren't strong enough to win the league this season, but they'll finish 3rd, and next season could be a key year if they can hold onto Arsene Wenger.

Top 4 Prediction:
1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Arsenal
4. Liverpool

Of course, you have to take notice of two other clubs. Tottenham and Man City have invested considerably, and are both well managed and closing in on the top four, but I see neither breaking the 'top four' trend this season.___ Otherwise, I can't see any significantly improved sides in the Premiership that can pose any threat.

Kitsondinho · by **Kitsondinho** » 13 Dec 2009 15:01

I think the title race could be blown wide open if Arsenal win today......I also think this because United and Chelsea aren't the forces they both were 3-4 years ago.....I expect Villa to break into the top four at the expense of Liverpool and I can really see Villa challenging for the title in a few years, O'Neill knows exactly what he is doing and they have decent backing from a seemingly sensible owner!!

papereyes · by **papereyes** » 14 Dec 2009 09:31

Top teams getting weaker or the rest getting stronger?

Villa and City are now owned by billionaires and have been spending a bit more wisely than before.

I think this is perhaps as big a factor as any.

Villa's 3 games against the traditional big 4 == 3 wins for the Cleveland Browns franchise.

TBM · by **TBM** » 14 Dec 2009 10:49

Kitsondinho wrote:I think the title race could be blown wide open if Arsenal win today......I also think this because United and Chelsea aren't the forces they both were 3-4 years ago.....I expect Villa to break into the top four at the expense of Liverpool and I can really see Villa challenging for the title in a few years, O'Neill knows exactly what he is doing and they have decent backing from a seemingly sensible owner!!

GaROFLeth Barry - left cos he wanted Champions League football before he retired*

* of course it wasn't for the money

soggy biscuit · by **soggy biscuit** » 19 Dec 2009 21:36