Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers

Manager: Steve Kean

Captain: Ryan Nelsen

Last Season: 15th

In:

David Goodwillie – Dundee United – £2.8 million

Out:

Phil Jones – Manchester United – £17 million
Frank Fielding – Derby – £308,000
Jason Brown – Aberdeen – Free
Zurab Khizanishvili – Kayserispor – Free
Marceo Rigters – Free
Benjani – Free

Transfers correct as of 08/08/2011

This Season:

Ever since the departure of long ball specialist Sam Allardyce, it was evident that Blackburn would have a tough time on their hands in regards to retaining their Premier League status. Steve Keane left it late, until the final day of the season in fact, but managed to secure Blackburn’s spot in the league.



This season will be a testing time for Rovers’ fans, and with the departure of promising centre back Phil Jones, and with striker David Goodwillie the only main arrival (although unknown Brazilian right back Bruno is set to join after receiving international clearance) it’s essential that Blackburn retain the services of key players Christopher Samba and Junior Hoilett if they are to stay up this season. These two players, along with Paul Robinson and Ryan Nelsen will go a long way to helping them achieve Premiership survival.

With the mystery behind the owners background, and getting the Blackburn squad to star in this ridiculous chicken advert, there persistent on bidding to bring in big name players instead of bringing in adequate players who can perform in the Premiership, Steve Kean seems quite happy to go about his business and work with the squad he has. I’m not sure if the team will be strong enough, and unless some quality signings are brought in to strengthen the Rovers team, despite being relatively strong in the defensive department, for me, Blackburn won’t score enough to keep them up.

Prediction: 18th

Best Starting XI



One to watch this season: David Hoilett

How do you think Blackburn will do this season? Vote in my poll, or leave a comment below

Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Manager: Alex McLiesh

Captain: Stiliyan Petrov

Last Season: 9^th

In:

Shay Given – Manchester City - £3.3 million

Charles N’Zogbia – £9.5 million

Out:

Ashley Young – Manchester United - £15.8 million

Stewart Downing – Liverpool – £20 million

Brad Friedel – Tottenham – Free

Isaiah Osbourne – Free

Robert Pires – Free

Nigel Reo-Coker – Bolton Wanderers - Free

Transfers correct as of 8/8/2011

This Season:

I see this as a transitional season for Villa, they finished 9^th last season and I expect more of the same this season.

They cashed in on Stewart Downing, for a tidy £20 million sum and picked up an excellent replacement in eccentric winger Charles N’Zogbia. Ashley Young parted ways and joined Manchester United in one of the more dignified transfers of the summer, as well as getting rid of some of the deadwood from the last season’s squad, while bringing in one of the best goalkeeper’s in the Premiership.

I may not be Alex McLeish’s biggest fan, it’s evident he’s a firm believer in team work and working with a solid defensive foundation, the ingredients which helped him lead Birmingham to Carling Cup glory last season, but subsequently ended in relegation. It remains to be seen how he’ll do this season, but he’ll look to re-establish himself as a good manager, and take this Aston Villa team back to the brink of Europe, which they were close to a couple of seasons ago.

A top ten finish is a strong possibility, competing for the Europe League positions. They still have their sold defensive base, also with several quality midfielders. The addition of Charles N’Zogbia will replace some of the departed creativity, as well as experience and ability in Shay Given, McLeish should look to add a striker and Villa will surely secure a top 10 finish.

Prediction: 9^th

Best Starting XI

One to watch this season: Marc Albrighton

How do you think Aston Villa will do this season? Leave a comment below, or vote in our poll.

Real Talk Football

Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Arsenal

Arsenal

Manager: Arsene Wenger

Captain: Cesc Fabregas

Last Season: 4th

In:
Gervinho– Lille – £10 million
Carl Jenkison – Charlton Athletic – £990,000
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – Southampton – £10 million

Out:
Jens Lehmann – Retirement
Mark Randall – Chesterfield – Free transfer
Denilson – Sao Paulo – Loan
Jay Emmanuel Thomas – Ipswich Town – £1 million

Transfers correct as of 08/08/11


This Season:

Another tough season ahead for Arsene Wenger’s men. With the imminent departure of Cesc Fabregas, the weight of responsibility and expectation falls onto that three man midfield; Alex Song, Jack Wilshere and Samir Nasri. Song had a great season last year, Wilshere was the standout young performer in the Premiership, while Nasri had a brilliant first five months but his influence over the team wore off towards the end of the season. Don't expect many comments on Fabregas here because he doesn't want to play for the club so why burden the fans with paragraph's of text on a man who has shown a distinct lack of interest in the feelings of the loyal supporters, anyway's lets move on!

Arsenal going forward always look more than capable, Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie must stay fit in order for Arsenal to challenge for silverware, while Andrey Arshavin will continue in his same lazy but brilliant manor, and it will be interesting to see how Gervinho and his direct, and off the ball movement fares for him in the Premier League.


Defensive is arguably Arsenal biggest weakness, but they'll be strengthen by the return of heir apparent "new captain" Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian international was a huge miss last season, and is expected to instil the much needed toughness Arsenal requires. Laurent Koscielny was great in spells last season, but clearly struggled in certain areas, in a league where you can only learn from your mistakes. He wasn’t expected to be thrown in the deep end as quickly as he was, but partnering Vermaelen this season will help him become an excellent centre back. Djourou and Squilacci will provide adequate cover, but the less the latter plays; the better for Arsenal fans.

At full back, Wenger has put his faith in Kieran Gibbs and although he has great potential, what he lacks in experience, he makes up for in ability. If he can stay fit, he’ll have a make or break season with the Gunners, and it’ll be time to see what he’s made off. Bacary Sagna at right back is one of the most consistent in Europe, and I’m sure the promising Carl Jenkinson is one for the future.

Finally Wojceich Szczesny will be the number one, and Wenger is not the only manager in the Premier League putting his faith in a young keeper. Szcezesny has the ability, but needs to prove it at the vital moments in the big games.

Arsenal will have another strong season, but I don’t see them getting anywhere near the Premiership title. Wenger has got rid of some of the dead wood from the squad; the side have learnt valuable experience from last season, but he has failed to strengthen defensively for my liking. Expect a strong start to the season, and to tail off towards the latter stages. Without signing a new defender, missing out on Juan Mata, and not even considering replacing the calamitous Gael Clichy, a cup competition is Arsenal’s best hope this season, and I feel I’m being kind by predicting them to finish fourth, although I believe they won’t drop out of the Champions League places, with or without Cesc Fabregas.

Prediction: 4th

Best Starting XI


One to watch this season: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Where do you think Arsenal will finish this season? Leave a comment below, or vote in our poll.

Real Talk Football

Who is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain?

Arsenal today completed the signing of one of the most coverted young footballers in the England, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Championship side Southampton.

As usual, it’s an undisclosed fee, but it’s believed the transfer is totalled at £10 million, with an initial £5 million paid up front, and the remaining portion of the fee available through add-on’s.

With this much money being spent on 17 years old, Arsenal fans may be disappointed that Arsene Wenger hasn’t used the money towards bringing in a new centre back, or on strengthening other areas of the squad, with fans still pining for a new goalkeeper or a marquee signing such as Juan Mata. Nevertheless the way this deal was pushed through so quickly, show's Arsenal still have the capability to make a deal happen if necessary.

To understand why Wenger has decided to sign the winger, Real Talk Football brings you all you need to know about the young winger.


Chamberlain, who is an England under-18 international, is another product of Southampton’s excellent youth academy, which has previously produced such talents including Gareth Bale, current Arsenal striker Theo Walcott, as well as established Premier League players: Wayne Bridge and Chris Baird.

He joined Southampton’s youth system when he was just 7 years old, and after 9 years with the club, he made his professional debut against Huddersfield Town, aged 16. Since his debut, he went on to make 34 first team appearances for the South coast club, scoring 10 goals and getting 8 assists.

He has blistering pace, combined with flair, all the attributes which make him a tricky winger capable of chipping in with goals, leaves the possibility of him converting into a striker at some time in the future, which has been predicted for Chamberlain by his current coaches.


Former Southampton manager Alan Pardew, who gave Chamberlain his professional debut, commented on the then 16 year old saying;

“You have to understand that his age is irrelevant if is he good enough, and he is good enough”

Chamberlain has obviously been compared to Theo Walcott, but he is more of a box-to-box midfielder, who began his career as a centre midfielder who subsequently was shifted onto the wing. He is seen as extremely "devoted and hard working" who has trained hard in order to dissolve criticism regarding his strength and weight. He is capable of switching wings, and his pace is undoubtedly his best attribute.

He was named in the League One Team of the Year for the 2010/11 campaign. A fantastic achievement.

Here's all you need to know

Age: 17

D.O.B: 15/08/1993

Height: 5ft 11’

Nationality: English

Position: Right Winger/Centre Midfield

Previous Club: Southampton

Club Apps: 34 Club Goals: 10

Transfer Fee: £5million (£10million)

Strengths: Pace, Crossing ability and temperament

Weakness: Untried at the highest level, big price tag

Click below for a video of Arsenal’s new signing, and leave your comment below.



Real Talk Football

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