07/08/2023【Feature】Joe Cole – EPL season preview
Joe Cole played for Chelsea and Liverpool which he lifted the EPL, FA Cup and League Cup title for Chelsea. He is currently a PL pundit for a UK TV station.
New Season, Same City?
Another premier league season is back, and personally I cannot wait.
The Northwest has dominated the league for the last few seasons, and I can’t see that changing again this year.
I’m going straight in with a prediction that Man City will most definitely retain their title. They are an unstoppable force, treble winners, and under Pep can only get better and better.
Losing Mahrez, Gundogan and potentially Kyle Walker will in theory weaken them and I believe draw them in a little bit closer to the chasing pack. However, they still haven’t really spent in the market and with those players leaving in means the likes of quality players such as Foden, Kovacic, and Rico Lewis can all come in and shine.
The big man up top will continue to break records and be a thorn in the side of every manager and defensive unit in the country with that same old question. Just how do you stop Man City and Erling Haaland?
Liverpool, have been the closest team in stopping the Man City speed train in previous seasons, but unfortunately for them, I don’t think they will be able to this season. One thing is for sure, like a few teams, they were massively off the boil last season and can’t be anywhere near as bad this season. The team looked tired and in losing Mane to Bayern and Diaz to an injury, they never really had that usual cutthroat attack we are so used to seeing under Jurgen Klopp. Nunez and Gakpo will really have to step up this season to try and bring back that free-flowing red arrow attack they are renowned for.
Whilst I really like the business Klopp has done in the transfer market in Macalister and Szoboszlai, good players who fit Klopp’s mould, I worry about their squad depth and losing that experience in Henderson Firmino, Milner and Fabinho. I also really think that squad depth isn’t going to be helped by the fact they must play in the Europa league this season. The aim for Liverpool this season will be to regain a top 4 place because after all, what is the champions league without Liverpool FC?
Man United, have had to live in the shadow of their two fiercest rivals for some time now and this season won’t be any different.
The signing of Onana and Mount shows you that Ten Haag is only bringing in players that fit his style of play. I am a huge fan of mason mount and was gutted to see him leave Chelsea, but I just don’t see where he quite fits into this Utd side. Whilst he no doubt has quality, I feel Fernandes is much better suited to play with two holding midfielders in the 10 rather than being forced out wide.
A part of me feels like they would have been better off saving the mount money for an onslaught for Harry Kane. They desperately need a number 9 and I’m not sure Hojlund is the answer. Top 4 without pushing the title winners close.
A Tune out the Toon?
FFP means Newcastle have had to spend wisely these last couple of transfer windows.
Eddie Howe has proved he is the right man for the job, and I like his tact of bringing PL experienced players, which includes the most recent signing of Harvey Barnes.
Champions league nights at home at St James Park are going to be amazing to watch and I think they will, like they did last season, take that home form into the Premier league. However, with the usual pretenders around them strengthening and not going to be as bad as last year, Newcastle’s inability to pick up good points on the road will cost them. Top 6 finish.
London’s Calling…
Of all the potential challenges to City from down South, Arsenal will be the strongest.
They find themselves in a similar situation to Spurs and Poch a few seasons ago when they were pushing for the title, but what Arsenal have done brilliantly is improving that squad with smart business where Spurs didn’t.
To bring in established PL quality in the likes of Havertz and Rice is amazing business. One to ad more goals up top, when to bolster that defence fragility, which ultimately cost them last season the games to leeds, Liverpool and Southampton. I am so pleased for Dec and I think he is going to shine at his new club.
I am so excited to see this arsenal attack again this season. Saka and Martinelli are only going to get better, Odegaard will continue his fine form into this season and hopefully Jesus can stay injury free and push Haaland for that Golden boot. Whilst I don’t think Arsenal will be champions, they will Push man city closer than last season.
The loss of Havertz and Mount from Chelsea, the two plyers who linked to score that infamous 2021 Champions league goal tells you there is change a foot in West London. My old club have done a fantastic job in trimming the squad, something that was definitely needed.
I’m excited by Pochettino and the work he is already showing in pre-season with this squad. The like of Mudryk, Jackson, Nkuku, Sterling and others are giving Chelsea fluidity whilst the rest of the team has an organisation and strategy, something that has been missing. With no European football to contend with I’m going to put my neck on the line and say Chelsea finish top 4.
Will he stay or will he go? The Harry Kane saga.
The new Spurs manager knows he needs to sort this issue out asap. He has said in numerous press conferences which puts the pressure on Daniel Levy to do so.
I like the Ange and the way he has handled himself so far. He has little to no experience at this level, but I think he is an exciting prospect at spurs. He will need time, something he might not get at this club, but my gut feeling says he will need a new job.
James Maddison is a great signing, but he will be hoping Kane stays, or an adequate replacement comes in for him to try and link up with.
Top 6 is a realistic ambition for Spurs as they continue to watch everyone around them strengthen.
