Here is part 2 of my Premier League preview.
Everton
David Moyes has done a great job with Everton in the past few seasons. They finished in an impressive 5th position last season. No major signings for the club so far but the departure of striker Andy Johnson to Fulham could prove to be a wrong move. Everton will have to rely heavily on the form of Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta for the goals. I'm not sure that they would finished as strong as they did last season. Nevertheless, David Moyes will hope his side can overhaul Liverpool this time.
Fulham
Fulham survived the relegation battle on the final day of last season. They only managed to stay up on goal difference. They only had 1 away win all season. They made a few signings which some I feel will be crucial for them. Mark Schwazer's move from the riverside has given Fulham a pair of steady hands in goal. Fulham were the 5th worst scoring team last season. The addition of Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora will look to fire in the goals for the coming season. I think Fulham might just be able to escape fighting for relegation again.
Hull
The newly promoted side has wasted no time in improving the squad in the transfer market. They have signed Geovanni from Man.City, Anthony Gardner from Spurs, George Boateng from Boro and Wigan's Marlon King on a season loan. All these players have experience in top flight football. Their fitness and form will be crucial for the side. However, I don't think Hull has what it takes to stay up.
Liverpool
Liverpool has become the team that shows no interest in the league and excels in the champions league. Although Benitez might disagree but it seems this way to me. The reds have made a few signings this season but most of them are still young. One major signing would have to be Robbie Keane. 30million pounds for the Spurs striker proved to be the biggest deal in England so far. Keane is an established striker in the league and his goals will be of great help to Liverpool. Liverpool will also be praying for the good form of two key players, Captain Gerrard and Fernando "El Nino" Torres. The great form of these two helped Liverpool clinched 4th spot last season. I have been a admirer of Torres since his Atletico Madrid days. I always hope that one day he would move to Man.Utd but my wish never came true, it only got worse. Torres is one striker that strikes fear to defenders. His speed and pace to get pass defenders make him the key to Liverpool's season. However, I don't think Liverpool have what it takes to challenge for the title. Top 5 finish.
Manchester City
A fantastic start last season but a poor finish in the end. When Thaksin took over City, the club changes almost the whole team! Sven Goran Eriksson, the manager then, did a fantastic job with the new squad but was unfortunate to get the sack. Successor Mark Hughes will have a tough job now that the owner is facing some political issues. If City is to face a financial breakdown, it would be difficult for them to keep their top players. First choice keeper Isaksson has been offloaded to PSV, so City will hope young Englishman Joe Hart will improve in goal for the coming season. The signing of Brazilian Jo has excited many City fans but very few samba boys have excelled in the English league. If City can keep their players, a top half finish is very likely under the leadership of Mark Hughes. BUT, if things do not work out, I can see them in the bottom half of the table.
benj
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