Here are the next 5 teams in the Premier League.
Manchester United
The defending champions will want to keep this title for another season. If they do so, they will have equal Liverpool's record of most league titles, 18. United has yet to open the bank account in the transfer market so far. Their only signing is Carlos Tevez, who was on loan at United last season. 32 million pounds made Tevez the most expensive player in England now. One big bonus for United is the agreement to stay by Cristiano Ronaldo. As usual, Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo will be the key to United's attack while Ferdinand and Vidic will be key in defence. I feel that United really do need one more striker upfront. If they can find a quality finisher, I'm sure the title will stay at Old Trafford for another season.
Middlesbrough
Gareth Southgate's side finished 14th last season and I can't see how they can improve from this. Boro just lacks to quality to finish in the top half of the table. The departure of keeper Mark Schwazer has put a serious damage on an already leaky defence. A new keeper is a must! In attack, they look pretty ok. Downing is one huge bonus for the club, there were many rumors of him leaving the riverside. Tuncay and Alves both have the ability to score and they need to show it this season to keep Boro alive. I think Boro will be in for relegation battle this season.
Newcastle United
Newcastle peaked towards the end of last season. They have yet to make any impressive signing this season. Players like Owen, Martins and Duff would have to perform at their best for Newcastle to stay on the top half of the table. Newcastle finish 12th last season. If Owen can keep his scoring streak of last season, I think the Magpies can stay on the top half.
Portsmouth
Harry Redknapp has transformed this Portsmouth side from a relegation team to a impressive side. Portsmouth finished 8th last season and won the FA Cup. It is great achievement by Harry Redknapp's side. David James' form in goal will be crucial for the team. He had recently won the golden keeper award at the Freekick Masters. The signing of Peter Crouch will give him options when it comes to set-plays. The Crouch-Defoe partnership is similar to a Crouch-Owen in the England national team. Many might think Crouch is not a good player but he is able to knock down long balls for the speedy Defoe. This partnership might just work out. A key in midfield will be Niko Kranjcar, who will want to keep up his good form from the Euro tournament. A top 10 finish for Portsmouth this season looks possible.
Stoke City
I have my doubts about the newly promoted side. Their only good buy so far will have to be keeper Sorensen from Villa. He can be a quality keeper when he is on form. Other then that, I think Stoke will find it very hard to compete against quality sides like Man.Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. Hopefully, Stoke will perform some miracles to add to the excitement of the league, if not I think they will be fighting for relegation.
benj
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