Kick Off 16th August 2008. Part 1

3 more days! Woohoo...and the Barclays Premier League is back! Here is my preview of season 08/09. I will do a preview of 4 teams in every post.

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has chose to stick with a young squad for the coming season yet again. New signing Samir Nasir would be one to watch. He has been dubbed by many as the new Zidane. In defence, I feel that Arsenal are still a little weak and inexperience. However, in midfield, the side is bolstering with talent! The likes of Fabregas, Van Persie, Rosicky and Walcott will look to impress. I think Arsenal will be challenging for the title but I doubt their chances. 

Aston Villa

Martin O'Neil has done a great job for Villa last season and will look to continue the team's good form. Young players like Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor will be hoping to impress new English coach Capello with their performance for the club. O'Neil has tighten his defence with the signing of Friedel, Luke Young and Nicky Shorey. Friedel will come in really handy when meeting the Big 4 as he tends to perform well in such games. Keeping Gareth Barry in the squad is also a big bonus. I can see them challenging for the UEFA Cup spot again.

Blackburn Rovers

Big changes were made in the squad after last season. One major change would have to be the resignation of manager Mark Hughes. He made Blackburn a difficult club to beat during his reign. New boss Paul Ince will have big shoes to fill. Rovers will have to put their hopes on the striking partnership of Santa Cruz and  Benni McCarthy to fire in the goals. Bentley's departure to Spurs meant that the club will be relying on Gamst Pedersen for assists. I don't see how Blackburn can continue their good form last season.

Bolton

Gary Megson manage to save Bolton from relegation last season but I wonder if he can do it again. Diouf's departure to Sunderland has put a dent in the scoring department. Swedish forward Elmander will be pressured to bang in the goals. Captain Kevin Nolan will have to continue to inspire his team on the pitch. With Jaaskelainen back in goal, Bolton will hope to concede lesser. Relegation battle will be on the cards for Bolton. 

Chelsea

One of the teams to watch in the coming season. New manager Luis 'Big Phil' Scolari will want to prove that he is one of the greatest mangers in the world. The signing of Deco has made the Chelsea midfield one of the best in the world. However, there will be a big fight for a starting place in the centre of midfield. Lampard, Ballack, Mikel, Essien and Deco will be fighting to keep their place in the first IX. Captain John Terry will want to put the night a Moscow behind him and fight for the title again. A fight for the title will be a must for a side of this quality. 

Alright, these are the previews of the first 5 teams in the 08/09 season. Will continue with the next 5 another time.

benj