The 11% of top-half sides to break into the top four the following season constitutes 13 of the 114 clubs to have finished fifth to 10th since 1995/96. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho last week refused to discuss his bid for Stones, despite previously expressing his admiration for the player. As more and more clubs are now owned by billionaire businessmen from across the world, the demand for instant success is now but commonplace. He will be 33 by the time the season finishes.
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After finishing second only once in the previous four seasons, Chelsea won the league title with an eight-point lead. IBTimes UK sports editor Nick Howson and sports reporter Tony Mogan discuss the title chances of Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United, before giving their predictions as to who they think will top the table come the end of the season.
Alan Pardew appears to have the magic touch at the moment.
Is Palace’s Yohan Cabaye the player he used to be? What can Pardew and Palace achieve this term?
Roberto Martinez will expect better this time around. The received a huge confidence boost with a win against Chelsea in the Community Shield last weekend.
Claudio Ranieri has taken over the reins, but will face a similarly tough task, given Japan striker Shinji Okazaki has been the only major addition to date. “Brendan Rodgers has had three years and now he is looking at a different way of doing it”. Some are just assuming that because Manchester United are Manchester United they will definitely be right up there.
James also added that he expects Manchester United to contend.
The Baggies have joined the Gunners in pursuit of the 21-year-old Anderlecht midfielder, who is considered one of Belgium’s brightest prospects having already been capped at senior level. Di Maria was supposed to do that but it didn’t go to plan and he’s leaving now.
£13 million – Aleksandar Mitrovic moves to Newcastle United from Anderlecht. But can the 2015/16 crop appease the frustrated fanbase? So what about their Premier League opponents? “Let’s disregard the fee and the poor season he had last year, because at his best Raheem Sterling is a very exciting player and going forward that front line looks pretty scary”. Liverpool have actually spent more than City this summer, and spend a vast amount last summer as well, so it’s hard to see where the logic in his argument is.
Dick Advocaat was the hero for Sunderland last season, rescuing their Premier League status in the final weeks of the campaign after taking over from Gus Poyet. Van Gaal orchestrated a campaign that showed glimpses of genius and some cluelessness among the players as well, but guided the team to a respectable fourth place finish while paving the way to European competition this season. Now with the new coaching staff Liverpool will be winning far more games.
If they fail to challenge for the title next season that pressure will increase further, but James thinks they could miss out on the title and even the top four itself as they are the weak link of the current group.
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With the new season less than a week away, the key managerial decisions will soon be brought to light. Can this new-look Watford survive among the big boys? His release from West Brom would be questioned by most but great business made by Norwich, though playing him alongside Alex Tettey would hardly create many goals. Sanchez had a full summer with Chile, which he helped win the Copa America on its home soil, so he won’t play in the first few matches of the season.
