Tag: Fulham

What does your crystal ball say..?

crystal_ballI’ve resisted. I’ve tried everything to curb my urge to talk predictions. Who are we kidding though? How can we avoid it? We all know it’s out there. Everyone’s already talking about who they think will win the league. It’s inevitable. Wouldn’t it be nice to know if we are fan prophets? Come on. You know you want to.

Here’s how I think the Premier League will finish this season. What does your crystal ball say? What do you see in the footballing future? Come May, we will compare our tables and a fan will rise as the British Soccer Diva Premier League Champion.

1. Arsenal

2. Chelsea

3. Manchester United

4. Tottenham

5. Liverpool

** Shocked yet??

6. Manchester City

7. Aston Villa

8. Everton

9. Sunderland

10. Wigan

11. West Ham

12. Fulham

13. Stoke

14. Blackburn

15. Birmingham

16. Portsmouth

17. Hull

18. Bolton

19. Burnley

20. Wolves

The “Invincibles” become the “Invisibles” at Arsenal…

tourea_280x390_856652aWarning…this is not a Manchester City blog! Let’s hope the spending stops soon people. In the meantime…

Kolo Toure, the last man standing from the 2003-04 Arsenal “Invincibles” squad has signed for Manchester City. He follows Adebayor out of the door and heads-up north to start another chapter in his successful Premier League career.

I guess Toure and Adebayor can continue their stupid dance celebration when they score for City now!

In fairness, Toure served Arsenal well. He hasn’t been very happy over the last couple of seasons and he confessed today that this move has been in the works for 6 months. Rumours are abound that Wenger wanted to get rid of the so-called bad influences in the dressing room at Arsenal. It’s surprising that Toure was one of them. They say Eboue is next.

Whatever the reason for Toure leaving, he certainly served Arsenal well. The Gunners are losing a quality defender who may go on to have his best years at Manchester City. Sure he was influenced by the money as was Adebayor, but Toure played honest for many years at Arsenal and gave them 7 good seasons. Doesn’t he deserve this move?

For Arsenal fans this is a splash of good news and bad news. If he was a disruptive influence in the dressing room then it’s good he has gone. But what will Wenger do to replace him? They need to sign Hangeland from Fulham more than ever now. And they could certainly use a fighter in midfield like Lee Cattermole from Wigan. Problem is he’s English!  As a fan, you have to believe Arsenal and Mr.Wenger will pull the rabbit out of the hat at some point during this summer transfer window. Surely they don’t think they can magically win things with the team as it currently stands? Are they ready to compete, let alone win?

The “Invincibles” era has evolved into the “Invisible” era at Arsenal and that could mean a sad day if you are a Gooner…

He comes from Senegal, he plays for Arsenal…

Patrick_Vieira_280x_856165aThe Sun and other media outlets are reporting today that Patrick Viera is about to make a shock return to Arsenal. I couldn’t believe it when I read the headline. I think this could be more shocking than Michael Owen going to Manchester United. Don’t you think so? Nobody was expecting this were they?

The truth is Arsenal have never filled the void left by Viera when he joined Juventus in 2005. He was a great captain. He was a phenomenal leader. He was Arsenal’s rock and he became a legend. Now he could be making one of the most dramatic returns in Premier League history. The questions is, does Viera still have the legs to play and compete at the top level?

Let’s face it, he has not had a huge impact since leaving Arsenal and he can’t hold down a regular starting spot under Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan. So what makes Arsene Wenger think he can still play? Is this a desperate move having lost Adebayor, Toure and possibly Eboue too this summer?

Generally people say when a relationship ends you should never go back. They say it’s never the same second time around. Even Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor couldn’t make it work after a second chance. But could Arsenal and Viera fall in love all over again? Could they re-ignite their love affair and live together happily ever after? If Viera can still play with the best of them, anything is possible.

There’s no question the French star is unhappy playing in Italy and he wants a move to another club. Tottenham, Birmingham and Fulham are also after his signature, but who do you think he will sign for? Can you see Viera going back to the Gunners? Will Arsenal fans be happy? Do you think Arsenal would rather buy him back than watch him play for their arch rivals Spurs?!!

He does look good in red and white. I need another drink…

Transfer news in a nutshell…

nutshell400There are some crazy transfer stories out there right now. It’s been an interesting summer so far and there’s still time for a few more headlines to be written…

John Terry moving to Manchester City from Chelsea? I’ll believe that when I see it. And Cesc Fabregas is being hunted like a wolf again by Barcelona. Don’t think that will happen this season, but it could definitely happen next! Here is some solid transfer news…

Robin van Persie signs a new Arsenal deal. Joe Cole is set to sign a new 4 year deal with Chelsea. Daniel Sturridge signs for Chelsea from Manchester City. Yuri Zhirkov finally moves to Chelsea from CSKA Moscow (could be a fantastic signing for them). Jermaine Pennant has finally left Liverpool for Real Zaragoza. Sean Davis leaves Portsmouth for Bolton. Goalkeeper Joe Hart signs for Birmingham on loan from Manchester City. Antonio Valencia signs for Manchester United from Wigan (watch out for this guy). Didier Zokora leaves Tottenham for Sevilla. Patrick Viera says no to Birmingham. Jo extends his loan move from Manchester City to Everton.

Transfer talk and moves on the bubble…

Peter Crouch to Sunderland from Portsmouth. Frazier Campbell to Sunderland from Manchester United. Eto’o to Manchester City from Barcelona or he could well stay in Barcelona. Former Liverpool player Boudewijn Zenden could possibly make a return to English football at Fulham. 

We’ll keep you posted about what will happen with Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano of Liverpool. Will keep tabs on Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich. Plus I’m sure Manchester United have a joker hidden up their sleeve…

What about your team? How are they doing in the summer transfer market?