Here goes how I see the most uncertain or confusing start to a season for a long time...
Arsenal Still the defensive uncertainties, and with Fab seemingly off to Barca and Nasri staying for a season. What is the point of being so careful with the cash and then spunk £25m for one season of Nasri? A good CB should see them challenging, and from my point of view a commanding and demanding DM is what they need to win the title. The engine room lacks spark and desire, but could this come from Wilshire and Ramsey? FF wise: RvP when fit and erm RvP, the rest are too risky, but more will emerge as they will be among the top scorers.
Aston Villa Despite 1981, this is the club I feel sorry for. I expect them to struggle big style, and wouldn't be surprised to see McLeish gone before Xmas. Judging my preseason, the silky passing game which was developing in the second half of the season has been binned, with three big ones up front and Albrighton and Clark benched. The last two should be two of the first names on the teamsheet for the good of the club, imho. Instead McLeish has brought in the aged Given (who has not played for over a year) and restored Heskey to the line up - I see Nzog replacing Bannan in the midfield, btw. Their early fixtures look straight forward, but losing these games will have alarm bells ringing among the faithful, and McLeish's past won't help. I hope I am wrong, but I see dark clouds over Villa Park. FF wise: no-one.
Blackburn Similar to last season, but without Jones, and possibly Samba. Lack of access to cash, lack of goals, porous defence........ relegated. FF no-one.
Bolton They should continue to improve under Coyle. I doubt Elmander will be missed that much, and Lee will be available all season, and the imminent signings of Mears and Eagles from Burnley should consolidate them in the top half of the table. Admittedly this is as much to do with the declining standard of the rest as any improvements at Bolton. FF wise: Davies, Jussi, lee etc the same as last season, really.
Chelsea Jeepers where to start. A new young manager, with an aged squad and a Despotic owner. Their strength in depth will have them there or thereabouts come May, but I have no idea how they are going to do it. In theory AVB should be looking to build the next Chelsea, and are JT and FFL young enough, or are they still the core to build it around, and then be replaced? FF wise: there are few guaranteed starters, so A Cole is probably the best bet assuming they are solid at the back. But with some people seeing AVB as an attacking manager, with the Utopian Roman wanting them to win 5-0 every game they could well ship goals at the back.
Everton Same old, with a 7th to 10th spot theirs for the taking. Few transfers, and probably the same slow start. FF wise Baines and maybe Coleman, but beware the slow start.
Fulham With all these EL Qualifiers they should get off to a good start, before fading in the New Year. Jol is a good choice of manager, and Villans should be envious. Probably not as good defensively, but they will be better to watch, and should still be around 10th. FF wise: initially any starter, but Dempsey and Zamora look to be the stand out players.
Liverpool Top 5, as Dalglish sorts his best team and tactics out. I reckon 4-3-2-1, with Suarez and Downing as the two behind Carroll\Kuyt up top. But who knows. FF wise: wait for the team to sort itself out, as there are few definite starters. If confident that the defence will hold up for the start of the season, then Johnson is at least a definite strater, I think.
M City Top 5, but again few definite starters beyond Hart, Kompany and Toure (the unsuspended). FF wise the three mentioned.
M Utd Beware the defence with the new Keeper, and Young may be a spanner in the attack. A season of transition for them, and SAF's selections could be interesting I don't see Nani, Young, Valencia, Rooney and Hernandez all starting many games; but would a 4-1-3-2 with these 5 up top work? FF wise: Rooney after his summer off, but selection and the Keeper issue makes the others less attractive than in the past. (Is Hernandez still getting an gentle start to the season?)
Newcastle Top of the bottom half, by scoring goals, rather than keeping clean sheets. Ba and Arfa (if fit) will provide the skill, but the lack of steel will stop them breaking into the top half. FF wise: I wouldn't touch their defenders with someone else's team.
Norwich Lambert will get enough out of them to stay up. They will work hard, defend well and surprise a few on the attack. FF wise: Hoolihan, assuming Lambert thinks he can afford what he may consider to be a luxury player, but potentially as influential as Adam.
QPR Not the close season the fans were hoping for, and Colin is not getting the players he wants. They could well finish third of the promoted sides, and Taraabt will have had his card marked already. FF wise: K Dyer, if fit
Stoke How will they cope with Europe? Will Woodgate play, and how will he bed in? Is Woodgate part of Pullis having them play the ball on the deck, and keeping possession? I would expect them to be around 10th, whatever happens in the first few months of the season, as Pullis will revert to type if it goes wrong. FF wise: same as last season.
Sunderland I doubt the players have learnt the names of all the others yet, but should be top of the bottom half. With no fear of stating the obvious, if the new defence holds up and the new midfield creates the chance and the new attack converts them; then they will do well. FF wise: as unknown as the side.
Swansea my tip to be top of the promoted sides. They play from the back, have a good manager, and some good passers of the ball. With a bit of effort they should be OK defensively, and I doubt goals will be an issue. FF Sinclair, but more will emerge during the season.
Tottenham 'Arry needs a goal-scoring forward, and stability at CB and GK to threaten the top 5. To crack it, a bit more quality (ie replace Lennon) and depth is needed. FF wise vdV and Bale.
W Brom Will Woy get hit with second season syndrome? Does anyone outside of W Brom care? If Odemwingie doesn't get goals it could be a long season for the Baggies. FF Odemwingie, their defenders could be worth a look if Woy turns them into a dour functional side.........
Wigan Every season I think they will do well, and they just about survive. A similar season to last, as they remain unpredictable....... FF Rod and McCarthy.
Wolves My tip for the drop. They were lucky to stay up last season, and haven't strengthened. FF Doyle? O'Hara? But neither for me.
Blackburn and Wolves for the drop with a fair few competing for the third spot; MU, MC Arse, Lpool and Che for the top five in any order, then Spurs, Everton and the rest, probaly led by Bolton.
