Premier League Preview: Arsenal to Crystal Palace

ARSENAL

Club Nickname: The Gunners 

Founded: 1886 

Ground: Emirates Stadium 

Manager: Arsene Wenger 

Captain: Thomas Vermaelen 

Vice Captain: Mikel Areteta
Last Season: 4th

The biggest worry for Arsenal fans as the start of the season looms is that they are starting to expect disappointment. After yet another trophy-less season the club and fans celebrated Champions league qualification with the flamboyance of an FA Cup win. Many will see the Champions League as a distraction especially to a club that needs to lift there Emirates trophy voodoo, even if it is with a minor accolade.

Captain Fantastic?

At this time can they really compete consistently with some of the greatest teams to ever grace Europe? Champions League qualification however maintains Arsenal’s reputation as a “well run club”as they continue to repay stadium debt and limit spending without dropping a considerable distance away from their rivals. In fact in there last season at Highbury they finished 24 points behind eventual winners Chelsea compared to the 16 they finished behind Manchester United this season. 

Despite the owners controlling debts Wenger has always been offered the funds to spend and as of late Wenger’s reluctance to splash the cash has not won him many fans, as more of his trusted youth signings have left for cheap fees (Denilson, Eastmond, Djourou) making his method look ludicrous. Wenger has taken the transfer window to clear out some of the older fringe players, Arshavin, Santos and Squillaci all knew by November they had no future left at the football club and weren't offered new deals, with Denilson and Djourou joining them its reported Arsenal will save around £150,000 per week on wages. 

Looking to draw inspiration from the Invincibles

The Brazilian Santos no doubt leaving in a cloud of Maserati burnt rubber, definitely making up for his speed on the pitch. As for the incomings Yaya Sanogo has a fine record for Auxerre in Ligue 2 (10 goals in 25 caps) and at 20 still has a lot to learn, the young striker has impressed many and has an eye for goal. There have also been huge bids for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain and Liverpool’s controversial Luis Suarez. 

Arsenal however have struggled to as yet put in acceptable bids for both. Higuain is Napoli bound and Liverpool are unlikely to let Suarez go to a Premier League club without a massively inflated price. But they surely won’t want to “do an Arsenal” and give a rival there best player … will they??

ONE TO WATCH: At 21 this really could be the year Jack Wilshire shines through, on his day he’s world class and his work-rate is credited by fans around the country. Performing on a consistent level is where Wilshire struggles to reach the high levels set by the world’s great central midfielders and for the amount of chances he gets in games he’s distinctly average in front of goal. With a World Cup around the corner and most of the nation pinning their hopes on Wilshire being Gerrard’s replacement when he hangs up his boots, he will be desperate to remain injury free and show everyone just what he can achieve.

Transfers (In): Yaya Sanogo – Auxerre – Free 

Transfers (Out): Andrè Santos – Flamengo – Free Jonathan Meade – Swansea - Free Sébastien Squillaci – SC Bastia – Free Francis Coquelin – SC Freiburg – Loan Vito Mannone – Sunderland - £2,112,000 Johan Djourou – Hamburg – £660,000 Denìlson – São Paulo – Free Craig Eastmond – Colchester United – Free Sanchez Watt - Colchester United – Free Andrey Arshavin – Zenit - Free

Unfortunately he didn't score too many more

VERDICT: Arsenal have defied the odds over the past few seasons, stumbling in to the champions league at the final hurdle. We won't be the first to write them off but with other teams strengthening and Wenger yet to splash any cash we can only see them going backwards. However if they sign a Higuain or Suarez any time soon anything is possible. It is also a big year for Wilshire (time to shine), Giroud (Good pre-season, needs to prove hes not a flop) and Vermaelen (must improve on last year). Arsenal fans have waited long enough, It will take lots more than pretty football to please the majority. - James -5th, Ben -4th, Gareth - 4th

FANS CORNER: Name: Rowan Davies (TFHB Dutch Correspondent)     Twitter: @RowanOlbris

Q) What are your hopes for the coming season and does the lack of summer spending from Arsene Wenger leave cause for concern?

A) My hopes for Arsenal for the season ahead hinge mostly upon activity that has yet to take place in the transfer market. The Arsenal side that emerged from the end of last season showed something that we haven’t witnessed in recent seasons; defensive solidarity. After a rocky defensive showing in the first half of the season Arsenal managed managed to piece together a side that produced the second best defensive record in the league. With the large war chest that Arsene Wenger has at his disposal, every fan expects a degree of investment that can build on the end of last season and push the team to the next level. Yet less than a week before the new season kicks off the only addition is the inexperienced Yaya Sanogo. Although the summer has been little short of a disaster thus far, if Wenger is able to strengthen significantly in key areas (notably a defensive midfielder and a striker) then I truly believe this Arsenal team has enough to challenge for the title. Having said that even if we are able to bring in much needed quality I still believe the competition of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea will in all likelihood be too much. More to the point I have lost the trust and confidence in Wenger that I once had that he will be able to move swiftly to secure the additions of the type of players that can propel the club forward. The framework for a good team is in place, the necessary funds are in the bank, all that is needed now is action from the boss and from the board. Over to you Arsene. 

ASTON VILLA

                    

Club Nickname: The Villains

Founded: 1874

Ground: Villa Park

Manager: Paul Lambert

Captain: Ron Vlaar

Last Season: 15th

Villa have not been slow in improving their squad this season, and after last year’s nervy campaign they certainly needed to. The big turning point for Villa was the 6-1 against Sunderland in April, a dominant display against a weakened side but confidence hit a high and many Villa fans thought they were safe. The game featured a Benteke hat-trick and the majority of this season’s new signings slipped under the radar with the star striker’s future at the club looking to be over. 



More of the same please!

Amazingly 10 days after the Belgian submitted a transfer requested he had committed his future to the club by signing a new contract. A strange turn of events, which asks the question, “What was he promised?” or “were any other club actually interested?” whatever the circumstances Villa will be beyond happy with the news. Benteke joins another 5 first teams players that have signed a contract extension and after years of constant change the club looks to be getting some consistency. A lot of pundits commented about the age of Villa’s squad last season, claiming inexperience and nervousness in some crucial games, Lambert does not look to have changed it this season with the departing players average age reaching 29 compared to the incomings at 23 hopefully a year in the Premier League has given some players like, Bennett and Baker the experience needed to impress consistently. 

Any chance of returning to these glory days?

With the club’s tight budget were not expecting many more signings until they offload Alan Hutton, Darren Bent, Stephen Ireland and Shay Given. Expect new boy Jedd Steer to become the reserve keeper and replace Given on the Villa bench. Luna should make the jump straight into the left back role however new signing Okore may have to battle it out with Baker and Clarke for a slot next to Vlaar. Westwood was the real midfield stand out last season and the incoming Bacuna should join him, the 21 year old has energy and versatility which will play in his favour when competing against the likes of Gardener and Sylla. With Benteke staying don’t expect Tonev and Helenius to break into the forward line just yet, they will give Villa added depth and look to be ahead of Darren Bent who Villa will look to offload. 

Villa’s season will be formed by the young player’s confidence, which they hope has increased dramatically. Most will hope to take a leaf out of the magnificent Lowtons book; his first goal for the club (a 25 yard volley) and consistent performances helped Villa stay in the Premier League.

ONE TO WATCH: Handed the number 10 shirt and signing a new contract mean it was a hugely successful summer and after his highest goalscoring campaign to date Andres Weimann will certainly be fired up for this season. He has promised to add even more goals and has scored three in pre-season, if Benteke’s form deteriorates the 22 year old will need to be counted on. He did terrifically well in the absence of Bent last season and almost every Villa fan will tell you he has the foundations laid to become a club legend. 

Transfers (In):
Jores Okore – FC Nordsjaelland- £4,600,000, Aleksander Tonev – Lech Poznan - £2,816,000, Antonio Luna –Sevilla - £1,760,000, Nicklas Helenius – Aalborg BK- £1,232,000, Leandro Bacuna – FC Groningen- £880,000, Jed Steer – Norwich – Free (Compensation)

Transfers (Out): Richard Dunne – Queens Park Rangers – Free, Jean II Makoun – Stade Rennes - £2,640,000, Andy Marshall – Released, Brett Holman – Al-Nasr – Free, Eric Lichaj –Nottingham Forest – Free, Derrick Williams – Bristol City - Free

VERDICT: Villa are looking to get rid of deadwood and bring in players that are going to add depth and quality to positions that were lacking last season. Luna is an important signing at left back a position with which the previous occupant Bennett struggled to make a consistent impression. With Helenius and Tonov they have quality replacements for the crucial trio of Weimann, Benteke and Agbonlahor. We still don’t see them breaking the top ten, but Lambert’s plan is certainly coming together nicely and 11^th would certainly be an improvement on last season. Villa may still have a few nervous moments this season, but they should be safe by March. - James -11th, Ben -13th, Gareth - 14th

FANS CORNER: Name: The Villa Blog            Twitter: @AVFCBlog

Q) What are your thoughts on the signings, are any good enough for the Starting XI?

A) The nature of a Paul Lambert signing is that the player is expected to be someone that can play for the Football Club from day one. Look at the signing of Jed Steer as a great example; he'll probably start the season on the bench but he'll be expected to play if something happens to Brad Guzan. The others, strengthen the side and I'm writing that as someone who can’t honestly say, hand on heart, that I'd seen any of them play before. I can say that because that is what Lambert did last summer and because he isn't, right now, looking for that super star, he's looking for players with ability and determination that haven't yet been picked up.

Q) With even the average age of the squad getting even younger was inexperience a problem last year, and will it be a problem this season?

A) Yes. The younger players need someone to look up to and sometimes they need someone on the pitch to put a foot on the ball and mostly, the ability to know when to put the foot on the ball, comes from experience. There is a hope that last season will have provided that, but that is very much just a hope and there is no basis for thinking one season provides that experience. While I think we will do better than last season and I'll tell you where in my next answer, I think we could do better by having that experience in the side. In fact, I'd go so far to say that if we had that experience in the side it could be the difference between a respectable finish and a very good finish to the season.

CARDIFF CITY

Club Nickname: The Bluebirds

Founded: 1899

Ground: The Cardiff City Stadium

Manager: Malky Mackay

Captain: Mark Hudson

Last Season: 1^st (Npower Championship)

Cardiff have had longer than most to prepare for life in the top flight, many would have predicted around February time that they were running away with the title and with it promotion. It’s been a long time coming for Cardiff who have faced many consecutive years of top 7 finishes, and the pressure is arguably greater on Malky Mackay than any other promoted manager to bring in the correct players.

More glory for City?

Cardiff looked comfortable throughout the championship last year, however if you asked most fans they would say the complete opposite. A mass overhaul isn’t needed, nor is there any  point in looking for that allusive “premier league experience” if the players are good enough they’ll stay up. Players like Nigel Quashie were signed by clubs for Premier league experience and he got relegated 4 times for 4 different clubs.  

Malky has so far splashed the cash and looks comfortable doing so; breaking Cardiff’s transfer record three times over. Medal a tough tackler with the nickname of “Pitbull” will add spice to the midfield but his robust nature could spell at least one suspension. Caulker will certainly be starting consistently and has the chance to relive the form he had while playing for rivals Swansea two years ago. Brayford has finally got his premier league break and will battle McNaughton for the right back role. Cornelius is by far the most interesting and youngest of the lot, the twenty year old was top scorer in the Danish League last year and the 6’ 4” striker will certainly add something in attack that Cardiff fans have not seen for a number of years. 

A decent cup run would go down nicely.

Certainly a transfer or two can completely change any team’s complexion and with the possible signings of Siem De Jong and Moreno we will certainly be keeping an eye on Cardiff. Capoue undoubtedly would strengthen a championship looking central midfield, but after the rejections of Ince, Capoue and Wanayama Cardiff haven’t given up and Malky looks set to follow in Southampton’s successful trail and spend big. Despite poor pre-season results against average opposition with strong line-ups, the real deal will start against West Ham and boy they will be up for it!

ONE TO WATCH: Before the summer Andreas Cornelius was an unknown in England, most fans will judge him on previous stats and they are encouraging. 18 goals and with it top scorer in the Danish league for Copenhagen last season at the tender age of twenty is impressive to say the least. After watching Cardiff vs. Athletico Bilbao in pre-season (2-1 Cardiff win) they often pumped the ball long, Cornelius was injured, but with him in the team and Fraizer Campbell in support Cardiff have a great chance of  mixing brute force with lighting pace and both can finish. 

Transfers (In):  

Gary Medel - Sevilla - £11,000,000, Andreas Cornelius – Copenhagan - £7,656,000, Steven Caulker – Tottenham - £8,052,000, John Brayford – Derby County - £1,531,200, Simon Moore – Brentford – £150,000

Transfers (Out): Stephen McPhail – Released, Jesse Darko – Released, Nathaniel Jarvis – Released, Elliot Parish – Released

VERDICT: In Cardiff’s case the prediction is changing ever week with big name rumours either coming or declining, if they had signed Wanyama, Capoue and Ince we wouldn’t hesitate in pushing Cardiff up to a predicted 12^th. Cardiff almost had premier league squad in the championship, spending big was the right way to tackle the transfer market this year and with one more big signing (a winger or full back) they have a he chance to push up to and challenge the positions of teams like Swansea and West Ham. - James -15th, Ben -15th, Gareth - 15th

FANS CORNER: Name: Gareth Thomas (TFHB & season ticket holder) Twitter: @GJ_Thomas

Q) How do you feel to finally make the Premier League? Do you think you'll survive?

A) It's been too long, Cardiff were relegated from the top flight in 1962 and finally we're back! It'll be a huge season, especially as it's the first time Cardiff and Swansea are both in the Premier League together, watch out for derby day as that'll be massive! Malky Mackay has been clever with his signings again, Gary Medel from Sevilla could be vital by giving that bite in midfield and Andreas Cornelius will hopefully take the league by storm. Im a big fan of Steven Caulker too, I think we surprised a lot of people by attracting someone of his quality. It's no secret we struggled to convince players to make the move to South Wales initially but that seems to have turned a corner now and with maybe another 2 signings we'll be more than ready. Will we survive? Well it'll be a tough season, no more heading down to Cardiff City Stadium expecting wins every week but I think we'll do it. I agree, 15th seems about right.

CHELSEA

Club Nickname: The Pensioners

Founded: 1905

Stadium: Stamford Bridge

Manager: Jose Mourinho

Captain: John Terry

Vice-Captain: Frank Lampard
Last Season: 3^rd

No matter who signed for Chelsea this window the cameras will only be pointing at one man when they kick off the season against Hull. Mourinho’s back and with it we will surely see the attitude, confidence and mind games that made us either love him or hate him the first time round. The Portuguese manager has already looked as passionate in pre-season as he did in any Clasico and it will only increase.

Big year for the Brazilians

Strangely Chelsea may start a season with both John Terry and Frank Lampard omitted from the starting line ups, both will be important throughout the campaign but with Benitez preferring an Ivanovic/Cahill partnership, Mourinho will also be looking at the more youthful options. Mata, Oscar and Hazard were terrific throughout last season and the real question will be if they can move on from this and progress as many do in their second premier league season.  

The risk will be burnout and the signing of Schurrle will defiantly help cover. The 22 year old can play on the wing or as a forward but Chelsea will hope that £20 million hasn’t just bought them a backup, potential, he has it in bags but he will do well to knock one of the previous trio of their perch. In fact all of Chelsea’s signings will struggle to break into the first team on a weekly basis, Schwarzer is a useful back up for Cech and Van Ginkel and Cuevas will take a few seasons to shine (although shine they will!). The potential signing of Wayne Rooney has quietened over the past few weeks and despite a lack of depth in that area for Chelsea we do feel that would be a step in the wrong direction. 

More of the same from José?

Rooney is looking nothing like his old self and a bit like Michael Owen may have peaked too soon. Lukaku gives them everything, a product of the buying young system and the presence of Drogba, he did more than impress in his year loan at West Brom and this could really be his chance to shine. Watch out for De Bruyne and Azpilicueta too as the latter was a revelation after breaking in the team last year and De Bruyne scored 10 goals in his loan spell for Werder Bremen. Both will be looking for consistent first team action and both will play a part if Chelsea win the title!   

ONE TO WATCH: After such a successful first half to last season this is the Belgian's real chance to push on and impress. As last season progressed his form started to dip, frustration set in. Not helped by petulance towards a Swansea ball boy and a hamstring injury that meant he missed the Europa League final Eden Hazard's season can only be described as frustrating. This season will see a fresh start, a new manager who will take care from him and his best mate Lukaku is back, a partnership between the two could see Chelsea fans mistaking them for Drogba and Robben. Competition will come in Schurrle but it will only make him work harder and want to score more goals of his own. 

Transfers (In): André Schürrle – Bayern Leverkusen – £19,360,000, Marco Van Ginkel – Vitesse - £8,272,000, Cristian Cuevas – O’Higgins – £1,672,000, Mark Schwarzer – Fulham – Free

Transfers (Out): Jeffrey Bruma – PSV - £2,596,000, Paulo Ferreira – Retired, Oriol Romeu – Valencia – Loan, Marko Marin – Sevilla – Loan, Ross Turnbull – Released, Florent Malouda – Trabzonspor – Free, Yossi Benayoun – Released, Henrique Hilário -  Released 

VERDICT: With the Mourinho factor and a few fresh faces I can really see Chelsea challenging for the title. However they’ll need a striker to step up and score 20+ goals a season, they may go all out and sign Rooney but I can’t see United letting go and definitely not before the match between the two in late August. The best bet is probably the young Lukaku he was prolific for West Brom last season and with even better support in Mata, Oscar and Hazard he could surprise a few. Chelsea need to progress and although Terry and Lampard will play vital roles this season Mourinho (like Benitez did) will have to be careful when selecting them. Priorities should probably be a defensive midfielder to partner Ramires, ahead of an unfit striker aging at double the rate than most? - James -2nd, Ben -2nd, Gareth - 1st 

FANS CORNER: Name: Jon Williams (Chelsea fan)

Q) What are your hopes for Chelsea over the coming season?

A) I'm hoping for a strong challenge for the title, maybe even win it. Along with some silverware like the fa cup perhaps would provide a successful season. Most of all I want Jose to be in charge for the whole season no matter what events may unfurl before May.      

Q) What about the limited transfer window action thus far?

A)  Personally I want Torres to be given this season to prove himself as well as David Luiz to hopefully stay at the bridge .With the people we have signed on loan, I think the squad is good enough. Rooney could be a great addition, but only if he went back to playing the striker role, we don't want him to drop into CAM as we have enough of them. Need him to lead the line!                                         

CRYSTAL PALACE

Club Nickname: The Eagles

Founded: 1905

Stadium: Selhurst Park

Manager: Ian Holloway

Club Captain: Paddy McCarthy

Last Season: 5^th (Npower Championship Play-off winners)

Arguably one of the most disappointing play-off finals ended with a Palace victory, there opponents Watford failed to turn up on the day and some have questioned whether we are left with a play-off winner as weak as Derby were in 2008. The most influential player in that final was Wilfred Zaha, the young 20 year old knew he wouldn’t be playing for the eagles next year as he had already signed for Manchester United. Without Zaha the squad lacks a lot of quality and looking over the signings this season fans won’t be filled with too much confidence. 

Will Palace stay up?

Dobbie and Phillips were both at the club on loan last season but both wouldn’t get into any other Premier League starting XI. Jerome Thomas was sent on loan to the championship by West Brom and Grandin was sent on loan to Nice. Chamakh disappointed in his spell at Arsenal and didn’t seem suited to the Premier League, he might however thrive with significantly less pressure. 

The signings of Campana and Gayle may give the fans some optimism, Campana a young midfielder arrives from Sevilla and has played for the under 19 Spanish team, he comes in the same mould as Charlie Adam did in Holloways first premier league spell with Blackpool and he will be hoping to be just as successful as Adam’s first season. Gayle is a risky club record signing, but it could be one of the greats, at 22 he’s been pushed up the ranks quickly but had a fantastic spell with Peterborough in the Championship scoring 20 goals in 49 appearances.

Can 1990 inspire 2013?

If he can make the step up this Palace team will be making a step in the right direction. Palace have a seriously small squad of 22, The defence is weak and Bolasie and Murray will have to step into Zaha’s boots. More signings needed, but rumours of Bent and Montero wouldn’t really improve weak links!

ONE TO WATCH: Jonathan Williams - The Wales International will be looking to pick up where he left off last season, linked with Arsenal, Manchester city, Cardiff and Swansea in the summer. William's rise in the past 8 months has been heroic. He is technically gifted and can play as an attacking midfielder or winger and is likened (by Palace fans) to Iniesta with the nickname “Joniesta”. He received Palace’s young player of the year last season and if he can add goals to his game the tiny Welshman might start to be called “Jonessi” by the Palace fans at least.

Transfers (In):  Dwight Gayle – Peterborough-£4,664,000, José Campaña - Sevilla - £1,760,000, Stephen Dobbie – Brighton- £871,200, Jerome Thomas - West Brom – Free, Kevin Phillips – Blackpool – Free, Elliot Grandin – Blackpool – Free, Marouane Chamakh – Arsenal  - Undisclosed

Transfers (Out): Jermaine Easter – Millwall – Free, Aruna Dindane – Released, André Moritz – Bolton - Free

VERDICT: Sorry Palace fans, a lack of depth in the squad and the loss of one of your best players haven’t helped your chances in the slightest. However, if Williams, Jedinak, Murray and Dikgacoi can make the step up then they have a chance of surviving. The real deciding point will be how the new signings gel, are Gayle and Chamakh premier league quality and how much of an impact will Campana have in his debut season? Certainly if they’re going to have a chance of survival they’ll need to bring in at least one quality defender. Gabbidons good days are past him and Ramage and Delaney struggled in the Championship last year, if they sign a quality defender, things will start to looks different for Palace. - James -20th, Ben -19th Gareth - 20th

FANS CORNER: Name: Niall Allen (Only Men Aloud)     Twitter: @Niall_Allen_

Q) How do rate Crystal Palace's chances for coming season, Niall?

A) I'm yet to find a pundit or bookmaker that doesn't have us down as relegation certainties, but seeing as that's how we began last season it can't be too much of a bad thing! Losing Wilfried Zaha is a big blow but I really think we've had one of the bargains of the transfer window in Spain U20's Captain Jose Campana. It will also be interesting to see whether Maroune Chamakh can recapture past form with a run of games under his belt. Holloway's signings seem to reflect his penchant for attacking football but we will definitely need to strengthen defensively to have a chance of staying up. Whatever happens this season, as a Palace fan, I always know to expect the unexpected!

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