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Published on August 9th, 2011 | by Sportingly Better Tipster

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Premier League Predictions 2011/2012

Champions League and the Title

Champions Manchester United are bidding for a 20th Premiership crown, in what looks like another enthralling and fascinating title race.

The Red Devils have invested well this summer after the retirements of Edwin Van der Sar and Paul Scholes. In have come the likes of Phil Jones, David De Gea and Ashley Young, with a further central midfield signing still possible. The accomplished Community Shield display on Sunday against Manchester City has further reinforced their title credentials and with Smalling, Welbeck and Cleverley coming through the ranks, Sir Alex Ferguson has again appeared to reinvent another team at Old Trafford.

The appointment of Andre Vilas Boas as Chelsea manager made a lot of buzz around Stamford Bridge this season. The Portuguese tactician enjoys a brand of attacking and flair based football, which should be pleasing for owner Roman Abramovich. Just who will line up in the forward positions for the Blues is anyone’s guess with the likes of Drogba, Anelka, Torres, Kalou, Sturridge and Lukaku all on the books. The injury to Michael Essien is a big blow however, particularly when Frank Lampard has also struggled with injuries. Chelsea look light in terms of both depth and steel in central midfield, with more goals likely to be conceded at the back for the Blues.

The Carlos Tevez saga has dominated Manchester City’s preparations this season. The talisman clearly wants to leave Manchester, but should the Argentine stay, Tevez will provide an attacking intent that Mancini’s tactics sorely need. Tevez finished as the joint Premier League Golden Boot winner last term with 20 goals and is more than capable of taking games by the scruff of the neck for the Citizens. Sergio Aguero was seemingly brought in as Tevez’s replacement, but could find himself lining up alongside his fellow countryman.

Arsenal are another side dominated by transfer sagas. Cesc Fabregas looks more likely than not to seal his switch to the Nou Camp,  although Samir Nasri’s path seems less clear. The signing of Gervinho could prove to be a masterstroke by Wenger with the Ivorian impressing in pre-season and training following a championship winning display at Lille last term. Ultimately, Arsenal’s season will hinge upon whether the Gunners can keep hold of both Fabregas and Nasri and crucially how injury-free key players can stay this season.

Hope and optimism surrounds Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool this season. Signings Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing will not only add to Liverpool’s squad depth, but also improve the quality of passing and possession on the ball for the Reds. The partnership of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll could really take off , with high hopes resting on the shoulders of the Uruguayan striker.

Best Bet: Manchester Utd to win the Premiership @2.75
Value Bet: Manchester City to win the Premier League (without Man Utd & Chelsea) @2.00

Relegation

Only once in Premier League history have all 3 promoted teams gone straight back down and the record book suggests we should expect at least one of Norwich, QPR and Swansea to avoid the drop.

Like most sides that have come through the play offs, Swansea are clear favourites on the betting sites to be relegated, but a trip to south Wales and the Liberty Stadium may be more unsettling than expected. Brendan Rodgers has bought promising British talent, with the likes of Wayne Routledge and Danny Graham who enjoyed an impressive goalscoring campaign for Watford last season. Scott Sinclair, Angel Rangel and Ashley Williams are the Swans star turns, although losing Darren Pratley to Bolton is a blow for the Welsh outfit.

Champions QPR have had a mixed bag of arrivals this summer, with injury prone  players Kieron Dyer and Jay Bothroyd coming in along with experienced centre back Danny Gabbidon and Dudley Campbell who scored 13 goals in the Premiership for Blackpool last season. The biggest news from Loftus Road came when PSG’s overtures passed for influential midfielder Adel Tarrabt.

Paul Lambert’s Norwich are widely expected to play an attacking brand of football in the top flight, with Wes Hoolahan the focal point for the Canaries. Signings Kyle Naughton, Ritchie De Laet and Steve Morison should bed in well and out of all the promoted sides, Norwich appear to have the best chances of survival.

Serious concerns this season are again for Wolves, Wigan and Blackburn. Wolves have splashed the cash on a couple of quality signings. Roger Johnson and Jamie O’Hara will certainly improve the quality of Mick McCarthy’s side and if Wolves can win more matches against the teams in and around them, then they should again escape relegation. Wigan arguably lost their most influential player for the last few seasons in Charles N’Zogbia, but keeping hold of manager Roberto Martinez and bringing in Al-Habsi will provide stability for Dave Whelan’s outfit. Blackburn look the side in real danger this season. Slipping from 10th to 15th last season, Steve Kean’s side have already lost promising defender Phil Jones and the acquisitions do little to inspire confidence, particularly with rumours that the club is looking to slash it’s wage bill even further.

Best Bet: Wigan to be relegated @2.87
Value Bet: Blackburn Rovers to be relegated @3.75


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