Friday 13 August 2010 11:32, UK
Jamie Redknapp gives his take on all 20 Premier League clubs ahead of the kick-off this weekend.
THE DEAL: I think they've got a real chance this year - and I've not really felt that in the past couple of seasons. I think Cesc Fabregas staying is such a huge lift for everyone around the Emirates and while some players do stay on too long at a club, this lad is so bright, that won't be the case. I can really see him having the same impact Cristiano Ronaldo had in his last season at Manchester United. Of course, there are the usual questions about the defence and it will be interesting to see what Laurent Koscielny is all about, but I really do think they should be put in the same bracket as United and Chelsea this season. I like the signing of Marouane Chamakh up front and if they can get one last year out of Fabregas, they will always have a chance simply because of the amount of opportunities they make.
ACE IN THE PACK: Robin van Persie - It seems a long time since he's started the season fresh and fit and if you think they were only 11 points shy of winning the title without a striker last year, he could make all the difference.
THE DEAL: Losing Martin O'Neill so close to the start of the season has to have an impact. He has yet to confirm his reasons but even reading the reports this week, I have to say I was surprised. If it was over James Milner, I don't see the problem, especially if they get Stephen Ireland as part of the deal. But O'Neill has gone and Randy Lerner and his people have to get a new guy in fast; the only problem is pretty much everyone is in a job. It might hit the dressing room hard but it might also give one or two who were out of favour under O'Neill a lift so it is not always bad news across the board. The timing is what worries me; it leaves the new manager no time to get his ideas across and Villa need a good start, just to calm the place down a bit.
ACE IN THE PACK: Gabriel Agbonlahor - He is their main goal threat and the one that carries that abundance of pace down the middle. Always a great out-ball and if he can get among the goals early, that will help.
THE DEAL: They were one of the success stories of last year, so it is going to be hard to match that, or go better, this time around. But they do have the experience of that season under their belts and for players like Cameron Jerome that can make a big difference. Their home form was exceptional last year and will be key to how they get on this year because it gives them that little extra bit of freedom when they're playing away. St Andrews has never been an easy place to go and play - even back in my day - because the fans are right on you and you know you're in for a tough time of it. Alex McLeish will have to manage expectations as much as anything this year which will be tough. He could've done with not losing Kevin Phillips.
ACE IN THE PACK: Nikola Zigic - I think he might have a big year, if you'll pardon the pun. At 6ft 8in he will be such a handful and will give Birmingham another option.
THE DEAL: You have to admire the Sam Allardyce and the job he has done since going there. They might not play the most expansive game, but Sam makes no bones about it; they play to their strengths. They get the ball forward quickly, are a big strong side and with Christopher Samba and Ryan Nelsen at the back, they know how to defend and do it properly. There are also one or two young players like Steven N'Zonzi and Phil Jones coming through to go with the experienced performers and while they won't change their gameplan they do have players who can do something different, like Morten Gamst Pedersen and David Dunn. It is never an easy place to go either.
ACE IN THE PACK: Nikola Kalinic - I thought he started to look the part towards the end of last season and I think we could see a big year from him.
THE DEAL: I hope they have a good season, I really do - but it's going to be very, very tough for them. They and their supporters are going to have to get used to losing far more games than they win and it is how they deal with that that will be the difference between staying up and going straight back down. I think everyone wants Ian Holloway to do well and he will be crucial in keeping spirits up; if his players see his head drop, they could be in trouble. We will get a lot of soundbites and gems from Ollie this year but this guy is not a clown. He will love being the underdog and upsetting the bigger clubs and from time to time he might.
ACE IN THE PACK: Charlie Adam - He is the one man who makes them tick. He has a great left foot, gets goals and if they can keep him fit, they might have half a chance.
THE DEAL: This is an interesting season at Bolton because Owen Coyle has had a pre-season to get his ideas across. We know he likes to play football and pass the ball, but he would be foolish to abandon the tried-and-trusted formula of being direct, hitting Kevin Davies early and getting those knockdowns. Coyle knows they have to live within their means and he will do just that, on and off the pitch, and I think Bolton fans can expect decent things this year. Davies is still their main man, Matt Taylor will chip in and I was impressed with Chung-Yong Lee last season, even if he didn't have the best World Cup. And in Martin Petrov, on a free, I think they might just have pulled off the signing of the summer; it's hard to think of a better left foot in the Premier League, he can get goals and he will provide a steady supply for Davies.
ACE IN THE PACK: Martin Petrov - Like I say he could be the signing of the summer. Ok, his wages might be high but to get him for nothing is great business. All they have to do now is keep him fit.
THE DEAL: For some reason I don't see Chelsea being as strong as they were last season - but I can't quite put my finger on what it is. I don't think we've seen a team finish a Premier League season as strongly as they did and there is no way I can see them continuing in that form. That said, anyone who finishes above them will more than likely be champions and I did pick them as my champions a couple of weeks back, so have to stick with that. They have let some of the older players go, which was right, but it remains to be seen whether Ramires and the other new faces will fill those gaps. I guess having Michael Essien fit again will make a big, big difference, but then they look like losing Ricardo Carvalho to Real Madrid. They'll be battling for the title either way.
ACE IN THE PACK: Didier Drogba - He says he's fit for the first time in six years, which can't be good news for Premier League defenders! He's an absolute beast when he's on form and so important to that dressing room as well.
THE DEAL: If you want a lesson in the art of management than look no further than David Moyes. Year after year he gets the best out of the players he's got and makes good players even better, improves them. On top of that he is so tactically astute and sets his side up so well that they are always hard to beat. He knows they can't afford to spend extortionate fees on players, so works within those limitations - Jermaine Beckford didn't cost anything in terms of transfer fees, but is a gamble that might pay off. They should have Phil Jagielka fit and signing Mikel Arteta on a new deal and keeping Steven Pienaar and possibly Yakubu, shows Everton are as well-run and organised as ever.
ACE IN THE PACK: Tim Cahill - we say it year after year, yet he still keeps producing. He's like a magnet for the ball and his spring is incredible. You know what you are going to get from him - goals.
THE DEAL: This is a tricky one. Not only because Mark Hughes has just come in and as yet, hasn't made any signings of his own, but also because of what constitutes success for Fulham. For a start Roy Hodgson is a very tough act to follow but given the budget and their crowds, what more can Hughes really do? I guess a top-half finish would be a starting point but before that they need to make sure that the likes of Brede Hangeland and Mark Schwarzer are still at Craven Cottage once the transfer window has closed. If Andy Johnson can get back playing again they will be much better going forward, but even without him, you'd expect Hughes to follow Hodgson's lead and get them playing football and working hard for one another.
ACE IN THE PACK: Bobby Zamora - getting into the England squad will have given him a great lift and he has now become a top centre-forward. I like the fact that they can hit him long as well because that does help ease the pressure.
THE DEAL: Roy Hodgson is the right man to take this club forward and this season is all about stability - on and off the pitch. Forget talk of the title, the first priority needs to be the top four because Liverpool need to re-establish themselves in the Champions League. But that is going to be harder than ever this year, so Roy needs to hit the ground running and get it right from the very start. I do think at times Rafa Benitez hid behind the boardroom problems but I can't see Roy doing that, although the quicker it all gets sorted the better. Signing Joe Cole was a masterstroke, to which I can't see a downside. He is talented, keen to prove a point and still hungry - just what Liverpool need. Steven Gerrard is staying, Jamie Carragher has got at least another year left and that spine of the side is good. All they have to do now is keep you-know-who fit...
ACE IN THE PACK: Fernando Torres - they have to have him fit if they are going to get amongst the top four. He will get you 15 goals in 20 games but what Liverpool need from him this year is 20 goals in 38 games. That could be the difference.
THE DEAL: Amazing! Look at the signings City have made and it is just incredible again. That said, they are not necessarily real head-turners that jump out of the page, despite the money they might have paid. I think the one all eyes will be on is Yaya Toure; not just because of the wages he is on, but because I think they are hoping he will be the catalyst, the one that knits it all together, a bit like when Claude Makelele was at Chelsea. I think he's a decent player but with all those central midfielders in there, I do wonder how Roberto Mancini is going to handle it. That goes for City in general because there are so many big names, so many egos to keep happy - and that's without the new squad rules. And are some of those big names really going to be happy playing the odd Europa League game? You have to wonder...
ACE IN THE PACK: Carlos Tevez - City are top-heavy with defensive midfielders and you would think Roberto Mancini will go about things the Italian way, so they will need players who can provide a bit of magic. Tevez brings a touch of stardust.
THE DEAL: If anyone was worried about Manchester United, I think the Community Shield might have put those fears to bed! I know a lot has been made of the older players and there is no way Paul Scholes will play like that for 38 games all season, but I do think Sir Alex Ferguson is got a very exciting blend to work with. Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar are getting on, but they have Javier Hernandez, Nani, Johnny Evans, Fabio Da Silva and Rafael Da Silva at the start of their careers and the likes of Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney aren't exactly past it, are they? Just training with those older statesman will rub off on the youngsters in terms of just what it means to play for the club. It might be a season of transition at Old Trafford in some respects, but it will be a smooth and swift one, I'm sure. Of course United are going to be challenging Chelsea and the rest and you just know Sir Alex wants that Premier League trophy back!
ACE IN THE PACK: Nani - I think this year might be his year. He is no longer in Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow, he seemed to mature towards the back end of last season and his final product has improved. He could well be the man.
THE DEAL: This is going to be a tough season on Tyneside. Yes, they will all be delighted to be back in the Premier League and I am sure most of us are happy to have them back, but I am sure Chris Hughton and his players are under no illusion. The fact that Mike Ashley hasn't exactly given him too many gifts since going up suggests it is going to be a tough, tough season for them - and they will do really well to stay up. I have to say I am looking forward to going up there to work as well, because when St James' Park is full and rocking there are few places like it in English football. Those fans are a huge asset but by the same token, if things start going wrong they can get edgy and that really gives away teams a lift. I suspect though, given what they've been through in the past couple of years, they will realise they are not going to win every week and they will have to be realistic.
ACE IN THE PACK: Andy Carroll - He is the one I am looking forward to watching. He's big, strong, faster than people think and great in the air. He's been given the famous number nine shirt, which shows how much they think of him.
THE DEAL: I played with Tony Pulis back at Bournemouth and it's no surprise to see him doing a really good job. He was always going to be a manager and although the long throws and set-pieces get all the headlines, this is a guy who has always paid great attention to detail and will always have his side prepared properly. You know they are going to rough teams up a bit and play direct football; there's no point in me trying to dress it up - and no point Tony pretending otherwise. But, with Matthew Etherington, Ricardo Fuller and Tuncay, you can see he is trying to make them more of a footballing side too. I'm not sure Stoke need to change too much though because the way the play has worked for two seasons in the Premier League, so why not a third?
ACE IN THE PACK: Ricardo Fuller - If they can keep him fit and happy he can play the physical stuff but also produce that something extra. If they can get more out of him, they can improve on last year.
THE DEAL: I think Sunderland are ready to kick on this season. Steve Bruce looks like he's got everything in place and I am sure he has to be aiming for the top 10 again. I actually think Titus Bramble is a decent addition; he's 100 per cent improved from his Newcastle days and there's no better manager to improve his defending and his concentration. That Sunderland defence will be the backbone again and they will be hoping John Mensah continues where he left off in the World Cup. But they need Lee Cattermole to stay fit because they lost him last season and they went on a rotten run, it just fell apart. He is the one that keeps them ticking, while Darren Bent gets the goals.
ACE IN THE PACK: Darren Bent - He's a banker to get another 15 or 16 goals for them this season - he can't help it, it's what he does and what he does well.
THE DEAL: Well, I know my dad's excited this year, but he's also a little nervous about what lies ahead. I think expectation might be the biggest problem at Spurs this year, because the fans there always demand so much. But they have got good reason: they have a great manager (not just because he's my dad), they have a great squad and a mix of youth and pace and experience and know-how. They also have players that are getting better, like Gareth Bale, like Aaron Lennon, like Tom Huddlestone and some that have improved since arriving, like Luka Modric. But it is going to be even harder to get into that top four this season because Manchester City have spent again, Liverpool are a little more stable and Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are not really any weaker. They do have a big squad but last year they didn't have European football to contend with - that will bring a whole different set of questions and answers.
ACE IN THE PACK: Gareth Bale - I think this lad is frightening. He has pace, energy to burn, a great cross and his awareness is superb. I really do think he could become the best left-sided player in the world, which is praise indeed.
THE DEAL: West Brom have a reputation for playing good football and being a yo-yo club but the former might have to change if the latter is going to. There is nothing wrong with passing the ball of course but West Brom sides in the past have lacked that cutting edge; they will need to find more end product if they are going to survive this time. That means Roman Bednar finding the back of the net and finding it fast because looking through the rest of the squad, it is hard to see guys who can get goals at this level. That said, in Roberto di Matteo they have a manager that knows all about the Premier League and what it takes to survive. They will play the game the right way, but I think he knows the first port of call is to tighten up at the back because where they might have got away with it in the Championship, they will get punished for any lapses in the Premier League.
ACE IN THE PACK: Chris Brunt - Always a player I've liked. He's got a sweet left foot, can pick a pass and delivers a decent set-piece which, at this level, can prove the difference when games are tight.
THE DEAL: What West Ham really want is a peaceful season, without drama. Will they get it? I'm not sure about part of that! For a start, Avram Grant is a decent man and a good football manager who loves the game. But he has a tough job on his hands, just because of what has gone on there the past couple of years. He has made an encouraging start though; it looks like they are going to keep hold of Scott Parker and I like the signing of Frederic Piquionne. He showed in patches what he can do for Portsmouth and I think Grant has realised they couldn't rely on Carlton Cole and the odd loan signing here and there again. He is a firm 4-5-1 man, so whether we see Piquionne and Cole together remains to be seen, but it shows he will address the problems he inherited. But it's another case of back to square one for West Ham, which seems to be the same story every year. And as ever, he will have to produce the football they are used to seeing.
ACE IN THE PACK: Scott Parker - Everyone at West Ham will be counting down the days to the window closing, because keeping hold of Parker will not only make them a better side, but show the fans they mean business.
THE DEAL: Another side who are in for a difficult season, I think. I do like Roberto Martinez as a manager though; I think he has got something about him that might just see them alright. The biggest thing for me was keeping hold of Hugo Rodellaga, because he really started to look the part towards the end of last season. It looks like Charles N'Zogbia is on his way, so it might fall to the likes of Jordi Gomez and Victor Moses to step up and show that they are good enough at this level. But that said, something about Wigan tells me they are better than a lot of the sides you'd expect to be down there at the wrong end of things. I think now Martinez has a full season there, I am expecting a little bit more - and maybe a touch of that Spanish influence. I like the pace they have in the side, too.
ACE IN THE PACK: Hugo Rodallega - The goalscoring responsibility lies entirely on his shoulders, which is tough for the lad. But I like his attitude, he will worry defenders and he is capable of something special now and then.
THE DEAL: It's hard to believe but right now Wolves are the second-highest spenders in the Premier League. That shows you Mick McCarthy and the club's owner are more than aware of the dreaded second-season syndrome and are planning to kick on this year. I like Steven Fletcher as a signing I really do. He and Kevin Doyle will give them bundles of movement, won't stop running and will get goals, which is where they struggled last season. I also thought young David Jones really came on towards the end of last season and if they can keep hold of him, they might have a decent player on their hands. I just hope that Mick enjoys it more this season because every time I saw him last year he had a face like thunder. Still, if they can stay up as comfortably as they did I am sure he will be smiling soon enough. And I guess it's one way of making sure the supporters don't get carried away!
ACE IN THE PACK: Kevin Doyle - I think it was massive keeping holding of him, given that Arsenal were linked with him. He gets goals, works hard and might just have the perfect foil in Fletcher.