Blasphemy! Seven clubs lock horns for the title after sir Alex Ferguson's retirement!

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View attachment 401951

Premier League 2017/17 Awards

2016/17 English Player of the Year:
Gareth Bale (Manchester United)
View attachment 401950

2016/17 English Players' Player of the Year:
Neymar (Chelsea)
View attachment 401949

2016/17 English Players' Young Player of the Year:
Mario Gotze (Manchester City)
View attachment 401948

2016/17 English Premier Division Top Goalscorer:
Edinson Cavani (Arsenal)
View attachment 401947

2016/17 English Premier Division Golden Glove:
Wojciech Szczesny (Leeds)
View attachment 401946

2016/17 English Premier Division Manager of the Year:
1. Dimiter Hristov (Newcastle)
2. David Moyes (Manchester United)
3. Jurgen Klopp (Manchester City)​
View attachment 401945

2016/17 English Players' Premier Division Select:
GK. Wojciech Szczesny (Leeds)
DR. Rafael (Manchester United)
DL. David Alaba (Manchester City)
DC. Winston Reid (Leeds)
DC. Thiago Silva (Manchester City)
MC. Luka Modric (Manchester City)
MC. Kaka (Leeds)
MR. Mario Gotze (Manchester City)
ML. Gareth Bale (Manchester United)
ST. Edinson Cavani (Arsenal)
ST. Lionel Messi (Manchester City)​
View attachment 401944​
 

Chelsea have announced the local council has rubber stamped plans for a new stadium and work on the club's new home is set to begin. Construction of Lampard Stadium, named after one of Chelsea's heroes, will cost around 237.0 million pounds, although the figure will be offset by the 82.0 million pounds the club will receive by selling Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea board is thought to have been able to finance the project without needing to secure any external funding.

View attachment 401932
Chelsea set to move to Lampard Stadium​

Additional funding for the project is thought to have been secured with a ground sponsorship deal worth about 100.0 million pounds. The new stadium is scheduled to be finished on Tuesday 25th June 2019 and will boast undersoil heating, a retractable roof and a capacity of around 56,834.
 

A consortium lead by London-based businessman Mark Murphy has successfully completed a takeover of Everton, replacing former President Bill Kenwright. The turmoil is unlikely to be over at Goodison Park however, with rumours that the new President will want to replace current manager Malky Mackay. According to Football365.com, Murphy has had strong business links with Northern Ireland in the past and is believed to want to install Martin O'Neill as the new Everton boss.
 

Newcastle 2016/17 individual analysis

May , 2017

By Kevin Keegan

Newcastle successfully reclaimed the Premier League title and managed to combine it with a great FA Cup triumph although the Champions League remains out of reach after walking out in the Semi Final for the second season running. Now the time has come for me to share my thoughts on the team and the role each of the players had towards this mixed year of success and failure.

Goalkeepers:

Tim Krul (29)
View attachment 401928
2013/14: 48 appearances, 58 conceded, 15 shutouts, 1 assist, 1 PoM award, 6.83 average rating
2014/15: 57 appearances, 62 conceded, 22 shutouts, 1 PoM award, 6.76 average rating
2015/16: 60 appearances, 67 conceded, 24 shutouts, 6.90 average rating
2016/17: 41 appearances, 48 conceded, 14 shutouts, 1 assist, 7.00 average rating
​
This season Hristov decided to rotate Krul in a couple competitions and this rest allowed the Dutch keeper to deliver the best performances he's shown yet at the club.

Jeronimo Rulli (25)
View attachment 401927
2013/14: 32 appearances, 24 conceded, 13 shutouts, 2 PoM awards, 7.60 average rating *Westerlo
2014/15: 24 appearances, 32 conceded, 5 shutouts, 2 PoM awards, 7.57 average rating *Westerlo
2015/16: 25 appearances, 29 conceded, 10 shutouts, 2 PoM awards, 7.33 average rating *Westerlo
2016/17: 19 appearances, 18 conceded, 7 shutouts, 7.07 average rating
​
Rulli was thrown right at the deep end as Hristov trusted him to feature heavily in most cup games and the majority of Champions League fixtures. Jeronimo repaid that faith with composed performances although perhaps the Champions League Semi Final clash with Man City was a bit too tough for him and he conceded three goals in the first leg when the Magpies were in commanding position to win it.

Central Defenders:

Marquinhos (23)​
View attachment 401926
2013/14: 12 (6) appearances, 1 goal, 6.75 average rating *Paris Saint-Germain
2014/15: 13 (4) appearances, 4 goals, 5 assists, 7.06 average rating *Paris Saint-Germain
2015/16: 33 (6) appearances, 2 goals, 7.26 average rating
2016/17: 29 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.50 average rating​
Marquinhos improved even further in his second season with Newcastle and has been beastly in defense - what we have seen suggests he isn't done developing yet so one can only wonder how far can he reach!

Eder Alvarez Balanta (24)
View attachment 401925
2013/14: 33 (5) appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 PoM awards, 7.41 average rating
2014/15: 31 (7) appearances, 4 goals, 1 assist, 2 PoM awards, 7.35 average rating
2015/16: 34 (4) appearances, 7 goals, 2 PoM awards, 7.47 average rating
2016/17: 28 (3) appearances, 3 goals, 1 assist, 1 PoM award, 7.46 average rating​
Eder showed more of the same despite featuring a little bit less than usual this term. He still posed decent threat in the opposition box and was solid in his own half and with the ball in his feet.

Kurt Zouma (22)
View attachment 401924
2013/14: 19 (5) appearances, 1 goal, 1 PoM award, 7.40 average rating
2014/15: 36 (1) appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist, 2 PoM awards, 7.44 average rating
2015/16: 26 (2) appearances, 6 goals, 1 assist, 3 PoM awards, 7.69 average rating
2016/17: 31 (2) appearances, 5 goals, 3 PoM awards, 7.68 average rating​
Kurt maintained the tremendously high standards he set in the previous season and it was little wonder Hristov trusted him to feature a little bit more in the heart of defense. It is especially pleasing the Frenchman hasn't lost his taste for goals either!

Raphael Varane (24)
View attachment 401923
2013/14: 11(4) appearances, 1 goal, 1 PoM award, 7.53 average rating *Real Madrid
2014/15: 32 (5) appearances, 3 goals, 1 PoM award, 7.38 average rating
2015/16: 33 (5) appearances, 4 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.45 average rating
2016/17: 32 (2) appearances, 2 goals, 3 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.53 average rating​
Varane continued his gradual improvement by adding an odd goal to his game and finally reached the heights of his Real Madrid performances!

Wing Backs:

Gino Peruzzi (24)
View attachment 401922
2013/14: 21 (7) appearances, 1 goal, 6 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.40 average rating
2014/15: 29 (2) appearances, 2 goals, 8 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.30 average rating
2015/16: 21 (2) appearances, 2 goals, 4 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.52 average rating
2016/17: 19 (4) appearances, 2 goals, 8 assists, 7.49 average rating​
Gino had to settle for limited appearances once again although that kept him hungry and he delivered impressive number of key passes in the final third for his teammates. Stats suggest there was a very slight dip in overall quality but his achievements are probably the best per game during his entire Newcastle career.

Leighton Baines (32)
View attachment 401921
2013/14: 29 (4) appearances, 8 goals, 15 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.38 average rating
2014/15: 28 (7) appearances, 11 goals, 12 assists, 6 PoM awards, 7.55 average rating
2015/16: 30 (4) appearances, 7 goals, 18 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.79 average rating
2016/17: 36 appearances, 5 goals, 24 assists, 4 PoM awards, 7.78 average rating​
Who said age is a problem for wingbacks? They need to revisit that thesis! Leighton repeated the amazing season he had last time and contributed for even more goals - all that despite being given little rest by Hristov! Baines is simply integral to the style Newcastle have developed over the past few years and we all have to pray he is able to maintain the same level for as long as possible!

Alex Sandro (26)
View attachment 401920
2013/14: 16 (7) appearances, 1 goal, 7 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.28 average rating
2014/15: 23 (5) appearances, 1 goal, 3 assists, 7.04 average rating
2015/16: 30 (4) appearances, 5 goals, 11 assists, 4 PoM awards, 7.32 average rating
2016/17: 21 appearances, 2 goals, 9 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.58 average rating​
Alex Sandro had some injuries and it definitely limited him to playing second fiddle to Baines but that kind of competition seems to have brought out the best of him as his overall performances have been amazing.

Mathieu Debuchy (31)
View attachment 401919
2013/14: 24 (3) appearances, 1 goal, 6 assists, 7.09 average rating
2014/15: 26 (5) appearances, 3 goals, 5 assists, 7.10 average rating
2015/16: 25 (2) appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists, 7.15 average rating
2016/17: 18 (10) appearances, 2 goals, 6 assists, 7.37 average rating​
Mathieu was used as a backup player this campaign and a bench role was probably justified considering his age - we have to admit it also brought the best out of him as his performances this season have been above everything he's shown us before in black and white.

Davide Santon (26)
View attachment 401918
2013/14: 14 (11) appearances, 2 goals, 3 assists, 1 PoM award, 6.98 average rating
2014/15: 22 (14) appearances, 4 goals, 6 assists, 7.22 average rating
2015/16: 20 (9) appearances, 5 goals, 10 assists, 7.46 average rating
2016/17: 26 (7) appearances, 1 goal, 8 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.32 average rating​
Davide failed to live up to his level of the previous term despite being given more time on the pitch. He was still very efficient down both flanks and we have to give him the benefit of the doubt considering how Hristov constantly asked him to switch from left to right and vise versa - it probably affected his performances as well.

Central Midfielders:

Moussa Sissoko (27)
View attachment 401917
2013/14: 24 (13) appearances, 5 goals, 10 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.25 average rating
2014/15: 40 (11) appearances, 8 goals, 12 assists, 5 PoM awards, 7.25 average rating
2015/16: 31 (7) appearances, 4 assists, 7.16 average rating
2016/17: 32 (2) appearances, 7.01 average rating​
This was the worst season Moussa has had at Newcastle as his regista role didn't allow him to record a single goal or assist - even then he was still able to put his physicality to use and had his impressive moments without ever truly shining.

Yohan Cabaye (31)
View attachment 401916
2013/14: 31 (10) appearances, 4 goals, 20 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.20 average rating
2014/15: 23 (3) appearances, 1 goal, 8 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.14 average rating
2015/16: 35 (5) appearances, 3 goals, 9 assists, 7.15 average rating
2016/17: 26 (6) appearances, 4 goals, 4 assists, 7.19 average rating​
Club captain Cabaye did pretty well in midfield and contributed with very impressive all-round performances when relied upon - although his creativity probably could have translated to a bit more in terms of assists.

Will Hughes (22)
View attachment 401915
2013/14: 38 appearances, 6 goals, 8 assists, 4 PoM awards, 7.29 average rating *Derby County
2014/15: 36 appearances, 13 goals, 12 assists, 7 PoM awards, 7.64 average rating *Derby County
2015/16: 30 (9) appearances, 4 goals, 11 assists, 7.37 average rating
2016/17: 26 (10) appearances, 2 goals, 14 assists, 7.33 average rating​
Hughes featured slightly less in the first team but was still given plenty of time on the pitch and created plenty of goals for his teammates. It is too early to expect monster performances from him over the course of an entire season and at this stage his overall rating is satisfactory.

Javi Martinez (28)
View attachment 401914
2013/14: 46 appearances, 3 goals, 8 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.30 average rating *FC Bayern
2014/15: 43 appearances, 2 assists, 4 PoM awards, 7.26 average rating *FC Bayern
2015/16: 28 (2) appearances, 3 assists, 7.17 average rating
2016/17: 26 (5) appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists, 7.21 average rating​
Javi was even better this season despite his regista role and he provided solid foundation for his teammates to go on and attack knowing they could rely on his steel to kill off any counter attacks when the ball is lost. It is very pleasing he managed to add a couple of goals to his game.

Pero Sunara (19)
View attachment 401913
2013/14: -
2014/15: 20 (3) appearances, 8 goals, 6 assists, 4 PoM awards, 7.46 average rating *West Brom
2015/16: 17 (2) appearances, 2 assists, 6.57 average rating *Atletico Madrid
2016/17: 10 (8) appearances, 2 assits, 7.00 average rating​
Pero was slowly introduced in the first team when injuries crippled central midfield and delivered several stable performances despite his tender age. He has certainly left behind the poor campaign in Madrid and is looking forward to featuring more in the next season - and so are we!

Inside Forwards:

Erik Lamela (25)
View attachment 401912
2013/14: 34 (8) appearances, 17 goals, 4 assists, 5 PoM awards, 7.12 average rating *Tottenham
2014/15: 29 (8) appearances, 9 goals, 7 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.15 average rating
2015/16: 31 (9) appearances, 20 goals, 10 assists, 5 PoM awards, 7.38 average rating
2016/17: 20 (12) appearances, 12 goals, 6 assists, 4 PoM awards, 7.24 average rating​
Erik was limited to less appearances this season because of injury but still scored a great number of goals and created several for his partners in attack as well. His rating dipped a little but his overall statistics are above pleasing for sure.

Markus Grimm (19)
View attachment 401911
2013/14: -
2014/15: -
2015/16: 17 (10) appearances, 10 goals, 9 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.30 average rating
2016/17: 28 (8) appearances, 19 goals, 17 assists, 6 PoM awards, 7.49 average rating​
What can we say about the German teenage sensation? He continues to conquer the pitches with his eye for goal and final pass and it was understandable Hristov trusted him with a regular role in the first team - his overall performances have been top class already!

Eduardo Salvio (27)
View attachment 401910
2013/14: 34 (9) appearances, 17 goals, 6 assists, 6 PoM awards, 7.22 average rating
2014/15: 18 (11) appearances, 2 goals, 7 assists, 6.99 average rating
2015/16: 26 (9) appearances, 15 goals, 14 assists, 4 PoM awards, 7.41 average rating
2016/17: 17 (11) appearances, 5 goals, 6 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.22 average rating​
Eduardo had to settle with limited appearances this season and it affected his overall form but he still proved to be a valuable squad player and delivered important goals and assists on a number of occasions.

Hatem Ben Arfa (30)
View attachment 401909
2013/14: 26 (2) appearances, 10 goals, 7 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.20 average rating
2014/15: 34 (5) appearances, 13 goals, 15 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.34 average rating
2015/16: 26 (9) appearances, 5 goals, 7 assists, 1 PoM award, 6.96 average rating
2016/17: 22 (5) appearances, 10 goals, 9 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.33 average rating​
Hatem returned to his best this season and showed why he was so important for Newcastle before Hristov took charge at the club. The wing wizard once again broke into double figures of goals scored and matched his best campaign in black and white despite featuring less than usual!

Adnan Januzaj (22)
View attachment 401908
2013/14: 7 (2) appearances, 3 assists, 6.87 average rating *Manchester United
2014/15: 27 (19) appearances, 7 goals, 6 assists, 6.94 average rating
2015/16: 26 (14) appearances, 14 goals, 7 assists, 7.34 average rating
2016/17: 30 (7) appearances, 16 goals, 17 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.51 average rating​
Adnan did even better this season after convincing Hristov he's worth of a regular first team place - he's the only inside forward to challenge the level of Grimm this campaign and we have to point out his overall rating is second to none for the position in the entire team!

Strikers:

Memphis Depay (23)
View attachment 401907
2013/14: 12 (10) appearances, 9 goals, 2 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.31 average rating
2014/15: 19 (11) appearances, 14 goals, 6 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.13 average rating
2015/16: 35 (14) appearances, 28 goals, 19 assists, 9 PoM awards, 7.49 average rating
2016/17: 19 (19) appearances, 19 goals, 4 assists, 6 PoM awards, 7.21 average rating
​
Memphis had to settle with less games and Hristov used him more as an impact sub despite his emergence last campaign - of course it had to do with the arrival of Balotelli. Depay couldn't repeat his amazing form but still scored incredible number of goals.

Loic Remy (30)
View attachment 401906
2013/14: 33 (8) appearances, 24 goals, 13 assists, 5 PoM awards, 7.35 average rating
2014/15: 30 (11) appearances, 20 goals, 8 assists, 1 PoM awards, 7.04 average rating
2015/16: 31 (10) appearances, 24 goals, 13 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.44 average rating
2016/17: 21 (2) appearances, 16 goals, 5 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.56 average rating​
Loic had his best season with Newcastle despite featuring less - it was also the first campaign he failed to break the 20 goal figure but we must say keeping him fresh with this reduced role actually allowed him to flourish.

Landon Donovan (35)
View attachment 401905
2013/14: 24 (20) appearances, 17 goals, 10 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.05 average rating
2014/15: 32 (18) appearances, 19 goals, 10 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.03 average rating
2015/16: 23 (13) appearances, 14 goals, 14 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.19 average rating
2016/17: 13 (13) appearances, 13 goals, 7 assists, 1 PoM award, 7.40 average rating​
Who'd have expected veteran Landon to deliver such impact on the pitch after accepting a coaching role at the club? He was simply great whenever Hristov trusted him to lead the attack and had arguably his best season ever! Can he keep it going? If not, it was a terrific way to say goodbye!

Luis Suarez (30)
View attachment 401904
2013/14: 29 (4) appearances, 10 goals, 8 assists, 3 PoM awards, 6.99 average rating *Liverpool
2014/15: 42 (8) appearances, 22 goals, 12 assists, 3 PoM awards, 7.09 average rating
2015/16: 39 (12) appearances, 30 goals, 16 assists, 10 PoM awards, 7.44 average rating
2016/17: 31 (13) appearances, 22 goals, 15 assists, 2 PoM awards, 7.34 average rating​
Luis wasn't played as much this season as Hristov obviously preferred to keep him fresh but he was still a key figure in attack and adapted well to his new support role.

Mario Balotelli (26)
View attachment 401903
2013/14: 45 appearances, 21 goals, 11 assists, 4 PoM awards, 7.26 average rating *A.C. Milan
2014/15: 38 appearances, 11 goals, 5 assists, 6.76 average rating *A.C. Milan
2015/16: 26 (19) appearances, 21 goals, 1 assist, 3 PoM awards, 7.01 average rating *Tottenham
2016/17: 39 (7) appearances, 34 goals, 11 assists, 7 PoM awards, 7.48 average rating​
What a debut season for Mario at Tyneside! It was his best ever and the first time he broke the 30 goal border in his entire career! Hristov's decision to trust the eccentric Italian to spearhead the attack was definitely a prolific one and we can't wait to see if Super Mario can keep delivering!
 
KevinHann said:
Newcastle 2016/17 individual analysis

May , 2017

By Kevin Keegan

Newcastle successfully reclaimed the Premier League title and managed to combine it with a great FA Cup triumph although the Champions League remains out of reach after walking out in the Semi Final for the second season running. Now the time has come for me to share my thoughts on the team and the role each of the players had towards this mixed year of success and failure.​
Click to expand...
After considering what Kevin Keegan had to say about our season, a meeting was called at Newcastle. We are currently discussing the reasons behind once again being unable to compete for multiple honors and falling short of the ultimate goal - winning the Champions League. If you have any input to offer, please share! Do you think we are poor in a specific position? Have a player in mind who can drive us forward (and isn't with the other contenders yet)? Or perhaps we should discard some of the current first teamers and focus on developing the youngsters we have out on loan? Let us know! What can we do to get on a level playing field with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City? Your opinion and advice will be greatly appreciated!
 
View attachment 401889

Europe Awards

2016/17 Best Player in Europe:
1. Gareth Bale (Manchester United)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester City)
3. Lionel Messi (Manchester City)
View attachment 401888

2016/17 Golden Shoe:
1. Luciano Vietto (Paris Saint-Germain) 25 goals - 50.00 points
2. Timo Werner (Dortmund) 25 goals - 50.00 points
3. Viktor Fischer (Paris Saint-Germain) 25 goals - 50.00 points​
View attachment 401887​
 

Malky Mackay has been fired by Everton President Mark Murphy. Malky Mackay and Everton are reported to have parted company after the club's recent takeover. He had been at Everton since November 2013, having previously managed Cardiff. During his time with the Bluebirds, Mackay's team finished runners-up in the Capital One Cup in 2012 and won the Sky Bet Championship in 2013. Everton finished the season in 14th place in the English Premier League.

View attachment 401762
Mackay sacked after Everton takeover​

The decision to fire Mackay has come as no real surprise to anyone in soccer as it was thought all along that the new board at Everton would want to put their own manager in charge.

Odds for next Everton manager:
3-1 Slaven Bilic (Besiktas)
5-1 Ronald Koeman (Feyenoord)
5-1 Brendan Rodgers (unemployed)

Odds for next manager to get the sack:
7-4 Paul Lambert (Aston Villa)
7-4 Steve Bruce (Hull)
7-4 Bernd Schuster (Leeds)
 

Everton has pushed back the years to appoint former player Slaven Bilic as their new manager. The 48-year old, who spent three years as a player at Goodison Park is widely respected in the world of football and admitted to journalists that he jumped at the chance to rejoin his former club.

View attachment 401734
Bilic takes over at Everton​

This is Bilic's first role back in England since leaving Everton in 1999. Besiktas will be paid 1.4 million pounds in compensation.
 
KevinHann said:
Malky Mackay has been fired by Everton President Mark Murphy. Malky Mackay and Everton are reported to have parted company after the club's recent takeover.​
Click to expand...
​

Whoa, I should be grateful Olivier Bernard was a bit more patient after his Newcastle takeover!
 
View attachment 401712

BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson takes a look at the title contenders

​
6 days and counting down to the start of the new season! Who will challenge for the title? Who will suffer relegation? Stay with us to see Mark Lawrenson's take at the title contenders!

View attachment 401708
Who will win it this season?
​

We begin our preview with runners-up Manchester United who came surprisingly close to the title last season and have been branded favorites to build on in the forthcoming campaign. Media predictions: 1st place.

Manchester United
View attachment 401705

History: 20 times champion, 17 times runner-up
Title odds: Evens
Pundits:
View attachment 401704View attachment 401703
Gary Nevilleddd Roy Keane

Manager: David Moyes (since July 2013)
View attachment 401702

Pre-Season: Training Camp in China

Friendlies:
West Ham (A) 2-1
Hamsik, Fellaini
Sunderland (A) 4-1
Hamsik, Bale (2), Icardi
Schalke (H) 1-2
Icardi
Sheff Utd (A) 3-2
Ben Arfa, Henriquez, Kagawa
Dortmund (H) 2-2
Bale, Icardi
Dongya (A) 5-0
Di Maria, Pogba (2), Fellaini, Keeley
Fuli (A) 2-0
Hamsik (2)
Newcastle (A) 2-1
Icardi, Bale
Everton (A) 4-2
*Howard Testimonial*
Hamsik, Bale, Taylor, Icardi

Preferred Formation:
4-2-3-1

Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
View attachment 401695View attachment 401694View attachment 401693
David De Gea (26) / Kieren Westwood (32) / Wesley Foderingham (26)

Central Defenders:
View attachment 401692View attachment 401691View attachment 401690View attachment 401689
Jonny Evans (29) / Phil Jones (25) / Chris Smalling (27) / Nemanja Vidic (35)

Full Backs:
View attachment 401688View attachment 401687View attachment 401686
Rafael (27) / Jordi Alba (28) / Kyle Walker (27)

Midfielders:
View attachment 401685View attachment 401684View attachment 401683View attachment 401682View attachment 401681View attachment 401680
Paul Pogba (24) / Christian Eriksen (25) / Marek Hamsik (30) / Marouane Fellaini (29) / Andres Iniesta (33) / Marco Verratti (24)

Wingers:
View attachment 401679View attachment 401678View attachment 401677View attachment 401676View attachment 401675
Gareth Bale (28) / Shinji Kagawa (28) / Angel Di Maria (29) / Hatem Ben Arfa (30) / Julian Brandt (21)

Strikers:
View attachment 401674View attachment 401673View attachment 401672
Mauro Icardi (24) / Wayne Rooney (31) / Angelo Henriquez (23)

Captain: Nemanja Vidic

Vice Captain: Marek Hamsik

Notable Transfers In:

Hatem Ben Arfa - Newcastle, 40.0m pounds

Julian Brandt - Sevilla, 25.5m pounds

Oliver Nardiello - West Ham, 3.6m pounds
View attachment 401671

Wesley Foderingham - Tottenham, 600k pounds

Notable Transfers Out:

Nani - HSV, 4.2m pounds
View attachment 401670

Olivier Giroud - Bordeaux on loan
View attachment 401669​
 
Last edited:
View attachment 401666

BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson takes a look at the title contenders

​
6 days and counting down to the start of the new season! Who will challenge for the title? Who will suffer relegation? Stay with us to see Mark Lawrenson's take at the title contenders!

View attachment 401664
Who will win it this season?
​

Now let's take a look at Manchester City - they fell short of mounting a true title challenge last season and had to settle with third place 10 points short of the champions but are widely expected to set the record straight this time! Media predictions: 2nd place.

Manchester City
View attachment 401663

History: 3 times champion, 4 times runner-up
Title odds: Evens
Pundit:
View attachment 401662
Lee Dixon

Manager: Jurgen Klopp (since May 2014)
View attachment 401661

Pre-Season: Training Camp in USA

Friendlies:
Braga (A) 1-0
Pedro
Den Haag (A) 2-0
Aguero
Wigan (A) 6-0
Messi, Ronaldo (2), Gotze, Vidal, David Silva
Colorado (A) 1-0
Aguero
Napoli (H) 1-0
Aguero
Cagliari (H) 3-1
*Hart Testimonial*
Aguero, Jovetic, Modric

Preferred Formation:
4-2-3-1

Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
View attachment 401659View attachment 401658
Manuel Neuer (31) / Joe Hart (30)

Central Defenders:
View attachment 401657View attachment 401656View attachment 401655View attachment 401654
Vincent Kompany (31) / Thiago Silva (32) / Dejan Lovren (28) / Matija Nastasic (24)

Full Backs:
View attachment 401653View attachment 401652View attachment 401651View attachment 401650
David Alaba (25) / Philipp Lahm (33) / Pablo Zabaleta (32) / Alex Grimaldo (21)

Midfielders:
View attachment 401649View attachment 401648View attachment 401647View attachment 401646
Arturo Vidal (30) / Lucas Leiva (30) / Yaya Toure (34) / Derek Gorman (19)

Wingers:
View attachment 401645View attachment 401644View attachment 401643View attachment 401642View attachment 401641View attachment 401640
Mario Gotze (25) / David Silva (31) / Luka Modric (31) / Pedro (30) / Samir Nasri (30) / Gylfi Sigurdsson (27)

Strikers:
View attachment 401639View attachment 401638View attachment 401637View attachment 401636
Lionel Messi (30) / Cristiano Ronaldo (32) / Sergio Aguero (29) / Stevan Jovetic (27)

Captain: Vincent Kompany

Vice Captain: Yaya Toure

Notable Transfers In:

None

Notable Transfers Out:

None​
 
Last edited:
View attachment 401635

BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson takes a look at the title contenders

6 days and counting down to the start of the new season! Who will challenge for the title? Who will suffer relegation? Stay with us to see Mark Lawrenson's take at the title contenders!

View attachment 401634
​Who will win it this season?

Now let's take a look at Newcastle - who retained the Premier League title last season in a convincing manner just before the final round. Media predictions: 3rd place.

Newcastle
View attachment 401633
History: 7 times champion, 3 times runner-up
Title odds: 5-4
Pundits:
View attachment 401632View attachment 401631
----- Rob Lee --- Kevin Keegan --

Manager: Dimiter Hristov (since July 2013)
View attachment 401630

Pre-Season: Training Camp in South Korea

Friendlies:
Marseilles (A) 6-0
Suarez (2), Lamela (2), Depay (2)
Schalke (A) 5-3
Lamela (4), Suarez
Arsenal (A) 3-3
Newcastle win 4-3 on penalties
Lamela, Grimm, Suarez
Dortmund (A) 3-0
Depay (3)
Pohang (A) 4-0
Suarez (3), Grimm
Jeonbuk (A) 6-1
Santon, Suarez (2), Depay, Grimm, Sunara
Paris Saint-Germain (A) 3-1
Marquinhos, Hughes, Januzaj
Manchester United (H) 1-2
Depay

Preferred Formation:
4-1-3-2 Ultra-attacking

Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
View attachment 401629View attachment 401627
Tim Krul (29) / Jeronimo Rulli (25)

Central Defenders:
View attachment 401626View attachment 401625View attachment 401624View attachment 401623
Marquinhos (23) / Raphael Varane (24) / Eder Alvarez Balanta (24) / Kurt Zouma (22)

Full Backs:
View attachment 401622View attachment 401621View attachment 401620View attachment 401619View attachment 401618
Leighton Baines (32) / Gino Peruzzi (25) / Davide Santon (26) / Alex Sandro (26) / Mathieu Debuchy (32)

Midfielders:
View attachment 401617View attachment 401616View attachment 401615View attachment 401614View attachment 401613
Javi Martinez (28) / Will Hughes (22) / Moussa Sissoko (27) / Yohan Cabaye (31) / Pero Sunara (19)

Wingers:
View attachment 401610View attachment 401609View attachment 401606View attachment 401605View attachment 401604
Memphis Depay (23) / Erik Lamela (25) / Adnan Januzaj (22) / Markus Grimm (19) / Sercan Akarsu (18)

Strikers:
View attachment 401599View attachment 401597View attachment 401596View attachment 401594View attachment 401593
Mario Balotelli (26) / Luis Suarez (30) / Alberto Cerri (21) / Adam Campbell (22) / Landon Donovan (35)

Captain: Yohan Cabaye

Vice Captain: Eder Alvarez Balanta

Notable Transfers In:

Jair - Flamengo, 7.0m pounds
View attachment 401588

Julio Ibarra - Boca, 3.0m pounds
View attachment 401587

Notable Transfers Out:

Eduardo Salvio - Atletico Madrid, 49.5m pounds
View attachment 401584

Hatem Ben Arfa - Manchester United, 40.0m pounds
View attachment 401583

Loic Remy - Valencia, 17.5m pounds
View attachment 401581

Massadio Haidara - West Ham, 4.9m pounds
View attachment 401579

Jair - Bordeaux on loan, 200k pounds p/m (screenshot provided above)

Christian Ognjanovic - Feyenoord on loan, 200k pounds p/m
Roberto Garcia - Hull on loan, 200k pounds p/m
Mario Pugliese - Southampton on loan, 200k pounds p/m
Robert Partington - Liverpool on loan, 200k pounds p/m
Stephen Welsby - Q.P.R. on loan, 190k pounds p/m
Billy Marples - Aston Villa on loan, 98k pounds p/m
Ricky Flaherty - West Brom on loan, 41k pounds p/m
(listed by same order below)
View attachment 401577View attachment 401576View attachment 401575View attachment 401574View attachment 401573View attachment 401572View attachment 401571

​
 
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View attachment 401570

BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson takes a look at the title contenders

​
6 days and counting down to the start of the new season! Who will challenge for the title? Who will suffer relegation? Stay with us to see Mark Lawrenson's take at the title contenders!

View attachment 401569
Who will win it this season?
​

Time to switch our attention to Chelsea, who collapsed from champions to barely retaining their top four status last campaign - their fans will certainly hope for another change of fortunes, this time positive. Media predictions: 4th place.

Chelsea
View attachment 401568

History: 5 times champion, 5 times runner-up
Title odds: 5-4
Pundits:
View attachment 401567View attachment 401566
iiiiRay Wilkinsd Tony Cascarino

Manager: Jose Mourinho (since June 2013)
View attachment 401564

Pre-Season: Training Camp in England

Friendlies:
Arsenal (H) 2-2
*Cole Testimonial*
Thiago Alcantara, Cole
PSV (H) 4-0
Fabregas (2), Oscar, Mata
Brentford (A) 3-0
Shaqiri, Mata, Lewandowski
Cardiff (A) 3-1
Falcao, Hazard, Neymar
Bristol City (A) 2-0
Hazard, Willian
Deportivo (A) 1-0
Oscar
Benfica (H) 3-2
Mata, Lewandowski, Falcao
Espanyol (H) 3-0
*Mikel Testimonial*
Falcao (2), Lewandowski

Preferred Formation:
4-2-3-1

Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
View attachment 401560View attachment 401559View attachment 401558
Thibaut Courtois (25) / Petr Cech (35) / Ben Amos (27)

Central Defenders:
View attachment 401557View attachment 401556View attachment 401555View attachment 401554
Samuel Umtiti (23) / Mats Hummels (28) / Daviz Luiz (30) / Steven Caulker (25)

Full Backs:
View attachment 401553View attachment 401552View attachment 401551
Sergio Ramos (31) / Eliaquim Mangala (26) / Ashley Cole (36)

Midfielders:
View attachment 401550View attachment 401549View attachment 401548View attachment 401547View attachment 401546View attachment 401545
Cesc Fabregas (30) / Kevin Strootman (27) / Thiago Alcantara (26) / Ramires (30) / John Obi Mikel (30) / Nathaniel Chalobah (22)

Wingers:
View attachment 401544View attachment 401543View attachment 401542View attachment 401541View attachment 401540View attachment 401539
Eden Hazard (26) / Xherdan Shaqiri (25) / Juan Mata (29) / Oscar (25) / Willian (29) / Jeremie Boga (20)

Strikers:
View attachment 401538View attachment 401537View attachment 401536View attachment 401535
Neymar (25) / Robert Lewandowski (28) / Radamel Falcao (31) / Wilfried Zaha (24)

Captain: Ashley Cole

Vice Captain: Sergio Ramos

Notable Transfers In:

Ben Amos - Arsenal, 850k pounds

Notable Transfers Out:

Nathan Ake - Q.P.R., 650k pounds
View attachment 401534​
 
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View attachment 401533

BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson takes a look at the title contenders

​
6 days and counting down to the start of the new season! Who will challenge for the title? Who will suffer relegation? Stay with us to see Mark Lawrenson's take at the title contenders!

View attachment 401532
Who will win it this season?
​

Now let's take a look at Arsenal who once again failed to clinch a much coveted return to top four and Champions League football last term and ended up in disappointing sixth position. Media predictions: 5th place.

Arsenal
View attachment 401531
History: 13 times champion, 8 times runner-up
Title odds: 7-4
Pundits:
View attachment 401530View attachment 401529
i Alan Smith iiiii Sol Campbell

Manager: Arsene Wenger (since September 1996)
View attachment 401528

Pre-Season: Training Camp in Spain

Friendlies:
Reading (A) 4-1
El Shaarawy (2), Volland, Bernard
CSKA Moscow (H) 1-3
Volland
Chelsea (A) 2-2
*Cole Testimonial*
Isco, Aubameyang
Newcastle (H) 3-3
Newcastle win 4-3 on penalties
Cavani, Garay, Nkoulou
Hercules (A) 5-0
Aubameyang (2), Volland, Wilshere, Ramsey
Alaves (A) 4-1
Aubameyang (3), Cavani
Leyton Orient (A) 2-1
Barkley, Okafor
Ruzomberok (A) 3-0
*Europa League*
Wilshere, Cavani, Aubameyang
Ruzomberok (H) 2-0
*Europa League*
Aubameyang, Volland

Preferred Formation:
4-2-3-1

Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
View attachment 401527View attachment 401526
Salvatore Sirigu (30) / Lukasz Fabianski (32)

Central Defenders:
View attachment 401525View attachment 401524View attachment 401523
Nicolas Nkoulou (27) / Gerard Pique (30) / Ezequiel Garay (30)

Full Backs:
View attachment 401522View attachment 401521View attachment 401520View attachment 401519View attachment 401518
Mattia De Sciglio (24) / Ben Davies (24) / Filipe (32) / Gael Clichy (32) / Bacary Sagna (34)

Midfielders:
View attachment 401516View attachment 401515View attachment 401514View attachment 401513View attachment 401512View attachment 401511
Jack Wilshere (25) / Aaron Ramsey (26) / Victor Wanyama (26) / Milan Badelj (28) / Diego Reyes (24) / Gedion Zelalem (20)

Wingers:
View attachment 401510View attachment 401509View attachment 401508View attachment 401507View attachment 401506
Isco (25) / Bernard (24) / Mesut Ozil (28) / Ross Barkley (23) / Serge Gnabry (22)

Strikers:
View attachment 401505View attachment 401504View attachment 401503View attachment 401502
Edinson Cavani (30) / Stephan El Shaarawy (24) / Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (28) / Kevin Volland (25)

Captain: Jack Wilshere

Vice Captain: Edinson Cavani

Notable Transfers In:

Jim Woodward - West Ham, 4.9m pounds
View attachment 401501

Notable Transfers Out:

Ben Amos - Chelsea, 850k pounds
View attachment 401500

Jesse Joronen - Valencia, 400k pounds
View attachment 401499​
 
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View attachment 401498

BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson takes a look at the title contenders

​
6 days and counting down to the start of the new season! Who will challenge for the title? Who will suffer relegation? Stay with us to see Mark Lawrenson's take at the title contenders!

View attachment 401497
Who will win it this season?
​

Now let's take a look at still fresh title contenders Blackburn who justified their inclusion to the respectable list by nearly breaking in the top four last season! Media predictions: 6th place.

Blackburn

View attachment 401496

History: 3 times champion, 1 time runner-up
Title odds: 2-1
Pundit:
View attachment 401495
Kevin Gallacher

Manager: Gary Bowyer (since May 2013)
View attachment 401494

Pre-Season: Training Camp in China

Friendlies:
Shenhua (A) 3-0
Lukaku, Chicksen, Kroos
Renhe (A) 4-0
Benteke (2), Schneiderlin, Kroos
West Brom (A) 3-1
Lukaku (2), Insigne
Lazio (H) 2-0
Lallana, Benteke
Huddersfield (A) 3-1
Alexis Sanchez, Ljajic (2)
Schalke (H) 2-0
Schneiderlin, van Ginkel
Juventus (H) 1-3
Lukaku

Preferred Formation:
4-2-3-1

Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
View attachment 401493View attachment 401492
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (25) / Daniel Bachmann (23)

Central Defenders:
View attachment 401491View attachment 401490View attachment 401489View attachment 401488View attachment 401487View attachment 401486
Thomas Vermaelen (31) / Jan Vertonghen (30) / Douglas (29) / Tom Moss (27) / Gary Cahill (31) / Kyriakos Papadopoulos (25)

Full Backs:
View attachment 401484View attachment 401483View attachment 401482View attachment 401481
Marcelo (29) / Luke Shaw (22) / Dani Carvajal (25) / Callum Chambers (22)

Midfielders:
View attachment 401478View attachment 401477View attachment 401475View attachment 401474View attachment 401473View attachment 401471
Toni Kroos (27) / Tonny Trindade de Vilhena (22) / Marco van Ginkel (24) / Sami Khedira (30) / Morgan Schneiderlin (27) / Jack Rodwell (26)

Wingers:
View attachment 401470View attachment 401469View attachment 401468View attachment 401467View attachment 401466View attachment 401465
Lorenzo Insigne (26) / Adam Lallana (29) / Alexis Sanchez (28) / Raheem Sterling (22) / Arjen Robben (33) / Tom Ince (25)

Strikers:
View attachment 401464View attachment 401462View attachment 401460View attachment 401458View attachment 401457View attachment 401456
Christian Benteke (26) / Romelu Lukaku (24) / Adem Ljajic (25) / Wilfried Bony (28) / Jay Rodriguez (28) / Channing Chicksen (19)

Captain: Thomas Vermaelen

Vice Captain: Adam Lallana

Notable Transfers In:

Callum Chambers - Leeds, 8.75m pounds

Daniel Bachmann - free transfer

Notable Transfers Out:

John Stones - Tottenham, 7.25m pounds
View attachment 401453

Kenneth Omeruo - Hull, 1.8m pounds
View attachment 401454

Ben Hamer - Celtic, free transfer
View attachment 401455​
 
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View attachment 401452
BBC Sport Call-In

​
6 days and counting down to the start of the new season! This is the time to get involved! Check who got what at page 162! Call in and let us know what you think:
- Which transfer captivated you this summer?
- Which club did the best business so far in the window?
- Who do you fancy to win the title race and why?
- Who will make it in the top four?
- Who will underperform?
- What weaknesses do you see in the contenders?
Plus anything else you'd like to share!
*Note - please, no more abusive calls towards Mark Lawrenson - he doesn't listen so don't address him!*

 
Strolla said:
Did I miss the article explaining the sale of Remy and Ben Arfa?
Click to expand...

There just weren't many notable transfers to justify an extended watch through the pundit articles and as I prefer the season preview posts to be at the head of a new page they became redundant. Feel free to share your thoughts on any of the deals that did go through though!
 
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