the bookies currently have us as clear favs, things will change based on player signings etc etc but for now:
City - 15/8
Arse/Scum/Chelsea - all 11/2 to 13/2 depending where you go
Spuds - 15/2
Liverpool - 9/1
Leicester 25/1
100/1 bar
surprised Liverpool aren't at least the same as Spuds
Don't agree with this injury excuse. It can be the difference in a tight contest but when you limp across the line 15 points behind the winner who clocks 81 points you have to look to other reasons. However, I do concur that replaying Pell's faults at this stage is indeed pointless.Without knowing which players we are getting or any of our rivals making predictions is impossible.
However my main wish for next season is fewer injuries, whereas I don't think Pell was faultless and replaying his faults is pointless I do think the biggest single contributor to our very average league form was the perpetual injuries, which as well as denying us key players for much of the season also appeared to cause them to lose form on their return frequently.
Without a fit squad Pep will be operating with a big handicap, assuming reasonable fitness I expect us to be challenging for the title whether or not we get it obviously depends on the performance of other teams as well as our own.
I have some concerns about so many of our players being away at the Euros and Copa this summer and the lack of rest for a team already riddled with injuries and possibly buying more injured players if the rumours are true.
I would largely agree with those odds but not sure we should be such clear favs. As mentioned much will depend on comings and goings over the next 3 months.Especially considering they aren't in Europe next season.
Firstly. Most of the other contenders will be in the same boat with players on international duty. Secondly, last season we got off to a flyer and failed to mount a sustained challenge. If we can qualify for the CL league stages and get 10 points from our first 5 games we will be well placed to be in with a shout of building up a serious challenge. I fully expect us to be serious contenders unless there is one side which is well ahead of the pack and capable of clocking up 90 points. Not sure anyone will do this however.I do not expect us to mount a sustained challenge for the title due to 3 reasons 1st the Euro's will disrupt the pre season 2nd the same applies to the Copa America and finally the players in these tournaments arriving back late for the pre season training. However should our players arrive home early due to their countries being knocked out early I will not be complaining about that. it may help us to hit the ground running.