for traditional old firm powerhouses, celtic are underperforming. but they have a good squad and a proven EPL manager, so things will eventually go right.
Now for a preview of other leagues:
Germany:
After watching Werder Bremen's five goals on the weekend, i've become convinced that every team in the bundesliga other than the big 4 (or 5 depending on what you think about schalke) defends like rubbish and provide no real depth for the league. most of the goals in this league seem to come from poor clearances and/or bad positioning by defenders. some of the goalkeepers are clowns too. Its going to be mighty Bayern Munich on top this year. The fact is that they're head over heels above the rest. and no one cares about the rest, beleive me.
Italy:
would probably be the best league in the world if it wasnt so damn boring. it's going to be a competitive season, with Inter Milan bolstering their squad with 3 Madrid players. Good on them for getting 3 top class players. Figo has 2 years left in him, Solari is a genuinely skilled player who was underused, and Samuel is world class - another victim of politics at Real Madrid. however, Madrid's loss is truly Inter's game (Edit: gain...
). Kudos to Milan for adding Vieri, Gilardino and the super versatile Jankulovski to their illustrious player list (and wage bill.) Expect a tight 3 horse race with Palermo, Sampdoria, Fiorentina and Cagliari on the up. Finally. An Italian season that might have some real attacking flair.Spain:
another Barca vs. Real season. As a Barca supporter, i'm glad real have unbalanced their team yet again, selling Samuel and buying Robinho and Baptista at the bargain price of $75 million. Is Baptista better than Owen? I think not. But he is versatile and will operate efficiently with Gravesen in the center of midfield. Here's hope that Owen gets sold to a Non-Man Utd, Newcastle, Everton (heh,) Tottenham and Chelsea EPL club. Defense has always been a problem with the Merengues, and this close season has worsened the situation.
Barca will be brilliant as always, with their attacking swerve and added panache with van Bommel. In Puyol, Xavi, Ronaldinho and Eto'o, they have four loyal world class players that Chelsea will never be able to buy out. If they would buy another centreback, they would be THE complete team. Again, the rest of the spots will be taken by the two Seville clubs (Betis and Sevilla,) Athelico Madrid and Valencia, who proved that Raneiri really isn't quite that good.
English:
Vieira leaving: Arsenal's loss or a shrewd bit of business? Personally, i vote the latter. The man is almost 30. He's been indifferent in form recently and may well benefit from a change in surroundings. All eyes are on the big 3 again - Arsenal have complimented their attacking play with Alaiksander Hleb (good work, son. leaving the bundesliga is always good ^_^) and it looks as if wonderkid Fabregas may well be able to replace the old Frenchman. Hopefully Senderos will mature this season, effectively clearing up Arsenal's defensive problems. I wish Wenger would alter his philosophy of playing a striker deep and just sign Owen. Henry and Owen? Chelsea should be worried.
Speaking of Chelsea, are they arrogant bastards or what? 'One horse race.' pffft. They paid more for Shaun Wright Phillips than they should have (15 million tops) and of course look to be stronger this year. Fantasy football managers must be drooling and buying Chelsea's rearguard like mad (for good reason though.) Mourinho is an asshole, but he's a good manager.
Man Utd for once are a club in decline. Park Ji Sung is a great buy, although it remains to be seen if he's too small to play in the EPL. Ferdinand finaly signed his contact (120,000 pounds a week - not bad) but isnt quite the defender he claims to be. It looks like it's up to Rooney and Ronaldo to save Man Utd from mediocricy this year. Poor Alan Smith... :'(
AND LEEDS ARE ON THE UP!!! XD
)
And its fanbase is even worse.
...
