From: irp@ukc.ac.uk (I.R.Pletcher)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer
Subject: Predictions - england
Date: 22 Jul 92 13:06:29 GMT
Organization: Computing Lab, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK.

Its that time of the year again when predictions for the coming seaon  get made
for the coming season, so I thought I get in early and make predictions for all
Premier league clubs, plus winners of all other major competitions.

Premier League.

Liverpool - Been two years without a title, and provided they can steer clear of
injuries I think they will just pip M.U for the title.

Man Utd (2nd) - On their day the best side in the country, but to inconsistent
and rely too much of Bryan Robson who is getting old. Not consistent enough.

Arsenal (3rd) - Will push M.U, Liverpool all the way, but I don't think the new
look attack is very reliable. Far better to watch  the Gunners of 2 years ago
and capable of destroying the best on their day, but I think they lack a bit
in the midfield department.

Leeds (4th) - I think Leeds need another Striker who will get 20 goals a season.
Trevor Steven will further strengthen the best midfield in the country, but 
seven brilliant midfielders is no good if you can only play five of them at 
most. Chapman is starting to get old and Strachen cannot go on for ever.

Aston Villa (5th) - I like the look of  the side Ron Atkinson is building 
they desperately need a striker who can score goals to complement the likes
of Dwight Yorke and Atkinson.

Sheffield Wednesday (6th) - A good side on their day, will thrash some sides
but I think they will also concede too many to repeat last seasons third.

Manchester City (7th) - Another side who often flatter to deceive. They have
made no major new signings   so I expect them to perform much as before.

Sheffield United (8th) - I expect the blades to be very difficult to beat
this year, but they need a little more skill to be able to unlock the 
really good defences.

Wimbledon (9th) - No doubt the dons will be highly unpopular as usual but I
expect them to bludgeon their way into the top half of the table. Expect 
good things from Dean Holdsworth and John Fashnu, particularly if Andy
Clarke starts to live up to his potential.

Nottingham Forest (10th) - Cloughies side will play good football and will
pick up a fair few points, put they will really miss Des Walker.

Blackburn Rovers (11th) - Blackburn will be an inconsistent side but Kenny
will manage to buy his way into the top half of the table providing he
plays a settled side (A maximum of one new player a game.)

Tottenham Hotspur (12th) - I think they will eventually become a good side
but they will take a season to  shake down together as a team.

Queens Park Rangers (13th) - A team which I expect to start well, but
will flatter to deceive. Inconsistency will be the main problem.

Oldham (14th) - Another inconsistent side, who I expect to perform
in a very similar manner to 1991-1992.

Everton (15th) - Howard Kendall seems to like midget players at the
moment, hardly suited for the moderns game physical needs. Another
dissappointing season in prospect.

Norwich City (16th) - The new manager has promised a more direct style
but I don't think Norwich have the players to suit that style. Hence
a season of little joy is in prospect.

Crystal Palace (17th) - Crystal Palace will be hard to beat at Selhurst
Park but Mark Bright is no as good without Ian Wright alongside him, hence
they will struggle to score.

Ipswich Town (18th) - A side without the class to do well in the premier
league. Still a mixture of hard work and collective team play should see
them through, guided by their canny manager John Lyall who has seen it all
before.

Chelsea (19th) - Chelsea will struggle, if they lose Townsend which looks
likly. Would you fancy a team with Cascarino as its main striker ?

Southampton (20th) - Southampton will get relegated if they don't get
a manager quick. Alan Shearers loss will be just too much.

Middlesborough (21st) - I simply don't think Middlesborough are good
enough for the Premier league.

Coventry (22nd) - I don't rate Coventry at all, unless they get some new
players and quick. Kevin Gallagher cannot score all the goals on his own.

Other predictions later.

Flames from offended fans etc welcome.

Barnet FC for the 3rd Division.

Ian
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