Team most likely to exceed expectations this season?

mink_man

Bolton

blackburn, their defence was unreal towards the end of last season and I think sam has finally put his know how into the team all they need is a goalscorer which I think they might look for.

The Volt

Wolves

mink_man wrote: »

blackburn, their defence was unreal towards the end of last season and I think sam has finally put his know how into the team all they need is a goalscorer which I think they might look for.

If their pre-season has been anything to go by, they'll be mid-table at best again. Very average squad of players with the exception of the injury prone Dunn, the promising N'Zonzi and Gamst who is very hit and miss.

Pepe LeFrits

Fabregas and van Persie had 43 league appearances between them last season, while Gerrard and Torres had 55, so the logic of Arsenal being at risk of falling below Liverpool due to over-reliance on two individuals seems rather questionable to me.

Besides, we've got Chamakh and Jacky boy now :pac:

Johner

I think Wigan will surprise people this season.With many people tipping them for relegation I don't think they will be anywhere near the drop zone.

I think they have done really well in the transfer market so far although Melchiot,Bramble and Sharner have left in comes Alcaraz who had a very good World Cup with Paraguay and is a very good defender, Ronnie Stam who has just been called up to the Holland squad and was part of Twente's league winning side last year and Boselli who bolsters the attack and has been impressing in pre season and apparentely United were after him a few months ago. James McArtur looks a good talent as well.

Add to that the players that are already there N'Zogbia(if he stays), McCarthy,Moses,Rodallega,Figeuroa,Diame,Watson,Thomas etc they have the guts of a very good squad.

They were so unpredictable last year but this year I think they will be more consistent and Martinez will get them playing some nice stuff. Although Caldwell is the weak link they need another center half imo.

herbieflowers

flahavaj wrote: »

I also think the probable loss of Mascherano is being glossed over a little - HUGE player for Liverpool, especially in the big games, who'll be very dificult to replace with a player of equal quality.

Unless this takeover happens and theres a big injection of cash, I can see Liverpool's overall squad being a little weaker than last season's, rather than stronger tbh.

True, Mascherano's defensive work will be hard to replace. He mops up from others' mistakes, particularly poor defenders like Johnson and Carragher.

Mr. Guappa

Fulham

Wolves for me. The bookies have them as third last but I can see them finishing 11-12th. They have a solid defence, while Fletcher and Hunt are decent signings.

redzerdrog

Man City

just out of interest what odds would someone be willing to lay on man utd not finishing in the top 4???

redzerdrog

redzerdrog wrote: »

just out of interest what odds would someone be willing to lay on man utd not finishing in the top 4???

Betfair have that as 11/2

McGrath5

Blackpool

I think Newcastle will do quite well, once they don't turn into an episode of Eastender's that is.

The_Kew_Tour

Stoke

Voltwad wrote: »

I went with West Ham. They've had a good pre-season and Grant is a top manager. They'll be safely placed in 11th or 10th and wont be troubled by the bottom at all.

I'd agree. Think Hammers will do mid table finish this season.

Aside I think Blackpool will do better then people think and will make a fight of it to avoid relagation.

Also expect Wolves to push on from last season.

OPENROAD

Man City

Voted for Liverpool by mistake

Meant to go for West Ham

Jax Teller

West Ham

went for bolton think owen coyle will get them playing nice football instead of hoofing it

Devil08

Wolves

Went for West Ham aswell..They have a bit of stability now again with the new owners and a decent manager. Grant will make them hard to beat, a couple of decent signings is all they need.

I see nothing has changed with the Liverpool fans anyway! as ever, far too optimistic and disillusioned! Always thinking this is going to be their season only to be left in tears! If anything they will be worse off than last year, Mascherano is going, Gerrard and Carragher are past their best, Torres is unsettled, they have no backup strikers of note, and Hodgson cant hack it at a big club. Its another year of heartache for pool fans! Id give them a generous 6th spot if theyre lucky.

redzerdrog

Man City

rarnes1 wrote: »

Betfair have that as 11/2

taught it would have been 10/1 no value in 11/2 at all

everdead.ie

Liverpool

I voted for spurs but I acctually meant to vote for Fulham I think Sparky will do a great job

RasTa

Bolton

redzerdrog wrote: »

just out of interest what odds would someone be willing to lay on man utd not finishing in the top 4???

How much you looking to lay?

super_furry

Aston Villa

Man City. I think they can mount a genuine title challenge this season.

redzerdrog

Man City

RasTa wrote: »

How much you looking to lay?

depends on the odds but onlt €10 or €20 for a bit of fun really I prob want 10/1 if i was to back it.

me-skywalker

Blackburn

Went with Everton...

Dunno how anybody can consider Liverpool a surprise package. If they finish in the top 4 it wont be a surprise since the came 2nd 2 years ago and had a stutter last season with plenty of reason but this year they have kept the big palyers signed a good un and got a manager who is sensible.

super_furry

Aston Villa

me-skywalker wrote: »

Went with Everton...

Dunno how anybody can consider Liverpool a surprise package. If they finish in the top 4 it wont be a surprise since the came 2nd 2 years ago and had a stutter last season with plenty of reason but this year they have kept the big palyers signed a good un and got a manager who is sensible.

Really? Ask any none-Liverpool fan how they think they'll do this season. Midtable, I reckon would be the consensus.

quarryman

super_furry wrote: »

Really? Ask any none-Liverpool fan how they think they'll do this season. Midtable, I reckon would be the consensus.

Exactly. Have to laugh at the Liverpool fans convinced a top 4 position is guaranteed. These are the same people that assured everyone Champions League was nailed on last year. Result? 7th. And despite no noticeable improvement to the squad (masch out cole in is a step back IMO) top 4 is suddenly back on the table?

This season is yours guys eh?

alias no.9

West Ham

keysersoze_88 wrote: »

went for bolton think owen coyle will get them playing nice football instead of hoofing it

As did I. Klasnic has signed on a permanent basis, Petrov was a good signing and his service into the box should help Coyle to finally get the best out of Elmander. If they also get Cleverly in on loan from Man U, they should be in a position to challenge for the top 10 again which should surprise most given how little a change in playing staff there has been.

paddyismaddy

Blackburn

i love to see everton and newcastle make the top 6

me-skywalker

Blackburn

super_furry wrote: »

Really? Ask any none-Liverpool fan how they think they'll do this season. Midtable, I reckon would be the consensus.

I am a non Liverpool fan and I wouldnt be surprised if they finished in the top 4 and its not so unbelieveable if they finish in the top 6 so thats hardly a surprise.

Vurnon San Benito

Wolves

West Ham, will do pretty well this season.

bluefinger

West Ham

The Rooster wrote: »

"exceeding expectations" depends on how you define expectations. Everton coming 6th for example, would not be greatly exceeding expectations in my book.

Here is how one leading bookmaker sees it, which probably isnt a bad way to set the parameters.

1. Chelsea
2. Man Utd +2
3. Man City +8
4. Arsenal +9

5. Liverpool +13
6. Tottenham +17
7. Everton +22
8. Aston Villa +25
9. Sunderland +35
10. Fulham +38

11. Birmingham +39
12. West Ham +40
12. Blackburn +40
12. Stoke +40
12. Newcastle +40
16. Bolton +41
17. Wigan Athletic +44

18. Wolves +45
19. West Brom +49
20. Blackpool +54

I'd say Bolton would be a good bet here as they should exceed most peoples expectations of them this year. Owen Coyle seems to be bringing them in the right direction. Could get around 45-50 points.

I expect Liverpool to finish in the top four but probably finish more than 13 behind Chelsea. It's weird that so many people expect them to exceed 'expectations'.

steelcityblues

Wolves

West Ham, with Grant at helm, are capable of being a top 10 side at least, so I guess that counts for exceeding expectations.

Newcastle, as long as the board stay out of the headlines for enough time, should survive relegation. Advice to the fans - just don't place too many burdens on your team in their first season back.

Honestly not going to predict Liverpool's fortunes with assurity at this stage of the game. A fit and confident Torres will undoubtely be key through the next few months!

Seaneh

Parma.

AMIDOINITRITE?!?!?!