The waiting period is over

For many the summer will officially finish this coming weekend. Has there been a Nostradamus-style prophecy predicting a seismic events that will see temperatures drop by 20 degrees? No – it’s the end of the waiting, filling time by watching summer sports of tennis and cricket, and the return of the English Premier League.

Of course, two of the main protagonists returned to action in the traditional season-opener, the Community Shield. If that is a taster for the 2011-12 season then we are in for a real cracker!

So where do we stand and what can be gleaned to date from the transfer activity and pre-season fixtures?

It would be easy to point to the top two most consistent performers of last season and predict a repeat. However, both Manchester United and Chelsea have seen changes in key positions.

The Red Devils have achieved the most success under Sir Alex when they have had a dependable goalkeeper in Peter Schmeichel and Edwin Van der Sar.

I must admit that, on first hearing of their decision to sign a 20-year old, I questioned whether their manager had finally reached the age at which he should retire. However, having watched numerous clips of the man dubbed in Spain ‘van de Gea’, I was hugely impressed by his presence, reflexes and agility.

But his performance in the Community Shield will put him under even greater pressure not to go the same way as the Howard’s and Foster’s of this world.

Manchester United did recover from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2, as witnessed by a strong second-half showing. While you cannot read too much into 45 minutes of football, the early signs were promising that, in Jones and Young, Ferguson has two more quality additions to his squad.

Chelsea have an identical issue to contend with in terms of blending in a successful but young new recruit, albeit at managerial level. The challenge facing Andre Villas-Boas is immense.

The older and trusted stalwarts in Terry and Lampard failed to deliver at their previously consistent peaks last season, while he is also now tasked with finding the best from Torres and Drogba, two of the most potent and feared forwards individually.

Can he turn Chelsea into a team? Early results look promising with the Stamford Bridge outfit delivering a series of clean-sheets and well-worked goals, albeit against weaker Asian opposition. At least they will enter the season with confidence reciting a ‘team’ mantra.

Of the teams most likely to present a challenge to the established teams at the top, the fans of each belonging to the ‘glass-half-full brigade’ will look for the reasons of defeat last season and rationalise on why such events cannot possibly be repeated.

Arsenal can look to the emergence of Wilshere and Ramsey and the return of Vermaelen from injury, along with the quality addition of Gervinho up front. They also appear better prepared to deal with the ultimate resolution of the Fabregas-Barcelona ‘love-in’, whatever the outcome.

Two teams that have opened their wallets of whom there are high expectations are United’s two main enemies, ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City and their traditional foes, Liverpool.

City have a collection of striking individuals, possessing players in each department that would be the envy of most teams. However, they have failed to consistently convince as a team. I personally wonder whether Mancini needs to be more decisive and consistent in his selection and communication.

While he openly craves the level of control of his club that Ferguson enjoys, he has failed to deal with Tevez and Balotelli’s tantrums and outbursts, which must cause some disruption.

While the addition of Aguero, in particular, is a major signing, I believe that there has to be greater consistency and teamwork before City will be genuine contenders, particularly as they face the challenge this year of combining league matches with European Champions League fixtures. Their success in the domestic league may depend on how they manage this balance.

Liverpool experienced a significant change in fortunes following the appointment of Kenny Dalglish. Owner John Henry’s January investment in Carroll and Suarez produced immediate dividends. This potent attacking duo can now also expect an enhanced service with the addition of Charlie Adam and Stuart Downing. They have been scoring goals for fun in pre-season, although doubts remain about the solidity of their defence.

Any of these teams can spring a surprise. The one team missing from this list is Tottenham Hotspur. The great wheeler-dealer of English football has gone AWOL this summer. Harry Redknapp has spent most of his time fending off questions about Luca Modric. Their success will be linked to their ability to retain his services, although I also believe that they need to find a forward to score consistently.

I like the options he has available although their greatest finisher, Jermaine Defoe, went off the boil last season. I don’t expect them to challenge this season.

Considering outside chances for a European slot I would look at Fulham (now under Martin Jol), West Brom (who looked rejuvenated under Roy Hodgson) and Stoke, who showed their capabilities with an excellent cup run. Sunderland have signed nine new players, including some household names. Their success will depend on how quickly they can settle in and produce results.

At the other end of the table, it’s natural to look at the teams recently promoted for the favourites to be relegated. During the early stages of their short-run time in the top flight both Blackpool showed last season, as had Hull City before them, that attacking intent can herald surprise results.

QPR walked away with the English Championship last season but have suffered an unsettled summer with the mercurial Arab midfield star, Adel Taarabt, seeming destined for a return to France, while ownership disputes have allowed little planning and they no longer have national carrier Gulf Air emblazoned on their shirts. 

Perhaps adding to the debate about the frequency of managerial redundancies, it seemed last season that the success or failure of teams was dependent upon the quality of the management.

I fully expect Alex McLeish to provide Villa with greater success than Houllier (although less than Martin O’Neill), despite his lack of backing from Villa fans.

QPR’s Warnock has proven himself an excellent coach although he has been relegated from the Premier League before, albeit in controversial circumstances. 

Norwich, with Paul Lambert, and Swansea with Brendan Rodgers, have two excellent young managers used to performing miracles. They can be grateful for the struggles at Blackburn and Wigan, two teams I expect to prop up the table.

However, much will depend on the first few games of the season when many of these teams face each other. For some, it could be a long hard struggle over the cold winter months!

In a league that is likely to be much tighter at the top and the bottom, every point could be crucial. I expect more teams challenging for the title to take points off each other, making it essential for the genuine contenders to bury the weaker clubs. In the same manner, the bottom clubs will have to focus on taking much-needed points off each other.