carlyluvsunited
31-12-2007, 05:47 PM
Manchester United old boy Paul Parker thinks Fergie’s side are in pole position to
retain the Premier League as he looks ahead to 2008.
“I think Manchester United will just pip Arsenal and retain their Premier League
title. They are stronger at the back, especially with the Gunners losing Kolo
Toure - a top player - to the African Nations. Philippe Senderos always looks like
he could drop a clanger and fans will be worried about him deputising alongside
William Gallas.
Plus United have greater strength in depth, especially when Paul Scholes gets
back from injury. They have so many options in midfield - Anderson, Hargreaves,
Scholes, Giggs, Nani, Ronaldo. The one player who could miss out is Michael
Carrick.
United have been linked with Dimitar Berbatov, and I think if they sign him they
could wrap up the title. The Bulgarian is a class act, a consummate footballer and
the out-and-out striker they need.
It would be amazing to think that Carlos Tevez or Wayne Rooney could find
himself on the bench as the season reaches its climax, but with the games piling
up I’m sure they will all be given enough football. If you compare that depth with
Arsenal - who look lost without Cesc Fabregas and Alex Hleb - it could be what
gives them the edge in the title race.
The African Cup of Nations will pose a big obstacle to Chelsea’s title hopes. We all
know how important Didier Drogba is, but the loss of Michael Essien and John Obi
Mikel will arguably be even more important. Chelsea’s game is based around
strength and solidity in midfield; that is the foundation of their game.
Frank Lampard can only bomb forward if he knows he has back-up. I don’t see
Steve Sidwell being able to do the job of Essien, while Claude Makelele has only
been a bit-part player this season. And Michael Ballack is an attacking player for
whom tackling is not a strength. Avram Grant needs to go out in January and
spend money on a midfield player.
People talk about Chelsea signing the likes of Ronaldinho or Vagner Love in the
transfer window, but I don’t think players like that will be able to help them this
season. For players to come in to a country where they have never played
before, where they don’t speak the language, takes time.
If they are looking to next season, January might be the best time to sign
Ronaldinho and let him acclimatise, like United did with Nemanja Vidic and Patrice
Evra. But I can’t see Chelsea signing him and then keeping him on the bench for
six months. They need a player who can contribute immediately.
Liverpool are the team that could slip out of the top four. Rafa Benitez is still
under a lot of pressure even though he claims to have kissed and made up with
Tom Hicks and George Gillett. As we saw with Jose Mourinho, the moment you
embarrass your paymasters in public, you know they are going to get their own
back somewhere down the line. People like that do not forgive and forget quickly.
Benitez needs to come close to winning the Premier League and the Champions
League to keep his job, and I can’t really see it happening. I don’t know why he
is picking a fight - where could he go that is better than Liverpool? Even if he got
his dream job at Real Madrid, the interference would be 10 times worse with the
way Spanish clubs are run.” www.thesoccerblog.org
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retain the Premier League as he looks ahead to 2008.
“I think Manchester United will just pip Arsenal and retain their Premier League
title. They are stronger at the back, especially with the Gunners losing Kolo
Toure - a top player - to the African Nations. Philippe Senderos always looks like
he could drop a clanger and fans will be worried about him deputising alongside
William Gallas.
Plus United have greater strength in depth, especially when Paul Scholes gets
back from injury. They have so many options in midfield - Anderson, Hargreaves,
Scholes, Giggs, Nani, Ronaldo. The one player who could miss out is Michael
Carrick.
United have been linked with Dimitar Berbatov, and I think if they sign him they
could wrap up the title. The Bulgarian is a class act, a consummate footballer and
the out-and-out striker they need.
It would be amazing to think that Carlos Tevez or Wayne Rooney could find
himself on the bench as the season reaches its climax, but with the games piling
up I’m sure they will all be given enough football. If you compare that depth with
Arsenal - who look lost without Cesc Fabregas and Alex Hleb - it could be what
gives them the edge in the title race.
The African Cup of Nations will pose a big obstacle to Chelsea’s title hopes. We all
know how important Didier Drogba is, but the loss of Michael Essien and John Obi
Mikel will arguably be even more important. Chelsea’s game is based around
strength and solidity in midfield; that is the foundation of their game.
Frank Lampard can only bomb forward if he knows he has back-up. I don’t see
Steve Sidwell being able to do the job of Essien, while Claude Makelele has only
been a bit-part player this season. And Michael Ballack is an attacking player for
whom tackling is not a strength. Avram Grant needs to go out in January and
spend money on a midfield player.
People talk about Chelsea signing the likes of Ronaldinho or Vagner Love in the
transfer window, but I don’t think players like that will be able to help them this
season. For players to come in to a country where they have never played
before, where they don’t speak the language, takes time.
If they are looking to next season, January might be the best time to sign
Ronaldinho and let him acclimatise, like United did with Nemanja Vidic and Patrice
Evra. But I can’t see Chelsea signing him and then keeping him on the bench for
six months. They need a player who can contribute immediately.
Liverpool are the team that could slip out of the top four. Rafa Benitez is still
under a lot of pressure even though he claims to have kissed and made up with
Tom Hicks and George Gillett. As we saw with Jose Mourinho, the moment you
embarrass your paymasters in public, you know they are going to get their own
back somewhere down the line. People like that do not forgive and forget quickly.
Benitez needs to come close to winning the Premier League and the Champions
League to keep his job, and I can’t really see it happening. I don’t know why he
is picking a fight - where could he go that is better than Liverpool? Even if he got
his dream job at Real Madrid, the interference would be 10 times worse with the
way Spanish clubs are run.” www.thesoccerblog.org
Click below to join manutdtalk.com forums to read and
discuss all breaking news on all things United !!! Come talk to us….
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php