Panning the Prem
August 26, 2008 11:30 AM
I'm addicted to fantasy pools. I love them. They make sports so much more interesting. They force me to take an otherwise mundane sport like baseball and devote attention to it, which in itself is quite an achievement.
Currently, I'm wrapping up a baseball pool in which I just can't seem to catch the guys in first and second place. My NFL fantasy draft starts tonight and I've probably devoted more time to it in the last two weeks than I have to eating and bathing. My NBA pool is just around the corner and draft day for it is always the greatest day of the year for me (oh right, I got married this year - I better call it the second greatest day). An office NHL pool is currently being discussed, and last but not least, I'm in two English Premier League pools. The first one is the Team 1040's player pool that is run through premierleague.com. I encourage you to join up - it's free and you get to build your ultimate team with a $100 million kitty. Visit fantasy.premierleague.com to join and use the code 345327-124472. And when you do join up, be sure to glance up at the top of the standings, where you'll see me in first. (FYI - my team name 'Ya Beauty' is an ode to Steven Gerrard's miracle goal against Olympiakos in 2005).
The final EPL pool I'm in requires you to predict the EPL standings, with monthly awards throughout in addition to an annual prize at the end. The trick with the pool is that you receive more points for correctly predicting the 9, 10, 11 spots than you do the 1 and 20 spots. As a rookie, I won the pool last year, much to the chagrin of the many longtime poolies. I sent in my picks this year, but thought it would also make a good premier league preview.
So without further ado...
Manchester United - I just think they'll have enough to hang on. I predict Berbetov comes onside in January, lifts them to the title and causes fans to finally question Rooney's utility.
Chelsea - Great start for them. Deco is a brilliant signing and they will definitely push United all year.
Liverpool - Well, my heart says they will be right up there with the top 2, but I think they are a player or two short. A quality winger is their greatest need. I don't understand what the love affair is for Gareth Barry. Great player but doesn't address an urgent need. Still, I'm going to love watching Gerrard, Torres and Keane together.
Arsenal - This team is going to be deadly in a year or two, but not yet. I think they will struggle to find consistency while looking downright frightening at times.
Aston Villa - Incredibly balanced team with no superiority complexes. This team is the best of the also-rans this season.
Tottenham Hotspur - Once they deal with this Berbetov situation and their bounty of new blood get acclimated to English football, they'll be a force. Of course, there always seems to be turmoil at this club, so one never knows.
Portsmouth - Many are picking this side to struggle after such a surprising season last year, but I think they have the steadiness in defense and a new strike force up front to keep up their ambitions.
Everton - I predict a disappointing season for the blue scousers. Not much action in the transfer window means they will be watching other teams leapfrog them in the table.
Manchester City - Another team that has high hopes but I think will ultimately fall short of expectations. Just a little too much change in the last few months for one team to weather.
West Ham - The pillar of mediocrity, this squad will look great at times and terrible at others. Still learning to play together.
Middlesborough - I envision a positive season for the 'Boro. I especially love Tuncay and if they can hang onto him and other quality players like Alves, Downing and Wheater, they will surprise a few teams this year.
Newcastle United - Talent for a UEFA Cup birth, but trouble staying healthy and a questionable back four. Ultimately, I see this strong start falling short and they slip to the all too familiar mid-table level.
Blackburn - I had to pick one major upset and this is it. I love their strike tandem, but the loss of goalkeeper Friedel and promising midfielder David Bentley will hurt them in the standings.
Wigan - There's a lot to like with this scappy club led by Steve Bruce. Amr Zaki was a fantastic signing and anyone that can take minutes from the ancient Emile Heskey will be a boon to their efforts to stay up for another season.
Sunderland - I really like their signings, especially that of Anton Ferdinand. Cisse will also provide inspiration, but he's a shadow of the player he was at Anfield. Many are picking this team to finish mid-table, but I think they need one more season of barely above water before they can make the jump.
Fulham - A decent start to the season and a capable keeper signing in Schwarzer ensures this team remains in the top flight for one more season.
West Bromwich - The biggest mover and shaker amongst the newly promoted, I think the premier league experience they brought in will keep them afloat.
Bolton - A team that flirted with relegation last season, Bolton are falling fast and just don't have the talent to hang in for one more season.
Stoke City - A surprise victory over Aston Villa, but ultimately I just don't see them maintaining it.
Hull - A win over Fulham and a draw with Blackburn must give them high hopes. But we see this every August, as young upstart teams upset more established clubs trying to introduce new players and coaches.
Posted By: Ryan Mckee on August 26, 2008 11:30 AM
