Words by Alan Murphy
I realise some among you may have sought comfort in tennis during the drought or perhaps even golf! Hell, some may even have stooped as low as cricket but nobody is judging you for that, nobody.
Until evolution equips mankind with a mechanism for hibernating through football vacuums, we'll each survive how we can. But now begins the re-acquaintance with all things Premier League. Today, Betting News preview the forerunners for the coming season...
Manchester United N/A finally relinquished their crown jewel, Cristiano Ronaldo, to Real Madrid, thus ending the most tedious will-they-won't-they since Ross and Rachel. Like or loathe him, the Portuguese winger is probably the world's best player. For United to be regarded as anything other than weakened by his departure, conventional wisdom suggests Fergie must secure at least two marquee signings.
Noteworthy then, that the Scot has thus far resisted temptations to parlay his £80 million coffer into any kind of spree. Instead, the Red Devils withdrew from a bidding war with Madrid for the signature of Karim Benzema, and ceded the permanent services of Carlos Tevez to newly-minted Man City. N/A
The signing of Antonio Valencia from Wigan N/A, and a controversial gamble on the ever-porcelain Michael Owen might prove less pivotal than two burning questions: can Berbatov overcome the malaise that marred his first season? And if deployed in a central berth, can Rooney progress into the all-conquering English centre-forward that has long been trumpeted as his birthright?
Liverpool's N/A hopes of building upon last year's credible title challenge may dash against the rocks of an unsettled midfield. Their engine room threatens to be torn asunder, with both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano being (willingly) courted by Spanish suitors. Losing either would be an enormous setback; losing both would render Liverpool's season stillborn, and their acquisition of Glen Johnson moot.
Of the two midfielders, Alonso seems the more likely to depart, and Benitez will have to move fast to replace the classy Spaniard. Otherwise The Kop faithful may commence pre-emptive groaning in advance of a season-long Lucas Leiva lowlight reel.
The managerial merry-go-round at Stamford Bridge sees Carlo Ancelotti next in line for a 6 - 12 month stint mildly displeasing a Russian billionaire. The Italian has genuine pedigree, so expect Chelsea N/A to pick up where they left off under Guus Hiddink's stewardship. Assuming John Terry doesn't up sticks to Man City (a reasonable assumption), and assuming Ancelotti can continue the rejuvenation of Drogba begun by his predecessor (a shakier assumption), expect Chelsea to be in the title mix come May.
Next time out, I will preview the chasing pack including Man City and Arsenal...
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