Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

[Aidymac]

[TABLE=class: odds allOdds] [TR] [TH][TABLE=class: SortLinks, width: 157] [TR] [TD=class: sortLinkLeft, align: left] [/TD] [TD=class: sortLinkRight, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TH] [TH][/TH] [TH][/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH][/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH][/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH] [/TH] [TH][/TH] [TH] [/TH] [/TR] [TR=class: AO0] [TD=class: ChartFormButtons, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: Competitor, bgcolor: #FCE3E2]Manchester United[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]2.75[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3.05[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]2.75[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B X, bgcolor: #EBEBFD, align: center]3.15[/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: AO1] [TD=class: ChartFormButtons, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: Competitor, bgcolor: #FFF6F6]Manchester City[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]2.8[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3.15[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3.2[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]2.8[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B X, bgcolor: #F5F5FF, align: center]3.25[/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: AO0] [TD=class: ChartFormButtons, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: Competitor, bgcolor: #FCE3E2]Chelsea[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3.55[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]3.5[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]3.75[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3.5[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3.75[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]3.75[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3.55[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]4[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]3.75[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3.5[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]3.75[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]3.5[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3.6[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]3.75[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O X, bgcolor: #EBEBFD, align: center]3.55[/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: AO1] [TD=class: ChartFormButtons, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: Competitor, bgcolor: #FFF6F6]Arsenal[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]14[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]14[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]15[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]17[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]15[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]15[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]15[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]14[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]17[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]17[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]15[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]17[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]13[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]17[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]15[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O X, bgcolor: #F5F5FF, align: center]15[/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: AO0] [TD=class: ChartFormButtons, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: Competitor, bgcolor: #FCE3E2]Liverpool[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]29[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]29[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]29[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]29[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]29[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]29[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O D, bgcolor: #B7B7FD, align: center]21[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]21[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]28[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B X, bgcolor: #EBEBFD, align: center]32[/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: AO1] [TD=class: ChartFormButtons, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: Competitor, bgcolor: #FFF6F6]Tottenham Hotspur[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]39[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]23[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]17[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]21[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]23[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]29[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]26[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FFF6F6, align: center]25[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B X, bgcolor: #F5F5FF, align: center]45[/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: AO0] [TD=class: ChartFormButtons, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: Competitor, bgcolor: #FCE3E2]Everton[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]201[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]340[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]201[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]251[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]251[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]201[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]101[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]201[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]301[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]301[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]201[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]151[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O U, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]251[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]151[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd O, bgcolor: #FCE3E2, align: center]250[/TD] [TD=class: cellOdd B X U hover, bgcolor: #FFC8C8, align: center]465[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[ThemanwiththeSTATS]

I think Man city are a good bet at anything above 3s to be honest. It's no secret that the man city players didn't like mancini's dour playing style and what you will get with pellegrini is attack , flair and goals which is why I think Aguero signed on for 1 more season. For those that don't know pellegrini took Villarreal from a minnow to a consistent champions league club , got beaten by a whisker by Barcelona for the la liga title (possibly the best team of all time mind you) and had Malaga 5 minutes away from a champions league semi final. This is a man who gets the job done and you know man city are going to land some big fish like maybe Fellaini or Erikson from Ajax. David Silva is also going to appreciate a new coach in my opinion and the defence doesn't need tinkering they just need to hold on to them. Critiques and opinions welcomed

[RedDevil92]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner I would wait because of the players Man City will be able to attract. They are currently after Isco and Jesus Navas with Isco being more likely to join Real Madrid. Furthermore I don't think Jesus Navas is worth that much plus I see him failing as I read he is a home sick player, like at the World Cup 2010 in South Africa where he felt home sick. Fernandinho from Donetzk won't be a stand out player, I expect. Other targets such as Cavani could well go somewhere else. Additionally they have several players that want to leave such as Sinclair, Lescott and Maicon. We saw they don't have a big squad as they have had their 14-15 players who reguarly played but that was it. Tevez could also join the Monaco revolution with the promotion teams being very keen on him and Tevez is said to be favouring a move to them as well. Man United are said to want to do at least one big signing. It seems that Moyes wants to strengthen the midfield with Fabregas being his number one target. Money is definitely there keeping in mind the new tv deal which kicks off the coming season plus the fact that United were able to reduce their liabilities by 15% (80 mio). Fellaini is also on Moyes' wishlist. The attacking department as well as the defence don't need any significant additions, if they sign someone, then for the future, something like a replacement for Ferdinand. If Lindegaard leaves, then they will be signing a second keeper but apart from these two probable replacements, there are no new signings needed apart of the midfield, so all money they spent could go on improving the midfield. Chelsea will do some business and with Mourinho coming back as we all know, they will be a title contender for sure and I expect them to be stronger then Manchester City. Mourinho's main target Falcao won't join them and sign for Monaco as we know. Modric and Schürrle could be arriving, while Torres and Luiz could be sold. Mourinho thinks that Luiz is making too many mistakes in the defence to be remaining at the club. Some changes are really necessary but still I really think Mourinho will be capable of doing it. There are certainly ways to find bookies that offer all of them @3 or more to win the Premier League. One of those 3 will make it so you couldn't lose anything.

[Secret Betting Club]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner Can't see it going outside of Man Utd, Man City or Chelsea and with current Betfair prices a straight Dutch returns approx 12.75% before commission, much better than the banks :p

[IAmGooner]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner No chance Fabregas goes to United. I'd be looking to oppose United anyway - can't see Moyes winning it in his first season and I actually dont see much major business going on there this Summer. I was thinking Chelsea would be a good outside bet but the price there looks rubbish considering Chelsea have done nothing in the PL in a couple of years. They've been battling for Top 4 in the last 2 seasons, finished 6th and 3rd. You're basically punting on Mourinho coming in and having the same impact as before - I'd price Chelsea around 5.00 - 6.00 until they do some business in the Summer.

[Primevil]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner When the handicap comes out, if LFC are in the region of 18-20 points on the scratch, that would be worth a look, I dont see them getting less than 70, However the books will more than likely have them at 12, which is a no bet. OF the lower teams I would take a serious look at Southampton if they were in the region of 40 on the scratch. I see Southampton breaking 53-54.

[Aidymac]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner If Van Persie stays fit, United will win the league again next year. I think it is as simple as that really. He is a machine. You need a class striker to win a Premier League, Chelsea don't have one (yet). City the only dangers to United, in my opinion.

[Primevil]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

If Van Persie stays fit' date=' United will win the league again next year. I think it is as simple as that really. He is a machine. You need a class striker to win a Premier League, Chelsea don't have one (yet). City the only dangers to United, in my opinion.[/quote'] I agree with the VP comment, and I do expect Moyes to play him in every league game if he is fit, and if he has a safe season, 30 plus in the league is on the cards, There is a whisper on Merseyside that he will make a move for Seamus Coleman....:sad, not a good day for EFC supporters if this happens, even worse if he bags baines on the other side. But to be fair, I would be happy for Seamus Coleman if he went to someone like Man UTD, he is by far away the best up and coming Right Back in GB and Ireland, the ultimate professional, dont talk much, stays out the spotlight, does all his talking on the pitch. Maybe if their is one part of his game that could improve,,,Attacks too much at times, but he is still learning at the top level. He is a credit to the professional game.

[RedDevil92]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner Well, no need to sign Coleman as Rafael had a superb season and become a lot better. No chance of losing his spot.

[Primevil]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

Well' date=' no need to sign Coleman as Rafael had a superb season and become a lot better. No chance of losing his spot.[/quote'] Not saying you aint got a great RB, but with so many games in a season, Having competition in that position must be a dream....After all Phil Jones is a world class centre half waiting to happen...Plus maybe im biased, Coleman is a better attacking fullback, his crossing and assists are better....

[RedDevil92]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner Let's see how Moyes will go ahead and how he is dealing with the youth players whether he will take some of them up like he did with Everton or will he sign some players.

[Aidymac]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

I agree with the VP comment, and I do expect Moyes to play him in every league game if he is fit, and if he has a safe season, 30 plus in the league is on the cards, There is a whisper on Merseyside that he will make a move for Seamus Coleman....:sad, not a good day for EFC supporters if this happens, even worse if he bags baines on the other side. But to be fair, I would be happy for Seamus Coleman if he went to someone like Man UTD, he is by far away the best up and coming Right Back in GB and Ireland, the ultimate professional, dont talk much, stays out the spotlight, does all his talking on the pitch. Maybe if their is one part of his game that could improve,,,Attacks too much at times, but he is still learning at the top level. He is a credit to the professional game.

Coleman is a class act. Just shows how shrewd Moyes is with money, he got him for something like £150,000.

[dylanphan]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner To me, seems a bit crazy to tie up any significant amount of money on these futures right now. Transfer market barely even made a dent of yet, no idea definitively who's comings and goings. I do tend to believe that it will be hard for any team outside Chelsea, ManU or ManCity to win the league.....HOWEVER - each of these clubs is going into the year with a new manager. The only settled situation is with United, and they have a manager who has yet to win a thing. How is he going to handle such a big club is of significant concern. And relying on RvP to stay healthy for an entire season, well good luck with that. Too many questions in this point in time for me to lend any significant resources to capping who will win a year from now. City will make tons of purchases, some will work out, some will not. I'd be much more interested in knowing who is going to take over the reigns over there. Chelsea has a good, young nucleus of exciting players, but again, need a strong manager to butt heads with the old guard and new guard. I do think tying up these three and getting 11-15% is good, but why tie up any bankroll for a year to gain ~10% return, with outside chance of a stunning result. Fun to talk about I guess, but really makes no sense in throwing money on it, imo.

[IAmGooner]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner Mourinho must be licking his lips at the thought of coming back to face Moyes and Pellegrini. No disrespect to either, but Mourinho is levels ahead. City with a competent manager will be right in there next season. They are better than United in many areas but were terribly mismanaged last year, and possibly lost some motivation. Mancini was fighting with various players too, seemed a toxic atmosphere. The Ferguson factor is gone, can Moyes make title winners out of Valencia, Young, Welbeck and co...we'll see. Defence is ageing too, well their good defenders are. United conceded over 40 last season. Rooney situation still there.....will United really make major signings? I have doubts. Will be interesting thts for sure.

[Primevil]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

Coleman is a class act. Just shows how shrewd Moyes is with money' date=' he got him for something like £150,000.[/quote'] And EFC will ask for about 8 mil, may deal on 6 or 7,, I really can see him at Man Utd, He is in the top 5 RB in the Prem, and could be one of the best in Europe given the right environment, The lads best days are ahead of him...

[ThemanwiththeSTATS]

Yeh mourinho did an outstanding job at real didn't he ? Please..... He had everything thing at his disposal and his time at Madrid was a complete failure. Pellegrini will have much more at his disposal at city and I doubt mourinho will be out coaching him with the role reversal.

[Secret Betting Club]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner Well I do think it will be a lot closer this season and Chelsea will IMHO certainly be in the mix, whilst the "Special One" may have had a torrid time at Real Madrid, he is a proven winner and will be a match for both Moyes and Pellegrini - can't wait for it all to get going again...

[Primevil]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner I have this thought about "the chosen one", he came and conquered last time with a load of mind games etc, and they worked. The managers at the time were like rabbits in the headlights, except one. He goes to spain and managers were ready for him, and on the whole did not work, his teams played good football, and mixed it up tactically, but ultimately it fell short. Apart from 1 or 2 teams in this years prem, the majority wont fall for the mind games, and the majority are more tactically aware. Chelsea have a good team, not a great one, they need to add 2 or 3 world class players who can adapt to the prem, to close the gap of 12 points or so to win the league, there is only so much Jose can do, with the current squad they will still fall short. Alas I think they will definately go for our #1 star. Thats MF from EFC

[Jase82]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner I think IAG is probably right about Chelsea. I'd still have them around 5 or 6. Despite the imminent arrivial of Jose Mourinho there is still a lot of work to be done, and Chelsea weren't title challengers this season past, so I also agree they're going to need to really push on. I don't think they need too many signings as they have a very talented squad, they probably only need a striker really, as Demba Ba hits me more as an impact sort of player for them. He's certainly no Drogba. Anyway we're all just assuming Mourinho will return to Chelsea. It's not happened yet, which is why they're probably worth a LAY at current prices. I actually think City are in worse shape of the three though. They look to be heading for a manager unused to Premier League football, or the English game, which can be a negative under these circumstances. Man City were pretty fortunate to win one title under Mancini, as they benefited from United's slip up. I still think they were crazy to get rid of De Jong, and they need to start signing some intelligent midfielders, before looking to sign flair. Sir Alex has probably left Moyes with the best squad in England to my mind. Plenty of talent. I don't think he could have left them with a much better squad, apart from the treble winning one. This is something he would have been aware of, and I genuinely feel he'd have kept on going had they not been at the very top. I can't see Moyes having to do too much business in the transfer window, or make many adjustments, and he should in theory be able to just glide into the hot seat without too many qualms. It's the mark of a top club as they've done things the right way. It's still United's to lose IMO.

[HastGill1]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner I have had reasonably heavy bets on United for the last 2 seasons, this season looks more difficult to call..waste of time talking about any of this currently as we have no idea which players are going where and it would be daft to stake anything before we know this. United look to be in the best shape but I would be very concerned if Rene Meulensteen leaves too as is being suggested he has been at the club over 10 years now, Mike Phelan and Eric Steele have also left and it would be stupid to think they aren't big factors behind United's success, its certainly not just down to the manager..I understand Moyes's need to stamp his authority on the new role but I think a lot of changes to back room staff who have been so successful looks like a real gamble. Van Persie said Meulensteen is the best coach he has ever worked with and said he was a big factor in the amount of goals he got last year. Think City are on the decline and they will have to spend big this season to get that attacking spark back, the defence is still solid though which gives them a good base to work off..Mourinho and Pellegrini will both want to spend a minimum of £80m I expect so it might come down to who gets who..I certainly wouldn't be parting with any money currently.

[Lordoftheonionrings]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

I think IAG is probably right about Chelsea. I'd still have them around 5 or 6. Despite the imminent arrivial of Jose Mourinho there is still a lot of work to be done, and Chelsea weren't title challengers this season past, so I also agree they're going to need to really push on. I don't think they need too many signings as they have a very talented squad, they probably only need a striker really, as Demba Ba hits me more as an impact sort of player for them. He's certainly no Drogba. Anyway we're all just assuming Mourinho will return to Chelsea. It's not happened yet, which is why they're probably worth a LAY at current prices. I actually think City are in worse shape of the three though. They look to be heading for a manager unused to Premier League football, or the English game, which can be a negative under these circumstances. Man City were pretty fortunate to win one title under Mancini, as they benefited from United's slip up. I still think they were crazy to get rid of De Jong, and they need to start signing some intelligent midfielders, before looking to sign flair. Sir Alex has probably left Moyes with the best squad in England to my mind. Plenty of talent. I don't think he could have left them with a much better squad, apart from the treble winning one. This is something he would have been aware of, and I genuinely feel he'd have kept on going had they not been at the very top. I can't see Moyes having to do too much business in the transfer window, or make many adjustments, and he should in theory be able to just glide into the hot seat without too many qualms. It's the mark of a top club as they've done things the right way. It's still United's to lose IMO.

Can't agree with you there Jase if you think Moyes has been left with the best squad in England. Far from it in my opinion. Their defense is ageing. Evra is 32, Ferdinand 34 and Vidic 31. Granted Rafael is a really good player and will more than likely get better. Johnny Evans is a decent squad player. Smalling seems to have regressed a lot and Jones is a Jack of all trades, master of none. De Gea looks a great shot stopper but can be a bit of a flapper at times. Moving into midfield. Giggs is an OAP, Scholes retired. Valencia also is a decent player but far too much of a one trick poney and defenders seem to have realized to mark his right foot. It looks like Nani is on his way but you never know what might happen there. Very talented player but has to sort his head out. Carrick is a good player but he will be 32 by the start of the season. Cleverly has talent but not an ounce of consistency. Anderson is an unfit donkey and it looks like Fletcher's illness has more or less finished his career, unfortunately. Kagawa is a bit of an unknown quantity as he probably didn't play enough last season. Ashley Young is bang average in my opinion. Up front is where their real strength lies with the best front four in the league in RVP, Hernandez,Rooney and Wellbeck. At the same time RVP is 30 at the start of the season, Rooney has asked for a transfer. Wellbeck really doesn't get enough goals but maybe that will change if Rooney moves on and he gets a chance up front more often. Compare that to Man City. Solid keeper. Solid defense, all the right side of thirty, with the best right back in the league in Zabaletta and best centre back in Kompany. Add Nastasic, Clichy, Lescott, Kolarov and Richards and they have serious depth in defense as well as class. Yaya Toure is the best centre midfielder by a distance and Silva is a class act. Nasri is decent as is the likes of Milner and Barry. Up front City have a class act in Aguero and Tevez and Dzeko are also good players. I'm not saying Utd can't or won't win the league next year but I see City's squad as being much stronger and crucially, their important players are younger. A lot of work is going to have to be done at Utd over the next couple of years replacing the likes of Ferdinand, Vidic, Giggs, Carrick and possibly the likes of Rooney and Nani before that. That's almost the core of their team. I honestly see City and Chelsea fighting it out for the title next year as I think it is going to be a year of transition for Utd under Moyes. I stand to be corrected and all the above is just my opinion but I personally wouldn't back Utd for the league next year. I don't even think they'll finish top two. I also think Arsenal could surprise a few next year and challenge for the title, well until March or April anyway! Best of luck with your bets anyway..

[HastGill1]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

Can't agree with you there Jase if you think Moyes has been left with the best squad in England. Far from it in my opinion. Their defense is ageing. Evra is 32, Ferdinand 34 and Vidic 31. Granted Rafael is a really good player and will more than likely get better. Johnny Evans is a decent squad player. Smalling seems to have regressed a lot and Jones is a Jack of all trades, master of none. De Gea looks a great shot stopper but can be a bit of a flapper at times. Moving into midfield. Giggs is an OAP, Scholes retired. Valencia also is a decent player but far too much of a one trick poney and defenders seem to have realized to mark his right foot. It looks like Nani is on his way but you never know what might happen there. Very talented player but has to sort his head out. Carrick is a good player but he will be 32 by the start of the season. Cleverly has talent but not an ounce of consistency. Anderson is an unfit donkey and it looks like Fletcher's illness has more or less finished his career, unfortunately. Kagawa is a bit of an unknown quantity as he probably didn't play enough last season. Ashley Young is bang average in my opinion. Up front is where their real strength lies with the best front four in the league in RVP, Hernandez,Rooney and Wellbeck. At the same time RVP is 30 at the start of the season, Rooney has asked for a transfer. Wellbeck really doesn't get enough goals but maybe that will change if Rooney moves on and he gets a chance up front more often. Compare that to Man City. Solid keeper. Solid defense, all the right side of thirty, with the best right back in the league in Zabaletta and best centre back in Kompany. Add Nastasic, Clichy, Lescott, Kolarov and Richards and they have serious depth in defense as well as class. Yaya Toure is the best centre midfielder by a distance and Silva is a class act. Nasri is decent as is the likes of Milner and Barry. Up front City have a class act in Aguero and Tevez and Dzeko are also good players. I'm not saying Utd can't or won't win the league next year but I see City's squad as being much stronger and crucially, their important players are younger. A lot of work is going to have to be done at Utd over the next couple of years replacing the likes of Ferdinand, Vidic, Giggs, Carrick and possibly the likes of Rooney and Nani before that. That's almost the core of their team. I honestly see City and Chelsea fighting it out for the title next year as I think it is going to be a year of transition for Utd under Moyes. I stand to be corrected and all the above is just my opinion but I personally wouldn't back Utd for the league next year. I don't even think they'll finish top two. I also think Arsenal could surprise a few next year and challenge for the title, well until March or April anyway! Best of luck with your bets anyway..

The United supporters on here can be a bit biased but that argument looks very biased to me! :lol..Most of your arguments could be reversed, I think most of their problems lie in midfield where Toure can't be bothered to do the legwork most of the time and picks and chooses when he fancies it, Nasri blows hot and cold and is never now going to become the player people hoped he would, Milner is a squad player at best and Barry is a very good water carrier but little more than that and when Pellegrini comes in and wants to inject more pace into the side it wouldn't surprise me to see him more marginalised as time goes on. Navas is likely to come in after City had a bid accepted, certainly not a goal threat but probably a better option than Nasri, Silva will need some rest at the start of next season depending on how much he plays in the Confed Cup this summer. Whatever Pellegrini does he has to inject some pace into the midfield and get the rhythm flowing again, so often I watched them last season and they were half paced and uninterested, get some desire back into the team, you only need to look at how few goals they scored compared to the season before to see that..Tevez and Aguero are two of the best strikers in the world and will produce if they get the service, very likely Dzeko will leave. The manager is unproven in this league, I don't really care what he has done in Spain, totally different over here and it will be interesting to see if he can adapt to the league and more importantly how the 'business' of Man City is run, part of Mancini's failure last season seemed to be his frosty relationships with the hierarchy and the desire to do things his own way, City have made it clear this won't work. I would certainly rather be Moyes going into his job than Pellegrini going into his as Moyes will almost certainly be given time but results need to be pretty instant at City. Moyes looks in the best position to me but as I said above I would worry about so much of the backroom staff being changed which might not have an impact early season but might do at the business end of the season when that experience is required, Mourinho is coming back to a squad in transition and although the stage is very much set for him it all depends on who he buys this summer as the current team won't win the league. Pellegrini is certainly the unknown quantity..

[Lordoftheonionrings]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

The United supporters on here can be a bit biased but that argument looks very biased to me! :lol..Most of your arguments could be reversed, I think most of their problems lie in midfield where Toure can't be bothered to do the legwork most of the time and picks and chooses when he fancies it, Nasri blows hot and cold and is never now going to become the player people hoped he would, Milner is a squad player at best and Barry is a very good water carrier but little more than that and when Pellegrini comes in and wants to inject more pace into the side it wouldn't surprise me to see him more marginalised as time goes on. Navas is likely to come in after City had a bid accepted, certainly not a goal threat but probably a better option than Nasri, Silva will need some rest at the start of next season depending on how much he plays in the Confed Cup this summer. Whatever Pellegrini does he has to inject some pace into the midfield and get the rhythm flowing again, so often I watched them last season and they were half paced and uninterested, get some desire back into the team, you only need to look at how few goals they scored compared to the season before to see that..Tevez and Aguero are two of the best strikers in the world and will produce if they get the service, very likely Dzeko will leave. The manager is unproven in this league, I don't really care what he has done in Spain, totally different over here and it will be interesting to see if he can adapt to the league and more importantly how the 'business' of Man City is run, part of Mancini's failure last season seemed to be his frosty relationships with the hierarchy and the desire to do things his own way, City have made it clear this won't work. I would certainly rather be Moyes going into his job than Pellegrini going into his as Moyes will almost certainly be given time but results need to be pretty instant at City. Moyes looks in the best position to me but as I said above I would worry about so much of the backroom staff being changed which might not have an impact early season but might do at the business end of the season when that experience is required, Mourinho is coming back to a squad in transition and although the stage is very much set for him it all depends on who he buys this summer as the current team won't win the league. Pellegrini is certainly the unknown quantity..

I agree Pellegrini is unproven in the Premier League but so were Wenger, Mourinho, Ancelotti etc. and they didn't do too bad.. That wasn't really my point though. I was looking at the strength of their respective squads and I honestly don't see United's as being as strong as some of you see it. In my opinion it was one of the weakest United sides to win the league. Put it this way, how many on here would back United if Van Persie was out. Not many I would imagine and what does that say about the strength of their squad? Their midfield is seriously lacking class in my opinion. I don't think I was at all biased in my previous post, just calling it like I see it. Who in your opinion is better in CM than Yaya Toure in the Premier League? As I said, rock solid at the back and all fairly young. Class players like Yaya, Silva, Aguero and Tevez in front of that. I'm sure that both clubs will make a few additions but I honestly see far more potential for next season in City's squad compared to United's.

[RedDevil92]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner How can you say Toure is fairly young? He is 30 years old. Tevez could well end his stay at Manchester City with Monaco beeing keen to sign him. I also don't know whether Navas will do so great as he stated years ago that he is a home sick player and I don't think he will adapt to his new life. Barry, Milner and Nasri lack of quality or are playing miles under expectations. Dzeko wants to leave but I would definitely keep him as he is a good goal scorer in my opinion. Given Mourinho is back, I would say they are small favourites to land the title.

[Aidymac]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner Class players don't make a team. City are not a team, they are a bunch of individuals. That is why they were crap this year, and that is why they were crap in the champions league, and also that is why Wigan battered them in the FA Cup final. No matter what individuals you have, if you don't play as a team, your doomed. Also don't understand the "Where would you be without Van Persie" bit. Where would Barca be without Messi? Where would Madrid be without Ronaldo, or Spurs without Bale? Joe Hart has been absolutely shocking last season. Kompany was pants last season, Rio Ferdinand was the best centre half in the PL last season. Carrick was brilliant last season, I also think YaYa is a brilliant player though... Barry and Milner would not come close to the United team, neither would Nasri on his form of the past couple of years. United got rid of Tevez, didn't want him, correct decision. The bottom line is, United are a team, City are individuals, City got away with it two years ago, but were found out last season, and unless something radical happens, will be the same story this season. Players mentalities need to change, Mancini was an easy scapegoat, but how can you manage a bunch of players where all they care about is the wage packet. (not all, but the majority) If Chelsea buy a decent striker, with Mourinho in charge, City are destined for 3rd next season. IMO

[Lordoftheonionrings]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

How can you say Toure is fairly young? He is 30 years old. Tevez could well end his stay at Manchester City with Monaco beeing keen to sign him. I also don't know whether Navas will do so great as he stated years ago that he is a home sick player and I don't think he will adapt to his new life. Barry' date=' Milner and Nasri lack of quality or are playing miles under expectations. Dzeko wants to leave but I would definitely keep him as he is a good goal scorer in my opinion. Given Mourinho is back, I would say they are small favourites to land the title.[/quote'] I was referring to their defense in general when i said fairly young. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Milner, Nasri and Barry are decent squad players which every team needs as long as there is a bit of class beside them. Also I do not know how you can predict whether a player will adapt or not, only time will tell but if Navas feels up for a move abroad then he is possibly ready.Of course City do have their weaknesses but fewer than United in my opinion.

[Lordoftheonionrings]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

Class players don't make a team. City are not a team, they are a bunch of individuals. That is why they were crap this year, and that is why they were crap in the champions league, and also that is why Wigan battered them in the FA Cup final. No matter what individuals you have, if you don't play as a team, your doomed. Also don't understand the "Where would you be without Van Persie" bit. Where would Barca be without Messi? Where would Madrid be without Ronaldo, or Spurs without Bale? Joe Hart has been absolutely shocking last season. Kompany was pants last season, Rio Ferdinand was the best centre half in the PL last season. Carrick was brilliant last season, I also think YaYa is a brilliant player though... Barry and Milner would not come close to the United team, neither would Nasri on his form of the past couple of years. United got rid of Tevez, didn't want him, correct decision. The bottom line is, United are a team, City are individuals, City got away with it two years ago, but were found out last season, and unless something radical happens, will be the same story this season. Players mentalities need to change, Mancini was an easy scapegoat, but how can you manage a bunch of players where all they care about is the wage packet. (not all, but the majority) If Chelsea buy a decent striker, with Mourinho in charge, City are destined for 3rd next season. IMO

The only reason I said United without Van Persie was to show how weak I feel the rest of the squad is. Chelsea or City could lose any individual player and I don't think it would affect them the same as United losing RVP, because they both have stronger squads in my opinion. And Rio Ferdinand, who had a good year, was not the best CB in the PL last year and besides the point he will turn 35 next season and will have to be replaced relatively soon. Carrick had a very good season but turns 32 soon. Kompany might have been pants last season but as a manager coming in who would you prefer to have, Kompany or Ferdinand? No brainer.

[Aidymac]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner

The only reason I said United without Van Persie was to show how weak I feel the rest of the squad is. Chelsea or City could lose any individual player and I don't think it would affect them the same as United losing RVP' date=' because they both have stronger squads in my opinion. And Rio Ferdinand, who had a good year, was not the best CB in the PL last year and besides the point he will turn 35 next season and will have to be replaced relatively soon. Carrick had a very good season but turns 32 soon. Kompany might have been pants last season but as a manager coming in who would you prefer to have, Kompany or Ferdinand? No brainer.[/quote'] You keep going on about these old players when United have some of the best up and coming talent around. Rafael > 22 Jones > 21 Evans > 25 Anderson > 25 Smalling > 23 Hernandez > 25 De Gea > 22 Welbeck > 22 Cleverley > 23 Powell > 19 Kagawa > 24 Buttner > 24 Amos > 23 Zaha > 20. 14 of United's 25 first team squad players are 25 years old or younger. How on earth is it an ageing squad? The average age of United's squad is 25.

[Lordoftheonionrings]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner Just a couple of more points. Van Persie scored 26 league goals out of a total of 86. That's 30.23%. Suarez scored 20 out of 71 which is 28.16%. No-one else comes close so they are over-reliant on him. United conceded 43 goals. Man City (34), Arsenal (37), Chelsea (39) and Everton (40) all conceded less. Even Liverpool (43) conceded the same. So their defense is no great shakes in fairness. There's a strong chance Rooney will have to be replaced although he was very average last season. I'm not for a second saying they're a bad side but I do think Moyes has a tough job on his hands and that the current squad will change a lot over the coming seasons because players need to be replaced because of the age of the core of the current spine of the team.

[Aidymac]

Re: Antepost > Premier League 2013/14 > Winner So lets see how many players City have at 25 or under. Richards > 24 Nasri > 25 Sinclair > 24 Aguero > 25 Rodwell > 22 Nastasic > 20 Guidetti > 21 Razak > 20 City only have 8 players at the age of 25 or under. United have 14. Yes, Giggs is old, Ferdinand is old, but the amount of young talent coming up through the squad is far greater than what City have. The averege age of United's squad is 25, average age of City's squad is 27. So it is City that has the ageing squad.