Today sees the resumption in action in the English Premiership. Ardara-based Stuart Connolly, a big sports enthusiast and avid Leeds United fan, looks forward to the rest of the season and makes his predictions here on Donegal now.
I think everyone will agree this has been a very strange season and looks like it could go right down to the wire, between three teams, possibly 4. No one will have expected the start that Chelsea have endured and Leicester seem to be a completely different team than they were last year. This season is somewhat similar to the SkyBet Championship, any team can beat any team. Bournemouth lost to Villa at home on the opening day but fast forward a couple of months and they beat Chelsea away from home and Manchester United at home. I am going to make a prediction for what the table will look like after the final day, with each team having already played 19 matches, half way point.
Team: Arsenal
Current/Finishing Position: 1st/1st
Key Players: Mesut Ozil & Alexis Sanchez
This may be Arsenal's best chance to win a Premier League title since their unbeaten season in 2003/04. The addition of Petr Cech has certainly added some stability in between the sticks, especially given Ospina's woes in the Champions League. The Czech also kept his 170th PL Clean sheet, passing David James' record of 169. With Sanchez due back in mid-January and Ozil in the form of his life it looks very likely that Arsene Wenger will improve on last season's 3rd place finish. Arsenal's recent form has seen them as the bookies favourite to win the title. Ozil has so far provided 16 assists this season, is only 4 short of Henry's record of 20 in a season. The German World Cup winner looks certain to not just beat it but maybe even break 30. With the transfer window opening in a few days are have been linked with Basel's Egyptian Midfielder Mohammed Elneny and it could be a necessary purchase given Arsenal's midfield casualties.
Team: Aston Villa
Current/Finishing Position: 20th/19th
Key Players: Brad Guzan & Jordan Ayew
With only 8 points from their opening 19 games, no wins since the opening day of the season, and a change of manager, it is not looking likely that Villa will stay up. The stats are against them as is history. Frenchman Remi Garde replaced Tim Sherwood on the 2nd of November and drew with then leaders Man City but things have not improved since. Sherwood invested heavily in the summer transfer window after the departures of Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph but so far to no avail. Jordan Ayew started very inconsistently but has since scored 2 goals in his last three games so Villa fans will be hoping he can bang in a few more. The Club will need to invest once again in January if they want to have any chance of staying up and Garde has stated an interest in signing Loic Remy on loan from Chelsea, a proven goal scorer in this league but will he get the service from Villa's midfield and wing players?
Team: Bournemouth
Current/Finishing Position: 16th/17th
Key Players: Josh King & Junior Stanislas
Eddie Howe's side have gained 20 points from their opening 19 matches. Repeat that in the last 19 and they will have the magic number 40, the amount of points many people see as the points needed to survive the drop. After a somewhat shaky start riddled with injuries to key players including Max Gradel and Tyrone Mings, The Cherries have improved and have only lost one of the last seven, beating Chelsea and Manchester United during that fantastic run. The run also included a 3-3 thriller against Everton. Bournemouth do have the qualities needed to stay up but will need to sure up their defence which is the joint second worst in the league.
Team: Chelsea
Current/Finishing Position: 14th/7th
Key Players: Thibaut Courtois & Diego Costa
No team has ever finished higher than 7th after a start as bad as Chelsea's. The London side's start is terrible given that they are defending Champions. It seems at this point that Guus Hiddinks side will have to win the Champions League in order to be in it next year but given the surprises this season has thrown up, a Europa League spot is not out of reach. Eden Hazard seems a shadow of his former self with the Belgian yet to find the net in the league this season. Cesc Fabregas also seems like a player with something else on his mind, the Spaniard last season had 18 assists and a great partnership with forward Diego Costa. Willian has been the shining light in this Chelsea squad but his performances could not stop Jose Mourinho losing the manager's job at the club for the second time. There have been few transfer rumours linking players with a move to Stamford Bridge but there has been talk of Diego Costa leaving, should this happen they will need to get Falcao back to his Atletico Madrid form.
Team: Crystal Palace
Current/Finishing Position: 5th/9th
Key Players: Yannick Bolasie & Yohan Cabaye
Palace have the second best defence in the League and Wayne Hennessey in inspired form in goal, but do have the least number of goals scored among the top five teams, 10 goals behind Arsenal and Tottenham. Alan Pardew's side lack a clinical striker but the investment of Yohan Cabaye, who played under Pardew at Newcastle, seems a very good buy. The Frenchman is the club's top goal scorer with 5 goals from midfield. Yannick Bolasie is only 1 goal behind but might see that number increase due to injury. Recent rumours has stated that Inter Milan are interested in the former Bristol City wide man. Controversy hit the club in the last few days with Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford ending his 'terrible' loan deal early. The player has returned to Chelsea after only playing six times, mainly from the bench. Palace will need to invest in a striker in January, due to the early departure of Bamford and the injury to Connor Wickham.
Team: Everton
Current/Finishing Position: 11th/10th
Key Players: Romelu Lukaku & Ross Barkley
With Barkley getting better every season and Lukaku firing them in for fun, it is hard to see why the Toffees are currently 11th. Roberto Martinez's men are lethal in front of goal but at times fail to protect their own and throw away the lead. The emergence of Brendan Galloway has been a much needed boost for the Merseysider's after a lengthy injury to regular left back and free kick specialist Leighton Baines. Everton will need to keep Lukaku fit for the second half of the season aswel as Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu who has been in incredible form recently.
Team: Leicester City
Current/Finishing Position: 2nd/5th
Key Players: Riyad Mahrez & Jamie Vardy
25 December 14 - Leicester City sit bottom of the Premier League with only 2 wins from the opening 17 games. Fast forward exactly 1 year and the Foxes sit top of the pile with 1 defeat in the opening 17 games. Leicester's rise has stunned the footballing world over and the club now sit in a prime position for Champions League Qualification. No team has ever finished lower than 4th after a start like this but records are there to be broken. Leicester are the Leagues top scorers along side Man City and have Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez to thank for that. Vardy's rapid rise from non-league football has been a real rags to riches tale and the England International now holds the record for scoring in 11th consecutive games. Mahrez had a similar rise, only five years ago, the Algerian was playing for the Le Harve reserves in France. Leicester's rise to the top could be halted come the end of January with many top clubs interested in signing Vardy and Mahrez aswel as unsung heroes Albrighton and N'Golo Kante. Claudio Ranieri's side should look to the Denmark side of 1992 for inspiration.
Team: Liverpool
Current/Finishing Position: 7th/ 4th
Key Players: Phillippe Coutinho & Simon Mignolet
Liverpool had a bit of a stuttering start to the season under Brendan Rodgers which led to his sacking. It was not long before the club hired former Borussia Dortmund Manager Jurgen Klopp. The German drew his first few games but has since won 5 of the last 9 including a 4-1 away win at Man City. Since Christian Benteke's arrival he hasn't hit top form and thus Liverpool have struggled for goals relying heavily on the midfield. Liverpool will be hoping to get back into the Champions League next season and Belgian Mignolet could play a big part with the shot stopper keeping an impressive 16 clean sheets this calendar year. Another route into the CL would be winning this season's Europa League, which would see the possibility for five English teams in the Champions League group stage for the first time, but Europe's secondary competition seems to be getting tougher each year. Divock Origi could also play a big part this year having flopped in France on loan at Lille.
Team: Manchester City
Current/Finishing Position: 3rd/2nd
Key Players: Sergio Aguero & Vincent Kompany
Strong rumours have circulated that Man City are chasing Pep Guardiola to become the next manager after the Spaniard announced he would be leaving German Champions Bayern Munich at the end of the season. City however face competition from Chelsea and Man United. Man City unsurprisingly are the Leagues top scorers along with Leicester. With Sergio Aguero once again hampered by injuries the goals have mostly come from midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, and Wilfried Bony. Another injury struck player is Vincent Kompany, with the club only conceding once with the Belgian on the field. The emergence of Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho has been a welcome surprise as he came from City's Academy, the youngster has popped up with some vital late goals, notably against Crystal Palace. If Man City wish to regain the title they won back in 2013/14, they need Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany fit for at least 15 of the remaining games this season.
Team: Manchester United
Current/Finishing Position: 6th/6th
Key Players: Anthony Martial & David De Gea
After the chaos of the September transfer deadline involving Real Madrid and Man United and both clubs blaming each other, the one thing that remained certain was that De Gea was a Man United player and Keylor Navas was a Real Madrid player. A great start for the Old Trafford club saw them rise to top spot in late November, a run which saw Martial terrorize defences and De Gea thwart many a striker. Since that the club have gone on their worst run of results since the 1930's. This run has seen them knocked into the Europa League and knocked down to 6th in the league with no wins in the last nine games, including 6 league games. Their worst run in the league since 1990. Many fans are calling for Van Gaal's head and want Mourinho in charge, a man they despised while he was in charge of Chelsea. With Martial's goals drying up and with Rooney struggling for form it is hard to see when a win will come. United's involvement in the Europa League could hinder their League form due to fatigue and LVG may be regretting the sale of Javier Hernandez to Bayer Leverkusen after the Mexican has scored 17 goals in 20 games. The club has been linked with a move for Lazio's Brazilian Winger Felipe Anderson.
Team: Newcastle United
Current/Finishing Position: 18th/16th
Key Players: Georginio Wijnaldum & Ayoze Perez
Newcastle endured a poor start to the season which seemed to continue Steve McLaren's poor record while in charge of Derby County. An early season blow has seen number one goalkeeper Tim Krul ruled out until next season. It seems like a life time ago for Toon fans that the club finished 5th with each season now being seen as battle to avoid relegation. So many fans patience has gone with owner Mike Ashley and for the rest it is getting thinner. Newcastle fans will be hoping that their summer signing Aleksander Mitrovic can soon get more goals on his record than bookings with his short temper being likened to Diego Costa. Another signing tipped for a big future was French midfield star Florian Thauvin from Marseille who is yet to find his feet in England. The club has been linked with a move for CSKA Moscow midfielder Alan Dzagoev.
Team: Norwich
Current/Finishing Position: 15th/15th
Key Players: Robbie Brady & Nathan Redmond
Many tipped the Canaries to go straight back down to the Championship after very little investment in the summer but a recent run of results has seen them in the exact scenario as Bournemouth but with 2 less goals conceded. Holding on to Redmond as long as they have has been just like a new signing for Norwich, he has been a key player for the Norfolk based club since he signed from Birmingham. His form is vital for Alex Neil's side, along with Irish International Robbie Brady who's crossing this season has been pin point and his free kicks keep getting better. Norwich defence is leaky at times and the club have responded to that with a bid for Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia. The club also look set to sign Steven Naismith from premier league rivals Everton.
Team: Southampton
Current/Finishing Position: 12th/12th
Key Players: Sadio Mane & Jose Fonte
Southampton were never expected to be the same team after selling so many key players. The club did respond to losing all those players and spent the money received for Luke Shaw on a few players who have impressed lately. Jordy Clasie has quietly gone about his business in midfield while Shane Long has been in great form recently and Curacao International Cuco Martina introduced himself to the Premier League with a Roberto Carlos-esque goal against Arsenal in a surprising 4-0 victory for the Saints. Senegalese Mane holds the record for fastest hat-trick in Premier League history and Saints fans will be hoping for more performances like that one last season, along with Jose Fonte being a rock in the defence along side Dutch Virgil Van Dijk signed from Celtic. Southampton need to find some consistency if they are to return to the glories of yesteryear.
Team: Stoke City
Current/Finishing Position: 10th/8th
Key Players: Krkic Bojan & Xherdan Shaqiri
'Stokalona' is the nickname currently being given to Stoke City for two reasons. 1 - They are playing excellent football and 2 - they currently have three former Barcelona players on their books. Stoke, since their promotion to the Premier League, have established themselves as a mid table side and are improving every year. This season started a bit sluggishly for Mark Hughes' side but are now one of the form teams in the League, only two points off 5th place. It took a few months for him to find his feet in England but Xherdan Shaqiri now looks like he has been in the League for years. His for, along with his link up play with Marko Arnautovic is one of the reason's behind Stoke's great form. Arnautovic is another player who is currently in the form of his life. Bojan's return's from injury are always lively returns and his latest one is no different. If the Spaniard can keep fit, then Stoke fans can look forward to another great season in England's top tier.
Team: Sunderland
Current/Finishing Position: 19th/20th
Key Players: Jermain Defoe & Adam Johnson
Sunderland are another team who have endured a poor start to the season and things have not improved much after the appointment of Sam Allardyce as manager. Sunderland have the League's worst defence and it is not helped with inconsistency very common among their strikers despite having Jermain Defoe among their ranks. Duncan Watmore's arrival on the scene of the Stadium of Light has been a boost on another relegation threatened season. The youngster, who graduated with first class honours in 2015, has been likened to Gareth Bale by Defoe due to his style of play. Sunderland fans will be hoping for some investment in the defence and the attack or the Championship awaits them next season.
Team: Swansea
Current/Finishing Position: 17th/18th
Key Players: Andre Ayew & Gylfi Sigurdsson
Swansea City were a delight to watch last season in the premier league, playing lovely, attractive football, and they even managed to keep that standard up after selling Wilfried Bony to Man City. Signing Andre Ayew at the start of the season on a free transfer seemed like deal of the window but his early season form has faded. Bafetimbi Gomis looked the ideal replacement for Bony, strong on the ball, good aerial abilities, good finishing, but like Ayew, his form has also abandoned him. Swansea's current form has seen Former player turned manager Garry Monk lose his job and recent reports have linked former Ajax manager Frank De Boer with the vacant position. Swans fans will be hoping for some much needed transfers, mainly in the striking department, with the club only scoring 16 goals in the opening 19 games, only Villa have managed less.
Team: Tottenham Hotspur
Current/Finishing Position: 4th/3rd
Key Players: Harry Kane & Hugo Lloris
Mauricio Pochettino has been giving young English players a chance more than any other manager and it seems to be paying off. Harry Kane was last season's surprise package and has continued his form hoping to be the starting striker for Euro 2016. Dele Alli last season was playing in League One with the MK Dons. This season he has represented his country. Ryan Mason has finally taken his chance and has also represented his country. Eric Dier is another who has made his England bow this year. Tom Carroll looks to be the next player wearing an England shirt. Harry Kane has scored 27 goals in 2015 and if this form keeps up along with having the best defence in the League, there is no reason why Spurs can not win the title. Although perhaps pressure along with inexperience will catch up to them. Erik Lamela is player who looks to have finally found his form in England after a couple of poor season's which sparked jokes from Spurs fans claiming he was missing and it even went as far as some of them putting up missing posters around London. A Champions League spot seems very likely for Spurs this year but their Europa League involvement may prevent it.
Team: Watford
Current/Finishing Position: 9th/13th
Key Players: Odion Ighalo & Troy Deeney
Just like Norwich, many people including myself, thought that Watford would go straight back down to the Championship. But Quique Sanchez Flores' side have proved me wrong and now sit only 2 points off 5th place. The fans will aim most of their applause towards the dangerous duo of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney. Ighalo scored 20 goals in the Championship last season in 35 games and has already scored 14 goals this season in just 19 games. Staying up seems a certainty now and they will do well to survive next season because many teams kill for a 20 goal a season striker. On the plus side for Watford fans, the Nigerian is set for a bumper pay rise and may well decide to stay with the Hornets. Some applause should also go to the midfield who have gone unnoticed due to form of the strikers.
Team: West Bromwich Albion
Current/Finishing Position: 13th/14th
Key Players: Salomon Rondon & Jonny Evans
Baggies fans will be thankful of Tony Pulis' record of never being relegated. Mainly due to a sever lack of goals. Last season's star player Saido Berahino stated after not getting his move to Spurs that he would never play for Chairman Jeremy Peace again but has since changed his mind and has three goals to his name. He is currently the clubs joint top goal scorer along with James Morrison and Rondon. The club does have a decent defence but does lack discipline, with 39 yellow cards and 3 reds. West Brom are consistently inconsistent but can pull off some surprise results in a season, usually 1-0 wins. The club have been linked with Spurs winger Andros Townsend in the build up to the transfer window as well as Diego Rolan of Bordeaux .
Team: West Ham United
Current/Finishing Position: 8th/11th
Key Players: Dimitri Payet & Adrian
West Ham's start to the season was quite an odd one. Poor home form but their away form was phenomenal. The Hammers beat Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City all away from home and then beat Chelsea at Upton Park. This start slowly started to fade in the mist after injuries to some key players, one after another. Payet, Moses, Lanzini, Sakho and Enner Valencia. Valencia has since returned to action but Payet was the spark behind their outstanding performances along with Al-Jazira Loanee Manual Lanzini. West ham's form off late has suffered due to these injuries drew 5 games in a row before beating Southampton. West Ham have been linked with a move for Juventus Striker Simone Zaza in a loan deal but Juventus only want to sell, and the price tag of £18 million may put Slaven Bilic off.
I see this season has a 4 way title race - Arsenal, Manchster City, Leicester and Tottenham Hotspur. Enjoy the rest of the season fellow football fans. - Stuart Connolly.
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