Forget Big 4- It is big 6 clubs now

  The conventional Big 4 concept in English Premier League includes, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liver Pool and Arsenal. The tradition and economical advantages makes these teams to hold the position by years. Manchester United and LiverPool have kissed the EPL trophy 18 times each, Manchester united were European league champions 5 times and Liver Pool thrice.      The team Arsenal was champions at EPL by 13 times staying just behind them. Arsenal and Manchester united keeping their positions under first 4 by last 9 times. Chelsea also endures with in first 4 after 2002.   No team has such potential lineup as well the financial muscles to compete these big fours, but the scene is seems to be changing. Manchester City is showing the trend to challenge the Big 4s by splurging money.   The emerging Tottenham Hotspur FC is getting stronger under their able and brilliant coach Harry Redknapp. There is a probability to change the Big 4 concept in to Big 6 by end of this league. A snap shot of probable Big 6:  Team – LiverPool:  Manager – Rafael Benitez  New faces - Glen Johnson, Alberto Aquilani  Power Player - Steven Gerrard  Position in last Season – 2nd     LiverPool lost the chance to become EPL champions after 20 years in last season. Things are more complicated for now. The team may pay big price for the lack of excellent “ball supplier” like Xabi Alonso. Steven Gerrard may fill the gap? The championship trophy seems hard to find in this season too.Team - Arsenal: Manager – Arsene Wenger (Longest Serving Manager)  New face – Thomas Vermaelen  Power Player – Cesc Fabregas  Position in last Season – 4th The growing players may bring stability in performance. The aggressive return of Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo from injury will boost the team morale. Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin holding unpredictable potentials and can befalls to sensations. The dilemma with Defence, tend to slip morale or loses rhythm on initial disasters, a bit communication gap. The team is a perfect group, but slips from the intrinsic play on tense. Hope to keep with in first 4.     Team – Chelsea: Manager –Carlo Anselotti (Jun -2009)  New faces – Yuri Zhitkov, Daniel Sturridge, Ross Turnbull  Power Player – Frank Lampard  Position in last Season – 3rd The team earlier shaped by Jose Mourinho who left in September 2007. Anselotti is an able Manager for current Chelsea team set-up. The vigorous return of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho from injuries will reinforce the defence. Didier Drogba’ consistency in form is positive to the team. The age factor of important players is an issue but the team confidence level is high. Chances are there to finish with in first 2 positions. Team – Manchester United: Manager –Sir Alex Ferguson (Won 10 Premier titles –November 1986)  New faces – Gabriel Obertan, Antonio Valencia  Power Player - Wayne Rooney  Last Season – Champions Ronaldo deal was profitable one, but the missing of Tevez may prove harmful for the team. One and only player, Wayne Rooney, who can make miracles alone. Energy level and speed of Nani is excellent, but still to improve a lot in deal with hurdles. Injured defence is another menace. It seems, hard to keep the championship, but assured league berth.     Team – Tottenham Hotspur: Manager – Harry Redknapp (October 2008)  New faces – Peter Crouch, Sebastien Bassong   Power Player – Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon   Position in last Season – 8th    Redknapp is capable to craft big achievements with out celebrity players. Tottenham will unquestionably raise challenges to the existing Big 4s. Jermain Defoe’s improved form boosting expectations. Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate have to improve the fitness level. Luka Modric’s injury may become a difficulty. Redknapp’s boys have the poise and enrgy to fight up to final moment. They can come up with in even first 5, if shows … [Read more...]