Premier League And Norwich City 2014/15 Analysis And Predictions.
It's not hammering a champion that determines who's the best from the worst, it's the sheer ability to gain a result week in, week out against the weaker teams and all around averagely skilled squads. Every year in the highest English league we feast our boggled minds upon grown underdogs who prove to be tough opposition for even the most capable clubs; the type of teams that you know aren't going to roll over without a severe workout. After a lengthy brainstorm I've penciled down a few of the footballing places that I believe will be showcasing soccer brilliance and can guarantee to cause a number of upsets this coming calendar. As a collective I'm going to name these squads the "acca crackers" because of the amount of money bookies will be taking up from their results. So without further or do, these are the lads you need to watch for.
Everton FC...
Is there ever a season that goes by where the Toffee's don't manage to raise an eyebrow or two?. As the blue, more overlooked side of the Mersy, Everton have always lived in the shadow of the giants but don't go mistaking them for an easy three points. Last year Martinez took Goodison by a storm and so nearly lead them to a long awaited champions league spot; after Moyes flew the nest for bigger bucks fans from all over were worrying they wouldn't succeed but how wrong were they. In 2014/15, Ross Barkley and John Stones will be carrying a confidence in experience under their belts and being with the highly seasoned Gareth Barry the team boasts big diversity. As far as strengthening goes, the Meryside men have finally signed up the next Drogba in Romelu Lakakua and not to mention they still have the ultimate left back being Leighton Baines. Perfectly rounded and a great goalscoring squad, the boys in blue will without doubt be ones to watch and have promise to rewrite the footballing scripts all year round.
Queens Park Rangers FC...
I know what everyone will be thinking, another year promoted and more stupid signings that will just lead to the same scenario ending... Relegation. Hold the boat though as I reckon Harry Redknapp has it nailed this coming season. After taking the not so easy route into the premier league, QPR have had to work that extra bit harder to prove their pudding and they'll pump that growing spark incentive into their games meaning more points may be going their way. Comparing these to the other newcomers, it's obvious to see they have so much more experience and are making serious moves to generate the memories in the premier league they will want to remember; examples of this are the solid signings of the defending veterans Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker. Also the play off champions have the superb Julio Caser returning between the sticks giving opposition a world class keeper to take a pop at only spelling certain clean sheets all year. I'm not expecting mass points but a guaranteed improvement on their last premier spell is a cert and if Loic Remy were to stay, it's goals a pleanty.
Crystal Palace FC...
The team I hate to love. For some strange reason I have a loving soft spot for Pulis and his boys; it could be the way they play, their bounce back ability or just the factor that some of their players are simply magnificent. Last year they caused one of the biggest, most crushing comebacks in a three a piece draw with Liverpool, breaking hearts but at the same time leaving fans motionless at the faultless, never say die attitude. Players I highly rare in the squad are the Aussie captain Miles Jedinak because of his battle axe solidarity and leadership mentality not forgetting Bolaise who has pace and strength to burn. Young Dwight Gayle really proved himself as a super sub last year banging in goals from the bench, I just wish that Tony Pulis would play him more as he brings such a spark to the front line, with him up top we could witness many top rated defenders tied in knots. Palace haven't spent a shed load but the years behind the men they have signed is priceless; Hangeland for one is like a central wall, left standing for seasons. Again, I forsee a heafty improvement on last calendar.
Hull City FC...
Looking back on the start of the 13/14 premier league, I highly fancied Hull to drop like a ton of bricks... Steve Bruce picked up them bricks and threw them back at me with conviction. Not only did they survive the bottom three but the Tigers went on to get into an FA cup final which sling shotted them into a Europa league place, this forcing to a mass build. Now a few months on, Brucey and his boys are looking solid and better than ever after signing superiors like Norwich's Scottish talisman Snodgrass and England's bright future, Tom Ince. That mingling in together with Huddleston, Livermore and Davies makes for some serious midlands magic and a tough game for any traveling team. Europe may take some of the squads energy but it can improve them also creating a driven, diversity in playing style. Look out for the Tigers, it's likely they'll bite.
