Easter weekend Premier League review – top 6 review
Maybe there are only a few games left but after watching almost all football this Easter weekend I thought I would write about each team, say what their strengths are and what their weaknesses are and where they can improve.
Here are the top 6 teams in the Premier League.
Manchester United
Premier League position 1
Points 71
Best player(s) – Wayne Rooney/Rio Ferdinand
Area of weakness – Defensive cover
Last 6 League games form – WWLLWW
What can I say about the raining champions and Champions League current holders? Might be going through a mini blip but are dominatng again, they are on for 4 major trophies and have been average in many games, shows the quality of the squad and the mentality of winners. The one area they seen to lack in is defensive cover, players such as John O’Shea do not cut it, even if they will play anywhere, if the two young Brazilian twins and Rio were fit I am sure they would have run away with everything this season.
A quick prediciton they will win the Premier League and Champions League.
Liverpool
Premier League position 2
Points 70
Best player(s) – Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres
Area of weakness – lack of strike force
Last 6 League games form – LWWWWW
Liverpool have had one of the best seasons in many years and many can not believe how they are challenging for Premier League. Liverpool have had one problem this season, a lack of strike force when El Nino was injuried. Steven Gerrard has been captain fantasic again this season and has in some games dragged Liverpool kicking and screaming to the victory. They definitely need another 2 strikers to push for next season nevertheless they have a real good chance for both the Premier League and Champions League even if they are 2 goals down against Chelsea.
Chelsea
Premier League position 3
Points 67
Best player(s) – Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien
Areas of weakness – Wingers
Last 6 League games form – WWWLWW
Chelsea not had such a bad season but obviously not challenging as much as they would like in the league, doesnt help having changed manager half way through the season. Petr Cech their usual rock at the back hasnt looked his best and the usual rear guard has been broken up through injuries. If it was not for players such as John Terry, Nicholas Anelka and Frank Lampard who have delivered and played the majority of games and scored important goals they could really be struggling. It is no coincidence that the return of power house Michael Essien that Chelsea have stepped up their game and improved. They need two good wingers go back to their best with Duff/Cole and Robben on the wings. Best chance is FA Cup or Champions League.
Arsenal
Premier League position 4
Points 61
Best player – Cesc Fabregas
Area of weakness – Defence and Defensive midfielder
Last 6 League games form – DWWWWW
Ultimately I am sure if you ask any realistic Arsenal fan (myself included) if you said Cesc would be out for a large chunck of the season along with Adebayor and Eduardo and and you would be 4th, in the FA cup semi final and real chance to get into the Champions League semi finals I am sure they would all agree it sounds a good season. It is clear even thou Arsenal are now 27 unbeaten in all competetions I believe with a defensive midfielder and a dominating centre back Arsenal could be up with Man U competiting for the league more seriously and even would have put Villarreal out in the first leg. Next season could be very bright providing some money is made for Arsene Wenger to strengthen otherwise the best players could look to leave, I believe this will not happen this season but without silverware and challenging the big players will look to leave after the World Cup next year (Arsenal are still are a huge team and highly regarded Europe wide). Don’t write off the effect Arsenal will have on the Premier League as they play the 3 teams above them in the run in.
Aston Villa
Premier League position 5
Points 53
Best player(s) – Martin Larson and Gareth Barry
Area of weakness – Strikers/creative midfielder
Last 6 League games form – DLLLLD
Villa have had a good season, regardless what fical fans may say. Villa until 7 games ago they were challenging for champions league place. Villa have used only 20 players I believe this season and will need to improve their squad strength and depth. They are covered at the back but I do not think the likes of Gareth Barry and Petrov are creative enough to scare enough midfield partnerships in the Premier League. Villa do line up very much like a traditional English team 4-4-2, the signing of James Milnar is a definate show of intent. Villa do need another striker, a creative player who can drift and link midfielders and attack, I know it is not in Martin O’Neill’s recent spending history but a player like Eidur Gudjohnsen would be ideal and his clever play and important goals would be a god send. Best finish for Villa to hope for will be 5th but will have a fight on their hands against the Toffees.
Everton
Premier League position 6
Points 52
Top player – Mikel Arteta
Area of weakness – Squad depth/strikers
Last 6 League games form – WDWLWD
Everton have had an awesome season and have won many fans over. A team who can play two midfielders up front and keep winnng must have something special going, look at Jo playing and scoring when he looked half the players at Man City. Its no secret that they have some average players along with some good ones, Arteta definitely pulls the strings in midfield and will surprise me if a bigger team does not come in for him. If Bill Kenwright can magic some money, they could do with a good right back, a better holding midfielder than Phil Neville and at least another striker. I hope they take the UFEA cup/Europa league seriously next season as they could upset some real big teams. Well done the Toffees.
Danny Denhard
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