Preseason Musings: Everton - Man City

Everton
Key Player: Leighton Baines - I actually took a long time deciding who to pick here, because Everton are not a team where one man regularly outshines the others, but rather a team of well-gelled individuals. Baines gets the nod here because of his solidity in defence, as well as his attacking prowess and ability from set pieces. Baines is a fantasy football must-buy, and it was no surprise to see him start for England during the summer, having cemented his place as one of the best left backs, certainly in England, if not the world.

Big man, bigger expectations.

Best Signing: Romelu Lukaku - Some might say that because Lukaku spent last term on loan at the Toffees, he shouldn't be included in this bit. To those people, I say "poppycock!" Lukaku's signing represented a massive outlay of £28m for a team who usually keep their egg-basket-throwing to a minimum. Teaming up with fellow Belgian Kevin Mirallas, Lukaku will be looking to spearhead a monster Everton attack with the likes of Barkley, Pienaar, and McGeady in reserve, ready to unleash hell on teams coming to Goodison Park this season. At least, that's the plan.

Season Predictions: Roberto Martinez has settled in well in the blue corner of Liverpool, and will no doubt be looking for his team to push on from their impressive campaign last season which saw them finish 5th. With relatively good squad depth, and some shrewd investment from Mr. Kenwright in the offseason, Everton not only have a team that can push for Champions League places, but also a team capable of reaching the latter stages of the Europa League. Surely though, for Toffees the world over, the most important thing is to finish above rivals Liverpool.
Last Season - 5th
This Season - 5th

Hull City
Key Player: Tom Huddlestone - The former Tottenham fatboy has turned into Hull's midfield muscleman in the last couple of years, shedding that baby fat he was carrying at the Lane, and turning into a mature and sensible holding midfielder. Like any footballer, though, Huddlestone is keen to be amongst the goals, and regularly steams forward, leaving best mate Jake Livermore to cover. The two have a good understanding, and Huddlestone's range of passing is something that is a real asset to a team such as Hull.

Huddlestone will want to avoid this.

Best Signing: Thomas Ince - Son of "The Guv'nor", Tom Ince is a pacey winger with quick feet, who is capable of beating his man both inside and out. With a great final ball, and a fierce shot, Ince isn't far away from being the finished article. Some argue that he was better than Zaha when the two played in the Championship, and this year, the general public may well get a chance to find out why, as Ince adds some bite to this Hull City attack.

Season Predictions: A steady if unspectacular campaign last year, Hull managed to get to the FA Cup Final, and avoid relegation. With potential Europa League football looming for the Tigers, it could well be a season where they simply consolidate their place in the top flight. I can see them losing points after European games, as well as having injury problems if fixture congestion becomes an issue. That said, there are worse team than Hull this year, so they should stay safe.
Last Season - 16th
This Season - 16th

Leicester City
Key Player: Wes Morgan - The big man at the back for Leicester was key for them last season, as they steamrolled their way through the Championship. However, this time around, the emphasis is more likely to be on damage limitation. Morgan is a good man manager who conducts his troops well and knows his weaknesses. Expect him to get physical with opposing strikers all year, and although his disciplinary record come May may not be sparkling clean, he'll have done everything in his power to make sure Leicester stay up.

Obligatory "new-team-shirt-pose" Classic.

Best Signing: Leo Ulloa - Whilst I think spending £8.5m on a Championship striker is absurd, Ulloa has proven himself in the league below, and is ready to make the step up to the Premier League. With Vardy and Nugent already on Leicester's books, it will be interesting to see just where Ulloa fits into Nigel Pearson's strategy, but Leicester should have enough firepower to make them competitive in their first season back in the top flight.

Season Predictions: Pearson brings a well-drilled side devoid of any divas. A team that plays for one another normally does pretty well in the Premier League, but I fear that this may be a step too far for Leicester, as squad depth looks to be an issue, and a number of players are the wrong side of their prime, including Morgan, Paul Konchesky, and Matthew Upson, 3 of the likely starting back 4. They'll put up a fight, no doubt, but I fear they'll fall at the last.
Last Season - 1st (Champ)
This Season - 18th

Liverpool
Key Player: Daniel Sturridge - With the departure of Luis Suarez still looming large over Anfield, the pressure will fall on the shoulders of the former Man City and Chelsea man to carry the expectations of the Liverpool faithful. We all saw what he was capable of last year, and with Lallana, Sterling, Coutinho and the like behind him, there's no reason Studge can't rack up 25+ goals if he stays healthy.

More of the same, please.

Best Signing: Dejan Lovren - The Croatian will no doubt be a massive boon to Liverpool's defence. Much as I like Martin Skrtel, he really is the Premier League equivalent of Pepe, capable of kicking off at any moment. With doubts over the futures of Kolo Toure and Daniel Agger, as well, Lovren may well see himself thrust into the limelight in front of the Kop, but he'll do well, as any experienced player should.

Season Predictions: Juggling the Champions League and 3 other competitions could prove tough for the Reds this season, but the additions of Lallana, Lambert, Lovren and Can give Liverpool more strength in depth than they had last year. However, were Sturridge to go down for any period of time, I can't see Lambert picking up the slack and being as prolific. Midweek hangovers surely won't help either.
Last Season - 2nd
This Season - 4th

Manchester City
Key Player: Sergio Agüero - When the Argentine went down through injury for large chunks of the beck end of last season, City's attack looked far less threatening. Agüero's style of play allows larger, less mobile forwards like Dzeko, and to some extent Negredo, to fill gaps between the defence and midfield to latch onto the end of balls pulled back by Sergio. Agüero's health will be key to City's title challenge this year, as well as how far they go in Europe.

Will he be smiling come May?

Best Signing: Eliaquim Mangala - The former Porto man rejoins teammate Fernando as a new boy in sky blue this season. Fans at the Etihad will be glad to have picked up a strong centre back to play alongside Kompany, Nastasic, or Demichelis. Mangala scored more goals than any other defender in European competitions last year, so City have not only brought in a defensively sound player, but also one who knows where the back of the net is.

Season Predictions: Of course City are major players in the race for the title, however, I think they won the title with the help of a stroke or two of luck, and a slip or two of Gerrard. Chelsea have simply outshone their title-chasing rivals this summer, spending very wisely in areas that needed strengthening, and whilst City still have a strong squad, they will no doubt be looking to go far in Europe this season, leaving them potentially exposed in the domestic campaign.
Last Season - Champions
This Season - 2nd

Preseason Musings: Arsenal - Crystal Palace

Arsenal

Key Player: Aaron Ramsey - If the Welshman can continue his form from last season over into this, he'll likely be pushing for PFA Player of the Year awards. Far eclipsing his midfield counterpart Jack Wilshire, for whom this season will likely be make or break, Ramsey is a threat going fowards, as well as being a steady head defensively.

The future of Arsenal's defence?

Best Signing: Calum Chambers - Signed from Southampton in July, heads spun at the £16m fee paid for the youngster. However, his preseason performances at centre back for the Gunners have proved that he could well be a reliable backup to Mertesacker and Koscielny, as well as at his more natural right back position behind fellow new boy Mathieu Debuchy. This spot would have gone to Alexis Sanchez, but for the fact that Arsenal are spoilt for choice in attacking midfield.

Season Prediction: I see them getting past Besiktas with relative ease in the Champions League, and having won the Community Shield yesterday against a below-par Manchester City, I can see Arsenal's winning mentality returning. With many hungry young players in the squad, and a spine of players key to their success, Arsenal have all the makings of a very strong team, who could push for the title a long way into the season.

Last Season - 4th

This Season - 3rd

Aston Villla

Key Player: Christian Benteke - Having stormed onto the Premier League scene in 2012/13, the big-bodied Belgian managed only 11 goals in an injury-shortened campaign last year. He will no doubt be looking to bounce back this year and continue his partnership with Austrian Andi Weimann. When those two are on form, Aston Villa look more dangerous than a club that seems almost destined to flirt with relegation.

More of the same, please, Mr. Benteke

Best Signing: Kieran Richardson - Having not made many signings, Villa seem to be relying mostly on the squad they had last season. Richardson, however, is a player with experience who will bring versatility to a relatively young squad. Playing anywhere down the left side, he has a great left foot, and could provide assists from free kicks and corners.

Season Prediction: 15th last season will have disappointed many Villa fans who hoped to kick on from the previous campaign and push for top half finishes. Having not added much to the squad, Villa could again be looking at a scrap with relegation, although I imagine there will be a number of teams worse off than the Villans come the end of the season.

Last Season - 15th

This Season - 15th

Burnley

Key Player: Danny Ings - The Winchester-born frontman has had his fair share of injuries in his short career thus far, but he'll be hoping to put all that behind him as he starts in the top flight alongside Sam Vokes in what was one of the most potent partnerships in the Championship last season. The two strikers both have a well rounded game, and compliment each other very well. Burnley will need goals early and often from these two to have any chance of staying up.

Ings - an all round good egg

Best Signing: Matt Taylor - Having left West Ham after his contract expired at the end of last year, Taylor signed on with Burnley, and looks to be a shrewd piece of business by Eddie Howe and his team. Capable of playing left-back, holding midfield, or in a left wing role, Taylor is always full of running and is never afraid to put a foot in, not to mention the fact that he still has the ability to score from 40+ yards.

Season Prediction: In a similar vein to Blackpool a few years ago, I think Burnley will be the most entertaining team to watch from the promoted sides. Eddie Howe will set them up well, and they'll no doubt be well drilled. That said, they have a fairly young squad with players like Trippier, Ings, Vokes and Heaton who are all capable of playing for bigger clubs, and I fear they may lose one or two of those names in January. Even so, squad depth is an issue, and I can see Burnley just falling short in the last few weeks of the season.

Last Season - 2nd (Champ)

This Season - 19th

Chelsea

Key Player: Eden Hazard - As we all know, Chelsea are stacked full of talent. So much so, that they have over 40 players out on loan at any onetime. This makes it difficult to choose one single player to highlight, however, Eden Hazard showed for large portions of last year why he will be a superstar for years to come. On occasion last season, Hazard would take the game by the scruff of the neck, and not let go until he'd wrung the life out of the opposition with his pace and trickery. Look for more this season from the little Belgian wizard as he continues to shine.

Ooft, take that!

Best Signing: Diego Costa - Ever since Dider Drogba left Chelsea, the Blues have lacked a certain je ne sais quoi up front. They tried with Torres, but bless him, he can't hit a barn door with a banjo. They kind of gave Demba Ba a go, before giving up on him far too early. They never even gave Romelu Lukaku a sniff. Costa could well be the missing link for Mourinho in his search for the Premier League. I have no doubt that his form will far exceed his showing from the World Cup and he will fast become a favourite at the Bridge.

Season Prediction: Costa and Fabregas bring quality and depth to a classy Chelsea team, now devoid of defensive liabilities after cashing in on David Luiz, and Thibaut Courtois will continue to push Manuel Neuer for the title of "World's Greatest Goalkeeper". With the majority of the team staying on from last season, and some quality new players being brought in, Chelsea could well be the real deal this season.

Last Season - 2nd
This Season - Champions

Crystal Palace

Key Player: Mile Jedinak - When looking for the definition of the word "talisman", you need search no further than the Australian captain nestled in South London. Jedinak's work rate and desire saw him often pull the team through tough games on his own last season. His steel will and determination is something that the fans at Selhurst Park admire, and unsurprisingly, he's a firm favourite. A gritty player who would benefit any side outside the Top 6, Jedinak seems to have found his spiritual home.

Jedinak. Enjoying life south of the river.

Best Signing: Brede Hangeland - While much has been made about the signing of Frazier Campbell from Cardiff, teams like Palace must always ensure they are strong at the back. Getting hold of Hangeland on a free is a magnificent piece of business by Tony Pulis. The 6'5" Norse god is only a couple of years removed from being in the conversation as one of the best in the league, and will add much needed depth and quality to a backline which until recently boasted Danny Gabbidon as one of it's members. Hangeland should be able to ensure that Palace legend Julian Speroni is not as busy as last year.

Season Prediction: It's well documented that I am not a fan of Crystal Palace. Nor am I a fan of Tony Pulis. That said, I have to admire the way the two work together, scrapping away and coming out of games with points where points should not be got (Liverpool at home, anyone?). This year, having maintained much the same squad, Palace will be looking to consolidate their position in the league by keeping it tight at the back, and pouncing when given the chance. They may have a touch of second season syndrome, but should still have enough to stay up with room to spare.

Last Season - 11th

This Season - 13th

Purple Rain: This Year's Baltimore Ravens, Offense

With the arrival of both football seasons imminent, combined with the fact that I haven't written a blog in over a month, I have decided to take it upon myself to predict the 53 men who, injury permitting, will stand on the sideline for the AFC North divisional battle with the Cincinnati Bengals on September 4th. Upcoming blogs will have my predictions for each team in the Premier League, but predicting 53 takes a bit more time than 20, so I'll start right here.

Quarterbacks:
Joe Flacco: 18 months removed from a Superbowl MVP award, and coming into the second year of his monster contract, this is possibly the biggest no-brainer on the team. Needs to step up in the new West Coast system employed by newly-hired OC Gary Kubiak, though. Could put up huge numbers, with the right direction.
Tyrod Taylor: The 4th year backup from Virginia Tech looked sharp in the preseason game against the 49ers on Thursday night. Unlikely to see much game time due to Flacco's unnerving durability, but a good man to have as a backup, who could thrive in the new system, if the time comes.

Running Backs:
Ray Rice: Suspended for the first 2 games of the season for...an altercation with his wife in an Atlantic City casino, Rice has trimmed down to 206lbs, and looks more like the man we knew during his first 4 seasons in the league, rather than the overweight human cannonball of last season.
Bernard Pierce: The man who will pick up the slack left by Rice against Cincy and Pittsburgh, Pierce has the potential to thrive in Kubiak's zone spread run game. A more bruising RB at 6'0", 230lbs, BP can run between the tackles, or stretch it to the outside, and could even see more carries than Rice after Ray comes back from suspension.
Justin Forsett: A veteran who knows Kubiak's scheme, having played under him last season in Houston, Forsett will fill the role of backup during Rice's suspension.
Lorenzo Taliaferro: A 4th-round draft pick from Coastal Carolina, Taliaferro will likely spend a lot of this season on special teams, seeing the occasional carry in blowout wins for the Ravens. Looks like he could be a steal in years to come, though.

JUICE!

Kyle Juszczyk: Pronouned "juice-check", or simply Juice, the Harvard graduate will play the role vacated by Vonta Leach, laying down leading blocks for the other RBs. Occasionally, Kubiak will flex him out wide, or use him as another tight end in jumbo packages. A very versatile player who is sure to become a fan favourite at M&T Bank for a while to come.


Wide Receivers:
Torrey Smith: In this, his contract year, expect to see Torrey rack up yards and touchdowns like never before. With teams having to cover more dangerous receivers this year, the former Maryland Terp will see a lot more single coverage, and could haul in 8 or 9 touchdowns for 1,300-ish yards. He'll get paid next year, too, he's too good to let go, and he'll only improve.
Steve Smith, Sr.: The Carolina Panthers' all-time leading receiver joined the Ravens this year on a 3-year, $11m deal. He's in the twilight of his career, but, like Ravens legend Ray Lewis, still trains and practices as if it's his first year. He'll bring a lot of fire and passion to the locker room and the offense, as well as providing Joe Flacco with the slot receiver he's so sorely missed since Anquan Boldin left town.

Ravens fans hope to see more of this

Jacoby Jones: Arguably the best player on the field in Super Bowl XLVII, Jones is a dangerman of the highest order. Primarily a kick/punt returner, he's also a useful target for Flacco, stretching the field, and giving players like Smith Sr. and Pitta a chance to produce underneath. Another man familiar with Kubiak's system, Jones could post career high number this year.
Marlon Brown: Last year's rookie sensation is a big target with strong hands who runs good routes, so it's no surprise then that Brown is a favourite target of Flacco's in the red zone, not least in that see-saw game in the snow against Minnesota last year, when Brown caught the winning touchdown with 10 seconds left. Could well see less of the ball, but is still a tremendous player to watch in years to come.
Michael Campanaro: A 7th-round draft pick out of nearby Wake Forest, Campanaro is a small slot receiver in the mould of Wes Welker and Danny Amendola. Drawing rave reviews from those present at training camp, Campanaro also has return abilities which could see him force his way onto the roster for the opening day.
Kamar Aiken: Another man receiving the plaudits of those at camp, Aiken spent his first few years in the league bouncing around practice squads in Green Bay and New York, among others. He sees this as his last opportunity to make a roster, and like any good receiver, he's grabbing it with both hands. A taller, faster slot receiver, Aiken seems to play in a similar way to Marlon Brown. He's likely to make the team on special teams, but injuries could see him land playing time on offense.

Tight Ends:
Dennis Pitta: Joe Flacco's best friend, and favourite target missed the majority of last season with a dislocated hip, but came back with a vengeance in the last couple of weeks. With a full preseason under his belt, and a new 5-year, $32 million contract behind him, Pitta will once again be Flacco's safety blanket. In a new-look offense that favours receiving tight ends, Pitta could well end the season as one of the Top 5 TE's in the league. A Ravens fan favourite, we'll all be hoping for him to stay fit to increase our chances of making the postseason.
Owen Daniels: Yet another man familiar with Gary Kubiak's offense, Daniels signed a 1 year deal and immediately jumped to second on the depth chart below Pitta. A well-known name around the league, Daniels is a dependable receiver and a decent blocker, so will be useful in Kubiak's regular 2 TE sets on the field, and could shape up to be a decent leader.
Crockett Gilmore: This year's 3rd-round pick from Colorado State, Gilmore is a blocking tight end with receiving potential who could well jump above Daniels towards the end of the season. Additionally, Juszczyk could be used as a TE in some looks, so the Ravens will only keep 3 traditional TE's for this season.

Offensive Line:
Eugene Monroe: One of the top tackles in the league last year according to ProFootballFocus, Monroe is an absolute workhorse who is just entering his prime, and should be able to keep even the best pass rushers at bay for a lot of the season.
Kelechi Osemele: Coming off a season-ending back injury from last year, the explosive and physical KO will be looking to recreate his form from his rookie season, which ended with a Super Bowl ring. He has the ability to get upfield and make second level blocks on screens and run plays, and Kubiak will be looking to exploit this as much as possible.
Jeremy Zuttah: An offseason acquisition from Tampa Bay, Zuttah is a slightly above average center in the league, but is a massive upgrade on the turnstile that was Gino Gradkowski. Someone who should be able to make calls at the line of scrimmage, Zuttah should bring some security to the O-Line, especially with the players either side of him helping out.
Marshal Yanda: The hard-nosed guard from Iowa is entering his 9th NFL season with the Ravens, and shows no signs of slowing down, as he is well-known as one of the toughest players out there. Similar to KO, he can make blocks all over the field, and always has his teammates' backs.
Ricky Wagner: Not much is known about this second year player, but after Michael Oher moved on to pastures new in Tennessee, Wagner has stepped up over other players jostling to start at right tackle, and looks destined to start in Week 1. He hasn't been highlighted very much during game time or practice, which can only be a good thing for an O-Lineman.
Other O-Linemen: Gino Gradkowski, Jah Reid, John Urschel, James Hurst, Ryan Jensen.