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Season Preview 2009/10 Part 2


Blackburn Rovers

No Santa Cruz, Big Sam will need to replace the star or change his tactics to benefit Rovers this season. Rovers have potential and with an ambitious manager in Allardyce they can achieve a lot more then last seasons finish. Be sure they will be ready for the arrival of Burnley, a derby match which means everything in Lancashire.

Key Man - Chris Samba is a rock in the Rovers defence. Powerful and a goal scorer his impact this season at the back will be a back bone to what Rovers do.

Burnley

Play-Off winners Burnley will be looking forward to their first season in the Premiership. They will look at the inspiration from Stoke last year to just battle and use what you can to survive.

Key Man Robbie Blake - Hopefully will find the form of last year in a much tougher league.

Chelsea

Ancelotti’s first season in England, he better get use to it fast. With the departure of fan favourite Guus Hiddink last season, Chelsea fans are expected of great things. Champions League success is top of that list. Chelsea will be there or there abouts and with Lampard, Essien and Ballack in midfield, the return of Joe Cole Chelsea will be back to full strength and fighting on all fronts.

Key Man - John Terry, will want to prove a point

Everton

David Moyes has put together a great team and regularly pushes for top four finishes. Their FA Cup final appearance shows they have moving in the right direction. This progress must continue.

Key Man Tin Cahills Influence on the team is a key to how they play.

Fulham

Last year they were expected to struggle, this year they won’t be taken so lightly. Roy Hodgson was a candidate for manager of the year and Fulham’s home form was exceptional, can it continue.

Key Man Andy Johnson will look to improve on his 10 goals last season.

Hull City

Phil Brown’s team at the start of last season were looking like European contenders. There form was exceptional. The performances at White Hart Lane and The Emirates will be true highlights. Team talk on the pitch at Manchester City will also be remembered. However City did what was needed, stayed up.

Key Man Jimmy Bullard - Now fully fit, Jimmy can show why City invested in him.

Liverpool

Rafa had his best Premiership season with the reds last season. They showed they can finally challenge for the title. Now United have equalled the league title record, Liverpool know the time to deliver is now.

Key Man Fernando Torres - Liverpool’s number 9 is one of the best forwards in the world. If fully fit him and Gerrard can be unstoppable.

Manchester City

Money bags City have an exciting and dynamic look to them this season. From back to front their strong and experienced. But how will they all fit in?

Key Man - Tevez, the fact they took him from the other half of the City will just be music to the City fans ears. If Tevez delivers it could be City’s best season for a very long time.

Manchester United

No Tevez or Ronaldo. Giggs and Scholes are a year older. Are United as strong as last season? Obertan and Valencia will know play key roles. Even more though will be on the likes of Rooney and Berbatov to get the goals.

Key Man - Michael Owen, Injury Prone or Goal Machine? Owen has a chance to show his true class.

Portsmouth

Pompey needs to adapt to the fact they have lost the power of Defoe and Johnson from their squad. It will be hard to replace two England internationals.

Key Man - David James it could be one of his last seasons in a fine career. James will need to be on form and alert because it will be a hard season for Pompey.

Stoke City

Delap’s long throws, power from Beattie and Fuller, loudest fans in the league, Stoke had an amazing campaign. The second season will be just as hard. Maybe more because now teams know what to expect from them. Can Pulis pull off the magic again?

Key Man - James Beattie his goals will again be vital.

Sunderland

The Black Cats now have Steve Bruce at the helm. A big club with big ambitions, and now the only top flight club in the Premiership will be one the fans won’t mind reminding their rivals about.

Key Man Fraizer Campbell, if Jones stays or goes Campbell will still is a key part of the team. The young fast England Under 21 star can become a legend in the famous red and white.

Tottenham

Spurs looked at one stage to break into the top four. Then they look like relegation material. Now they look strong again. Spurs have all the pieces to the puzzle; can Harry make the all fit?

Key Man Luka Modric, the Croatian star has settled in OK at the Lane. But he can do better and could be essential to Tottenham’s success.

West Ham United

The Hammers look to work on their impressive display last season. Zola and Clarke will build and hopefully bring some honours to Upton Park.
Key Man Mark Noble life long fan, Noble can become like, Lampard Senior, Moore and Brooking and Legend.
Wigan

Roberto Martinez is now in charge, which could mean a change in style of play. He did wonders at Swansea and would want to help Wigan continue their Premiership status in years to come.

Key Man - Jason Scotland, Martinez is showing great faith in going beck to his old club and snapping up the forward. Scotland impressed in the Championship, can he do it in the top flight?

Wolves

Championship Champions. Mick McCarthy men showed last year they were far too powerful for the Championship. They by-passed West Brom on the way up and Wolves will want to stay there. Their home form at home will be vital.

Key Man - Sylvan Ebanks-Blake done it last year will want to show he is one of the most exciting young forwards in England.

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