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[V] V Wigan – A new manager and now Valencia has departed which makes the number of key players to leave Wigan this year three. Rumours that Lee Cattermole may soon follow won’t please the Latics faithful either. Roberto Martinez may find that life up a division can turn on you pretty quickly. I expect Wigan to struggle this season but they may steal a point at Villa Park. Plus Points: Premier League experience may keep their head above water. Doubts: Overall lack of quality.
Aston Villa – O’ Neill will be keen to get off to a good start here against a side that Villa have found it difficult to beat at home in the past. No Gareth Barry, No Martin Laursen. Hmm… I detect a problem. I can’t see Habib Baye being a fantastic replacement but rather a panic buy. A full pre season will have done Gabby Agbonlahor no harm and Villains will be hoping he’s put his bad second half to 08/09 behind him. I think that this side got found out in the second half of the season, O Neill’s dependency on direct football aimed at target man John Carew combined with injury layoffs destroyed what looked at first an incredibly promising season. However, I write off Martin O’Neill at my peril. They should start with a win and be there or there abouts in a European place come May. Plus Points: Their motto is ‘Prepared’ and O’Neill should at least retain a top half finish. Fabian Delph looks very promising too. Doubts: How much will they miss Garreth Barry? Will they be as solid at the back as they have been in previous seasons?
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Chelsea – Having retained Drogba and Terry, The Blues should be fairly comfortable in terms of preparation here and retain pride in the fact that they’re the only one of the top four not to lose a key player. New signings were few and far between but regardless of whether Zhirkov is fit or not, a newly reborn Malouda will more than suffice. I fully expect Chelsea to win this one by at least two goals thus laying foundations for a serious title challenge. Plus points: Strong squad with quality and depth, Terry’s stay should boost fan morale. Doubts: Ancelotti’s willingness to learn from Scolari’s mistakes, Petr Cech’s form.