lol thought you might say that. I normally bet game-to-game, far easier to make a few bob that way.
With regards to the 4 you put up there:
1) Kezman's record at PSV was phenomenal, but it remains to be seen whether he can regain his confidence/form after last season. On top of that, Atletico are not that great of a team. Forlan did great last year but Villareal as a team really overachieved, I don't think Atletico will.
2) Is probable but no guarantee, if Chelsea keep everyone fit they might end up playing 4-4-2 more than they did last year, which will restrict Lampard's forward runs a bit. Added to that, if Alonso can stay fit and depending on how Benitez uses his main formation, Gerrard could spend a lot of time behind the striker(s). Mind you, Benitez has already said he'll be resting Gerrard, so barring a Lampard injury this one'll probably go. You mentioned the goals Gerrard has already, I dunno how/who you're doing the bet with but they might only count Prem goals, or I'd expect so.
3) If Hearts and/or Motherwell can keep their squads healthy and make a decent fist of it I'd be surprised but not shocked. However I've got to think Celtic still have too much for the rest to not finish in the top 2.
4) Eh, possible but I don't see it. While you keep adding more firepower the defence is getting older and older, and relying on Southgate and Ehiogu at their ages IMO is not a good idea.
I agree Spurs seem to have everything in place to make a decent fist of the league but we'll see how Jol handles a full season. They are unbelievably inconsistent recently. IMO Everton will be top 10, Bolton will probably hang around the top 8, Boro and Spurs will fight it out for the final UEFA Cup spot. Citeh and Villa will do well to finish at the higher end of midtable. Newcastle won't do anything while that defence is in place though they can't do worse than last year.
I'd be surprised if any of the promoted teams stay up too, although I think Fulham are going to really struggle as well as West Brom, and Pompey might as well depending on how the squad comes together (RBF
) I'll give Sunderland the benefit of the doubt since Mackem will knock my bins over if I don't.
Far as winning it I can't look past Chelsea right now. The sheer strength in depth is overwhelming. We'll see how Arsenal cope without Vieira, he's been on the decline but he could still make a difference in this league. Man Utd could storm the league or slump about like they did last year, though Van Der Sar should in theory be a huge bonus. Liverpool should also push a lot harder this year
I'm gonna get crucified for this when the season finishes I'm sure but here's a rough guess at how the league will pan out:
1) Chelsea
2) Man Utd
3) Arsenal
4) Liverpool
5) Bolton
6) Spurs
7) Boro
8) Everton
9) Newcastle
10) Charlton
11) Citeh
12) Birmingham
13) Villa
14) Pompey
15) Blackburn
16) Fulham
17) Sunderland
18) West Brom
19) West Ham
20) Wigan
Damn, that's a huge post