It’s About Time

 The much anticipated English Premier League (EPL) starts tonight.  Football pundits have already pitched their predictions and cast their aspersions on different teams (invariably loading more pressure on the shoulders on the newcomers or expensive new signings before the first kickoff).Who am I rooting for?  I don’t really know. I used to have favorite team that I support come sunshine or rain. Years later, having mellowed, I prefer to enjoy teams that play well and deservedly top the table.  One thing for sure, I am not rooting for Chelsea because of the antics they have come up with particular via Jose Mourinho their manager.  Apart from that, every team deserve my respect at least until they start playing afoul.

I don’t think Liverpool will deliver the expected performance even after signing the most expensive play this season in the person Fernando Torres.  Manchester United will be one of the top contender, doubtless. It will be interesting to see how Carlos Tevez fit into the program after the controversial weeks following the ownership.  Come to think of it, sometimes I think these professional players are like olden days slaves. They belong to somebody except they are lavish with riches and lived in disgusting opulent fashion. 

Many are doubtful about Arsenal’s ability to stay on top-four given that their Thierry Henry is now at Barcelona. I think their manager’s sly fox and uncanny ability to train youngster will defy odds. I predict they will be top-three.  Wishful thinking? Will revisit here when the season ends, shall we?

Spurs will be “almost there but not yet” team again. I know it is hard to stomach their London neighbor’s success and despite a few seasons’ attempt to displace it, they haven’t been successful. Keep trying.

Reading is another team that many think might go the way of Wigan Athletics.  I think they will do equally well because Steve Coppell is quite different. He has that quality of being a world class winger as well as manger. Some players aren’t good managers.  Anyway, that’s my prediction.

Newcastle fans will either boo the new manager out or he will endear them to himself. Given Sam’s track-record he might just rein in Jim Barton.  Looking forward to Michael Owen playing consistently this season. 

Sven Ericsson will be under tight scrutiny since this is his first real job after his England managerial position.  Many aren’t writing him off because his track record as domestic team manager had been sterling thus far.  Of course, Thai people will want to see how their former PM will fare in his new role as owner of Manchester City.

Well that’s my off-the cuff preview of EPL that’s starting tonight.