The biggest football league in the world starts its season this weekend. For those of you that think I'm talking about NFL preseason games, you may want to wait a month for my post on that upcoming season. Nay, I'm talking about the English Premier League. There are a slew of previews being posted all over the World Wide Web, but I have a few thoughts to share as well.
First off, one of my favorite bloggers, Mr. MatchFitUSA (or @mfusa on Twitter) posted a piece commenting on how not excited he was for the start of the EPL season. Jason focused more on US-based EPL fans being "annoying" in terms of their level of excitement with a tinge of longing for the same excitement be poured out for our beloved domestic league, MLS. As much as I wish that the MLS was at the level of the EPL in terms of quality, it just isn't there yet and that's ok. I love MLS. I am a Sounders season ticket holder and avid supporter. However, one of the great things that puts soccer above any of my other favorite sports is that there is essentially no offseason for me as a fan. The MLS schedule basically goes from April through November. The EPL season (I'm a Liverpool supporter as well) goes from August to May. Then one can sprinkle in some La Liga and USMNT friendlies and it is hard not to have your soccer fix satiated. What I do not understand are US-based soccer fans that consider MLS soccer to be "beneath" their liking. That's all fair and well, but Euro-snobs are missing out on getting to watch quality soccer year round.
Secondly, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Reds season. The addition of Joe Cole has seemingly been the tipping point in morale for the Liverpool club and faithful supporter base. New manager, Roy Hodgson has done the best job he could be asked (up to this point) of distancing the club's upcoming season from the ownership sale debacle. That being said, if Liverpool can't fight their way back into Champions League soccer for the 2011 campaign, I feel that Fernando Torres is going to run out on the team next summer. I think his "pledge" of loyalty to the club was half-hearted...although I'll take all the goals he is willing to score this season!
Lastly, here are my quickshot predictions for the EPL and other UEFA competitions:
EPL Top 4 (in order of finish): Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool
EPL relegation: Blackpool, Wolves, West Brom
Carling Cup: Manchester City
FA Cup: Manchester United
Europa League: Liverpool
Champions League: Barcelona
Player of the Year: Wayne Rooney
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