New Season. What are your hopes and expectations?

[Lord Tredegars Macaw]

It's that time again. We are on the verge of another football season that will stretch nerves to breaking point. I love this time of year. Everybody has high hopes (which, in my case, are usually dashed 30 minutes into the first game) of a successful season.

So, how do you (realistically) think your team will do this year? Who are they playing first up?

In my case my team are Newport County who are playing in the Blue Square South (that's two steps beneath the English Football League). Our first match is next Saturday, away at Bishops Stortford. A point will do me there.

I hope, and believe, that County can finish in the top 5 this year, and maybe, just maybe, with a huge slice of luck, win promotion to the Blue Square Premier (or the 'Conference' for all you traditionalists out there). But, then again, this is Newport County, so forgive me for being cautious....

As for winning the whole kit and kaboodle. I think this is Chelsea's year for the title. Man Utd are weaker this year, so are Arsenal, so, I think, are Liverpool if they do not replace Xabi Alonso effectively; and Man City are insane, and are currently too busy lighting their cigars with £50 notes to actually mount a serious title challenge.

[Rambis]

1. If the Reds replace Alonso

with Lee Cattermole and Alberto Aquilani then we might be alright? The Xabi situation was/is a distraction. I thought he would force a transfer eventually but two weeks before the season is bad timing. I am worried about anyone coming in and fitting into the squad. What impact does this have on Torres and the dressing room? It still isn't over because Madrid won't come up to 33 Million but if they want him that is the price. He can't play for us again. I wish we could get back to the days when there were loyalties to the club and no one was on 150,000 a week! Chelsea are team to beat, god that hurt:)

[Lord Tredegars Macaw]

5. Xabi Alonso has now left the building!

It seems as if Aquilani is indeed lined up as his replacement. I like what I've read about 'Aqua Man' apart from the fact that he seems to be made out of glass. His appearance record for Roma suggests he might be a tad fragile. I don't really know enough about him though, so this is just idle speculation on my part.

Newspapers (who of course have nothing better to do at this time of year) are throwing out all kinds of replacement names: 21 year old Steven Defour of Standard Liege, Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao, David Silva, and Laursen of Juventus (as a stop-gap until Aquilani can play presumably).

I heard an interview with the ex-Liverpool and England central defender Mark Wright and he wants Benitez to break the bank and sign David Villa, play him up front with Torres, and drop Gerrard back to central midfield. I don't know if Benitez would have the financial clout to sign Villa even now though with Man United sniffing around too.

All shall soon become clear....

[Rambis]

7. Villa is a dream signing

I don't know about moving Stevie G back? He is so good with Torres and pushing forward that I would hate to do anything there. I am just glad that the Alonso saga is done and dusted, finally!

I am counting on an all Fulham back line this year for fantasy league.



Hangeland


Hughes


Konchesky

[Upton]

2. I have fears

more than hopes and expectations. With City throwing around all that money, some of it on Toure and Adebayor, and with Wenger refusing to get involved in the transfer market...I'm worried about Arsenal's place in the top four.

[Lord Tredegars Macaw]

3. Toure was a hell of a loss

but were you pleased (like a lot of Arsenal fans I've spoken to) to get shot of Adebayor? Last season he just seemed to be going through the motions for me.

Wenger really does spend Arsenal's money as if it was his own. In fact, caution and shrewdness is starting to look quite miserly. As I speak news is filtering through that he has pulled out of signing the Bordeux striker Chamakh over the price. Perhaps he is right, but, my goodness, he doesn't like to spend money. Refreshing, I suppose, compared to Manchester City's splurge, but I think I would be slightly concerned if I was a Gunner.

Still, Jack Wilshere has looked superb in pre-season. Getting rave reviews. Wenger is still the best boss around for spotting youthful talent.

[nickgutierrez]

4. If Fulham stay up, I'm happy.

They have to keep Hangeland, and they have to bring in another striker - you know, one that can find the broadside of a barn - to play alongside AJ. Zamora is terrible.

Also, maybe this is the year Cambridge United finally claw back into the league. The way they went out in the playoff last year makes me sick.

[Lord Tredegars Macaw]

6. Well Cambridge better go up this year

because if they don't they will be doomed in a league containing the mighty Newport County in the 2010-11 season! Tremble all who must face Dean Holdsworth's valiant black-and-amber soldiers from over the Severn Bridge! Ahem.

Perhaps the excitement of the dawn of a new season is getting to me. I think I'll go sit in a quiet, darkened room with a brandy. I'll feel better soon. Apologies everyone.

[Rambis]

8. Reds sign Aquilani

Liverpool FC today confirmed they have agreed a deal with AS Roma for the transfer of Italian international Alberto Aquilani, subject to a medical.
Liverpool concluded their discussions with Roma once the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid was finally agreed.

Aquilani, who recently celebrated his 25th birthday, is expected to feature heavily for Italy in next year’s World Cup finals.

Rafa Benitez said: "Alberto is a very good player and I'm delighted we've reached agreement with Roma for his transfer. He will travel to Merseyside later this week for a medical. Alberto has a winning mentality and great experience in both Serie A and the Champions League.

"He has long been recognised as a top class talent in Italy, captaining his country at both Under 19 and Under 21 levels before establishing himself in the senior national side.


http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N165312090805-1649.htm

[Lord Tredegars Macaw]

9. Medical Permitting!

Apparently it is going to be quite a strict medical because of Aqua Man's injury record.

I did read one article this morning that amused me. It pointed out that Liverpool's medical staff and resources are far superior to Romas. Ever since then I have been unable to shift the image in my head of long-bearded doctors armed with leeches sitting in the FC Roma dug-out.

Perhaps all Aquilani needed was the invention of penicillin. He will play every game of the season now.

[Rambis]

10. They changed the link on LFC

It was a done and dusted yesterday for about an hour. Then somebody on LFC Globe looked and the club back tracked but left the original link to a slightly different story. I hope this is done now we need Lee C and a backup striker and we can get this thing going.

I picture farmers in flat caps looking over the horse deciding if they are going to shoot it or not.

[Lord Tredegars Macaw]

11. Aqua Man Dodges The Bullet

It sounds like an old Marvel Comic Book, but it is true, he has passed his 'rigorous' medical. He is SO fit that he can start training again in 4-8 weeks! To pass a medical while injured is a feat worthy of a superhero. Take Downing, he has moved from Middlesbrough to Aston Villa, despite the fact that he is out until Christmas. What kind of medical did HE have?!!!

Not sure what Bill Shankly would have made of all of this. There's that wonderful story of Shankly making a very rare trip to the Anfield Treatment Room (he hated injured players and called them "malingerers") and finding Tommy Smith lying on the treatment table.

"What's the matter, son?" Shanks asked
"It's my leg boss" Smith replied apologetically
"YOUR leg?" barked Shankly, "YOUR leg? It's Liverpool Football Club's bloody leg!"