Excited by the start of the EPL? No, I guess not. And are those
Guardian previews a touch too long? Well, here are a couple of lines on each team, just to keep you in touch before tomorrow's kickoff.
Arsenal - Wenger's kept Cesc, but it's at the back where he needs to do some work. Fans will be hoping Koscielny is as good a new signing as was Vermaelen, but the whole defence needs to function better as a unit. A keeper, rather than just a shot-stopper, would help. The attacking should take care of itself.
Aston Villa - Everything was set for a solid, unspectacular season, with a 7th or 8th place finish. Then O'Neill messed it up by resigning. Their fans, in fact all fans, will be praying to every God out there that Sven won't be his replacement. Surely Bradley or Jol would be a wiser choice.
Birmingham - Surely won't repeat last season's success, especially as the promised 40 mil spending spree hasn't materialised. But they've brought in the lanky Zigic and still have the well-oiled defensive partnership of Dann and Johnson, so no need for Blues fans to get worried.
Blackburn - Most likely to be as ugly on the eye as their manager Allardyce is on the ear. Unfortunately his kick-and-rush is quite effective, so they are unlikely to go down. Shame.
Blackpool - Halloway's press interviews will certainly be amusing, but he's a better manager then his wacky character allows to be seen. They also have a decent player in Charlie Adam. That said, it'll be a miracle if they don't go down.
Bolton - Should do well under Coyle, and play some nice football to boot. Re-signing Klasnic is a good move, though they may miss Wilshire. Coyle will be hoping to get more out of Elmander.
Chelsea - Their aging squad will catch up with them soon, but perhaps not quite yet. Terry, Malouda and Lampard will be happy to be back at Chelsea. Chelsea will be happy to have Essien back. As always, they could do with more flair, but are still a good bet for the title.
Everton - Christmas came early for Toffees fans with Arteta and Rodwell resigning. If they stay fit and Everton hit the road running, which they often don't, Mo's men could well do some damage this season.
Fulham - It's after the Lord Mayor's speech for Hughes. The Welshman's track record is pretty good, but it's going to be tough to match Hodgson's success, not to mention rapport with the fans. Keeping Zamora fit and buying Bellamy would help.
Liverpool - Many saw Hodgson as a boring, safe, anti-Benitez replacement, but his pre-season work of keeping Gerrard and Torres, while bringing in some good signings, has slightly risen the optimism at Anfield. The defence should be better organised but when Torres breaks down who's going to get the goals? Ngog?
Man City - God only knows what will happen to this Frankenstein's monster. A shed load of cash brings plenty of new signings, but also plenty of pressure. Getting them to function as a team won't be easy. Their signings look good, but none really sets the pulse racing. Balotelli could make things more interesting, though.
ManU - Hernandez should prove good support for Rooney, but if Smalling can do the same for Vidic is doubtful. He could need it, as Rio seems to be falling to bits. That, and a lack of creativity in midfield [Ozil?] could make it difficult for them to regain top spot.
Newcastle - The Championship was won convincingly, but the team isn't that different from the one relegated two seasons ago. Maybe Fatty Campbell will eat them up the league. Unlike poorly supported clubs such as Wigan, NCFC fill their stadium, so let's hope they stay up.
Stoke - It's not easy to like the Potters. There's the route-one dominated football, the general thuggery and the manager's a bit of a dick. But there's no doubting the results. And they're also less dour than teams like Blackburn and far better supported than teams like Wigan, so seeing them stay up won't be so bad.
Sunderland - Not only has Bruce brought in his favourite, Titus Bramble, he's recruited his usual 4 or 5 unknown players from around the globe. A couple of whom usually turn out pretty good, so mid-table shouldn't be a problem.
Tottenham - Recreating last season's success could prove difficult. They only seem to have one fit central defender, the CL could be a distraction and Joe Cole turned them down. But with Bale, Lennon and especially Modric, their wing play should delight.
West Brom - It's hard to see the archetypal yo-yo team doing anything other than playing some attractive football, producing the odd surprise result and then going back down to the Championship. A nightmare first 6 fixtures won't help things.
West Ham - The jury is still out on the Mr Toad/Jabba the Hut/Orc/Fat Tony/Baron Silas Greenback/Boss Nass likealike Avram Grant. But he'll be hoping to retain Parker, get the best out of Cole and praying Green has short term memory loss. He'll also be able to help find a new masseur.
Wigan - Martinez will continue to build an entertaining team. Entertaining, because they play attacking soccer, but also because their defence is as brittle as a cheese cracker. Sadly, Wigan is a rugby league town, so they'll be watched by two men and a dog. Could be a tough season.
Wolves - Surprised most by staying up last term, but second season syndrome will be tough to avoid. No doubt Mick McCarthy will continue to build a team in his own image - nice and dour.
The waiting will finally be over on Saturday as the new Premier League season kicks off.
