I am not hugely convinced by all the predictions - I think we will miss XA. I think the main challengers are all, on paper, weaker than before. Not sure they will be though: MU through losing their huge source of goals (Owen WILL score - apparently best goals/shots ratio in league last year!); Chelsea through age, ANC and possible unfamiliarity (I think Ancelotti will get the best out of his older players - have you seen the Milan Lab!!!??) ; Arse through losing experience (but also losing some divisiveness too).
It is debateable as to whether our squad has got weaker though. Alonso is a big loss - his replacement is not ready for a few weeks and plays in a different way. Liverpool will have to change as I do not think we have anyone that can enable play in the way that Xabi did. I dunno how Aquilani will be but I am 100% that Lucas will be better than he has been - and he has actually been pretty good since he had his hair cut! Lucas has, quietly but effectively, been involved in some big big games and not been found wanting - like a few of our players, he has been weaker in mid-level games. Our defence is stronger if you just consider personnel - Carra is our oldest player in the squad and, at 31, is not old. Others are expected to be better with time. Johnson, on face value, is an upgrade.
Our attack is not weaker, and might be stronger - young players with a bit more time and experience. N'Gog scored one goal less than Tevez last season iirc.
It is debateable as to whether our squad has got weaker though. Alonso is a big loss - his replacement is not ready for a few weeks and plays in a different way. Liverpool will have to change as I do not think we have anyone that can enable play in the way that Xabi did. I dunno how Aquilani will be but I am 100% that Lucas will be better than he has been - and he has actually been pretty good since he had his hair cut! Lucas has, quietly but effectively, been involved in some big big games and not been found wanting - like a few of our players, he has been weaker in mid-level games. Our defence is stronger if you just consider personnel - Carra is our oldest player in the squad and, at 31, is not old. Others are expected to be better with time. Johnson, on face value, is an upgrade.
Our attack is not weaker, and might be stronger - young players with a bit more time and experience. N'Gog scored one goal less than Tevez last season iirc.
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