RADIO
Luke takes a look at five stories to watch for the 2015-16 Premier League (BPL, EPL) season, analyzing Harry Kane, Radamel Falcao, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
The new 2015/2016 Premier League season is less than a week away and with it, comes another year of pulsating and unpredictable action from the world's best league.
With new managers and signings, every season brings something to look forward to and this season isn't any different. We take a look at five things to look forward to this upcoming season!
Editor’s Note: be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about English Premier League (EPL, BPL) fantasy analysis and European football news.
Is Harry Kane the Real Deal?
It's extraordinary when you think Harry Kane just about missed out on the Golden Boot last season, especially when he was a third choice striker at the beginning of it. Behind Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor in the pecking order, Spurs' lack of firepower saw the young Englishman given a chance and he took it with both hands, scoring virtually every game at one point as he rejuvenated a poor Spurs side.
However, despite ending the season with 21 league goals in 34 games (compared to three in 10 in 2013/2014), there are still doubts about Kane. Not many are convinced if he's the real deal (like Wayne Rooney at his age), as some believe he'll end up being another one-season-wonder amid the rumors of a move to Manchester United.
Hence, all eyes will be on the 22-year-old to see if he really is a big deal or just a one season wonder. Based on preseason action though, it looks like it'll be the former.
Radamel Falcao's Second Stint
Not impressing by any means during his loan stint at Manchester United, all eyes will be on the Colombian. On loan with the Blues this upcoming season, it looks to be a defining season for Falcao as if he fails to impress.
It's hard to see him continuing at the top level, especially considering his wages. So literally a make or break season for the Colombian. Maybe his best can come at Stamford Bridge?
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will look to bring out the best of arguably the best pure number nine in the world, at least from a few years ago, who scored goals like this:
New Look Manchester United
Manchester United have made a host of signings this season to go along with their summer spending spree from 2014. With Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Sergio Romero, Matteo Darmian and Memphis Depay all signed, this United side looks very different from the one Sir Alex Ferguson left behind.
With Robin van Persie now departed, as well as the likely departures of Angel di Maria and David de Gea, it'll certainly be interesting to see this new look United side operate this upcoming season. On paper, they should be much better than last season, but losing a couple of key players could mean this may be another season of transition.
But crazier things have happened and United fans can be very excited about the new season, especially with a month of the transfer window remaining for new arrivals.
Via DailyMail
Will Chelsea Get the Defending Champion Syndrome?
No team has defended the Premier League title since Manchester United last did it in 2008 and 2009. Chelsea won in 2010, but suffered a huge drop in form the following season, allowing United to win it again in 2011. A blip towards the end of the 2011/2012 season saw United lose their title to rivals Manchester City.
Roberto Mancini's side couldn't mount a proper title defense at all as United won again in 2013 until City got things together under Manuel Pellegrini and secured the title in 2014 on the last day. This past season, Chelsea won the title with City faltering again in their title defense - the question is will Chelsea be able to retain it?
When the experienced Mourinho won his first league title with the Blues in 2005, he retained it the following season as well so it's likely. But with no major additions to the side other than Falcao and with other rivals strengthening, one wonders whether we'll be seeing a new champion come May 2016.
Arsenal's Quest for a First League Title Since 2004
It's been said for a while, but this really could be Arsenal's best chance of a league title. With virtually no first teamers having departed the squad, the consolidation in midfield of Francis Coquelin's place, the renewals of Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott's contracts, and the signing of Petr Cech, the Gunners are better placed than last year to mount a proper title challenge.
Provided they have better luck with injuries, their current squad - despite what others may think - could even give City and Chelsea a run for their money. But the general feeling is one big signing is required, be it in midfield or up front.
Karim Benzema is the name on everyone's lips, and if he does sign - which is a big if - not even the biggest Spurs fans can deny the fact that Arsenal might just win the league for the first time in 2004. Regardless, it'll definitely be interesting to see how the Gunners fare in 2015/2016.
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