Firstly, I know I didn't do a blog yesterday. It was a bit slow of me, but I had more important stuff to do than essentially type out my own opinions on football on a web page a few people might read. I do enjoy it but sometimes sitting on your arse doing completely nothing is what Saturdays afternoons are all about.
Moving onward - There is only 3 weeks until my beloved Arsenal kick off against Liverpool at Anfield for the first league game of the season. I find that very exciting. I hope everybody finds how close we are getting exciting. The football league begins even sooner! A (slightly controversial?) Friday night kick off between newly promoted Norwich and the Glory Hornets Watford will spell the official return of real football to England. I cannot fucking wait for that, and hopefully the night out it will end as. If Watford win I might just eat a kebab.
So with the season drawing so close you would think that managers want to be really getting their squads sorted - for example Harry is a bit worried, which makes a change. You'd think they would want at least the week before the big kick-off to train with their complete squad. However, a mixture of a slow transfer market and a number of high profile injuries might just mean that some of the top sides in the Premier League will have a tainted start to the season. Chelsea are pretty much experiencing the first mini-injury crisis of the season. First Petr Cech was ruled out for their first three games. Then Alex was ruled out for a month which may see him struggle to make the first two weekends. Now Didier Drogba, their number one man, has undergone a groin operation which is likely to disrupt his pre-season efforts after a long season for the Ivorian. He is likely to miss the start of the season. With reports that Ricardo Carvalho could be on his way to team up once more with Mourinho at Real Madrid (warning - could be bullshit) and John Terry's subtle blend of poor form, tiring legs and mental insecurities - the Champions don't seem to solid going into the curtain raiser on August 14th.
I doubt it will actually effect their season but they would want to make a commanding start as Champions. Unlike United, Chelsea are not used to having to come from a long way back to win Premier League titles. I know last season yadayada...but not from a long way back.
Also, Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand is apparently still six weeks away from repair. He also had his problems last year and has struggled to find consistent form for United since...well...I guess the Champions League final against Barcelona in 2009. But a slow transfer window has also limited the top two clubs from investing heavily in their squads. They have added some good players each but nothing to make you think they are trying to progress with new recruits. It seems that the youngsters at United and Chelsea may have to take a step up this season. That is unless....the transfer window goes insane in the next month or so. And I fully expect it will.
Over the next few weeks I think that Spurs, who have their own injury problems, Arsenal, Liverpool and City will all bring in 2 or 3 more players. Some because they can. Some because they have to. United and Chelsea will probably do so also. Then you will have the other teams in the Premier League stocking up for the new season on top of the usual deadline day scramble for loans and cut price deals which the lower divisions and premier league alike revel in.
Cannot wait.
In terms of rounding up news, there isn't a lot really. Torres' situation at Liverpool remains murky and unclear, United appear to have lost a bit in terms of season ticket sales and David James looks set to join Celtic - allegedly via Arsenal, who weren't interested.
Have a relaxed Sunday, more tomorrow.
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