Exciting Build-up to the new Premier League Season

The Premier League Trophy

With Euro 2012 cluttering up the brain matter reserved for the not-so-fond-memories of most of us, and the Olympics just around the corner, things are slowly heating up in the build-up to the 2012/13 English Premier League.

Champions and this season’s Premier League betting favourites Manchester City have had the purse-strings drawn tightly thus far, with Roberto Mancini maintaining he will not disrupt the team in any major way during this transfer window, but expect late action in the form of moves for RVP and at least two other big-name signings. He must clear some deadweight first, however.

Chelsea lead the way in the summer spending stakes so far, showing serious intent to build upon their epic Champions League success with some shrewd business in luring Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar to Stamford Bridge.

Last season’s narrowly-defeated big-guns, Manchester United aim to bolster their ageing midfield and have made some positive inroads with the signings of Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell. A reliable defensive midfielder and perhaps another centre-half should see them mount another strong challenge this time ‘round.

Arsenal, with the imminent departure of RVP should have some spare cash in the kitty to strengthen their squad and have already signed a couple of impressive attacking replacements in the form of Podolski and Giroud.

Expect reformed challenges from Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool and Andres Vila Boas’ Spurs as both new gaffers attempt to introduce a new style of football to their respective clubs. It’ll be interesting to see how this particular head-to-head unfolds and it’ll be fascinating to see who prevails when it comes to challenging for the coveted Champions League spots come next May.

There’s still plenty of time remaining in this transfer window, with late drama sure to unfold, as always. If you’re having a flutter, online bookies Paddy Power are offering some great odds on a wide range of football markets.

Why not let us know your thoughts on how you think the world’s most exciting league will pan out over the next eight months? There’s bound to be highs, there’s bound to be lows and one other constant remains – The Big Football will be following every punt, kick and tackle along the way!


Photo Courtesy of edwin.11

Robbie Keane moves to Liverpool

After many complaints by the Spurs because of Liverpool's talk with the player, well it seems that money solved it all because after a charity donation made to the foundation of Tottenham, they have agreed not to pursue any charges against Liverpool.

The transaction worth about 20 million pounds (thats about 25 million €) about the same as Torres's transfer, brings Keane a salary of 80.000 pounds per week.

The problem I see for Tottenham is what they will do if Manchester United decide to buy Berbatov as it was rumored (remember that Man Utd haven't bought anything yet), because that will strip them of the other main striker the team still had last seasson, and maybe the Champions League dream will end now again before the season even starts!

Essien another 5 years at Chelsea

Michael Essien (the second most expensive transfer in the history at Stamford Bridge, 24m pounds, after Shevchenko, 30m pounds) has signed a new contract with Chelsea extending until 2013.

Being a key member of the central axle along with Cech, Terry, Lampard, Ballack and Drogba, Big Phil will surely be happy to know that Essien isn't going anywhere.