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Man Utd No Longer Title Favourites Tuesday 18th August 2009
Nicholas Anelka has declared that Chelsea are now the favourites to claim the Premier League title this season.
He feels that since Man Utd lost Ronaldo, they do not have the strength in their squad to overcome Chelsea’s threat. Anelka has also written off Arsenal’s and Liverpool’s chances of league glory, declaring that both teams will not be in contention at the end of the season.
However, he had better not start counting his chickens too soon, as the Blues needed an injury time winner from Drogba to struggle past Hull on the opening day. They will be hoping to bounce back in style tonight against Sunderland.
Manchester United also managed an opening weekend victory, however they scored just once at home to newly promoted Birmingham City. The 1-0 score line did not live up to what many fans and Fantasy Stakes managers expected.
The Red Devils will be looking for an improved performance against Burnley on Wednesday, so look to put Rooney and Berba in your teams, as it could be goals galore as United seek revenge for a below par show on Sunday.
Liverpool fared worse as they went down 2-1 away at Spurs. The Reds were early pre-season contenders for the title this season, after running United close last time out. Their performance at White Hart Lane however, was poor. Torres looked tired, Gerrard lacked sharpness and the team as a whole seemed to find it hard to gel.
Benitez has his work cut out to bring this team back up to a high standard of play which is required to win the Premiership. On Wednesday evening they are at home to Stoke City who held them to a 0-0 draw at Anfield last season, so Rafa’s men will have to pull out all the stops to grab the 3 points. A cheeky Stoke defence in your Fantasy Stakes team this round could well pay off!
Arsenal on the other hand fared the best on opening weekend among the “top 4”. Their crushing 6-1 away win at Everton raised the bar for the rest of the league to aim for during the season.
Arsene Wenger believes that it is his team’s season to bring home the title, after several years of nurturing youth and ignoring frequent high profile signings. This is the year where it could pay off for Arsene and from first impressions he may well be right. Fantasy Stakes managers should take note of the midfield and attacking talent of the Arsenal squad and you may well find some bargains for your team!
Anelka says Chelsea are favourites, Fergie is confident that United will win a fourth successive title and Rafa has his tail between his legs. However are any of them looking over their shoulders at the Gunners? If not, they should start doing so…
