1. Clint Demesey, Mid, Fulham
Prediction: Hughes is a great pick at manager for Fulham, so despite not having a deep squad, the Cottagers should better last year's 12th place finish, especially with no European soccer. Dempsey had a good World Cup and we should see 35-40 appearances from him with another ten goals.
2. Brad Friedel, GK, Aston Villa
Prediction: Without Barry, maybe Milner, and especially O'Neill, Aston Villa are going to be hard pressed to repeat their sixth place finish. Friedel might not be getting any younger but he still has a few miles left in him. The addition of Richard Dunne helps give him a great, consistent, and underrated back four. Villa may not make it back Europe but it won't be Friedel's fault.
3. Brad Guzman, GK, Aston Villa
Prediction: There is some talk that Guzan will be loaned out next season. He was not happy about being benched in the League Cup final, after leading Villa through the tournament. Friedel is still good enough to play every game for the Villans. I do expect Guzan to be loaned out from Villa Park, maybe even to a Premier League side.
4. Marcus Hahnemann, GK, Wolverhampton
Prediction: Wolves has made a few additions in the offseason and, if the wheels don't come off too early, they should be able to stave off relegation for another year. Hahnemann may be 38, but he still should be a solid presence for Wolverhampton.
5. Stuart Holden, Mid, Bolton
Prediction: It will be difficult for Holden to crack Bolton's starting lineup and even accumulate much playing time because the Wanderers are deep in the midfield. Still, Bolton will survive and Holden should see around 15 appearances, many of which will not be league games.
6. Tim Howard, GK, Everton
Prediction: If the Toffees can avoid a horrible start, then they should finish in the top seven. Without European football this year they will be fresher than their main competition (Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City). Howard should be one the best keepers in the Premiership again as Everton has a solid and cohesive defense and midfield.
7. Eddie Johnson, Forward, Fulham
Prediction: Johnson has voiced his desire to actually play for Fulham this season. It will be his last chance as his contract expires after this year. I don't think he will be loaned out, but I also don't think he will appear in more than five to ten games. It's impossible to tell how many goals Johnson will score, but if Greece was an indicator we should expect one or two. I don't see him being at Craven Cottage next season.
8. Eric Lichaj, Def, Aston Villa
Prediction: Aston Villa have a lot of good young players, but I expect Lichaj to make the squad based on the fact he has played well every time he has played with the first team. In terms of playing time, I doubt he will see much. Only during the ends of blowouts. Still, he may score a goal or two and has shown his knack for garnering playing time.
9. Jonathan Spector, Def, West Ham
Prediction: When everyone is healthy Spector is around fifth on the depth chart for defenders. So, he should see considerable playing time. He still has some time to get better, especially because he is a defender. West Ham are more talented their 17th place finish would suggest, and I expect them to finish 12-14th. Spector should see time in approximately 30 games and will have another respectable year.
Thanks to bleacherreport.com for this list...
No comments:
Post a Comment