Hi all,

This commences the first post for me on The Red Devil blog. Some thoughts on the new schedule follow, but first factors which will play lead roles in who from the big 4 will claim the crown come May 2011. My account of the big four this coming season is Utd, ChelC, Man CT, and Arsenal.

Leading factors

1. The weather – how many games shall be postponed and cramped much closer to crunch time

2. Performance of the medical department – Utd’s medical dept was absolutely out of wack last season as was Arsenal’s

3. Performance and run in domestic cups

4. Sky Sports – how many games will be rescheduled for early kick-offs following CL games

5. Adaptation to the new 25-man squad rule

6. Performances and run in CL – looking for a very strong Utd performance this season. Man CT will be competing in Europa so their analysis is related to such

7. 12th man – Utd fans have to make a choice at some stage as the protests will at some point begin to impact  player performance

2010-2011 season should see relatively weaker performances from Liverpool and Tottenham, and stronger performances from Everton, Blackburn, Sunderland, Fulham, Birmingham City and Villa.

In regards to the upcoming season:

ChelC seem to have the easiest start. Their first 10 games sees them face Man CT, Arsenal, Villa and Rovers from the main 12 teams in the premier league. Man Utd in their first 10 face Fulham, Everton, Liverpool, Sunderland and Tottenham. Arsenal shall face-off Liverpool, Rovers, Sunderland, ChelC, Birmingham City and Man CT. In turn Man CT will have to contend with Tottenham, Liverpool, Sunderland, Rovers (this is their first 4 games…wow!), ChelC and Arsenal.

The last 10 games AGAIN sees ChelC have the easier ending. From the main 12, they face Man CT, Tottenham, Man Utd and Everton. United in turn have Liverpool, Fulham, Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea and Rovers (4 of their last 5 games are going to be critical). Arsenal face Sunderland, Rovers, Liverpool, Utd, Villa and Fulham. Man CT shall be prviledged with ChelC, Sunderland, Liverpool, Tottenham, Rovers and Everton.

This almost looks like the season organizers have basically afforded ChelC the crown on a silver plate. However, stronger opposition towards the end of the season can be quite desirable especially if a strong run is made in the champions league.