It will undoubtedly be a wild ride and these are ten of the things I'm expecting to happen:
1. The Emergence of Chicharito - Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez will emerge as a reliable goal scoring threat off the bench and will slot at least one late game winner reminiscent of Kiko Macheda's effort against Aston Villa in '09. The youngster has shown a nose (and face for that matter) for goal throughout the pre-season and I anticipate that there is a classic moment forthcoming from Mexican striker.
2. The Resurgence of Berba - another prediction based partly on pre-season exploits and partly from a desire to see Dimitar Berbatov silence his critics, I anticipate that Berbatov will have a stellar year and top his 12 goal output from a season ago. I'm predicting a strong season from Berbatov taking some of the weight from Wayne Rooney's shoulders and linking well with Antonio Valencia and Nani while offering up numerous flashes of the brilliance in the box expected by fans since his signing in 2008.
3. Another Owen Classic - Michael Owen's 2009/10 season was shortened by an unfortunate hamstring injury but not before two moments of brilliance that helped shape the season. The winner against Manchester City along with the goal in the Football League Cup final were certainly memorable and evidence that Owen still has something left in the tank. While not a consistent first choice starter, his skillfully timed runs and experience would suggest that another late game winner in a big match isn't out of question.
4. Young Guns - Much has been written about the youth that has been injected into this United side. While one would imagine Sir Alex Ferguson will continue to rely on the veterans in the big match ups, I'm expecting to see some of the youngsters appear prominently in the various non-Premier League competitions throughout the season. The talent is there and I wouldn't be surprised in the least by a strong FA Cup run sparked by the numerous young talents appearing in the United squad.
5. Nani will be OK - Invoking a range of emotion from adoration to frustration, Nani showed moments of brilliance last season. His blistering pace has always caused match up problems for opposing defenses, and it seemed like it all started to come together last season for the young winger. I think Nani builds off of last year's strong showing and not only manages to stay healthy for the bulk of season, but I think missing out on action in the World Cup because of injury will actually keep Nani fresh for a late season surge.
6. Defense wins Championship - Strong defending goes along way towards securing a title in any sport and the United defense's run of clean sheets was integral to securing the Premier League title in 2009. I envision a return to that strong form as the season motors along. Still riddled with key injuries, I'm predicting health to return to the back 4. In addition, with Nemanja Vidic's tenure at Old Trafford no longer in question, I anticipate the heart of the back 4 being in top form once Rio Ferdinand returns from injury. With the additions of Chris Smalling, the continued emergence of Jonny Evans and Rafael and the stalwart that is Patrice Evra, one would think that not only will Sir Alex have a strong pool of defenders to choose from once everyone is healthy, but a formidable group that will come up big in a push towards the title.
7. Old Foe, New Stakes - For some reason, I sense an Inter-Milan/United pairing at some point during the UEFA Champions League. Admittedly just a hunch, but the prospect of "welcoming" back Rafa Benitez to Old Trafford on one of those European nights just seems too appropriate for me. Let's hope that this Champions League rivalry from 2009 returns in favor of the lads in United Red.
8. Four becomes Six - When the smoke clears on the 2010/11 season, I think the notion of the Big 4 will truly be one of the past. I envision at least 6 squads in viable competition for the title at the beginning of the year and a staunch fight for places 4 and 5 that will leave many observers questioning whether there are more than 4 top clubs fighting for precious space atop the table.
9. Wayne Wonder - I predict that Wayne Rooney will lead the EPL in goal scoring this season. After notching 34 goals last season while missing a handful of fixtures down the stretch, I see Rooney continuing his brilliance throughout the season. With additional help up front, I don't see Rooney wearing down physically as he did towards the end of last season. I also think playing with a slight chip on his shoulder after an uncharacteristic display in the World Cup will lead to Rooney torching opponent's defenses en route to an EPL goal scoring title.
10. Number 19 - After a hard fought season, I predict United with lift the Premier League trophy after securing the necessary points for the title in the last week of the season, holding off rivals Chelsea in dramatic fashion once again.
Maybe I'll be able to revisit some of these predictions at the midpoint of the year. Until then, Enjoy the season!
Contributed by Michael Costa / Ascots & Hightops
Contributed by Michael Costa / Ascots & Hightops
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