Across the state, Goa-based fan groups of the English Premier League (EPL) teams are already
planning where they can catch the matches of the first weekend that will mark
the start of the season.
A
season that will be different for many reasons. For starters, this is the first
year where the transfer season for the EPL will close before the league starts
and teams are frantically trying to conclude the hectic transfer activity by
deadline day. With the EPL becoming tougher every year, every point is vital
for the big six in particular as they hope to emerge as champions at the end of
the league. Many of the players have played in the World Cup and so it remains
to be seen how the new-look teams line up at the start of the season.
Manchester City won the league last year emphatically and the
team will continue to be the team that has the best chance of winning the
league again. There is a great energy within the team, we have strong players
and the team has grown so much. We will definitely be competing in the
tournaments and the Champions League is a big target. We have proved our
critics wrong and tactically we are one of the best in England and among the
top teams in the World. Pep Guardiola deserves a lot of credit for taking us to
the next level.
NADEEM SHAIKH, Manchester City fan
It’s a new season for Arsenal without Arsene Wenger at the helm.
One can already see the kind of changes the new manager, Unai Emery, wants to
bring to the table but the real test will be during the league. Arsenal needs
to get back into the top four and into the Champions League. Who knows, we
could win the Europa League this year given Unai’s track record and perhaps
even compete for the title if everything goes to plan. However, a more
realistic expectation would be a top four finish and hopefully the team can
build from there on.
STEPHEN
FERNANDES, Arsenal fan
We had a fantastic season last year where we reached the
Champions League final and beat league winners Manchester City twice on the way
to that final. We are in great form and have made some stellar signings this
season. Liverpool definitely has a chance at winning the league and there are
high expectations in the other tournaments as well. We were ruthless in our
attack last season and I think we should be able to sort the problems at the
back this season. Our manager, Jurgen Klopp, is one of the best in the world
and we can do this!
AKSHAY
DESSAI, Liverpool fan
Tottenham is no longer the underdog. We as a team have been
consistent over the last few years and have only improved. We do not lose
easily and we have Harry Kane! The English team this year at the World Cup had
a lot of players from Tottenham, which is an indication of the quality of the
team. The World Cup fatigue is a concern but I think the unity in this team is
very strong and there is a very good spirit among the players. We should be able
to continue our good form and will compete for the title.
JOHN
MENEZES, Tottenham Hotspur fan
Ideally all the kind of transfer related problems should have
been addressed much earlier, especially since we have a new manager, Maurizio
Sarri. Chelsea has tasted success under new managers and Sarri is highly rated.
I think the team will be able to cope with whatever is happening and will be a
strong team on the pitch. The club has the mentality and experience to win
trophies and this season won’t be any different. Dropping out of the Champions
League last season hurt us but it would be foolish to write us off this season.
Hopefully we hit the ground running.
PRAKASH
NAIK, Chelsea fan
All the recent noise aside, if you just compare our team’s
performances last season, we actually had quite a good year. We were right
there competing at the highest level. This season already looks promising and I
think we are in a position to address the issues that troubled us a bit last
year. While we have an idea of how the team will start and who will play in
what position, it will be interesting to see how all this plays out. This team
is hungry for a trophy and winning the title is a top priority for this season.
FREDDY DA SILVA, Manchester United fan
