Premier Predictions

I surfed the football chat pages of the Internet and asked some fans from around the country how they felt would be the winners and losers of the 1998-99 Premiership Season.

Peter Dobbs from Ireland felt that, "Liverpool look like they really mean business this year, their whole squad seems to ooze class" and Peter concluded that, "Michael Owen is the most complete footballer in the world, and he is only 18 years old. It is frightening to think what he will be capable of doing, I just hope it doesn't all go to his head."

This viewpoint was echoed by John Smith from Nottingham who went on to say, "I think Nottingham Forest, although they have started very well, might struggle as they haven't really added to their squad and later on in the season may pay the penalty."

George Nash from London noted, "Tottenham look like they are really going to struggle this year. They have the press on their back as well, which is always a bad sign."

When it comes to title contenders many fans seemed to think Arsenal would repeat their success of last year, but Tristan Butcher from Bristol commented, "I think Aston Villa have a good say this year, if they can maintain their early season form and buy a few more players then they could sustain a serious challenge for the title."

Julie Baldwin from Norwich gave a surprise tip for success, she noted, "I think Charlton might be the surprise package of the season. They won't win the League but they are showing the fight and determination that could make a European place within their reach."

Emma Bunting from Glasgow made a valid point by noting, "Not one team in the premiership won their first two games, and in my opinion this shows that the quality gap between the teams is closing. Everton, Spurs and even Newcastle could seriously struggle this year, as there are no easy games. Southampton however look like they might be dead and buried by Christmas."

A final collection of views was taken from Jason Marsh from Kettering who went as far as predicting the top three teams, he noted, "I think Arsenal will finish top, Leeds second and Manchester United third. I really rate George Graham as a manager and feel that despite being boring, Leeds will challenge for honours this year."

Well, an interesting selection of views. Personally, despite the bright opening, I can't see Charlton surviving the season, and feel Spurs or even Newcastle could join them in the drop. As for the title, who knows? I just get the feeling that we might get a new name on the Premiership crown this year and with Michael Owen looking a class apart I wouldn't be surprised if it was Liverpool.

Let's get behind the lads this afternoon and remember that the season is a marathon and not a sprint. Despite the setbacks we have experienced in the last few weeks we must make sure we get back on track this afternoon.

Will Jones