Premier League 2011-2012 Fixtures - Thoughts, Discussion & Expectations.

[Escorpiius]

Okay, the fixtures for Premier League 2011/2012 season has been published since Friday.

The new campaign kicks off on Saturday 13th August. Champions Manchester United begin the defence of their Barclays Premier League title away to West Bromwich Albion.
Chelsea begin away to Stoke City.
Newly-promoted Swansea City play their first ever fixture in the Premier League away to Manchester City who will be full-on again on the transfer market surely and will pose more and more as a legitimate threat.
Newcastle United meet Arsenal at St James' Park in a re-run of last season's thrilling 4-4 draw that was not without controversies

Here's the Full Fixtures List --->

You must be registered for see links

The Key Matches

It is a tough start for the Gunners who host Liverpool on Week 2 and visit Old Trafford on Week 3.

To be noted that mostly all Manchester United's expected tough matches will be played in the first 10 games. If Manchester United are sailing relatively high after these 10 games, it can be said that their chances of winning the title for a new unprecedented 20th times will be high.
Among these 10 matches, they will play notably against Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton (pretty much the whole elite).

The first meeting between last season's top two (ManU and Chelsea) comes at Old Trafford on 17th September and at Stamford Bridge on 4th Febuary 2012.

Chelsea's match are mostly balanced with important matches not really back-to-back.

Boxing Day fixtures

For me, this is what makes the Premier League harder than other leagues and perhaps, the final winner is often decided on those snowy and festivities period. The Top5 teams (ManU, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man.City and Liverpool) got relatively easy matches in those times with Chelsea and Man. City matches a little harder.

Final day fixtures

Chelsea v Blackburn
Everton v Newcastle
Man City v QPR
Norwich v Aston Villa
Stoke v Bolton
Sunderland v Man Utd
Swansea v Liverpool
Tottenham v Fulham
West Brom v Arsenal
Wigan v Wolverhampton

Final Predictions

Well, being a Manchester United fan since always, I expect us to win and frankly, we've got good chances.
If we get mostly good results in those first 10 games, we could then make the essential in the remaining games (while concentrating on the final group stages of CL). Having an easy Boxing day is good and after sailing through another rounds of those 10 hard games, we could then concentrate on the CL. Our chances are not bad but it all depends on those 2 rounds of 10 hard games.

How do you find the fixtures overall?

 

[meimei]

Good thread! I'm from near london so am interested in how Chelsea and Arsenel do (let's be honest... they wont win but I want them to do well).. part of me wants West Bromley and Blackburn to win though... it's going to be interesting for the smaller teams but the bigger ones... are they going to get enough of a good match?

 

[Yanto]

Good thread! I'm from near london so am interested in how Chelsea and Arsenel do (let's be honest... they wont win but I want them to do well).. part of me wants West Bromley and Blackburn to win though... it's going to be interesting for the smaller teams but the bigger ones... are they going to get enough of a good match?

i don't think they would

 

[meimei]

i don't think they would

That's the sad part of it. The matches sometimes by the line ups mean that it can get boring sometimes and I just want the smaller teams to get their confidence up a bit 1st before tackling the larger ones.

 

[Escorpiius]

Good thread! I'm from near london so am interested in how Chelsea and Arsenel do (let's be honest... they wont win but I want them to do well).. part of me wants West Bromley and Blackburn to win though... it's going to be interesting for the smaller teams but the bigger ones... are they going to get enough of a good match?

Well, Arsenal will have good chances if they doesn't lose all their key players during the transfer season especially as Fabregas, Nasri, Diaby, Arshavin are all important and all may leave. It depends who Wenger will recruit also.

Chelsea will remain a strong contender no matter what according to me.

United is my all-time fav. and I hope they'll win it again though City seems more and more dangerous. Will the Wild card turn into a real Ace? Don't know but City will be more than outsiders this year.

Among outsiders, Tottenham still will be good and never to knock out Liverpool as they are reconstructing both their teams and prides. Some will laugh but amongst the small teams, Sunderland and Everton will no be easy pawns. Big teams better be careful against them.

 

[meimei]

I get the feeling its going to be an interesting year!

 

[Escorpiius]

Hopefully so! YA-HA!

 

[meimei]

Where are you from?

 

[ReLax -]

@KingScorp

I'm gonna say either Liverpool or Chelsea (Their new manager Andre Villas-Boas) gonna take it next season bro

I also wouldn't be surprised if he (Andre Villas-Boas) got Falco and Hulk from Porto.

 

[Akademic]

looking forward to Chelsea v Blackburn, i hope it wont be disappointing

 

[Escorpiius]

Where are you from?

A small island named Mauritius.

@KingScorp

I'm gonna say either Liverpool or Chelsea (Their new manager Andre Villas-Boas) gonna take it next season bro

I also wouldn't be surprised if he (Andre Villas-Boas) got Falco and Hulk from Porto.

We'll see. Boas is no Mourinho yet, so we should not put him on sky yet before he even started his work. There's also the Case Torres...Still, as each season, I always see Chelsea as the primary threat to United. I think that will be same surely this year though City is becoming dangerous....

Liverpool, well, I've begin to think that they'll never win it again. But we'll see how they performs. They were in a reconstructive phase, so we'll see how much they'll progress.

looking forward to Chelsea v Blackburn, i hope it wont be disappointing

The last match. :| Wow, neglecting all these matches for the last one. I hope it'll be worth the wait for you.

 

[ReLax -]

We'll see. Boas is no Mourinho yet, so we should not put him on sky yet before he even started his work. There's also the Case Torres...Still, as each season, I always see Chelsea as the primary threat to United. I think that will be same surely this year though City is becoming dangerous....

Liverpool, well, I've begin to think that they'll never win it again. But we'll see how they performs. They were in a reconstructive phase, so we'll see how much they'll progress.

Not saying he is but lets not forget his season with Porto he went undefeated in Portugal league and I'm not sure if it was also in Europa cup but they won it at the end. He is also bring Falcao for sure from Porto who is extremely talented lets not forget and also rumors of Hulk too. Torres I believe will pick up his form by next season and if he don't will be benched or maybe heading out next tranfer.

City has the money but they can only pick up after other clubs. If Barcelona/Madrid/ManU don't get their players than City will try picking up the players.

Mathematically the calculation showed that if Kenny had taken over Liverpool from the start they could have been the first in league or at least in top 3 but he came half way through and he passed any other coach in the past 4-5 yrs with just half the season in charge of Liverpool. The reason why I believe they will be deadly because they are getting some good signing and like I said will be also like City picking up after others but they are not in CL or Europa league so they will barely be playing mid week games which gives them upper hand except for FA/Curling cup games if they are involved.

One thing I'll say is if Barcelona get Cesc and Alexis Sanchez or even G. Rossi, they can dominated Europe this season again.

 

[Escorpiius]

Not saying he is but lets not forget his season with Porto he went undefeated in Portugal league and I'm not sure if it was also in Europa cup but they won it at the end. He is also bring Falcao for sure from Porto who is extremely talented lets not forget and also rumors of Hulk too. Torres I believe will pick up his form by next season and if he don't will be benched or maybe heading out next tranfer.

City has the money but they can only pick up after other clubs. If Barcelona/Madrid/ManU don't get their players than City will try picking up the players.

Mathematically the calculation showed that if Kenny had taken over Liverpool from the start they could have been the first in league or at least in top 3 but he came half way through and he passed any other coach in the past 4-5 yrs with just half the season in charge of Liverpool. The reason why I believe they will be deadly because they are getting some good signing and like I said will be also like City picking up after others but they are not in CL or Europa league so they will barely be playing mid week games which gives them upper hand except for FA/Curling cup games if they are involved.

One thing I'll say is if Barcelona get Cesc and Alexis Sanchez or even G. Rossi, they can dominated Europe this season again.

Yeah, I know. But you should not forget that despite his fantastic streak, he wasn't first on the Chelsea Wishlist for managers - it was Guus Hiddink. The problem is that even if Falcao and Hulk comes, they'll still have an overload of strikers with Torres, Drogba, Anelka (who's leaving most surely), Kalou and the young Ramires. What they need is a better midfield, I think. Essien is no where to his 2007-2008 level since his injury and Lampard is getting old and also lacking of support. Let's see - Ancelloti was also a good coach whatsoever but Chelsea is such a demanding that coaches don't really stick around - a bit like Madrid.

Whatsoever, City is a club that doesn't only strengthens itself in offensive sector only like the first time the Sheikh arrived. Slowly but surely, they are having a more balanced team and each sectors are being reinforced. Also, not much players will leave - giving them the opportunity to solidify their team. I don't think they'll content themselves by sticking mostly around the biggies this season - mostly they'll try to upset the biggies and uproar.

As you said, it's only Mathematical and should not forget that the main reason that the second half of the went so well is not only because of Dalgish but also because of Suarez who was not here whatsoever before and they had to content themselves with a formless Torres. Yeah, they might be much better this year but I'll doubt they'll be champions though.

I know. Barca is quite on a special cloud right now but should not forget that the higher you get, the more painful will be the fall (like successive injuries, rapid ego clashes, scandals ect...). Too bad, United missed Sanchez. He will have been more useful in the Unite squad rather than in Barca where they mostly got a definite team. It will also be sad to put Pedro on the bench after his season. I agree that Sanchez is a great player. Was really impressed by his performance. I still don't deem Fabregas a necessity in the Barca squad but it's your team...
btw, United signed Ashely Young.

 

[ReLax -]

It's true, he wasn't the first pick but he was a great grab for Chelsea wasn't he? He was under the wing of Mourinho and was their with Chelsea with Mourinho. Speaking of strikers they have now will be gone, I know it they have talks going on with Falcao, Hulk, Agureo, and Neymar (they may at least get 1 or 2 of them) you think Drogba, Anelka, or Torres would matter to them? If anything I can see Torres, Kalou, and Ramires will stay and depending on performances wise some may get benched or may leave next transfer. Midfield I agree but many teams need to work on midfeild including Man U right now. It will take time but he will get use to Chelsea's way and improve them. When I spoke of Chelsea and Liverpool what I meant was that they will be improving and fighting for the league. I also wouldn't be shocked or surprised to see them become champions this season.

Man C I agree but many players their are arrogant and Dezko maybe on his way out as supposedly Madrid are chasing him. You are right they have a strong team and work around every area of the team when it comes to signings. Mario B to be honest I hate the guy with a passion. The will be a threat and will not only make EPL interesting but also CL.

Yes, Kenny has changed Liverpool and Suarez has had a big hand in their second half performance and I think he will be better. Him and Gerrad will work will together now the question is Andy Carroll performances with them. They also may get rid of Raul M. Still have to wait to see who they sign.

As far is it goes for Barcelona you are right, well Xavi, Iniesta, Messi are key to this team and if they get injured problems will arise for sure but you can't count them out. The Sanchez thing is going far now and Barca are pissing me off they chasing Fab and not thinking of anyone right now like last year they signed Villa and Mascherno only. If they keep this up they'll miss Sanchez and Rossi. If you don't recall last year Ozil was suppose to join Barca and he was even spotted their wearing a Messi jersey until Barca missed their chance and he signed with Madrid (In the start their were problems with him and Madrid supporters due to this issue) and his performances has been really good (Man U wanted him this year too abd they couldn't get him ). Young is a great grab and improves their attack but they need mid field now

As far as Cesc goes it's getting really disappointing and boring. I mean the man wants to leave but its hard as he is captain of gunners and the club gave him a lot but at the same time this is a kid who wants to play for his childhood club/city and return to where he was born. The thing that gets me mad is every year gunners keep putting price tag up but Cesc performances drops and games he plays. Cesc is worth a lot but not right now with the way he's playing and I think he'll fit in. Inesita even states Cesc will get the same playing time as him and Xavi. I think he'll replace Sergio. B like I said to add a more of a attacking line with pushing Abidal to LB and staying at more of the half line a long with Pique and Puyol and than keep Alves doing what he does in attack and defend. Also rumours have Villa maybe exiting to get more cash to buy Cesc and Sanchez.

This is how I believe their lineup would look good

Valdez
Alves, Puyol, Pique, Abidal
Xavi, Cesc, Inesita
Pedro, Sanchez
Messi

On the side not what you think of latest transfers talks

Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea or Man C)
Wesley Sneijder (Man U or Man C)
Thiago Alcantara (Man U or Chelsea)
Neymar (Madrid or Chelsea)
Sergio Augero (Inter, Juventus, Real Madrid, or Chelsea)
Sergio Ramos (Man U) - If his contract is not improved by Madrid
Kaka (Chelsea, AC Milan, or Inter)
G. Rossi (Juventus or Barcelona)

 

[Escorpiius]

Yeah, he's a good grab. Better than some others that were speculated. Since now, I only see Anelka going. They were much talks for Drogba but it seems that his loyalty for his club is paying in front of Abramovic. He was key in all thier wins anyways. Kalou may leave though. Torres was so expensive that I don't see him leaving now. The fight is gonna be tough this season for the Premier League.

Yeah, both CL and EPL will be interesting with City in the mix. Yeah, most of their players are arrogant but it's the same for Madrid. These 2 are really much similar in fact. About Mario B, he's a weird case though I sympathized with him during his stay in Inter. The way, he was booed in Italy due to his skin color and refused in Italy national team when he was at this best level was really saddening to see that racist attitude. Still, Mario B. attitude was always poor also and I don't really like him.

I don't think they'll get rid of Meireles but in fact, I think Raul M. and Gerrard will finally make a better team this year. Now all speculations are possible.

Yeah, well, Barca don't really need much additions to their team anyways. Cesc and Sanchez will be enough but indeed, Fabregas's case is funny. ALso, I can't blame Arsene. He rebuffed the offers repeatedly for Cesc as he thought that slowly, his team will be able to take on biggies but despite the good season that Arsene was finally hoping for, he didn't clinch the title. Now, his team is better, so he could leave Fabregas go but this year, all his key players wants to leave, so he's afraid of getting at ground zero. Nasri, Fabregas, Arshavin, Diaby, Chamakh and even his assistant-manager.

Yeah, Barca's lineup will mostly be like that except I think, Villa might stay. IS Bojan leaving?

---

Transfer talks, well:

Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea or Man C) - well, this one is interesting. City's money power is to be reckoned though he might stay at Inter.

Wesley Sneijder (Man U or Man C) - damn, I really want him for United but those damn neighbors! Even Fergie stated that Sneijder's fee and salary is costly and the only way they'll keep trying to bring him is by sending a satisfactory value along with convincing Sneijder's with United's values since City is still in construction. City is favorite though.

Thiago Alcantara (Man U or Chelsea) - In midfield, there were 5 options for United to clinch 2 - Sneijder, Nasri, Ozil, Thiago and Modric. With Ozil, ruled out and Nasri and Sneder being difficult, I think there'll good chances for Thiago but the first priority will be Modric. Chelsea are still favorites over United since Thiago is main midfield target.

Neymar (Madrid or Chelsea) - Great another striker speculation for Chelsea. After all the ones you stated above, the ones they have and Neymar, Eto'o and Aguero, their team will be more of Argentina (7 strikers + disastrous midfield). However, Neymar is 80% in Madrid for me.

Sergio Augero (Inter, Juventus, Real Madrid, or Chelsea) - Don't really have an idea...

Sergio Ramos (Man U) - If his contract is not improved by Madrid - He'll be a good add but what ManU needs initially was (One offensive winger, 2 midfielders, 1 central defender and 1 good goalkeeper). They got Young, almost Modric and DeGea will suffice as GK for a season (He's good although I preferred Neuer). They need a central defender now and another midfielder. A striker and Right Defender will be optional choices.

Kaka (Chelsea, AC Milan, or Inter) - Most likely return to Milan.

G. Rossi (Juventus or Barcelona) - It's 40& chances for Juventus and 60% chances for Barcelona.

There are also Nasri, Benzema ect...

 

[ReLax -]

Well I'd like too see Drogba leave even tho he's been key but times to get new strikers as you see they have bid for a lot and obviously they won't get all but at least 1-2 (if they can afford 2) and they can't even afford them all.

Will City haven't made any key signing as of yet to make an impact felt. Mario B in one month at England he got 10 000 pounds worth of parking ticket fee and his car was impound 27 times in the month. I feel bad for what has happened to him due to racism but recently I have heard he is playing for Italy or got called up but even tho he needs to fix his attitude.

Well, Meireles is a good Midfield/defender and has played well with them wouldn't want him to leave but it all depends what Kenny has set up for next season after all. Liverpool transfer rumours Jeffern, Clichy (he wants to join), O'Shea, and a few others.

Well you see Fabregas has had a lot of injury problems and at the same time his form has dipped so that amount is too high. I mean Torres just had a form dip yet he cost 50 mil but look what he has done Chelsea (Nothing). Barca don't want the same thing with Fabregas not only poor playing but injury and that leading to worser playing so 35 mil is good enough. Fabregas wants to leave but what your saying is probably the exact same thing going thru his head.

If they want to get both Sanchez and Fabregas they will get rid of Villa for the money but I wouldn't due that it would be the same issue like Ibra. Bojan it was rumours but now I'm pretty sure its true but Barca added a buy in clause so if he were to leave or be sold they'd be first and I think they add a specific price tag on it not sure. It's good tho Barca is thinking Bojan won't get much time with Pedro, Messi out their and if Sanchez joins so he can get better playing for Roma first team and he will get better and eventually come back to Barca.

Transfer talks:

As far as Chelsea goes I doubt they will sign all those strikers but at least 1 or 2 and get rid of some of the ones they have now.

Sergio Augero hasn't told anyone where he will be playing next season, he told Messi that when he finds out Messi will be first to know so it will be a huge news once out as Augero is a world class striker.

Thiago Alcantara will not be sold most likely if Barca don't land Fabregas this season.

Sergio Ramos is one person who Sir Alex admires a lot and has expressed it, if Ramos is up for grabs Sir Alex will jump on it. Madrid are giving him 3 million right now he wants 6 million a year why not offer that to him.

Kaka is an unknown case

Neymar is too cocky but has shown some amazing talent and skill so will see what he can do with the Europe bigs.

Rossi has a big chance landing in Italy I believe (Just in recent news Real have sights on him also)

Nasri may stay or even a slight change to Man U, also Real are after him

Benzema needs to be sold, he is just a 40 mil sitting on Real Madrid bench

Real Madrid also are stacking up

Attackers - Ronaldo, Higuain, Kaka, Di Maria, Benzema, now want Neymar (Also they are now trying to grab Gossi)

Midfield - Ozil, Xabi, Sahin, Khedira, Granero, Gago, Kaka, Di Maria (Both Kaka and Di Maria who can play midfeild and striker)