Teams ahead of us

[Tomo 21,751]

I'd be more respectful towards our opponents. Keep in mind City isn't done with signings yet according to the reports anyway. We've got Essien out, Mikel slight niggle, Luiz small knee problem. We lack creativity, depend on 2-3 players, no wide players. ACON coming up as well. Too many IFs and BUTs, I think it's a four horse race. Let's be honest, if Arsenal didn't lose some of the games near the season end so stupidly, they'd be ahead of us. City finished level on points with us. LIverpool at one point was only 4 or so points behind us. I believe that Liverpool won't challange for the title but Arsenal, City and Utd all will along with Chelsea of course.

This aint about being respectful more realistic, all ive heard all summer is how all our rivals (especially United) have stolen a march on us in terms off squad strenthening which just simply is not true, United have cut their squad drastically and it remains to be seen whether it will come back to bite them a few injuries and it just well might.

City as ive said if Tevez goes then they are weaker despite Aguero coming in, they have signed a LB which aint even as good as the one us and United have.

If you look at this transfer window for long term its advantage Andre and Fergie but short term no-one has really done better than another IMO.

[MetsajCFC 1,255]

This aint about being respectful more realistic, all ive heard all summer is how all our rivals (especially United) have stolen a march on us in terms off squad strenthening which just simply is not true, United have cut their squad drastically and it remains to be seen whether it will come back to bite them a few injuries and it just well might.

City as ive said if Tevez goes then they are weaker despite Aguero coming in, they have signed a LB which aint even as good as the one us and United have.

If you look at this transfer window for long term its advantage Andre and Fergie but short term no-one has really done better than another IMO.

Again, IF Tevez leaves. Mancini said they'll get 2 more players. Nasri, Sneijder? They'll be the strongest team in the league on paper if that happens. On United point, I agree with you, didn't realise that they really have cut down the squad and in my eyes they've lost one of their biggest weapons - Van Der Sar.. how many times has he just saved a shot that seemed in? You'll need more than your fingers to count those.

[J.F. 1,484]

only 4 teams.

[ulsterchelsea 3,221]

its us, manuer and citeh for the title but i wouldnt like to bet in what order. I think a lot of people take those scummy bastards manuer for granted sometimes. Ol red face doesnt make too many mistakes and i reckon he will have another good unit this year. As for citeh i personaly dont rate mancini that highly as a manager but they have arguably the best squad out there at the minute and i fully expect them to be in the top 3. We have one of the top young managers in europe at the minute and he has us looking more of an attackins unit and im sure he has at least a plan b in his locker.(sorry carlo but you never did) I hope we can do it this year but i still think we are 1 or 2 signings away from the other two mentioned.

[Blue Armour 4,436]

Todays community shield match revealed more about our rivals...

I think Cech was right about De Gea stepping into Van der saar's boots...if today's charity match versus city was any indication, then United might have a tough time this season

Mancini's side blew it despite being 2-0 up... but of course with Tevez and Aguero both being on the bench, judging them now wouldn't seem right...If Tevez leaves they basically have the same squad as last season...

[Ollie 4,400]

Liverpool will not be a threat nor will Arsenal. There's 3 teams in this. Us and 2 teams from Manchester. The 2 Manc sides are probably in better shape but we wont be push overs.

We have a great defence and a great set of forwards. If we had a winger and a creative young midfielder, we'd have the best squad in europe let alone the premiership.

[Rambo 1,729]

im sorry but i just cannot honestly see how.

From Alonso, Mascerano and Torres to Henderson, Adam and Carroll in less than 2 years, if that should not go under the dictonary under decline i dont know what should/

They've showed at the end of last season what they're capable of. I wouldn't write them off just yet.

[Ollie 4,400]

They conceded 15 goals in 5 pre season matches plus the fact that in a league full of international players, a british based team will get completely outclassed, especially when their brits are average footballers.

[bababoom 4,478]

Liverpool will not be a threat nor will Arsenal. There's 3 teams in this. Us and 2 teams from Manchester. The 2 Manc sides are probably in better shape but we wont be push overs.

We have a great defence and a great set of forwards. If we had a winger and a creative young midfielder, we'd have the best squad in europe let alone the premiership.

Better than Barcelona's squad? No way, my friend.

[DYC. 7,542]

Better than Barcelona's squad? No way, my friend.

Real's squad is even more terrifying. Barca have a better first eleven but have you seen the players Real have on the bench .

[Ollie 4,400]

ok 2nd maybe but we'd have one hell of a squad if we just strengthened those 2 positions. Dunno why it's been so hard especially as we've known for ages what kind of player we need. We do have better strikers and defenders than barcelona tho imo but they have the midfielders that can get out of tight situations and thread a ball through through the tightest gap in any situation.

Barcelona = Xavi and Messi. Without those 2, maybe Iniesta too, they aint the same. There's not much of a gap between being average and being exceptional.

[Tomo 21,751]

They've showed at the end of last season what they're capable of. I wouldn't write them off just yet.

Every season the hit form when there out of the title race and the pressure's off (hench there outrageous hype every summer) and this season will be no different to the rest, by christmas the scousers will be begging for Roy's return

[bababoom 4,478]

ok 2nd maybe but we'd have one hell of a squad if we just strengthened those 2 positions. Dunno why it's been so hard especially as we've known for ages what kind of player we need. We do have better strikers and defenders than barcelona tho imo but they have the midfielders that can get out of tight situations and thread a ball through through the tightest gap in any situation.

Barcelona = Xavi and Messi. Without those 2, maybe Iniesta too, they aint the same. There's not much of a gap between being average and being exceptional.

Honestly mate, i do agree with you on being 2nd or 3rd best, but even without these guys Barca are still amazing. I have been watching there B team and they play the same good football. You cannot replace Messi, but i think in the Barca youth and B team they have definitely got the next Xavi's and Iniesta's, not to mention Thiago Alcantara who is going to be a big star in the future.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I think Cech was right about De Gea stepping into Van der saar's boots...if today's charity match versus city was any indication, then United might have a tough time this season

Lol wut?

That was his only mistake, with a ball hit very hard. Other than that, he was quite solid imo.

[Tomo 21,751]

Lol wut?

That was his only mistake, with a ball hit very hard. Other than that, he was quite solid imo.

He should not have hesitated coming out for the first goal, both goals would have been avoided with VDS between the sticks.

His price tag, young age, not speaking english, no spanish players and the fact he is playing at Old Trafford and many keepers failed because of the pressure there means a dodgy start by him is alomost inevitable.