Timi Fasehun – @tfash_
Best Player:
It is really hard to pick between Mile Jedinak and Jason Puncheon as they were both heavily influential in the team’s mid-table finish last season. However, I expect Paris Saint-Germain misfit Yohan Cabaye to bring some much-needed panache to the midfield and provide a huge impact this season.
Weak Links:
I’d say the team is weakest at the left back position. Papa Souare was an interesting addition to the squad this January but he is yet to prove himself in the League and he’ll definitely not be assisted by Bolasie’s reluctance to track back. Damien Delaney was also a liability in the squad last year and his age suggests more downturns in form.
Manager:
Honestly, I consider Alan Pardew to be a mid/end of season wonder. In other words, the Pardew effect never comes into play until February. He did really well after joining us and I hope he will carry this form to the start of this season.
Expectations:
8th! That may be aiming very high but I believe we should be able to improve on our position last season. I’m assuming Mr. Pardew will be able to get in a good start and use Cabaye as efficiently as he did at Tyneside. It would be a real shame if we finish below 11th.
Thoughts on Transfer Business:
I’m really delighted with our activity in the market this window. Yohan Cabaye is an excellent buy and the fans will be delighted to see him don their colours. Connor Wickham and Patrick Bamford are two young strikers which will help provide a lot of options up front. Alex McCarthy will provide good competition for Julian Speroni and Chung-Yong Lee is a decent midfielder.
Player Likely to Break Through:
I’d go for Patrick Bamford. This is the Chelsea loanee’s debut season in the Premier League and he will be looking to make a huge statement. If he is able to improve on his goal tally of 19 for Championship side Middlesbrough last season, the Premier League is in for a bang.
First image courtesy of gettyimages.co.uk
Second image courtesy of eurosport.co.uk