The November International break has given all us football fans chance to catch our breath after a roller coaster start to the season. Managers, Players and fans alike will be scrutinising their squads and looking at the areas that need strengthening. Here is a run down of each club and the 1 transfer that could change their season.
We start with Arsenal who after a troubled start now look back towards a decent team again. Szczesny looks a real good goalkeeper and had impressed consistently this season even through the 8-2 defeat to Manchester United. They have a decent starting defence when everyone is fit in Sagna, Vermaelen, and Koscielny with Gibbs, Santos or Jenkinson to make up the 4. The emergence of Frimpong will be the envy of many Premier league managers as players of his mould are in high demand.
Arteta has been a massive success since his arrival although he is no Fabregas. They have players with pace down the sides. The biggest problem Arsenal will have will be carrying Van Persie’s fitness through the season. Nobody else in the Arsenal squad could be looked at and relied upon to get the goals. A centre forward must be upper most in Wenger’s eyes. Hugo Rodallega from Wigan could be a target although he doesn’t fit Wenger’s usual transfer target. I feel he still favours youth despite the late frenzied summer transfer activity. Rodallega would be ready to play from day 1 that’s all.
After a hostile start to his reign as Aston Villa manager, Alex McLeish has silenced the critics with some good performances and attractive football. Signing Shay Given from Manchester City was a real smart move and he has already won the club points this season. Up front Darren Bent has always been a reliable goal scorer and this season has seen a resurgence in the fortunes of Gabby Agbonlahor. They have some decent midfielders in Petrov, N’Zogbia and Jenas to mix with promising youngsters Albrighton, Bannan and Delph. The problem for Villa is what they do should a senior defender become injured for a sustained period. Although you could see cover across the back four, I’d argue a utility defender would add something to their team. Dennis Diekmeier from Hamburg is a possibility.
Blackburn have done exactly what I expected them to do. I still think they made a mistake allowing Sam Allardyce to slip through their fingers. I have no reason to write off Steve Kean but in my opinion he is another decent young British coach who has been given to big a job to soon. Managing to keep their squad intact and maintaining Premier League survival would amount to a successful season. Kean will probably have to look outside of the league for players wanting to join Blackburn unless any big clubs have available loan options. They need creativity and goals but getting players in on what could be only 6 month deals wont be easy. Vedad Ibisevic is a deal Steve Kean is eager to resurrect.
Bolton are a team that have baffled me this season. I was expecting a top 10 finish and a push for Europe. They have lost an edge they have lost an edge from last season. This is due to the down side of the loan system. Daniel Sturridge excelled in his spell at The Reebok last year and has proved a big gap to fill. If they are destined to lose Gary Cahill they need to dig their heels in and receive a player or two as part of the deal. Presuming it’s Tottenham who come calling then Dos Santos and Corluka are two players Bolton could negotiate with.
How could you possibly look at Chelsea’s squad and say they need another player. Simply by looking at their defence. Spoilt for choice in attack and midfield the exposed area is when you consider Ashley Cole and John Terry’s ages and given Alex’s injury problems and Luiz’s struggle with the Premier league. Andre Villas-Boas has an extensive scout network and activity in the foreign market is to be expected. Reports linking them with Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin have heightened in recent weeks.
Signing one player may not be a luxury that Everton manager David Moyes has. Keeping hold of the remains of his squad is paramount to the manager who continues to defy what is possible from a limited budget and squad. Moyes will be looking to the loan market as goals have been a clear problem this season. You know you won’t get 38 games out of Saha. James Beattie is currently a free agent and would welcome a return to Goodison park.
Fulham have shown signs that things are coming together at Craven Cottage and manager Martin Jol has brought his continental ideas across and has made them a tough team to play. Slightly under performing in the league table they are looking to solidify and have been eager to boost their midfield. Strong reports are linking them with a bid for Valencia midfielder Daniel Parejo as they look to distance themselves from the relegation fight.
Looking at Anfield and Liverpool’s season I would say they need 3 players. Most important is a central defender who isn’t regularly injured or missing through suspension. Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen is one they have been tipped with outside the Premier league.
Manchester City are a team who really don’t need any additions. Not this season anyway. Don’t think that there won’t be any mind. They could be in the market for another stiker with David Villa and Edison Cavani both strong possibilities.
Everybody knows where Manchester United’s problems have lied this year. They need a defensive minded midfielder who is strong in the challenge and can pick a pass. Unlike Michael carrick they need more pace and stamina and both Jack Rodwell and Tom Huddlestone would be ideal provided their clubs are willing to do business during this season.