Premier League Preview 6-9

We're going, going, back, back, to Europe, Europe
These clubs were here last year, and they're back for a double dose of European glory. This is where it starts getting really interesting folks. These clubs have a lot to gain, and a lot to lose.

9. Manchester City FC (Prediction: 54 Points)
I have no clue where to put these guys. They have the talent for a 5th or 6th place finish, but I have serious doubts about ownership. Rumors are swirling that new manager Mark Hughes may leave because of all the questions circling owner Thaksin Shinawatra. Shinawatra is wanted for crimes in his homeland of Thailand, and apparently all of his assets have been frozen. He's now begging the UK for asylum, so that he doesn't have to go back and face the music. Not good news for an owner of a club. Talent wise though, there are few who can match the creative flow of the citizens. Last year Eastlands erupted after stealing an early 1-0 win over arch rivals United, and the season seemed to flow from that early victory. I feel like this season will be a little different because of the turmoil surrounding the club. They added Brazilian forward Jo to make the striker situation a little more potent (goals were few and far between last season at Eastlands). Management also dumped the dead striker weight from the old Stuart Pearce era. The signing of Ronaldinho was oh so close, but Ronaldinho decided on AC Milan. Rumors have it that the situation with ownership was what swayed Ronny.
A quick look at their first 6 matches, and there is a lot of cause for concern. At Villa, home for West Ham, at Sunderland, home for Portsmouth, home for Chelsea, and at Wigan. Those games against Villa and Portsmouth are huge, because those are the teams competing for those UEFA Cup spots. If they can bag 14 points out of that first possible 18, I see good things for the sky blues. Ten or less could be disastrous. If they come out of the gate slowly, look for Hughes to start packing, and the situation to really deteriorate.

8. Portsmouth FC(Prediction: 57 Points)
Of the English teams competing in the UEFA Cup, I really like Portsmouth's chances. I think Villa will be good as well in the European NIT, but Portsmouth's team is built for European competition. Their speed at the front and on the sides, makes them ready for European style play. Unfortunately, that run in the UEFA Cup will end up doing nothing but hurting them in the Premier League. Also, their defense of the last season's FA Cup will just be another burden on an already alarmingly busy schedule. The addition of Peter Crouch will an interesting pairing up front however, and I am looking forward to seeing if Crouchy has finally settled on his club. Their loss of Sulley Muntari would have hurt them a little more without Crouch, but I think they will be fine. 'Arry Redknapp is a good manager, and a funny guy to watch, so I like seeing this team do well. A look at the first six in their schedule however, and Pompey fans are not going to be pleased. Someone doesn't like them in the FA scheduling office.
They start at Chelsea, home for United, at Everton, home for Middlesbrough, at City, and home for Spurs. That is a devastating 6 game stretch to open the season. 'Arry has to be telling his boys that they just have to make it through that opening stage with 10 points, and they will be ok. The match against Spurs at home will be huge for their hopes to go back to Europe next season. Three points home against Boro is a must, as well as nicking points off of either City or Everton on the road. Scary start for the south coast club.

7. Everton FC (Prediction: 59 Points)

This may be unusually high for this club, given that they haven't made ANY signings. Not a single new player will be playing at Goodison Park this season for the Toffees. From all I've heard, they are very close to signing Joao Moutinho from Lisbon, and that would be a desperately needed boost to the club. However, people also discount the fact that a full season with a healthy Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta becomes one of the best midfields in the Premiership. I don't know how desperately they needed help at Goodison, but like I said when you don't improve your team you become a little bit worse. If they can stay healthy, bring Moutinho in, and maybe one more sneak signing before the end of the close session, I like their chances to finish in 7th. David Moyes is a good manager, and they still have a lot of talent over there. Including one of my favorite players in the world, Tim Howard.
A look at their first six gives them a lot of breathing room to open the season up. They start home for Blackburn, at West Brom, home for Portsmouth, at Stoke, at Hull, and then to Anfield for the Merseyside Derby. They should be able to clean up with at least 13 points out of that first 18, possibly more if they are better than I know. Look for Moyes to hold the ship down until January, where he can make a few astute signings.

6. Aston Villa FC (Prediction: 63 Points)
The 60 points plateau for Villa! One of the most exciting clubs in the league to watch last season, and they've just gotten better by adding Carlos Cuellar from Rangers to the club. This club is owned by Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner, and he really doesn't mind splashing the cash about. Martin O'Neill, manager and genius, knows how to make a signing and knows how to piss off Liverpool. Two things I love about a guy. Seriously though, I really like how they stuck to their 18 Million pricetag for Gareth Barry, and weren't bullied around by Liverpool. It may be a problem now, because Barry doesn't want to be there and the Villa fans don't want him there. Still, another season of good signings with Brad Freidel coming from Blackburn, and Nicky Shorey coming from Reading. They also signed former Reading player, and Chelsea bust, Steve Sidwell. Cuellar is the rock this team needed though. They have the offensive firepower with Gabriel Agbonglahor and Ashley Young, now they have the central defender they need to stop the goals. This is a good club, who played excellently against the big four last season.
Their first six of the season aren't too tough, and Villa should be able to get a good start to the season. They open up with City at home, then go to Stoke, and home for Liverpool which should be a barnburner. After that they go to Spurs and to West Brom, before closing out the stretch at home against Sunderland. Circle that Liverpool date, it will be a match you don't want to miss. Look for them to pull 13 out of the possible 18, and continue through the season in consistent form.