PremierLeaguePass Annual 2014

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WELCOME ALONG EVERYBODY

WELCOME

Congratulations! You’ve now got access to every last minute of English Premier League action in High Definition including every single match Live and OnDemand.

To help whet the appetite and get you all jazzed up for the season ahead, we’ve put together this bumper 2014/15 PremierLeaguePass Annual to keep together everything you need to know about PremierLeaguePass in 2014: Season Previews, Gaming, On Demand details, Connection guides and Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have any issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our support people at any time - links are on the site.

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Season Previews Roger Bennett’s Season Preview Miles Davis’ Season Preview

Fantasy Football

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Tipping

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Quiz Answers!

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Colouring Competition

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Support

Arsenal with Frank Simpson

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Villa with Alister Cain

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Connecting the Premier League to your TV

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Everton with Paul le Compte

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Liverpool with Andrew McGoff

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Man City with Harold Bell

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Man U with James Dann

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Man U with Riccardo Ball

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Newcastle with Matthew Wall

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Sportsfreak’s Season Preview

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Sunderland with James Dann

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Spurs with Richard Gordon

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On Demand Bible

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WELCOME

What’s new this season

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WHAT’S NEW THIS SEASON

WHAT’S NEW

During the off-season we’ve tinkered with the website as well as the apps and on top of a full re-design we’ve also added some exciting new features. These include an interactive in-game timeline incorporating Opta live data into the stream so you can navigate those big moments easily.

For further convenience there’s also a new Join-Live or Play-From-Start option, so no more waiting until a match has finished to watch it from the beginning.

We’re also now testing the stream at 30fps so things will be smoother than ever.

With contributors from all over the country we’ve got a brand new news site to help keep you abreast of the goings on in and around the league.

This season we’re keeping things simple and offering one all-inclusive subscription package. Everyone get’s everything. Every single match, all the weekly shows, all the highlights, and all in HD! What we’re most excited about though is the fundraising package we’ve put together with NZ Football. Nominate your local club when signing up and we’ll give 20% of your subscription straight back to the club. Having introduced a monthly payment option you can join in at any point and we’ll tally it all up for your club at the end of the season.

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WHAT’S NEW

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ROGER BENNETT’S SEASON PREVIEW!

ROGER BENNETT

It is hard to recover from the World Cup coldturkey.

Counting down the 33 days between the German triumph and the Premier League’s commencement has been borderline agony. Thankfully, the season’s kick off is upon us.

A Premier League campaign delivers a unique sporting delight. The same as the Centaur of Ancient Greece was half-man, half-horse, English football thrives off its’ hybrid sensibility. The competition is part elite athletic pursuit, part soap opera in equal measure.

Moments of physics and biology-defying physical brilliance combine with narrative, character, and the occasional ill-judgedneck tattoo. Jack Wilshere’s breathtaking goal against Norwich, a kaleidoscope display of one touch passing, coexists with Newcastle manager’s Alan Pardew inexplicable urge to headbutt an opposing player.

The English Premier League is both Fantasy Island and Lord of The Flies.

The opening day of the season, August 16, is a giddy delight. All twenty teams kick off their campaigns with a sense of hope. Everything feels possible.

Yet, the truth is, the EPL is propelled by predetermined fate more than free will. With the allure of Champions League glory haloing the top four, the competition is a playground for the uber-wealthy.

Oligarchs, Sheikhs and American bigshots collide, crushing the aspirations of the chasing pack.

Here are 6 questions that will be answered over the course of the 282 days of the season:

6 ROGER BENNETT

Roger Bennett: Lover of Everton, football and Mrs Bennett.

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Boss Man: How quickly can the new managers assume the reins?

This time last year, David Moyes tentatively tiptoed around Old Trafford in Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes like a patsy filled with disbelief, shredding his managerial reputation and Manchester United’s Champions League standing in the process. Louis Van Gaal arrives fresh off his World Cup heroics with the Netherlands, determined to prove it is easier to be the man who follows the man who follows the man.

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The combustible Dutchman, who may be the only gent in world football with odder hair growth patterns than Wayne Rooney, will certainly instill the club with a philosophy and tactical acumen absent under his predecessor. Nicknamed “The Iron Tulip,” it remains to be seen whether his strong will and totalitarian approach will go down well in the hallowed halls of Old Trafford. Van Gaal’s opening press conference comments, “I’m democratic, empathetic to human beings,” sounded like those of a cyborg passing himself off as mortal.

Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur, continues the London club’s erratic commitment to veer between charisma and tactical ability with their management choices like Hamlet dithering “to be or not to be?”

Last season, Spurs blew their “Gareth Bale” money on a chorus line of players, few of whom made the grade, as the club staggered from one bare-bottom spanking to another. The Argentinians primary task will be to coax quality out of the squad already there, going dog whisperer on expensive busts Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela, and praying his pressing style can introduce something money can’t buy and that Spurs fans have long craved: a positive club culture, hope and ultimate glory.

02 Luis, Luis, oh no, Sayin’ we gotta go: Can Liverpool compete without Suarez?

Liverpool’s last campaign was a triumph over the stigma of having to play all their games in polyester clown pajamas. The historic club unfurled a buccaneering style to resurrect the glory years of the 70s and 80s until they “let it slip,” conceding three goals in nine inexplicable minutes against Crystal Palace, to fall away at the very last.

They must now reinforce their title-worthy status without without talismanic toothy maestro, Luis Suarez who blasted 31 league goals, proclaimed his undying love for the club in May, only to decamp to Barcelona after a characteristically cannibalistic World Cup.

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Brendan Rodgers has attempted to fill that toothystriker shaped hole by gutting poor Southampton’s once-effervescent squad, importing Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, and Dejan Lovren. He must now prove his club can maintain their edge on two fronts, cementing domestic Top Four status whilst going Mano a Mano against Europe’s finest in the Champions League, always aware that the traditional powers will have re-armed, and are eager to put Liverpool back in their corner.

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Who will win the Arms Race?

Arsenal’s last Premier League season was intensely “Arsenal-ish” even by their standards. Hopes soared at the outset, as the imperious Aaron Ramsey and enigmatic Mesut Özil ran rampant. Yet injuries and chaos soon took their toll and Arsene Wenger’s campaign soon spluttered, only for the North Londoners to rally and claim their habitual “fourth place trophy.”

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The arrival of a bona fide new star, the tiny Chilean speedster, Alexis Sanchez, known as “El Nino Maravilla,” ‘The Wonder Boy’ has raised expectations once more. While I adore the apparent redundancies in his real full name (Alexis Alejandro Sanchez Sanchez) Arsenal fans are salivating at the pace and width he will bring this side alongsideRamsey, Santi Cazorla, and the brittle Theo Walcott. If they can compensate for the absence of a dominant striker, Arsenal could mount theirfirst realistic Championship push in a decade, a fear that may feel like The End of History.

Chelsea will take the field minus some veritable club institutions. Both Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole have moved on, as have the sweet, soft curls of erratic defender, David Luiz. Yet, a former talisman, Didier Drogba has returned.

Thibaut Courtois, long goalkeeper of the future, will seek to prove his time is now alongside crafty Arsenal starlet, turned Barcelona discard, Cesc Fabregas.

Diego Costa, the horse placenta-powered striker whose gun-slinging ways propelled Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title last season. Jose Mourinho will pray the Spanish National Team’s favorite Brazilian makes a speedy adjustment to English football, and can supply a clinical touch absent under last season’s hapless three-headed monster, Eto’res’ba.

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Manchester City will defend theirtitle with a squad bolstered with backline addition Bacary Sagna, defensive midfielder, Fernando, and symbolic loan acquisition, Frank Lampard. Yet perhaps their most important transfer move is holding onto the unsettled yet crucial man mountain, Yaya Toure who has announced he will stay in Manchester despite his feelings being savaged by the club’s failure to dispatch appropriate Birthday wishes. They will need him.

Bookmakers have the champions as second favorites behind the reinforced Chelsea, perhaps aware that last season’s triumph was clinched courtesy of an economical 14 days at the top of the table.

ROGER BENNETT

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Which of the newcomers should prepare to receive a thrashing?

This season’s Premier League newboys are all vaguely familiar. Tiny Burnley hail from a small Lancashire mill town, population 74,000. Their small squad are unrecognizable from the one that was relegated in 2010, having been given an impressive will to win by young coach Sean Dyche. If they can survive, it will be the greatest act to emerge from Burnley since Chumbawumba.

Queens Park Rangers resurface after one season’s absence vowing not to repeat the Benny Hill-style slapstick antics which saw them relegated in 2013.

Manager Harry Redknapp has announced he plans a raft of signings to accompany veteran defender/ clothes designer/pro-Tweeter, Rio Ferdinand, but promises to avoid the reckless spending which last doomed the club by creating a mercenary-like culture in the locker room.

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Leicester City are perhaps the most interesting new faces, returning after a decade’s absence.

Billionaire Thai chairman/Triple World Score, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has promised to invest up to £180m to propel them to the top five within three years.

Bookmakers have their doubts, pegging the newcomers as the three most likely teams to be relegated with West Bromwich, Crystal Palace, Hull and Aston Villa lurking just behind.

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New Zealand’s Home Boys

Last season, West Ham’s Winston Reid, was the sole Kiwi in the Premier League. The emphatic center back was rumored to be an Arsenal transfer target before his season was disrupted by injury.

This season, English football is veritably swamped by Kiwis in comparison. Cameron Howieson, a 19 year old attacking midfielder from Blenheim, is on the periphery of the Burnley squad. 22 year old Chris Wood is a striker from Auckland who netted four times for Leicester City in their promotion campaign, utilizing the physical acumen he developed as a crash-through-the-middle rugby-playing center.

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ROGER BENNETT

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Spolier Alert If you simply cannot wait for May 24th to find out who wins it all, here are my predictions: Champions: Chelsea. Jose Mourinho has had sufficient time to inculcate his mentality throughout the locker room, discarded the deadwood, and strengthened the squad. He knows this season, there can be no excuses.

Champions League places: Arsenal Manchester United Manchester City Doomed to Relegation: Southampton Burnley West Bromwich Albion

ROGER BENNETT

Roger Bennett is a columnist and broadcaster, and with Michael Davies,is one of Grantland’s “Men In Blazers.” Follow him on Twitter: @rogbennett.

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MILES DAVIS’ SEASON PREVIEW!

MILES DAVIS

When we left you‌ The last series of the soap opera that is the Barclays Premier League was one full of unexpected twists and turns. Perrenial champions Manchester United failed to overcome the loss of long time boss Alex Ferguson and were a pale imitation of their former selves.

The board and fans found out that just because a man possessed a similar accent does not mean he has the same managerial qualities. Their home form was of particular concern and it became a matter of shame were you not to pick up at least a point at Old Trafford which quickly became the Theatre of Dreams for all but the prawn sandwich brigade.

The resurgence of Liverpool was another major feature. For it to be ended by an unfortunate slip by one of their finest was a cruel irony for the Kop

faithful to endure but any sympathy non-scousers may have felt for Steven Gerrard evaporated when he committed a similar felony for his country at the World Cup by perfectly flicking on a ball for club colleague Luis Suarez to knock England out of the competition.

Mourinho was back to his moaning best with a side that looked decidedly average most of the time but managed to stick one over their major rivals on the road where nearly all others had failed. In the end it was the steady endeavours of the light blue part of Manchester that prevailed, thanks mainly to Yaya Toure.

The season also saw one of the biggest turnovers of managers in Premier League history (any anorak wearing statto that can give me the definitive facts on that will be rewarded in some small way as I could well be making it up). One could argue that most of

including the following gems –

One thing that seems to have been a major factor in recent dismissals is player power which can only be bad for the game. After all, the spoiled overpaid sods already think the sun shines out of their backsides and now they know that if the boss is mean to them they simply have to cry to the board to have him removed. Bring back the birch I say and thrash some discipline and respect back into them.

Superb own-goals every week and none better than Vincent Kompany’s against Fulham

At the lower end of the table there were the usual ups and downs but not the usual dramatic last day of the season as the grim reaper had already picked his marks by the time that day arrived.

All in all a magnificent nine months with some fantastic, and occasionally bizarre, memories

Alan Pardew headbutting Hull’s David Meyler

Referee Andre Marriner failing his “coloured chaps from Arsenal” exam at Stamford Bridge.

Sir Alex sitting stone-faced in the stand like the sword of Damacles hanging over his Chosen One’s head Vincent Tan (who’s obsessive hand-wringing could well indicate deep psychological issues) who first changed the Bluebirds kit to red, then sacked his manager when they were above the drop zone and saw them relegated under the guidance of his successor

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them deserved the boot given today’s cut-throat environment, but the likes of Malky Mackay and Michael Laudrup could feel harshly done by.

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The sublime redemption of Luis Suarez (only for him to revert to type on football’s biggest stage) The waste of money that was Marouane Fellaini Fulham sacking two Dutch managers and still going down And What is In store for us this season?

There is no doubt that the main attraction will be the arrival of Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Unmistakeably his own man, he has already started to stamp his authority at the club and publicly stated that many players are not in his plans and are going to be shipped out. Given that he appointed RVP as captain of the Dutch national team it will be no surprise when he gives the recently underperforming striker the same role at United.

Other things to watch out for at the top will be how Liverpool (or should they be renamed Liver-hampton after their pillaging of St Mary’s) fare without Suarez.

Will the millions spent compensate for his matchwinning brilliance? Will Citeh be able to produce back to back title wins if sulky-pants Toure gets his birthday wish for a move to PSG where they not only give you a card that sings joyeux anniversaire but also a cake of your choice, with candles?

Will Arsenal finally go the distance or is this Arsene Whinger’s last desperate roll of the dice? Will Diego Costa be the answer to Jose Mourinho’s striking woes or will he be slagging him off like he did all his front men last season?

There will also be a lot of interest in the performances of promoted teams. Traditionally favourites for the drop, which one of them will surprise as Hull City did last year? No matter who

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Here are a few predictions for you to cast comment on, or ignore if you prefer –

Howard Webb will give Manchester United an unwarranted penalty A model will sell a story to the Sun newspaper with the gory details of her sex romp with a top Premier League star. He will be described as a fantastic lover.

The subject of the article will not be a West Ham player as they are unable to score anywhere.

Martin Skrtel will score an own goal Joey Barton will get sent off Sam Allardyce and Alan Irvine will be sacked Jose Mourinho will be sent to the stands as will Alan Pardew Diego Costa will break down

I for one cannot wait for another nine months of footballing drama. To give you one person’s opinion as to your team’s prospects, read on…

MILES DAVIS

finally drops out you can guarantee there will be fans of at least twelve clubs biting their nails for long periods of the season. Managers too will be on edge from day one waiting for that ever-present axe to swing their way as it did so many times last year.

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Last season started off with a nightmare home loss to Aston Villa and calls for Arsene Wenger’s head.

Undefeated for nine weeks, including victories over Spurs and Liverpool, took The Arse to the top of the league where they would sit for 128 days of the season. The Frenchman was back in fashion while the whole footballing world, including their own fans, were waiting for the inevitable collapse but week after week they kept defying their critics.

Could their long wait for a Premier League title be about to end? Unfortunately not, February happened and they could just not prevail against their main title rivals. I know it is not good form to blame absence of players but the Gunners lost so many of their key players for long periods of time that any side would have suffered. When Everton beat them 3-0 at Goodison to leapfrog them into fourth spot it looked as if even a Champions League spot would be beyond them. After that defeat though they managed to dig deep and find the resolve to win

their last five games to clinch their habitual fourth as the Toffees failed to capitalise on their advantage.

What do Arsenal have to do this season to sustain a title challenge? For a start they must keep their fingers crossed for fewer injuries than last year and for Aaron Ramsey to continue his express elevator ride up the rankings of Europe’s top midfielders. They need to spend some money. The addition of Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy will strengthen their squad but the lack of transfer activity last year left them short on top troops when the injury blitz hit and a couple more signings wouldn’t go amiss. They must pick up points from their rivals, especially on their travels. The first up loss to Villa was their only home defeat of the season so if they can front up on the big away games all could be rosy.

Their biggest problem could be self-belief. They have become accustomed to falling short and, despite consistently playing some of the most attractive

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ! WHAT HAVE THESE SIX FORMER ARSENAL PLAYERS HAVE IN COMMON: LAURIE BROWN, DAVID JENKINS, WILLIE YOUNG, JIMMY ROBERTSON, PAT JENNINGS AND SOL CAMPBELL? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Ins: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Calum Chambers (Southampton) Outs: Nicklas Bendtner (NFA), Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea), Bacary Sagna (Man City), Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad), Carl Jenkinson (West Ham) Two Who Need to Stand Up: Aaron Ramsey, Alexis Sanchez.

Possible Weakness: Arsene Wenger’s inspirational chats. Most of his players have heard them all before and they haven’t worked for a long time.

Position Last Season: 4th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $7 Best Premier League Finish: Champions

Well I Never Knew That: Arsenals promotion to the top flight was controversial at best At the conclusion of WWI it had been decided to increase the first division from 20 to 22 clubs. With the original intention being to re-elect the two teams that were to have been relegated at the end of the last season played, 1915, and promote the two top sides from Division 2. Derby and Preston North End were therefore promoted and Chelsea, who had finished 19th were reprieved.

For some unknown reason, the chairman of Liverpool, John McKenna, proposed at the League’s AGM that instead of the team that finished 20th being reprieved, that they be replaced with Arsenal (who had finished 5th in Division 2) in recognition of their long service to the league. So in that twisted way, Arsenal got promoted and they haven’t had the conscience or decency to get relegated since. And the team that finished 20th and were relegated?

Tottenham Hotspur. Who else.

MILES DAVIS

football in the league, seem to lack that edge and consistency that is the hallmark of winners. A better season than last year but only slightly.

FRANKS SIMPSON ON ARSENAL -

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Nearly a year ago I wrote a season preview for Arsenal’s upcoming season. What started as logical analysis, quickly turned into a cathartic rant on Arsenal’s continued failings in the transfer market. The season was nearly upon us and we had solely signed a free, injury prone kid from France (Yaya Sanogo). Fast forward a year later, and I get to write a preview that involves two genuine world class players that are worth a combined 72 million pounds and about a squad that actually won a major domestic trophy. It’s almost surreal to type it.

Finally, the years of austerity are behind us, and the ten year “project” that we have endured, is reaching the stages of fruition. Many of us wondered if the promised land would ever arrive....it seems it has with a bang!

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil with a cannon on their chest – if

you had told me that a year ago, I would have called in the men in white coats. One a star of the recent World Cup, and one a newly crowned World Champion who played a starring role in the Final. The impact provided by the signing of Ozil at the eleventh hour of last summer’s transfer window was intangible. It gave the whole club, the fans, and most importantly - the team, a huge boost of confidence. You only need to look at the form of Aaron Ramsey in the first half of last season before his injury. Playing beside Ozil, he raised his game to such a level that he was probably the form midfielder in Europe, scoring goals for fun and covering every blade of grass.

However, the most crucial summer signing the club has made may well be the German national team head fitness guru Shad Forsythe. He could prove the key to reversing Arsenal continually topping the wrong table – the ‘Physio League’ table

of most days lost to injuries. If we can keep a much fitter squad, it could well see us maintain a challenge into the months of April and May. Losing a long serving stalwart and the much loved Bacary Sagna was disappointing, but with him now well on the wrong side of 30, and two leg breaks behind him, I feel it was the right decision not to meet his hefty wage demands.

Mathieu Debuchy, who has now taken Sagna’s starting role for the French national side and has solid Premier League and Champions League experience, will be a very good addition to our backline. Alexis Sanchez will add much needed attacking pace, work rate and a high scoring conversion ability to our forward line. When we lost Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain for most of last season, we were exposed by a lack of pace, Arsene was forced to put ball players like Cazorla, Wilshere and Rosicky out wide and the side then suffered from

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a lack of runners and movement.

This impacted on Ozil’s ability in the middle to use his great vision and pick out long range passes to open up play and create dangerous counter-attacking options the result being a slow and lateral attack.

With the proverbial ‘trophy monkey’ now firmly off our backs, and the confidence boost it will have given the squad and to Wenger - who has extended his contract for 3 more years - they will be hungry to taste that success again and have the chance to do so at Wembley for the Community Shield. If they can beat Manchester City and bank another piece of silverware, suddenly The Arsenal will seem like a club that is back where it belongs again – tasting success and lifting trophies. It’s been a while.

FRANK SIMPSON

Frank Simpson @gregAFC

With Sanchez, Walcott, and Chamberlain all fit, Ozil will now feast on their movement and pace. I pity some of the fullbacks who will face Alexis and Theo in peak form this season.

The best part about the past two summer windows, is that we’ve been able to strengthen the squad without losing our star players as in recent years. That trend looks to continue this year, with only the rumoured potential transfer of Thomas Vermaelen who has very much dropped to being a back-up squad player.

Finally, we are building some strength in depth of quality to the squad – which has always been Manchester City and Chelsea’s advantage in their title pushes

each year.

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When Villa kicked off last season with a spectacular win at Arsenal then followed it up with good performances resulting in single goal losses to Chelsea and Liverpool, the Holt End fans had good reason for optimism. When they then beat Manchester City there was a feeling Europe was beckoning. It was to be a false dawn as far too often a good performance was followed by an incredibly poor one. Their home form was patchy at best, losing over half of the games played at Villa Park. Whilst there are some quality players at the club, boss Paul Lambert has yet to get them consistently performing as a unit.

Much will depend on Christian Benteke. First they must hope he recovers from the serious achilles injury that saw him miss the end of last season and the World Cup. Secondly the club must hope that he remains one of their players after last year’s circus where the destructive Belgian put in a transfer

request then a few weeks later withdrew it after chats with Lambert.

I get the feeling that if the offer is right he would welcome a move. His injury may delay that move till the January transfer window at the earliest unless a club is willing to take a gamble on his fitness.

There is no doubt Villa are a much more formidable outfit when he is in their line-up. Another mustkeep for Villa is one of the stars of the Brazil World Cup, Ron Vlaar. He was a rock at the heart of the Dutch defence and his performances have attracted attention from several clubs including Manchester United and Southampton - both of which have Dutch managers who Vlaar has worked with before but one would imagine that United would be favourites with what they could offer.

Off the pitch the addition of Roy Keane to the management team is an interesting one. I get the

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

ASTON VILLA IS ONE OF SEVEN CLUBS TO HAVE COMPETED IN EVERY SEASON OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE – WHO ARE THE OTHER SIX? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Christian Benteke, Ron Vlaar.

If Benteke and Vlaar stay and Keane doesn’t alienate the entire squad then Villa may have an ok season.

They are, however, very big ifs and I can see Villa struggling.

Position Last Season: 15th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $2000 Best Premier League Finish: 2nd

Ins: Joe Cole (West Ham), Kieran Richardson (Fulham), Phillipe Senderos (Fulham) Outs: Mark Albrighton (Leicester), Nicklas Helenius (Aalborg)

Possible Weakness: Their coaching staff. Paul Lambert is surely a dead man walking and anyone who thinks that a self-centred psychopath like Roy Keane will add value need their heads read even more urgently than Keane does.

Well I Never Knew That: More players have represented England whilst playing for Aston Villa than any other club. Magnificent players such as Darren Bent, Stewart Downing, Darius Vassell and Peter Withe. Thank you so much Villa.

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feeling that people confuse Keane the player with Keane the manager. As a player he was outstanding, albeit with an unsavoury streak. It is that side of his personality that makes me question his value as a coach. On the pitch he can make up for his failings by his actions. Off the pitch his abrasive nature is likely to be more destructive than constructive but time will tell.

ALISTER CAIN ON VILLA -

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So here we go again folks, another season of The Villains flirting with relegation before hopefully ending up mid-table. With the lingering issue of the club still being up for sale, attracting big names was always going to be difficult and retaining quality players is also going to be a challenge. This is Paul Lambert’s third year in charge so it’s time for him to really deliver at this level and with Roy Keane as his assistant it might happen but in reality with no money to spend its 10th place and a decent cup run at best.

A priority must be crushing the rumours already circulating about

the imperious Ron Vlaar, one of the stand-out players of the World Cup, moving to Man Utd and Fabian Delph to West Ham. Delph’s combination in midfield with Ashley Westwood was one of the few bright spots of last season and if we are to make any progress he needs to stay at Villa Park.

The three players who have come aboard: Joe Cole, Kieron Richardson, and Philippe Senderos, all players surely past their best and don’t exactly inspire confidence. There is always the return of Darren Bent to look forward to and inspire Villa fans everywhere (jokes). Combine this with letting one of our best

Alister Cain @scalydavis

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Prediction; the normal roller coaster ride will ensue where we beat a couple of the top four teams then lose to clubs in the bottom three.

ALISTER CAIN

young players Marc Albrighton go to midlands rivals Leicester City and with Christian Benteke not due back until October,I’m already looking anxiously at the fixture list.

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Burnley were arguably the surprise package of last year’s Championship, achieving automatic promotion by finishing second and leaving more fancied clubs in their wake. A mid-table finish the previous season gave no real indication of the glory that was to come.

Despite finishing second to Leicester they lost less games (5 compared to Leicester’s 6) and conceded the fewest goals in the division.

Defence was obviously a strength last season and will have to be an even greater asset this season as the club tries to adapt to life in the top flight.

Of the three promoted sides Burnley look to have the toughest job on their hands to survive. Perhaps lacking the draw power and financial backing of Leicester and QPR and, despite their meritorious automatic promotion, their squad doesn’t look quite as strong.

Having said that they are undoubtedly a ‘team’ in

the best sense of the word and in Sean Dyche have one of English football’s up and coming managerial talents. Burnley fans will be hoping their side shows the same sort of grit that Hull City did last year and get enough upset results along the way to make it count.

The Clarets can take heart from last time up where they had memorable home wins over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but unfortunately they didn’t beat enough of the less fancied sides to avoid relegation.

Strengthening of the squad is a priority for promoted squads but it takes tantamount to miracle work to buy players to do the job for the often paltry funds available. The signings made so far appear to be mostly journeyman but with several having experience of the top flight which will be an asset.

Matt Taylor was often a match-winner at Portsmouth

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

SEAN DYCHE WILL MANAGE BURNLEY IN THEIR SECOND SEASON IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE – BUT WHO WERE THEIR TWO MANAGERS IN THEIR INAUGURAL SEASON 09/10?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Outs: Junior Stanislas (Bournemouth), Chris Baird (West Brom), David Edgar (Birmingham City), Joseph Mills (Oldham Athletic)

Much will depend on whether Danny Ings can perform as effectively in the Premier League as he did in the Championship where he notched 26 goals last season. It also depends if his team mates can create enough chances for him.

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Danny Ings, the whole of their back four/five (two standing up won’t do for Burnley)

The reality is that it will be a long hard season for the Clarets and a finish of 17th or better will be a magnificent achievement and keep everyone at Turf Moor happy.

Ins: Steven Reid (West Brom), Michael Kightly (Stoke), Matt Taylor (West Ham), Marvin Sordell (Bolton), Lukas Jutkiewicz (Middlesbrough), Matt Gilks (Blackpool).

Possible Weakness: The depth of their squad is likely to be severely tested and any major injuries could be fatal to their survival hopes.

Position Last Season: Promoted from Championship TAB Odds to win Premier League: $5000 Best Premier League Finish: 18th Well I Never Knew That: England star-come-misfit Paul Gascoinge played six games for the Clarets in 2002. Never featured on the score-sheet but still a part of Burnley history.

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and Bolton but whilst he always gave 100 percent in his time at West Ham he is certainly nowhere near the player he was.

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Last season their strikers struggled to score goals consistently and were frequently publicly derided by Jose Mourinho. They looked decidedly average most of the time, losing to the likes of Stoke, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Palace. They also surrendered their undefeated home record under Mourinho by losing to relegation-threatened Sunderland (and in fact would have lost it earlier to West Brom were it not for a home-town penalty decision in injury time).

Despite all this they finished third and managed to burst Liverpool’s bubble at Anfield when the title was theirs for the taking. Imagine where they would have finished had they been any good!! You can bet that they will not be happy with anything other than Premier League winners medals this season and their pre-season spending backs that up.

Not only are they spending a lot of money but they players they have brought in are top quality. Cesc Fabregas is as good as they come and will more

than make up for the departure of Frank Lampard while Diego Costa was the target for many of the big boys and his signing was a bit of a coup for Chelsea.

Whether he will be any more successful at finding the net than his predecessors remains to be seen. For a start he will have to be fully recovered from the injury that has seen him struggle in recent months.

If he fails he will have Chelsea legend Didier Drogba breathing down his neck and I wouldn’t put it past the Ivorian to make a fairy-tale return.

Another key for Chelsea this season could be the approach of their increasingly miserable manager Mourinho. He is renowned for setting his sides up to stifle the opposition and take advantage of any slip ups (Liverpool at Anfield last year being a classic example) but the landscape is changing, as shown by the World Cup, and a more adventurous approach is being adopted by top sides.

I don’t doubt he has the ability to make the change

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

JOSE MOURINHO IS ON HIS SECOND STINT AS MANGER OF CHELSEA. SINCE HIS LAST TIME AS MANAGER, CHELSEA HAS HAD NINE MANAGERS – CAN YOU NAME THEM ALL? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Ins: Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Mario Pasalic (Hadjuk Split), Didier Drogba (Free Agent) Outs: Fat Frank Lampard (New York City FC), Ashley Cole (Roma), Samuel Eto’o (NFA), Demba Ba (Besiktas), David Luiz (PSG), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Mark Schwarzer Two Who Need to Stand Up: Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas Possible Weakness: Diego Costa breaking down or failing to live up to the hype.

Position Last Season: 3rd TAB Odds to win Premier League: $2.75 Best Premier League Finish: Champions Well I Never Knew That: Roman Abramovich does not own the pitch at Stamford Bridge. The fans do. The Stamford Bridge freehold, the pitch, the turnstiles and Chelsea’s naming rights are now owned

by Chelsea Pitch Owners, a non-profit organization in which fans are the shareholders. The CPO was created to ensure the stadium could never again be sold to developers.

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as well as the personnel but will his ego allow him to do so? If it does then Chelsea will be a real title threat. Especially as they are likely to buy a few more gems to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes.

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After only ten games of last season, everyone had written off Palace’s survival chances. They were already on life-support and all that remained was to go through the motions until the inevitable.

Then came a rare act of honesty and integrity from a football manager. Ian Holloway held his hand up and admitted the task was beyond him and fell on his sword early so as to give the club as much time as possible to make the changes that may save them.

Enter Tony Pulis. Unassuming former boss of Stoke City who had guided the Potters to several respectable mid-table finished before being given the bum’s rush. Slowly the Eagles started showing signs of life. Pulis made some key defensive signings and Palace became much harder to beat.

The impossible dream started to look more achievable and when a magnificent John Terry owngoal gave them victory over Chelsea, it sparked a run of five consecutive wins which not only secured

safety but took Palace to their highest ever Premier League finish.

The question is that now, having secured safety, can Pulis take the Eagles to greater heights? Defensively they look to have sorted themselves out with Julian Speroni growing in stature and Aussie skipper Mile Jedinak calling the shots in front of the back four but the other end of the park is a concern. Other than relegated Norwich and Cardiff, Palace scored the least goals in the Premier League last season.

Marouane Chamakh has signed a new contract but does not convince as a front man who is going to score regularly and five goals from 32 games last season is testament to that. After his brilliantly awful penalty against Spurs, Jason Puncheon became flavour of the month at Selhurst Park with seven goals from midfield and will need to be at his best again.

32

PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ! ERIC CANTONA FAMOUSLY GOT SENT OFF AT SELHURST PARK IN 1995, AND WENT ON TO “KUNG FU” TACKLE A MEMBER OF THE CROWD, BUT HIS TACKLE ON WHICH PALACE PLAYER LEAD TO THE INFAMOUS INCIDENT? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Two advantages Palace do have is the competency of their manager and the great support they get at Selhurst Park. Even when they were adrift at the bottom of the table there was non-stop noise from their fans. Whether this will make up for a lack of goals is debatable and a new striker likely add more value.

Ins: Chris Kettings (Blackpool), Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff), Brede Hangeland (Fulham) Outs: Kagisho Dikgacoi (Cardiff), Danny Gabbidon (NFA), Jode Campana (Sampdoria), Danny Gabbidon Two Who Need to Stand Up: Mile Jedinak, Jason Puncheon

Possible Weakness: Lack of goals could make for a long season.

Position Last Season: 11th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $4000 Best Premier League Finish: 11th Well I Never Knew That: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew played for Crystal Palace in their run to the FA Cup final in 1990. He scored the winning goal in a thrilling 4-3 semi-final win over Liverpool. They lost in a replay to Manchester United in the final. He is also a total tossser.

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These two alone won’t be enough for Palace and Pulis will need to bring in another striker to make up the shortfall or else every goal conceded will take on a greater weighting.

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New boss Roberto Martinez made a decent fist of it last season but his charges faded away terribly in the crucial last few games of the season just as they had Champions League football in their grasp.

Their home demolition of Arsenal had given them the front running but subsequent losses to Palace and Manchester City saw them surrender the initiative.

Harsh as it may seem, such is the expectation at the upper end of the Premier League that failure to achieve Champions League football this season could mean the end of the road for Martinez.

Especially if the Liverpool resurgence continues.

Where Martinez did well/was lucky last year was with his loan signings. Gareth Barry gave them experience and solidity in midfield and his permanent signing is a boost. Romelu Lukaku was often a match-winner and it is a real sign of intent breaking the bank to beat out the many clubs interested in his.

Key to their midfield will be the advancement of Ross Barkley. Even though only 20, Barkley needs to start delivering regularly on his promise if Everton are to attain a top four place. Belgian Kevin Mirallas has the potential to be an influential figure and often had an impact off the bench last season but needs to pull his hot head in and convince Martinez that he is worthy of a regular starting spot.

Until the last week of July the off-season was one that would have had Martinez wishing he had stayed at Wigan. Now he has made one of the bigger transfer splashes in this latter part of the season build up with a player he obviously brings the best out of. Blue Liverpudlians now need to hope he can achieve similar success at the business end of the season this turn around.

34

PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

EVERTON WERE THE FIRST CLUB TO PLAY ANOTHER IN THE LEAGUE FOR THE 100TH TIME – WHAT WAS THE OTHER CLUB? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Ross Barkley, Kevin Mirallas Possible Weakness: Failure to secure quality transfers.

Position Last Season: 5th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $100 Best Premier League Finish: 4th

Well I Never Knew That: Everton legend Dixie Dean still holds the individual scoring record for a league season in England with the 60 he scored in 1927/28.

He reached that phenomenal total with a hat-trick against Arsenal on the last day of the season. While achieving this feat he was earning a handsome 8 pounds a week and was signed by the Toffees from Tranmere Rovers for 3000 pounds in 1925.

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Ins: Gareth Barry (Man City), Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros), Brendon Galloway (MK Dons) Outs: Magaye Gueye (Millwall)

PAUL LE COMPTE ON EVERTON -

35 PAUL LE COMPTE

One really doesn’t know how to attack the upcoming Premier League season as an Everton fan.

We have qualified for Europe, even if it’s the group stage of the Europa League it is still Europe, but this raises questions about the size of squad to be able to compete meaningfully on the continent and not be relegated to the Championship at the same time, considering 90% of last years squad seemed to be on loan from somewhere else.

Fully embraced at Goodison by the faithful of Gwladys Street, the gaffer Roberto Martinez is playing the role of Everton boss very well. Keeping us all wondering if

the transfer window is for other clubs only, mind you look who he bought in at the last minute last time.

The world cup was pretty good for Everton stars like the new (temporary) US secretary of Defence, Tim Howard, who has become a cult hero back in the US of A. Almost World Cup bound if it wasn’t for a nasty compound broken leg, Oviedo is once again fully fit. Kevin Mirallas will possibly go down as a legend from the bench, and of course Barkley was one of the few English players to hold his head high.

Paul le Compte (on right) @five15design

36 PAUL LE COMPTE

The back 4 will, as ever, be miserly this year, the midfield somewhat middle aged & unless we buy a striker, well, relying upon Naismith is like wishing Scotland to lift the World Cup - gibberish. A player looking to have a marquee season is McCarthy for sure, this could be the year he makes this club his. It’s hard to take this season without a prescription acid reflux medication & quiet excitement.

Europe here we come baby!

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The Tigers were a real surprise package last season Written off as relegation fodder, they gained many admirers for the attacking way they played the game and gained several notable wins along the way including an impressive 3-1 win over Liverpool.

They ran out of steam in the latter stages of the season but to be fair to them they had legitimate reasons should they want to use them. They were relatively safe by the time results tailed off and more importantly they were distracted and tired by a magnificent cup campaign. They came so close to glory after reaching their first FA Cup final, taking a two goal lead over Arsenal before being run down in extra-time.

The backlog of fixtures that occurs during a run like that can take its toll late in the season, especially for a club with meagre resources. Hull will not take any side unawares this season and Steve Bruce has

already started strengthening his squad with that in mind. Tom Ince has joined from Blackpool and the unlikely looking, but combative and effective Robert Snodgrass has come across from relegated Norwich.

Add to that the likes of Tom Huddlestone and Ahmed Elmohamady and the midfield looks strong. Hull also have a reasonable selection of strikers with the hard-working Shane Long, Yannick Sagbo and Croatian Nikica Jelavic. The area they probably need strengthening is their defence which whilst performing reasonably well last year, has a fragile look about it.

Make no mistake it is going to be a big ask for Hull to repeat their heroics of last season and Steve Bruce is going to have to further develop the team mentality of his side. Their task will not be helped by their Europa Cup adventure should it gain any traction. As attractive a prospect European football is for players and fans, it is highly likely to impact negatively on

38

PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

HULL MANAGER, STEVE BRUCE AN UNUSUAL SECOND JOB, WHAT IS IT?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Position Last Season: 16th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $4000 Best Premier League Finish: 16th

Ins: Tom Ince (Blackpool), Jake Livermore (Spurs), Robert Snodgrass (Norwich), Andrew Robertson (Dundee Utd), Karim Rossi (Stoke City) Outs: Abdoulaye Faye (NFA), Matty Fryatt (Nottingham Forest)

Well I Never Knew That: Hull City took part in England’s first ever penalty shootout – and lost. They were beaten by Manchester United in the semi-final of the 1970 Watney Cup (a pre-season tournament that was around for a couple of years). George Best scored the first spot-kick. Denis Law then became the first player to have a penalty saved in a shootout while City keeper Ian McKechnie had the dubious honour of being the first to player to miss the deciding spot kick.

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Tom Huddlestone, Robert Snodgrass Possible Weakness: Lack of resources coupled with the possibility of an extended European campaign.

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the club’s league campaign. If they stay too long in Europe they will likely spend less time in the Premier League.

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The Foxes romped their way to the Championship title last season and will enter the Premier League full of confidence and momentum. Before their fans get too carried away with last year’s form they should take heed of Cardiff City’s experience.

The Bluebirds also won the Championship comfortably the previous season and were touted as the most likely of the new boys to succeed. Various upheavals (most caused by the clubs’ certifiable owner Vincent Tan) saw a promising start evaporate and the Welsh club finish bottom and go straight back down.

As with all promoted clubs, bolstering of the squad is vital and manager Nigel Pearson is already well underway in doing this. He has brought in the experienced former England centre-half Matthew Upson, who comes with plenty of previous Premier League experience with Arsenal, Birmingham, Stoke, West Ham and Villa but at the age of 35 perhaps his

best years are behind him.

The Foxes are well served between the sticks with Peter Schmeichel’s son Kasper doing the honours.

Promising midfielder Marc Albrighton has come across the midlands from Aston Villa and a club record fee of eight million pounds has been splashed out on Brighton’s Argentinian striker Leonardo Ulloa.

Presumably the hope is that Ulloa will reproduce the goals he scored for the Seagulls last season.

Likely to be one of the favourites for relegation, Leicester will have to hope that the momentum of their Championship charge propels them to a few early wins to settle the nerves and gain them enough points to stay up. Somehow I doubt it but you never know.

40

PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

LEICESTER MOVED THE WALKERS STADIUM IN 2002, BUT WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THEIR PREVIOUS STADIUM?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Danny Drinkwater, Leonardo Ulloa.

Possible Weakness: Lack of star power.

Position Last Season: Promoted from Championship TAB Odds to win Premier League: $5000 Best Premier League Finish: 8th

Well I Never Knew That: In 1909 Leicester Fosse were beaten 12-0 by Nottingham Forest and such was the magnitude of the loss that the Football League ordered an enquiry into the game suspecting some sort of fix. It transpired that former team member Bob Turner had got married the previous day and his erstwhile colleagues decided to join in the festivities.

So committed to the celebrations were they that many of them were still Brahms and Liszt come kick off time. The FA, showing much more understanding than today’s wowsers, decided that it was an acceptable excuse and no punishment was meted out.

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Ins: Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa), Matthew Upson (Brighton), Leonardo Ulloa (Brighton) Outs: Loads of guys nobody’s heard of.

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So near and yet so far for the Reds as they dared to dream of a first Premier League title. Off to a flyer, despite the enforced absence of Luis Suarez for the first five games, Liverpool merely got stronger upon the Uruguayan’s return. He certainly didn’t perform like a man who indicated on the pre-season tour of Australia that he didn’t really want to be at the club. His form was outstanding and, along with the efforts of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling up front and Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson in the midfield, Liverpool served up exhilarating football almost every week. As the season entered its vital last few months they put the foot down and reeled off an amazing eleven wins on the trot which saw them in pole position for the title with only three games left. Then a cruel twist of fate saw Steven Gerrard slip at a crucial moment and help Chelsea on their way to a telling victory at Anfield. I can’t think of anyone less deserving of such a disaster but also of anyone more likely to get over it and be forgiven by the fans.

The following fixture saw any lingering hopes extinguished as the Scousers let slip a three goal lead at Crystal Palace slip away in the final dozen minutes. Funny old game football, where finishing second can feel like abject failure. This season will be a real test for Brendan Rodgers who will have to live without the carnivorous Suarez. On the upside he does have a tidy 75 million quid to ease his pain.

He has been amongst the busiest of Premier League managers in the transfer market so far and brought in some quality attacking players which indicate Liverpool have no intention of changing their positive approach. With more signings still to come there is no doubt they will have the depth to cope with a lengthy Champions League campaign should it eventuate. The concern will be whether all this talent can be melded into an effective unit.

The impact of Suarez’s departure should not be under-estimated. Daniel Sturridge impressed for most of the season but fell away at the end and will

42

PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

THE FIRST EVER, LIVE PREMIER LEAGUE GOAL SHOWN ON TV WAS SCORED AGAINST LIVERPOOL IN AUGUST 1992, BUT BY WHO? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

I think the Reds will struggle to emulate the heights of last season and a Champions League spot is likely the best outcome.

Ins: Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren (Soton), Lazar Markovic (Benfica), Emre Can (Bayer Leverkusen), Lawrence Vigouroux, Kevin Stewart (Tottenham) Outs: Luis Alberto (Malaga – loan), Iago Aspas (Sevilla - loan), Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson Possible Weakness: The liability that is Martin Skrtel in the middle of their defence and the ageing of Steven Gerrard’s legs.

Position Last Season: 2nd TAB Odds to win Premier League: $10 Best Premier League Finish: 2nd Well I Never Knew That: The sacred temple that is Anfield was originally Everton’s home ground. They were the tenant from 1884 until a dispute over rent saw them abandon the ground in 1891. Left with an empty stadium and no team, owner John Houlding and his board travelled North, signed up 13 Sweaty Socks and formed Liverpool FC in 1892. As an aside, Houlding was a brewer and insisted that only his beers were sold at the stadium. A man ahead of his time.

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need to forge a partnership pretty quickly with one of the new boys. Although Liverpool will still be a dynamic attacking force they look vulnerable at the back and may not always be able to score the four required to cancel out the three conceded. The signing of Dejan Lovren from Southampton should help with that regard but another signing in that department would be a major boost.

ANDREW McGOFF ON LIVERPOOL -

43 ANDREW MCGOFF

This coming season will be a true test of Brendan Rodgers managerial skills. After finishing second in the league last season Liverpool are no longer flying under the radar. There is no bigger stage to have your shortcomings exposed than the Champions League.

A positive sign is that since the close of last season LFC have been very active in the transfer market. It is hard to take losing a mercurial player like Luis Suarez, the consolation being ÂŁ75m to upgrade our squad. It was clear last season that we did not have a game changer on the bench.

No plan B. We can rectify this

with the transfer funds from the Suarez sale.

To date we have signed Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Lazar Markovic. They fit Rodgers style of play and should be viewed as upgrades for the underwhelming Lucas, Moses, Aspas and Alberto.

At time of writing we are being closely linked to Divock Origi, Dejan Lovren, Wilfried Bony and Alberto Moreno to fill the gaps at LB, CB and CF. Whilst none of the aforementioned players may sound terribly exciting to LFC fans, they are undoubtedly a step up on last season’s squad and reason to be excited. As long as

Andrew McGoff @kopgoff

44

Liverpool is not known for being a club that signs world class players but this could change due to the recent cash injection. My view is that Rodgers will target two to three players in the £20m plus bracket instead.

A top four finish must remain our goal for this season. I expect it will be considered more important than advancing from the Champion’s League group stage, which should be used for valuable experience and revenue.

ANDREW MCGOFF

we don’t end up like Spurs last season.

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When they lost two and drew one of their first three away games, Citeh looked anything but Premier League champion material. But like a well ridden thoroughbred, they timed their run perfectly and eased past Liverpool to the winning post in the final few strides.

At home they were ruthless, losing only once and winning 17, frequently handing out severe beatings.

Having already bought two of the last three titles, you can guarantee that money will not be an issue in the transfer windows but there may be a vital cog moving on that will not so easily be replaced.

There is no doubt that Yaya Toure was the major factor in Citeh’s title triumph. He is one of those midfielders who propels his team forward every time he is on the ball and his knack for scoring goals makes him even more valuable. Problem is he doesn’t want to be at the club anymore.

The same scenario played out last year before he committed for the season but this year has a different feel about it. His petulant sulk after the club forgot his birthday is just a spoiled brat’s way of trying to justify a move. Word is that he has set his heart on joining the big money at Paris St Germain and if he goes it would put a massive dent in the Citizens chances of retaining their title.

Signings so far have been low key but with the club likely to put a major focus on the Champions League this season I would expect their cheque book to start heating up. With Alvaro Negredo already ruled out for the start of the season and some lingering doubts over the match fitness of Sergio Aguero, a top striker is likely to be a priority.

It would be foolish to write Citeh off but I get the feeling they will put all their energies into the Champions League and end up missing out on everything.

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

ONLY ONE PLAYER HAS SCORED IN THE MANCHESTER, LIVERPOOL AND GLASGOW DERBY’S – WHO? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Sergio Aguero and whoever takes Yaya’s place.

Possible Weakness: Too much focus on Europe.

Position Last Season: 1st TAB Odds to win Premier League: $2.85 Best Premier League Finish: Champions

Well I Never Knew That: In 1937/38 Citeh became the only team to be relegated from the top flight with a positive goal difference and bizarrely were top scorers in the division with 80 (conceded 77).

In 1957/58 they scored and conceded 100 goals (scored 104 conceded exactly 100).

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Ins: Willy Caballero (Malaga ), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Fernando (Porto), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto) Outs: Gareth Barry (Everton), Joleon Lescott (West Brom), Costel Pantilimon (Sunderland)

HAROLD BELL ON MAN CITY -

47 HAROLD BELL

We start this season with a few departures and three very good signings: Willy Caballero a goal keeper from Malaga, Bacary Sagna from Arsenal to help strengthen up the back and of course the midfielder from Porto, Fernando.

I think Manuel Pellegrini has got it about right for this run at the Title. Captain Fantastic,Vincent Kompany, played so well for Belgium in the World cup. I am sure he will once again prove to be an inspirational leader for City.

Some of us older fans have waited a while to Bask In Glory so I think we can gloat a little now as we have been in United’s shadow for too long. After having watched Newcastle United in Wellington I am looking forward to the first game of the season, bring it on.

ManCman @BellHarold

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HAROLD BELL

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Normally the most hated team in the Premier League, last season they became universally loved as the gift that kept on giving. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did. I for one will miss the pathetic spectacle of David Moyes blaming everything under the sun for their demise other than himself and his players.

Seventh place for a club with United’s Premier League pedigree was simply unacceptable and it came as no surprise when Mr Moyes’ six year contract was terminated after only twelve months.

Whilst the chosen one must shoulder much of the blame a fair portion of it should rest with his Caledonian predecessor. One can only imagine what dressing room issues Moyes’ had to deal with. Full of senior pros who had only ever heard Alex Ferguson’s voice and undoubtedly feeling they were the king pins and that the new boy knew nothing. Their performances on the pitch showed that perhaps

they weren’t as superhuman as they imagined.

Whether Louis Van Gaal fares any better remains to be seen but there is no doubt he is starting in the right way by asserting his authority and clearing out a lot of dead wood, replacing it with his own signings.

His priority must be his defence. For years Ferdinand and Vidic were a fearsome pairing but injuries and time have taken their toll and both players have moved on. They need to be replaced with world class personnel if the Red Devils are to bounce back and German World Cup star Mats Hummels is a prime target.

They could also do with a midfield dynamo in the mould of Bryan Robson or Roy Keane and their audacious bid for Yaya Toure indicates that they are on the lookout for such a player.

It would be a major triumph were Van Gaal to win the title in his first season and should consider a

50

PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

MAN UTD HOLD THE RECORD FOR BIGGEST HOME AND AWAY WINS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE, WHO WERE THEY AGAINST? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Position Last Season: 7th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $6 Best Premier League Finish: Champions

Ins: Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao), Luke Shaw (Soton), Vanja Milinkovic (FK Vojvodina) Outs: Ryan Giggs (Retired), Rio Ferdinand (QPR), Nemanja Vidic (Inter Milan), Federico Macheda (Cardiff), Alexander Buttner (Dinamo Moscow), Patrice Evra (Juventus), Bebe (Benfica)

Well I Never Knew That: On 1st March 1980 Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Bailey saved three penalties in a league game at Ipswich Town.

Despite his heroics United lost 6-0. And to ease the pressure on Louis Van Gaal, Sir Alex Ferguson’s first game in charge of the Red Devils resulted in a 2-0 loss to Oxford United

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Wayne Rooney, Louis Van Gaal.

Possible Weakness: The senior players who are left behind after the night of the long knives sulking and not fronting up just like they did last year.

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top four finish as a satisfactory start in his quest to stop people laughing at the former Premier League kingpins.

JAMES DANN ON MAN U -

51 JAMES DANN

Poor old David Moyes. At least when Germany ruined Brazil’s party - like an uninvited guest turning up at your 21st, stealing the keg and leaving with your girlfriend, your ex and your mum - they did it mercifully quickly.

Moyes had to sit through most of an agonising season, watching from the bench whilst the world watched the life drain slowly from his piercing blue eyes. Finally put out of his misery, his stint at United was so disastrous, and the reign of successor Martinez at Everton such a contrast that his very legacy as a manager has been tainted. In retrospect, it’s probably the best thing for United. Enter Louis Van Gaal.

The new manager’s stocks are on the rise - especially in the Euro-skeptic English press - after taking an average Netherlands side to the brink of the World Cup Final. With United signing a huge new kit deal - sadly with the sartorially dull Adidas - the money seems to be flowing at Old Trafford. After last year’s transfer fiasco, Ander Herrera is now a United player. Fans will be hoping that Van Gaal succeeds in his pursuit of Chile’s Arturo Vidal, or can turn Fellaini back into a Premier League quality player.

Otherwise we face yet another season without a proper midfield.

There are worries at the back as well, with senior players leaving,

James Dann @edmuzik

52

With Luis Suarez moving to Barcelona to soil his reputation there, Robin Van Persie is now arguably the league’s most effective out-and-out striker. Van Gaal will be hoping that he can put together another injury-free spell in the first team, otherwise goals may be few and far between for the Red Devils. For a whole generation of fans, this will be the first time they watch United try and regain some of the aura that they had for so long; a top four finish is expected, but won’t be easy. The uncertainty is exciting.

JAMES DANN

and still questions over their supposed replacements such as Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

RICCARDO BELL ON MAN U -

53 RICCARDO BELL

One thing is for almost certain - United will finish higher than seventh!

After the trainwreck that was David Moyes’ reign at the club stability and leadership were needed and have been found in the form of legendary Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal.

He’s the man that gave football Jose Mourihno, let that sink in. An older, more assured, arrogant and brash Jose - scary eh.

While David Moyes looked like he was in awe and just happy to be there, Van Gaal thinks the club should count themselves lucky to have him and that’s exactly what

United needed. Another Fergie for all intents and purposes.

There are two options, his way or the highway.

Given there is no European football this season, United needed a man who has the sway to attract players and van Gaal not only ticks that box but has a history of setting clubs up nicely: Ajax, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have all benefited long term from the seeds he sowed and Ryan Giggs and Manchester United look to be the next in line.

Top Four is the aim, oh and knocking Liverpool off anything that even resembles a perch.

Riccardo Ball @rikdog72 hosts Wynton’s World of Football on LiveSport Radio. Together with Mr Rufer all things football are covered with top interviews from NZ and abroad. Sundays from 9 to 10am.

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RICCARDO BELL

55 MILES DAVIS

By the time the final whistle blew Newcastle were grateful for their rewarding first half of the season because without it they would have been relegated.

One minute they’re beating Chelsea and Manchester United and riding high in the table then they implode and lose all but one of their last eight matches.

Did manager Alan Pardew’s stadium then side-line ban for head-butting Hull’s David Meyler leave the team rudderless? Not likely. More pertinent was the departure of Yohan Cabaye to Paris St Germain.

Such was his influence that the team were a shadow of their former selves once he left.

They must be thanking their lucky stars for the loan signing of Loic Remy because the wonder-boy of the previous season, Papiss Cisse, had a mare and struggled to hit the side of a barn door.

This season Remy has gone but Pardew has been busy in the transfer window searching for

a replacement and appears to have signed three players to do the job. Presumably hoping that one of them works. Pinching Jack Colback from neighbours Sunderland is a good move which will add energy and industry to their midfield and in an attempt to fill the gap left by Cabaye he has signed another Frenchman, Remy Cabella.

With a reasonably strong squad, Newcastle’s fortunes will likely be decided by Pardew’s influence off the park. If he follows his normal pattern he will start to believe his own publicity, discipline will suffer and Newcastle could struggle to gel. If he can show he has grown then they should comfortably finish in the top half of the table.

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ! IN 93/94 NEWCASTLE FINISHED 3RD IN THEIR FIRST SEASON AFTER PROMOTION, WHICH OTHER TEAM MANAGED THIS FEAT IN THEIR FIRST YEAR AFTER PROMOTION? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Remy Cabella, Emmanuel Riviere.

Possible Weakness: Alan Pardew’s ego.

Position Last Season: 10th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $750 Best Premier League Finish: 2nd

Well I Never Knew That: In 1908 Newcastle’s official photographer, Gladstone Adams, drove to London to cover the clubs FA Cup Final v Wolverhampton Wanderers. On the way back to the North East, after a 3-1 loss, he frequently had to stop to clear the snow from his windscreen.

This experience provided the inspiration for him to invent the windscreen wiper. He patented the invention in 1911. A year coincidentally which saw the Geordies once again contest the FA Cup final.

They drew with Bradford City 0-0 in the initial final at Crystal Palace before losing the replay at Old Trafford 1-0 in front of a crowd of 58,000.

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Ins: Remy Cabella (Montpellier), Jack Colback (Sunderland), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Siem De Jong (Ajax), Ayoze Perez (Tenerife), Emmanuel Riviere (Monaco), Facundo Ferreyra (Shakhtar Donetsk) Outs: Shola Ameobi (NFA), Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal), Romain Amalfitano (Dijon), Sylvain Marveaux (Guingcamp)

MATTHEW WALL ON NEWCASTLE -

57 MATTHEW WALL

Newcastle fans should be very happy with the way they have gone about the latest transfer window in which Mike Ashley has splashed some of his fortune around to reinvigorate a squad which sorely needed some stern parenting.

A good sign of intent was paying Montpellier £12m for Remy Cabella who becomes the most expensive Magpie since Michael Owen’s £16m transfer. Added to this is Siem De Jong from Ajax.

Your typical number ten, he is an attacking midfielder that looks like he will be able to really excite the Toon Army this season. He should be able to link up very well

with whoever they may sign as an out and out striker to replace Loic Remy whose loan time is up.

Last year they got off to a bad start losing 4-0 to Manchester City then finishing the season very poorly losing eight of their last ten games and ending on a -16 goal difference. Yet they still managed to finish tenth. I’m really looking forward to see what they can bring to the table this year.

Alan Pardew has a big job winning the fans over this season. Being proactive in the transfer window is a good start and it is a sharp looking squad. Now he must prove that he can propel this team

Matthew Wall Drum machine in Dad Jokes @666wallrus666

58 MATTHEW WALL

for a full 38 games, not just the usual dozen. Halting Sunderland’s current record equalling consecutive win streak would be a good start.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR WITH SPORTSFREAK -

59 SPORTSFREAK

The van Gall Era at Old Trafford

West Ham United v Leicester City

Liverpool’s Dirty Money Windfall

So the David Moyes thing didn’t go so well then. Last season was dominated with the rest of the league laughing at what was happening to a side that ended up seventh. Of course putting up a big “THE CHOSEN ONE” at the ground did not cause the problems, but it did provide a focus for the ridicule.

Louis van Gaal’s performance at the World Cup involved getting slightly hysterical praise for bringing on a substitute goalkeeper for a penalty shootout, receiving minimal criticism for botching the same move in the next match, and a lot of complaining about having to play the 3rd place play-off.

Nationality aside, this would indicate he will make a much better SAF clone than Moyes was ever going to be.

We are back to two New Zealanders in the Premier League (Cameron Howieson is only in Burnley’s development squad).

The fun bit here, unlike when Reid and Nelsen were on the pitch at the same time, is that Reid will be marking Wood. Bring it on.

So Suarez is gone from the League. A banned player has moved to a club with a transfer ban hanging over its head and who has Qatar Airways on its shirt. Modern football summed up there.

And the main advantage is that he has talked the board into digging deep into that war chest to buy a new team. It may take time, but they won’t be coming seventh this season.

This time last year Tottenham Hotspur got a similar windfall when Gareth Bale moved to Spain.

In typical Spurs fashion they spent it as though they had won a Reality TV competition and had two minutes to grab whatever they could from a supermarket for free. Except it was like that contestant was drunk. This saw seven high profile signings, three times beating the club transfer record and only one of the cheaper signings, Christian Eriksen, fit in.

So now Liverpool finds itself in the same situation. Suarez cannot be replaced directly, and the defence needed strengthening anyway, so where do they throw the money? They have started by signing Rickie Lambert, 47, from Southampton. More encouraging to Kopites is Adam Lallana from the same club and Serbian Lazar Markovic.

The New Boys

Good to see the Sloane Square show ponies living up to their name. They may have got lucky in offloading David Luiz to PSG in the most ridiculous transfer of all time. But look at how they are managing to waste their roubles in the meantime.

In 2001, Blackburn, Fulham and Bolton were promoted to the Premier League, and all three survived the drop. This has not happened since.

A combined 62 million pounds for an over-the-hill Cesc Fabregas and the ego of Diego Costa, who got shown up more than a little in Brazil. Trolling Arsenal is fun, but signing Fabregas seems a pricey way to go about that.

And why would attacking players want to sign up for a side managed by Jose anyway?

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Graeme Beasley @sportsfreakconz Editor in chief www.sportsfreak.co.nz

Oh Chelski

This time we see Leicester Chris Wood’s Leicester City, Burnley and Queen Park Rangers move up and the odds say that at least one will bounce back down. QPR, allegedly, have a higher salary bill that La Liga Champions Atletico Madrid.

Watch these sides. The gap between the divisions does not get smaller, and the pressure will be on from the opening weekend.

 

SPORTSFREAK

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After starting off with a hiss and a roar last season, the R’s fell away late on and had to rely on a successful play-off campaign to secure their Premier League spot. Whilst it is always better to gain automatic promotion, the drama and attention gained from winning a play-off game is a huge bonus.

Not so good I suppose if you lose. The man of the moment was, not surprisingly, Bobby Zamora, who came off the bench to score the winning goal as he had done for West Ham on a previous occasion.

Manager Harry Redknapp is an old hand with plenty of experience in the top flight and will be a major asset for QPR as they go about their first priority of retaining that status. He as already set about strengthening his squad and not surprisingly defence has been his initial focus as indicated by the signings of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker. Although Ferdinand may be past his prime, he still has a couple of good years in him and his experience will be invaluable. In Steven Caulker he has snapped up

one of the standout talents of last season. Although Cardiff got relegated it was no fault of their skipper Caulker who gave everything for the cause and even popped up to score the odd vital goal and he will only improve having Ferdinand alongside guiding him.

QPR are also well served between the sticks with former England keeper Robert Green and Brazilian World Cup star Julio Cesar. The bite in their midfield comes from the talented but occasionally psychopathic Joey Barton but who will provide the essential creativity in that area is up in the air.

Adel Taarabt undoubtedly has the ability but his attitude is often his downfall. On loan at Fulham he lost interest in trying to help in the fight to keep them up whereas when farmed out to the more prestigious AC Milan he impressed. Speculation could be redundant as Milan look likely to take him on full time which will leave Rangers looking for an alternative.

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

QPR WERE THE HIGHEST PLACED LONDON TEAM IN THE INAUGURAL PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON, BUT WHERE DID THEY FINISH? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Ins: Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Steven Caulker (Cardiff) Outs: Yossi Benayoun (Maccabi Haifa), Aaron Hughes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Esteban Granero (Real Sociedad) Two Who Need to Stand Up: Rio Ferdinand, Joey Barton Possible Weakness: Their front line looks lacking in proven class and definitely needs strengthening.

Position Last Season: Promoted via play off TAB Odds to win Premier League: $5000 Best Premier League Finish: 5th

Well I Never Knew That: In 2002 avid QPR fans, brothers Matt and Alex Winton (with the help of their father Harold), took supporting to the extreme when their beloved club was in administration and struggling for finances. They funded the transfer of one player and paid the wages of another.

They also set up ‘We Are QPR’ plc to attract investment in the club. There was a minority view that the brothers weren’t really QPR fans but slippery businessmen looking to make money out of any future transfers of the players. The fact that their father hosted the celebration party for QPR’s 1967 league cup winning squad would seem to put to bed their devotion to the club. As for the players involved? Danny Shittu and the Frenchman Doudou.

Shittu and Doudou? Sounds like the sort of players Sam Allardyce would buy.

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On the surface of it QPR look best equipped of the promoted sides to survive and if Harry manages to keep his wheeling and dealing above board and avoid controversy it should be a reasonable first season back in the top flight.

63 MILES DAVIS

As the final whistle approached last season, Southampton fans were basking in a successful season. Some great performances from their team and four of their squad forcing their way into the England squad.

Some of the team goals scored by the Saints were as good as any in the league and despite falling off slightly towards the end of the season, all was looking rosy at St Mary’s. Then their world started falling apart. Boss Mauricio Pochettino was the first to desert, heading to the bright lights of London to take over at White Hart Lane. Then came a raid from the slippery scousers of Liverpool taking away skipper Adam Lallana, centre-half Dejan Lovren and striker Rickie Lambert. As if that wasn’t bad enough star full-back Luke Shaw was picked up by Manchester United although the reputed 32 million pounds paid may ease the pain of that particular loss.

At the time the knee injury suffered by Jay Rodriguez, costing the young man a place at the World Cup, seemed terribly cruel. But same as Negredo breaking his foot ended up keeping in Manchester, Saints fans can hope to hold on to one of their starlets a touch longer.

The task of rebuilding this shattered club has been given to Dutch legend Ronald Koeman. His coaching experience is quite extensive have been in charge of the ‘big 3’ Dutch clubs as well as spells at Valencia and Benfica amongst others with varying degrees of success, winning the Eredivisie with PSV but getting the bullet from a couple of other clubs.

One thing he will bring is plenty of contacts and the ability to attract some talent and he will need to do that in spades over the next couple of weeks.

First task will be seeking to deactivate wantaway Frenchman Morgan Schneiderlin’s twitter account.

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

SOUTHAMPTON HAVE CONCEDED THE MOST HAT TRICKS IN PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY WITH SIXTEEN, BUT WHAT CLUB HAS SCORED THE MOST? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Whichever two are left from last season.

Possible Weakness: Team cohesion. Hard for a bunch of strangers to click immediately as will be necessary. Unless of course he buys the whole Feyenoord side.

Once he has his squad together he has no time to get them gelling and if he fails the season could be a disastrous one. If the Saints are not involved in a relegation scrap it will be testament to his management abilities.

Position Last Season: 8th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $750 Best Premier League Finish: 8th

Ins: Dusan Tadic (FC Twente), Graziano Pelle (Feyenoord), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea) Outs: Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Rickie Lambert (Liverpool), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool), Calum Chambers (Arsenal)

Well I Never Knew That: Southampton’s Matt Le Tissier, the most skilful nose ever to don a pair of boots, missed only one of 49 penalties he took in his career. Loved by all football fans, other than the England set up who gave him few chances, Le Tissier’s only miss was against Nottingham Forest in 1993 when his spot-kick was saved by Mark Crossley.

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At least he will have a sizeable war chest to go about his business but clubs may try and play on his dire need to buy and stitch him up over transfer fees.

As far as priority goes, pretty much everywhere apart from goalkeeper and I fully expect him to look towards Holland to start his shopping spree.

65 MILES DAVIS

There was a lot of speculation as to how Stoke would fare without long-time boss Tony Pulis who had done such a sterling job keeping the Potters in the top flight for so long. New boss Mark Hughes had a mixed resume and I for one doubted whether he could do a decent job. He certainly put me and other doubters in my place by taking them to their highest ever Premier League finish of ninth. What was even more surprising was the quality of football played by his side, especially at home where they had memorable wins over Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal as well as draws with Manchester City and Everton.

They also played a huge part in one of the games of the season, a 5-3 loss to Liverpool and scored some of the season’s more memorable team goals. Not something one normally associates with Stoke City since Stanley Matthews retired. The challenge for Hughes this season is to repeat or better that feat.

You can bet that the big boys who were stung by him last season will be out for revenge and it will be a

major achievement if he can surpass last season’s efforts.

There has been some interesting activity in the transfer market by Hughes. In Phil Bardsley and Steve Sidewell he has brought in a couple of real grafters who will add some energy to the squad (although he will need to watch out for Bardsley’s penchant for putting the ball into his own net). In new striker Mame Biram Diouf they have a player once highly regarded by Sir Alex Ferguson and signed by him though he made only five appearances for the Red Devils. If he can reproduce the form he showed for Hannover, where he scored 26 times in 57 games, he will be a useful addition to the current strike force of Peter Crouch, Peter Odemwingie and Jonathan Walters. In midfield the onus will be on Charlie Adam and Stephen Ireland to play to their potential for the whole season whilst the signing of Bojan Krkic is an intriguing one. Once touted as the next Lionel Messi,

66

PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

THE POTTERS ARE THE SECOND OLDEST PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL CLUB IN THE WORLD, WHO ARE THE OLDEST? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

If they can repeat their impressive home form of last season and sneak the odd point away from the Brittania Stadium, Stoke look to have a squad capable of another comfortable mid-table finish.

Ins: Phil Bardsley (Sunderland), Mame Biram Diouf (Hannover), Steve Sidwell (Fulham), Bojan Krkic (Barcelona), Dionatan Teixiera (Banksa Bystrica) Outs: Matthew Etherington (NFA), Michael Kightly (Burnley) Two Who Need to Stand Up: Charlie Adam, Peter Odemwingie.

Position Last Season: 9th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $2000 Best Premier League Finish: 9th Well I Never Knew That: The Potters most famous son, Sir Stanley Matthews, is the only footballer to have been knighted while he was still playing. He is also the oldest player to have ever played in the top flight of English football, playing his last game for Stoke City in 1965, five days after his 50th birthday.

He is also the oldest player to represent England when in 1957 he faced Denmark at the age of 42 years 103 days. He also holds the record for the longest England career having played his debut 22 years and 38 days earlier. The most he ever earned was 50 pounds a week. Don’t make them like that anymore.

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the 23 year old has failed to fire but perhaps the unlikely environment of the unfashionable Potteries may be the spark he requires. Defensively they are reasonably sound with Asmir Begovic providing a more than solid last line of defence.

67 MILES DAVIS

For the first couple of months of last season the Stadium of Light more resembled a West End theatre staging a Brian Rix farce than a Premier League football ground. Whilst the finale was akin to a boys own story.

Initial manager Paolo Di Canio, who had started his reign by keeping the side up and beating bitter rivals Newcastle at St James’ Park, was sacked after only five games of the new season. Poor results plus his old school management style (with a sprinkle of Genghis Khan thrown in for good measure) was not to the liking of the players, who refused to play for him, and eventually of the board who sacked him after a total of just thirteen games in charge.

Enter Gus Poyet, another latin manager but with a much more gentle demeanour (although ripping his jacket off as if ready for a fight when Wes Brown was wrongfully dismissed against Stoke shows there is at least a modicum of rage within).

Although results didn’t pick up immediately there was a gradual improvement in performances and enough results picked up to move the club up the table. The gentle upturn in fortunes resulted in a couple of Cup runs with a League Cup final berth complemented by reaching the quarter finals of the FA Cup. Defeats in both started a slide that almost proved fatal. As the cup runs continued so did the backlog of Premier League fixtures. Whilst games in hand are nice to have they need to be converted into points to be of any use and Sunderland struggled to get back to terms with league football when a run of seven losses and a single draw with Palace, saw them slump to the Premier League basement.

With the next four games including trips to Citeh, Chelsea and Manchester United surely the drop was inevitable. Or was it. A point at Citeh was followed by a win at Stamford Bridge that ended Jose Mourinho’s 70 odd game unbeaten home league run with

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ! THE 1999/2000 SEASON WAS THE LAST SEASON A PLAYER FROM OUTSIDE THE “TOP 5 TEAMS” WAS TOP SCORER IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE, WHAT SUNDERLAND PLAYER TOOK THIS AWARD? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Hard one to call but likely a few scares before safety achieved.

Ins: Jordi Gomez (Wigan), Billy Jones (West Brom), Costel Pantilimon (Man City), Patrick Van Aanholt (Chelsea) , Billy Jones (West Bromwich Albion) Outs: Jack Colback (Newcastle), Phil Bardsley (Stoke), Carlos Cuellar (NFA), Craig Gardner (West Brom), Andrea Dossena (NFA) Two Who Need to Stand Up: Adam Johnson, Jozy Altidore.

Possible Weakness: They may be the side Di Canio accused them of being.

Position Last Season: 14th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $2500 Best Premier League Finish: 7th

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the Blues and for good measure they went to Old Trafford and won as well. Safety was assured.

From being on the verge of the sack, Poyet had earned himself another chance of moulding a side to excite the Mackems although he will need to avoid the ups and downs this year if he is to last much longer. His signings so far do not overly excite although keeper Costel Pantilimon is a giant figure in goal and did well when forcing Joe Hart out at Citeh for a large part of last season. The loss of Jack Colback will be a major blow as the copper-topped midfielder has more energy than his battery cousin Duracell. Phil Bardsley and Craig Gardner are also lost players that could have been influential this campaign and must be replaced. Of the existing squad, Jozy Altidore will have to add goals to his muscle, Steven Fletcher must play like he did for Wolves, Adam Johnson must continue in his freakish late season form and Wes Brown and John O’Shea must stop scoring for the opposition so frequently.

JAMES DANN ON SUNDERLAND -

69 MILES DAVIS

Well I Never Knew That: In 1990 Sunderland made the play-off final to decide promotion to the first division. They lost the game 1-0 to Swindon Town but an investigation was launched into claims that the Wiltshire club had been involved in multiple financial irregularities including paying players without deducting income tax or national insurance.

The club plead guilty to the 36 charges it faced as well as confessing to another 20 offences. As a result their promotion was invalidated and Sunderland were promoted in their place.

Sunderland were also involved in the world’s first 1000 pound transfer when they sold Alf Common to North East rivals Middlesbrough in 1905.

And so the cycle begins again.

Eight to ten games into the season, with maybe a solitary scrappy win. The manager leaves, a new one comes in and struggles to get the best out of a squad that looks decent on paper, but is dysfunctional on the park.

We go past Christmas without leaving the relegation positions.

Then, just when it is as close to too late as it can get, a lucky goal goes in and manages to keep hope alive. What follows is a dramatic late season run to avoid relegation, and unreasonably raise expectations for the next season.

All that said, maybe 2014-15 could

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At the back, Costel Pantilmon has brought his 6’8” frame over from Man City. It should be regularly tested as in front of him the

defence is a worry since it still seems to be built around Man U off casts. The midfield, however, contains the right amount of kicking (Lee Cattermole) and control (Seb Larsson), plus the addition of Jordi Gomez from Wigan in the number ten role.

James Dann @edmuzik

The first five games of the season are a mixed bag with away games at two of the promoted sides while also hosting Man United and Spurs. If they can nick a win from any of those, then Poyet might be enjoying Christmas on Wearside.

JAMES DANN

be different. Gus Poyet does seem like a manager on the up, one who just needs a season or two of solid improvement before securing a move to a bigger club. He does have some decent players - at least in theory.

Connor Wickham came into form at the right time last year, and should get better. Steven Fletcher owes the club after a big transfer, then a long period out with injury.

And of course, you can’t ignore SAFC’s only World Cup player, Jozy Altidore. Ok, maybe you can.

71 MILES DAVIS

Although on the face of it twelfth looks an exceedingly good finish for a club of Swansea’s resources it will be viewed as somewhat of a disappointment considering the promise they showed the previous season in finishing three places higher. The Swans struggled to get into their rhythm and although still playing some attractive football and often gaining the lion’s share of possession they failed to make it count on the score-sheet.

The absence for much of the season of Michu did not help but in Wilfrid Bony they had an able replacement who grew as the season went on (Bony scored 16 compared to Michu’s 18 the previous season). The sacking of the likeable Michael Laudrup in February sent shockwaves through the football world.

Michu will not be a factor this season as he has been loaned to Napoli with a view to a permanent move so much will depend on the retention of Bony. With

the insatiable vulture that is Liverpool FC hovering about that may be easier said than done. Even without Bony, Swansea have a pretty decent squad.

Jonjo Shelvey impressed on most occasions last season and will surely be a key again this year. The likes of Jonathan De Guzman (if he can extend his loan from Villareal), Ashley Williams, Nathan Dyer and the talented but extremely easy to dislike Chico Flores are all quality players for new coach Gary Monk to work with and the signing of Gylfi Siggurdson is something of a coup. They have lost first choice keeper Michael Vorm to Spurs but in have an able replacement in Lukasz Fabianski who they have picked up on a free transfer from Arsenal.

Two things seem key to me in Swansea’s season.

The retention of Bony and the ability of Monk as a manager. Although the club have shown faith in him the jury is out as far as I am concerned. How equipped will he be when the hard questions get asked?

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

SWANSEA WAS THE FIRST WELSH CLUB TO PLAY IN THE PREMIERSHIP, WHO WERE THE SECOND?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Ins: Lukasz Fabianski (Arsenal), Marvin Emnes (Middlesbrough), Bafetimbi Gomes (Lyon), Gylfi Siggurdson (Spurs), Jefferson Montero (Monarcas Morelia) Outs: Michu (Napoli – loan), Leroy Lita (NFA), David Ngog (NFA), Ben Davies (Spurs) Two Who Need to Stand Up: Jonjo Shelvey, Jonathan De Guzman

Possible Weakness: A young and as yet unproven manager.

Position Last Season: 12th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $2500 Best Premier League Finish: 9th Well I Never Knew That: Starting in 1977/78, under the stewardship of former Liverpool great John Toshack, Swansea gained promotion in three out of four seasons taking them from the 4th Division to the 1st Division.

In their first season of top flight football they finished a remarkable sixth. Sadly the trip back down was a mirror image as three relegations in the next four seasons saw them back in the fourth division.

In 2011 they became the first Welsh side to play in the Premier League.

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The side merely maintained the status quo last season under his guidance and like most young managers (or older ones for that matter) their worth is only really found out in adverse situations.

Being a former team-mate of most of his squad will carry him for a while but sooner or later he is going to have to be the boss and that may not be as smooth a transition as he would like. None of us are too keen when a mate starts telling us what to do.

If he keeps the dressing room, Swansea should be relatively safe from the drop.

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The way that Spurs have been getting rid of their managers in recent seasons leads one to believe that they perhaps have delusions of grandeur.

Harry Redknapp led them to fourth, fifth, and fourth in consecutive season before being sacked. His replacement Andre Villas Boas kept them at fifth before being shown the door after four months of his second season and his successor, Tim Sherwood was dispensed with despite the club finishing sixth.

What on earth do the Spurs board deem as acceptable for a club who for 40 years have been a mid-table side that haven’t looked like winning the top flight since their last triumph in 1961?

Of course other factors came into play when making their decisions but one has to wonder what is going on in the back office. Despite their relatively high finish, Spurs struggled for much of the season to score goals with the man signed to lead their attack, Roberto Soldado, struggling to settle and only

managing a measly six only one more than the five own goals that helped Spurs on their way.

Emmanuel Adebayor, who was on the outer under AVB, was returned to the side by Sherwood and managed eleven but too often Spurs relied on the midfield pair of Gylfi SIggurdson and Christian Erisken to find the net. Former Saints boss Mauricio Pocchettino is the man who Spurs have charged with changing their fortunes this season. So far he has been relatively quiet on the transfer front but it would be a surprise were he not to strengthen the striking stock at the club. He will also have to find a replacement for Siggurdson who has moved on to Swansea. At first glance Spurs have a strong squad but too many of their big names are inconsistent.

Aaron Lennon, Andros Townsend, Kyle Walker, Mousa Dembele to name a few are exciting players on their day but too often fail to turn up.

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

THE PREMIERSHIP’S 10,000TH GOAL WAS SCORED IN TOTTENHAM’S 4-0 WIN OVER FULHAM IN DECEMBER 2001 – WHO SCORED IT? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Andros Townsend, Christian Eriksen

This season will show if Pochettino is more than just a flash in the pan and one wonders how high Spurs will have to finish if he is to avoid the fate that met his three immediate predecessors.

Well I Never Knew That: Recently sacked Spurs boss Tim Sherwood had his Premier League career ended in a game against none other than – Tottenham Hotspur. Whilst playing for Portsmouth his leg was broken in two places after a rash tackle from Spurs fullback Mauricio Taricco. After his initial recovery he made eleven appearances in the Championship for Coventry but he never fully recovered and retired at the end of the 2004/2005 season.

Ins: Michael Vorm (Swansea), Ben Davies (Swansea), Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon) Outs: Heurelho Gomes (Watford), Jake Livermore (Hull), Gylfi Siggurdson (Swansea)

Possible Weakness: Up and down form of their stars and possible failure to secure a top striker.

Position Last Season: 6th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $65 Best Premier League Finish: 4th

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Pochettino will be keen to get them having good days more often than not. Youngster Harry Kane showed promise when given his chance late last season and it will be interesting to see if he gets more game-time under the new boss. Despite it being against their nature, Spurs are going to have to spend if they are to challenge for a European spot and will have to do it soon before all the quality stock has been snapped up.

FIVE THINGS SPURS MUST LEARN FROM LAST SEASON RICHARD GORDON

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One

Two

Three

Have a manager that speaks Spanish, or whatever they speak in Argentina, solely to ensure that Erik Lamela actually believes he can touch a football. Thankfully, this is already done. Top work Daniel Levy.

Stop playing players out of position. It is clear that a) Jan Vertonghen is not a left back, b) Kyle Naughton is not a left back, and c) Zeki Fryers is not a left back. Arguably Roberto Soldado is not a striker either. Now that I’m thinking, play Christian Eriksen more centrally as well. He’s wasted on the left

Buy a left back. And a twenty goal a season striker. And a central defender with more pace than Michael Dawson (the last one shouldn’t be hard). If Levy buys top class players in these positions, I won’t even complain that he did it on Deadline Day.

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Five

Hold onto your top players.

Although that Welsh numpty went and did good at Real Madrid, Spurs never recovered. Eriksen and Hugo Lloris must be kept.

The Europa League actually means something! The winner gets Champions League entry for the following season. So undoubtedly we will try hard and lose in the semis.

RICHARD GORDON

Richard Gordon @gordo_nz

Four

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A draw is usually an acceptable result in the Premier League but if you don’t turn enough of them into wins it can lead to trouble and that’s what happened to the Baggies last season. They drew a Premier League high fifteen games last season, losing less games than anyone else in the bottom half of the table but with less victories than all but relegated Cardiff, with only seven wins.

It was this patchy form that saw boss Steve Clarke sacked (or given gardening leave whatever version you prefer but same difference) before Christmas.

Keith Downing took over as caretaker until January when Spaniard Pepe Mel was appointed.

Mel took seven games before he produced a win for his employers and his lack of English was a major factor. West Brom often played as if they were receiving garbled messages. Even the Albion players accepted the fact that they stayed up more as a result of three teams being worse than them rather

than on their own merits.

It was no surprise when Mel and West Brom parted company at the end of the season with many stories of player discontent at the bizarre nature of his reign. Into the breach steps Scotsman Alan Irvine.

A rather bizarre choice considering the number of unemployed managers with Premier League experience that they could have appointed. Irvine has no experience of managing in the top flight and has spent the last three years coaching Everton’s youth.

His first job has been to shore up his defence and he has picked up a couple of decent players in Craig Gardner and Joleon Lescott. But in keeping with recent madcap antics at the Hawthorns, he has splashed out a club record ten million pounds on Nigerian striker Ideye Brown, without ever having

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

IN 04/05 WEST BROM FAMOUSLY MADE THE “GREAT ESCAPE” STAYING IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE WITH A RECORD LOW NUMBER OF POINTS – HOW MANY DID THEY GET? ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

Possible Weakness: A manager who lacks experience and a squad that may find out that a crazy Spanish coach was not totally to blame for their close brush with relegation.

A lot has to go right for West Bromwich Albion to avoid a season long relegation battle but they are a club that have a habit of confounding the critics.

Position Last Season: 17th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $4000 Best Premier League Finish: 8th

Ins: Craig Gardner (Sunderland), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Chris Baird (Burnley), Sebastien Pocognoli (Hannover), Ideye Brown (Dynamo Kiev) Outs: Zoltan Gera (Ferencvaros), Liam Ridgewell (Portland Timbers), Steven Reid (Burnley), Diego Lugano (NFA), George Thorne (Derby County)

Well I Never Knew That: In 1963 Baggies boss Jimmy Hagan’s boring training routines and his dictatorial style had his squad up in arms. The conflict came to a head when, on a freezing cold day, Hagan refused to let his players wear tracksuit bottoms at training.

Led by future Arsenal boss, and then Baggies skipper, Don Howe the players went on strike.

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Ideye Brown, Joleon Lescott.

MILES DAVIS

seen him play. At first glance Brown’s recent stats look impressive, with 33 goals in his 74 games for Dynamo Kiev but as we all know, statistics can be deceiving and if Irvine has got it wrong, damning.

79 MILES DAVIS

Before I was allowed to write this piece of the season preview I was strapped into a strait-jacket and force-fed tranquilisers and blood pressure pills to save me from harming myself and others.

The dross served up last season can best be described as an offence to football. I cannot remember a more soul-destroying season in my 50 years as a Hammers fan. If one more person spouts the words ‘Well he kept you up’ I will throttle them.

Keeping a side up is no great shakes as 85 percent of managers achieved that feat. What’s more pertinent is that all but one of them managed to do it by playing football. There are only so many 50 yard diagonal hoofs one can cope with in a lifetime and Allardyce exceeded that in one season.

out despite every West Ham fan realising he has been nothing more than a passenger for 18 months.

That raises an interesting side-issue – the number of players at the club, brought in by BFS, who have the same agent as him – a certain Mark Curtis.

Accusations that BFS and skipper Kevin Nolan put pressure on Ravel Morrison to also switch to the Curtis stable have been denied by BFS but are widely held to be true by those fans close to the club and the player. The side managed to avoid relegation by giving up 66% of possession at home to sides like Norwich and Swansea, surviving a battering then hitting them on the break. To see them do the same to a ten man Hull City side at the Boleyn was more than most fans could stomach.

Apart from his tactical ineptitude he has a propensity to play players out of position, rendering them totally ineffective and destroying their confidence. He insists on playing his mate Kevin Nolan week in week

The prospects for this season are dire to say the least. The recent tour to New Zealand would have to rank as the worst performances by the club in living memory, not to take away the top performances by

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PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

MANY KNOW WEST HAM’S HOME GROUND AS UPTON PARK, BUT WHAT IS ITS ACTUAL NAME?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

The manager firstly claimed that it was fitness that matters and the club were working towards being fully match-fit. Easier to believe if they had not been soundly beaten by two sides three months away from the start of their own season compared to the three weeks for West Ham. After the second defeat BFS put the loss down to a more expansive game demanded by the board which had left them vulnerable defensively. Sadly there was no sign of any such expansive game. In short this club has forgotten how to play football over the last couple of seasons.

It is obvious the board and manager are playing out a feud in public and the club and its fans are suffering. Whilst I can sympathise with a manager trying to cope with interference from a board I have no sympathy for BFS who owes his job to the

reluctance of the owners to pay him out the four million pounds due for the last year of his contract.

It will undoubtedly prove a false economy. With Andy Carroll out injured yet again (he missed the first six months of last season) and the side in total disarray it is hard to see the improvement necessary to save the side from certain relegation.

Urgent surgery is required and the removal of a malignant growth residing on the sideline is critical if the patient has any chance of survival. If you think my assessment is harsh I can guarantee you that it is shared by 95% of other Wes Ham fans.

Ins: Aaron Cresswell (Ipswich), Enner Valencia (Pachuca), Mauro Zarate (Velez Sarsfeld), Cheikhou Kouyate (Anderlecht), Diego Poyet (Charlton), Outs: Joe Cole (Aston Villa), Jack Collison (NFA), Alou Diarra (NFA), George McCartney (NFA), Matt Taylor (Burnley), Ben Sheaf (Arsenal)

MILES DAVIS

their A-League opposition.

81 MILES DAVIS

Two Who Need to Stand Up: Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia Those Who Need to Bugger Off: BFS, Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole Possible Weakness: BFS doesn’t know what he’s doing Position Last Season: 13th TAB Odds to win Premier League: $2500 Best Premier League Finish: 5th Well I Never Knew That: From the appointment of Syd King as their first manager in 1901 until the sacking of John Lyall in 1989, West Ham had only five managers.

In the intervening 25 years they have had 9 managers and three who stood in for one or more games in a caretaker capacity. Ronnie Boyce (one game) Trevor

Brooking (11 games) and Kevin Keen (for a total of two games – one after the sacking of Alan Curbishley and one after the dismissal of Avram Grant).

They are the last side outside the top-flight to have won the FA Cup when they beat Arsenal in 1980 as a second division side. And while we are talking about Arsenal (and to cheer me up at the lowest ebb in the club’s history) West Ham were the last side to beat Arsenal at Highbury and the first side to beat them at the Emirates.

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Who will be facing the drop?

Promoted sides Leicester and Burnley look likely candidates from the outset with their limited

resources and their managers’ lack of top flight experience. Hull could suffer from second season syndrome and Aston Villa could be equally vulnerable if their new management combo fail to fire. West Brom will have to hope that Alan Irvine’s Scottish brogue is more comprehensible than his predecessor Pepe Mel’s Spanish and the unknown quantity that is Southampton could also be dragged into the mire.

Having said all that if the Fat One is not sacked by West Ham they will be down by Christmas. Ok so I have named nearly every team so let’s narrow it down. Leicester, Burnley and West Ham. NB: All the above opinions are solely the opinionated views of Miles Davis and not those of Premier League Pass. If you wish to take issue or debate any points or comments raised feel free to forward them via twitter to @milesdavislive or get your solicitor to do so.

MILES DAVIS

Who is going to win the title?

As much as it pains me to say it, Chelsea. They looked far from their best for much of last season and yet managed a creditable third. The signings they have made have undoubtedly strengthened their squad and if Diego Costa provides the goals that Mourinho has been bemoaning the lack of, they should have enough to see off the challengers.

If Citeh keep Yaya Toure they will obviously be a threat but I get the feeling that he will go in one of the transfer windows and his absence may be hard to overcome. Arsenal and United to battle for third with Arsenal having the edge purely because Louis Van Gaal may take time to get his mojo working.

I feel Liverpool will still play some great football but without Suarez will not be the same consistent force.

PREMIER LEAGUE PASS GAMING

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FANTASY FOOTBALL

FANTASY FOOTBALL

Meet Daniel Winter of Danz United. He was our Fantasy Football Manager of the Season for 2013/14.

We had the pleasure of enjoying a pint with Dan during the off-season and found out he’s an ex-pat from the UK, specifically Colchester, and has been here around ten years. We tried to pick his brain concerning his secrets to winning but he gave little away. What we did learn though is that in being a League One Colchester United supporter meant that he lacked an emotional attachment to players of any specific EPL club. I believe this may have allowed him to operate more ruthlessly as Manager. At any rate it’s one hell of an achievement and worthy of the elaborate prize pack we bestowed upon him.

Congratulations again Dan and enjoy your free subscription for 2014/15!

Make sure you sign up for fantasy football at http://fantasy.premierleague.com and join the PremierLeaguePass League by using this code: 584881-148663. Once again we will be awarding super-mega-prize-packs for Manager of the Month, and a super-mega-grand-prize-pack for our Manager of the Season. You can join our league anytime throughout the season but recommend getting in soon if you fancy a shot at the title.

84 FANTASY FOOTBALL

Daniel Winter: Triumphant.

PREMIER LEAGUE PASS GAMING

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TIPS FROM AN EXPERT TIPPER

TIPPING

Home advantage counts for a lot - In 2013/14 47% of games were won by the home team.

In 2011/12 and 2012/13 there were just over 100 draws in the season on average, last year the number was lower. There are some teams that tend to have far more draws than other teams. Stoke has had the most over the past few years with 38, other teams who tend to draw a lot are Everton, Southampton, Aston Villa and Norwich. West Bromwich Albion had the most draws in 2013/14 - 15! - Attacking teams like Man Utd, Man City and Newcastle have far fewer draws.

The odds can change in the days leading up to the game. Common reasons for this are the fitness of key players. So it pays to watch for this and the odds can change.

Odds can be influenced by clubs participation in different competitions. For example, some clubs participate in the European competitions, and the FA and League cups can add extra games to clubs programmes. Clubs do rest some of their players from time to time and this can affect the odds.

The top clubs tend to field their best teams in the European competitions so if they have these types of games during the week, they may not always have their best team on Saturdays.

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IT’S FREE!

TIPPING

SIGN UP AT TABPICKS.CO.NZ AND BE IN TO WIN $5000 ON PREMIER LEAGUE TIPPING!

87

PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZ!

ANSWERS!

THIS IS PAGE 87

QUIZ ANSWERS

Arsenal They have all played in the north london derby for both teams.

Aston Villa Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham.

Burnley Owen Coyle and Brian Laws Chelsea Avram Grant, Luis Felipe Scolari, Ray Wilkins (caretaker), Guus Hiddink, Carlo Ancelottu, Andre Villas-Boas, Roberto di Matteo, Rafael Benitez.

Crystal palace Richard Shaw

Everton Aston Villa Hull He writes fiction novels.

Leicester City Filbert street Liverpool Teddy Sheringham, with his last goal for Nottingham Forrest Manchester City Andrei Kanchelskis Manchester United United beat Ipswich Town 9-0 at Old Trafford in 1995, and beat Nottingham Forest 1-8 away in 1999

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Tottenham Hotspur Les Ferdinand

Queens Park Rangers 5th

West Bromwich Albion 34

Southampton Liverpool – 36, followed by Arsenal – 34 and Man Utd – 32

West Ham United The Boleyn Ground

Stoke City Notts County Sunderland Kevin Philips – 30 goals

Swansea City Cardiff City

Quiz compiled by: Roy O’Hara (@royohara)

QUIZ ANSWERS

Newcastle United Nottingham Forrest – 94/95

89 COLOURING COMPETITION

Win prizes of varying quality by printing out and colouring in this glorious rendering of last season’s action.

If you can’t work out how to print it without printing this whole document, you can get a single page version on the PremierLeaguePass news site at news.premierleaguepass.com

Post your masterpieces to our facebook page (facebook.com/premierleaguepass) or our twitter account (twitter.com/p_l_pass) and we’ll let you know if you’re a winner.

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COLOURING COMPETITION

PREMIER LEAGUE PASS SUPPORT WATCHING PREMIERLEAGUEPASS ON YOUR TV

HDMI CABLE -

91 CONNECTION GUIDE

1. If your laptop and TV both have an HDMI port like this then you can connect them with an HDMI cable 2. Simply plug one end of the cable into the laptop’s HDMI port, and the other end into the HDMI port of the TV 3. On your TV remote select the correct input or source. The button will usually have this symbol:

4. Your laptop screen should now be mirrored on your TV. You can now load up PremierLeaguePass.

NB. Some computers such as a MacBook Air may have a display port instead of an HDMI port and will require an adaptor.

AIRPLAY WITH APPLE TV -

1. On your TV remote press the SmartHub button. (illustrated above)

1. Load up the PLP app on your iPhone or iPad. Load up the video you want to watch. On the player press the Airplay icon

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2013/14 SAMSUNG TV APPLICATION -

Using your remote navigate to the Apps Pane.

Enter the Samsung Apps menu and locate PremierLeaguePass in the Whats New, Video or Sports section.

3. Install the app. Once installed you can access it from the SmartHub apps pane.

2.

The player will detect any AppleTV devices nearby and ask which one you want to send the video to. Select the desired AppleTV from the menu.

We recommend only those with a good router and internet speeds use Airplay. If possible, connect your AppleTV with an ethernet cable.

Please note, if auto lock is enabled on your iOS device, this can interrupt your stream. You can disable Autolock under iOS general settings.

CONNECTION GUIDE

2.

PREMIER LEAGUE PASS SUPPORT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

93 FAQ

GENERAL

How much Data is this going to use?

The average game will be about 2 - 3GB, obviously this changes depending on the quality of stream you’re taking in. Our research suggests this won’t be too impactful on most peoples data caps but it’s probably a good idea to have a good look at yours and think about how much football you’re planning on watching, and adjust your data plan accordingly.

How long is the On-Demand window?

The window for On-Demand games will be from kick off to the start of the following round, so basically a week, but in the international breaks it’s more like two, over Christmas it’s more like a few days.

How do I get it on my TV? You can get PLP on your TV using our app if you have a selected Samsung Smart TV or Samsung SmartHub Bluray Player. Otherwise the easiest options are connecting a computer up with an HDMI cable. See our connection guide for more info.

Will my internet connection be ok?

You’ll need a decent broadband internet connection (DSL/cable or better) of 7Mbps or higher. If you have speed of 12.0 Mbps or more and your computer meets the requirements below, you will be able to enjoy PremierLeaguePass at the highest video quality (4,500kbps HD). Remember lots of factors can affect video quality and this is a guide only!

Will there be a chance to try this before I buy it?

Yes, we’ve included some free content on the site so you can test everything out there before you subscribe. See the about section of the site where you’ll find a sample video.

In what territories is PremierLeaguePass available?

PremierLeaguePass is available to subscribers in New Zealand, the Philippines and Taiwan.

FAQ / GENERAL

Do I have to watch all the matches live or can I record them and watch at my leisure?

Every single match, all 380 of them can be watched within the 24-hour window after kick off - live or otherwise. On top of this we’re able to offer 250 matches for multiple viewing (on-demand) up until the following round (usually one week, sometimes longer). These matches are prioritised to maximise at the beginning and end of the season, as well as taking into account derbies and those matches that have a top-of-the-table look about them. Due to the League’s financial fair play rules, the 250 matches are of course spread out evenly amongst all clubs, 25 each.

Can I buy a single team pass?

Sadly, we cannot offer such a pass, we think it’s a political thing inside the league which might have come up as a result of the financial fair play rules they’re implementing. As we see it, a problem would arise if 75 percent of people bought access to Man U games, then Man U would have an argument to get 75% of the revenue and everyone else would be screwed.

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What is the video quality like?

PremierLeaguePass offers adaptive video streaming that adjusts to the current download speed of your connection, from 400kbps all the way up to 4500kbps (HD). You can manually select either 400, 800, 1600, 3000, or 4500kbps to best suit your connection. Alternatively you can select ‘Best Available’ and the player will periodically check your connection and adjust to your speed so it’s always delivering the optimal viewing experience, eliminating buffering.

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RESTRICTIONS

TECHNICAL

I am getting an ‘unavailable in your area’ message what on earth do I do?

This might be because your IP address is resolving to a location outside of one of our territories.

Please contact customer support with your IP address (which you can identify through a number of free web services) and they will be able to fix your account to give you access, provided you are not trying to access your account from outside PremierLeaguePass territory.

What are the minimum system requirements for PremierLeaguePass?

You’ll need a decent broadband internet connection (DSL/cable or better) of 7Mbps or higher. If you have speed of 12.0 Mbps or more and your computer meets the requirements below, you will be able to enjoy PremierLeaguePass at the highest video quality (4,500kbps HD). Remember lots of factors can affect video quality and this is a guide only!

To contact customer support, you can: • Send us an e-mail to either supportnz@premierleaguepass.com in NZ, supporttw@premierleaguepass.com in Taiwan, or supportph@premierleaguepass.com for the Philippines.

• Call customer support on 0800 466 373 (New Zealand), 0809 090 192 (Taiwan) or 1-800-1-116 1165 (Philippines) • Chat with a customer service representative here FAQ / RESTRICTIONS / TECHNICAL

If I’m overseas can I still keep abreast of all the action?

Sadly, because of our rights agreement, you can only use PremierLeaguePass while you’re in New Zealand, Taiwan, or the Philippines.

Can I access my PremierLeaguePass subscription on more than one computer or device at the same time?

PremierLeaguePass only supports one concurrent login per subscription. You cannot access your PremierLeaguePass subscription on more than one computer or device simultaneously, even if they’re on the same network. Sharing your PremierLeaguePass account information is prohibited.

What are the minimum system requirements for Windows computers?

The minimum requirements for Windows computers are: • Intel Pentium 4 2.33GHz or higher or equivalent AMD processor with a minimum of 2GB of memory and 128MB of video RAM. • One of the following operating systems: Windows 8 or Windows 7 • Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox (we recommend either Chrome or Firefox): - IE: http://www.microsoft.com/ie - Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox • Macromedia Flash Player 10.1: http://www.adobe. com/products/flash/about/ • Video adapter and monitor: Super VGA (1024x768) or higher.

What are the minimum requirements for Mac computers?

The minimum requirements for Mac computers are: • Intel Core Duo 1.5GHz with a minimum of 2GB of memory and 128MB of video RAM • Mac OS X 10.4+ • Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome • Macromedia Flash Player 10.1: http://www.adobe. com/products/flash/about/ • Video adapter and monitor: Super VGA (1024x768) or higher.

PremierLeaguePass will now stream at the bit rate you chose. If your connection can’t cope with the bit rate you’ve selected, you may experience choppiness in the video playback.

If your video playback is choppy with “Best Available” checked in the video quality settings, this may be an issue with your computer’s performance. To resolve, please try the following: • Make sure your computer is up to date with the latest patches and your video card’s drivers are current • Disable hardware acceleration as it can cause choppy video playback • Increase virtual memory as it can improve video playback • Check your anti-virus or firewall settings to make sure they allow traffic from PremierLeaguePass

Why is my video not playing?

Make sure you press play and wait a minute or two for your video to load. If your video still wont play then your issue might be due to the following:

• Low Memory - if your computer has less than the minimum 512 MB of memory or you are running many applications at the same time, close all other applications before playing a video.

• Low Bandwidth - it is required that you have either a Cable or DSL modem providing at least 750 kbps download speed. Contact your internet provider if you suspect you are getting less than this speed.

• Caching Issues - Mac users; make sure you aren’t using Safari and if you are on Windows try Chrome or Firefox instead of IE. After I sign in and select a game, I get a spinning circle (or empty black screen or white screen). What should I do?

This may be a web browser media player plugin issue, follow these steps to resolve: • First step, uninstall Adobe Flash Plugin.

• On a PC, do this through your CONTROL PANEL > ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS. • On a Mac, drag Adobe Flash Player from applications to your Trash; or use Finder to locate Adobe Flash Player install manager, and uninstall • Once you have removed Adobe Flash, ***restart your computer*** • Finally, download/install Flash directly from Adobe’s website: http://get.adobe.com/ flashplayer/

FAQ / TECHNICAL

• Launch PremierLeaguePass • Hover over the “Quality” setting indicator and uncheck “Best Available” • Manually select a bit rate appropriate for your connection

If you’re unsure of how to do any of these things, please consult a qualified computer technician.

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My internet connection is better than the recommended minimum, but my video is choppy or low quality, how come?

PremierLeaguePass features adaptive streaming which dynamically adjusts the quality of video you receive based on the speed of your connection.

If your connection speed fluctuates (many factors can contribute to this such as network congestion during peak times or other devices sharing your connection) PremierLeaguePass detects this and adjusts the quality of the video stream to ensure you can continue viewing content without interruption.

Through the following steps you can override this feature and select the bit rate at which you want PremierLeaguePass to deliver content, despite any fluctuations with your connection:

TECHNICAL CONT.

97

For more troubleshooting steps see our Knowledge Base I have adjusted the quality settings, so why is the video still choppy or low quality?

Typically, poor video quality will be related to one of the following things: Internet bandwidth, CPU utilization, or local software or network conflicts (i.e. security app or content filtering/traffic shaping.)

If you’re experiencing choppy or low quality video with PremierLeaguePass, please make sure you try accessing with a different web browser such as Firefox or Chrome. If you have the same issues across multiple browsers, please refer to the information below for troubleshooting tips.

FAQ / TECHNICAL

Internet Bandwidth Please ensure that you, or others on your network, are not downloading music, movies, or games while you are using PremierLeaguePass. These activities will consume a large chunk of your bandwidth. Also male sure you shut down any other programs or applications that you have running.

To stream video on PremierLeaguePass at the highest available quality you will need a download speed of 12 Mbps or more. You can use this free online tool to check your Internet connection’s speed http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest -select the New York option as a baseline.

Despite having a fast Internet connection, Internet congestion can slow down the delivery of the stream, make it difficult for you to connect, or cause buffering. Often the interruption is temporary. If you repeatedly have problems connecting, please notify your ISP. There are often quick fixes they can make when they learn about your issue.

Closed networks, such as the ones found at university campuses, hotels, hospitals, businesses, etc., can cause connectivity issues with live streaming video if certain ports are blocked or restricted.

CPU Utilization If your CPU is running at or above about 75%, you will likely encounter issues such as sluggish or choppy video quality.

To check your CPU usage on a Windows computer, press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys simultaneously and then select “Task Manager.” Your current CPU usage percentage is displayed under the “Performance” tab.

To check your CPU usage on a Mac OSX computer, launch the Activity Monitor application. Your current CPU usage percentage is displayed under the CPU tab.

If you’re experiencing high CPU utilization, close any unnecessary applications to help save CPU resources. Also, please check your CPU utilization while the media player is running.

Local Software or Network Conflicts Try disabling any firewall, security applications, or antivirus software that is running. These applications, e.g., Avast, Norton, McAfee, etc., can affect the video quality of video streaming applications like PremierLeaguePass.

Adobe Flash Suggestions To access “Adobe Flash Player Settings”, launch PremierLeaguePass and right-click anywhere within the video player, then select ‘settings’ from the menu.

HELP/CONTACT

How do I get help during games?

• Send us an e-mail to either supportnz@premierleaguepass.com (NZ), supporttw@premierleaguepass.com (Taiwan), or supportph@premierleaguepass.com (Philippines).

• Call customer support on 0800 757 277 (New Zealand), 0809 090 192 (Taiwan) or 1-800-1-116 1165 (Philippines) • Chat with a customer service representative using the link on the site.

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Along the bottom of the “Adobe Flash Player Settings” menu, you’ll find five tabs.

Click the third tab from the left it looks like a file folder with green arrow, then move the slider bar to the right until it is higher than 100 KB.

Next, click the leftmost tab that looks like a monitor and uncheck the box that says “Enable hardware acceleration.” If the “Enable hardware acceleration” box is already unchecked, try checking the box.

Clear your browser cache and cookies, relaunch your browser, and check for improvement in the video quality.

FAQ / HELP / CONTACT

MOBILE

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Available on iOS and Samsung Devices running Android

FAQ / MOBILE

I have the volume turned up on my iPad but I can’t hear the sound from PremierLeaguePass. How can I fix this?

If you have the volume turned up on your iPad but still don’t hear any sound from PremierLeaguePass, make sure the side switch (mute) is not turned on. If the side switch is set to mute, adjusting the volume will still be indicated by the on-screen display, some applications may still play audio but PremierLeaguePass will not.

In your iPad settings if you set your side switch to “Lock Rotation” instead of “Mute”, the side switch will no longer affect the audio on PremierLeaguePass. If you don’t hear any sound from PremierLeaguePass with the side switch set to “Lock Rotation”, your iPad is most likely muted. To check if your iPad is muted, double tap the home button which will open the multitasking bar. Swipe your finger to the right to access the multitasking bar controls. Make sure your iPad is not muted, this is indicated by a line crossed through the speaker icon. To mute or unmute your iPad, tap the speaker icon. If your iPad is muted, adjusting the volume will still be indicated by the on-screen display, certain applications may still play audio, but PremierLeaguePass will not.

Why can’t I stream video on my computer and mobile device at the same time?

PremierLeaguePass only supports one concurrent log-in per subscription. You cant access your PremierLeaguePass subscription on more than one computer or device simultaneously, even if they’re on the same network. Sharing your PremierLeaguePass account information is prohibited.

Is AirPlay for iOS devices supported?

Yes, AirPlay for iOS devices is supported for use with PremierLeaguePass Mobile. In order for AirPlay to work with your Apple TV, please make sure it’s running firmware 4.3 or higher.

Is PremierLeaguePass available on my mobile device?

Initially PremierLeaguePass will be available through the Apple app store for iPhone and iPad and on all Samsung android devices running Android 2.3 and up. If your device is not mentioned here, send us an e-mail to either supportnz@premierleaguepass.com (NZ), supporttw@premierleaguepass.com (Taiwan), or supportph@premierleaguepass.com (Philippines), and we’ll look into it.

How much does PremierLeaguePass Mobile cost?

PremierLeaguePass Mobile is available as a free download, although a paid subscription to PremierLeaguePass is required to view games. There may be additional fees charged by your cell phone provider for data usage associated with the use of PremierLeaguePass Mobile. Please contact your cell phone provider for details regarding their pricing policies.

Why do I keep getting a message that my session has timed out?

It is likely that you are logged in to more than one device (i.e. computer, smart phone, or tablet) at the same time. Please make sure you use your PremierLeaguePass account on one device at a time.

My device isn’t supported by PremierLeaguePass.

When will more devices be supported?

We’re currently looking into our next targets for development - send us an email to either supportnz@premierleaguepass.com (NZ), supporttw@premierleaguepass.com (Taiwan), or

Why do I have to sign in to use PremierLeaguePass Mobile?

To stream video on PremierLeaguePass Mobile, you’ll need a paid subscription to PremierLeaguePass. You can purchase a subscription at PremierLeaguePass. com, or through the PremierLeaguePass Mobile app itself.

Reminder: simultaneous access on more than one device with the same account information is prohibited (i.e. accessing on your computer and on your tablet at the same time).

Why is the video choppy or taking a long time to start on PremierLeaguePass Mobile?

PremierLeaguePass Mobile works best over 4G/3G and Wi-Fi networks. Slower networks or connection speeds can reduce the video quality available in

I downloaded PremierLeaguePass Mobile. Why can’t I access live streaming games?

To stream video on PremierLeaguePass Mobile, you’ll need a paid subscription to PremierLeaguePass. You can purchase a subscription at PremierLeaguePass. com, or through the PremierLeaguePass Mobile app itself.

FAQ / MOBILE

I’m getting a message that my connection speed is insufficient for streaming video but I can still hear audio. What’s going on?

If you receive this message in PremierLeaguePass Mobile, your connection speed is not currently fast enough to support streaming video.

PremierLeaguePass Mobile will still play the audio portion of the stream so you can listen without interruption to the content you were viewing.

Although your connection speed may be faster than the minimum recommended speeds, temporary fluctuations or dips in your connection speed may cause this message to display. It is also recommended that you close any other music or video streaming applications, pause any downloads, and shut down any other computers or devices accessing your network while watching PremierLeaguePass.

PremierLeaguePass Mobile. Contact your ISP or mobile phone provider if you suspect you are getting less bandwidth than you should.

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supportph@premierleaguepass.com (Philippines) and we’ll put your device on the list.

BILLING AND REGISTRATION

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What does ‘username not available’ mean?

Unfortunately, either another fan has already chosen the username you were trying to register, or the username is prohibited.

What should I do if my e-mail address is already in use?

Most likely, you previously signed up for an PremierLeaguePass account. Please click the “Forgot my password” link to retrieve your password.

I have a promo code. How do I redeem it to get a discount?

After selecting which PremierLeaguePass subscription you want to purchase, enter your promo code into the “Promo Code” field in the order summary. Click “Redeem” and your price will change to reflect the promotion.

FAQ / BILLING AND REGISTRATION

I just purchased a subscription, but forgot to enter a promo code. Can I still redeem it?

To process a promo code for a missed promotion, please contact customer support. You can: • Send us an e-mail to either supportnz@premierleaguepass.com (NZ), supporttw@premierleaguepass.com (Taiwan), or supportph@premierleaguepass.com (Philippines).

• Call customer support on 0800 757 277 (New Zealand), 0809 090 192 (Taiwan) or 1-800-1-116 1165 (Philippines) • Chat with a customer service representative here How can I pay for PremierLeaguePass?

PremierLeaguePass accepts all major Credit Cards or Visa/Mastercard Debit Cards for payment. If you don’t have a credit card you can use one of the numerous virtual prepaid Visa/Mastercard services such as EntroPay.

Why do I have to verify my account?

For security purposes and in order to use all of the features of PremierLeaguePass you will need to provide a valid e-mail address to ensure we can deliver important messages to you.

YOUR ACCOUNT

How do I update my acount information?

Log in to your PremierLeaguePass account, click the “My Account” link at the top of the page, then click “Update Account Information”. Make the desired changes and then click the “Save Changes” button.

I already purchased a PremierLeaguePass subscription. Why am I being asked to choose a subscription to purchase?

If you arrive at a page that is asking you to select a subscription you have already purchased, you are likely not signed in to PremierLeaguePass.com. Click on the “Sign In” link in the upper-right corner. Enter your username and password in the text fields at the top right of your screen to sign in and access PremierLeaguePass.

102

I’ve lost my password, what do I do?

Click the Forgot password link on the sign-in page and fill in your email address on the following page then we’ll email your password. Failing that, please call us on 0800 757 277 (New Zealand), 0809 090 192 (Taiwan) or 1-800-1-116-1165 (Philippines).

How do I update my billing information?

Once logged in, click on the “My Account” link at the top of the page. Next, click on the “Update Billing Information” link. Make the desired changes and then click “Update” to save the changes.

FAQ / YOUR ACCOUNT

How do I retrieve my user name or password?

Go to PremierLeaguePass.com and click on “Sign in” in the upper-right corner. When prompted for your username and password, click the “Forgot username or password?” link. Next, enter the e-mail address you used to create your account and click “Submit.” You will receive an e-mail shortly with your password. Failing that, contact us: • Send an email to either: supportnz@premierleaguepass.com (NZ), supporttw@premierleaguepass.com (Taiwan), or supportph@premierleaguepass.com (Philippines).

• Call customer support on 0800 757 277 (New Zealand), 0809 090 192 (Taiwan) or 1-800-1-116 1165 (Philippines) • Chat with a customer service representative here

PREMIER LEAGUE PASS SUPPORT SCHEDULE AND ON DEMAND BIBLE 2014/15

103 ON DEMAND BIBLE

The Premier League rights agreement specifies that broadcasters are only permitted to show 25 games from each club on demand per season.

These on demand matches are available from after the match’s final whistle to the beginning of the following round of matches.

The fixtures not on the on demand list are available to watch live or as-live for 24 hours after kick-off.

We have prioritised the beginning of the season as well as the final stretch, derbies, and also those fixtures that have a ‘top-of-the-table’ look about them.

This guide will be subject to change as the season progresses and certain fixtures take on a significance that justifies shuffling the on demand list. If any such changes occur we’ll mark them clearly on-site and in-app.

GUIDE:

ON DEMAND TILL THE FOLLOWING ROUND. AVAILABLE LIVE AND FOR THE 24 HOURS FOLLOWING THE MATCH.

1 / AUGUST 16

2 / AUGUST 23

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

CRP

AVL

NEW

BUR

CHE

CHE

LEI

LEI

EVE

CRP

WHU

LIV

SOU

EVE

ARS

MUN

SWA

HUL

STK

NEW

MCI

MCI

LIV

QPR

HUL

SOU

WBA

STK

AVL

SUN

MUN

WBA

SUN

SWA

BUR

WHU

TOT

TOT

QPR

3 / AUGUST 30

4 / SEPTEMBER 13

HOME

HOME

AWAY

104

ARS

AWAY

HUL

ARS

MCI

BUR

MUN

CHE

SWA

EVE

CHE

CRP

BUR

LEI

ARS

HUL

WHU

MCI

STK

LIV

AVL

NEW

CRP

MUN

QPR

QPR

SUN

SOU

NEW

SWA

WBA

STK

LEI

TOT

LIV

SUN

TOT

WHU

SOU

WBA

EVE

ON DEMAND BIBLE

AVL

5 / SEPTEMBER 20

6 / SEPTEMBER 27

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

105

AVL

ARS

ARS

TOT

BUR

SUN

CHE

AVL

EVE

CRP

CRP

LEI

LEI

MUN

HUL

MCI

MCI

CHE

LIV

EVE

NEW

HUL

MUN

WHU

QPR

STK

SOU

QPR

SWA

SOU

STK

NEW

TOT

WBA

SUN

SWA

WHU

LIV

WBA

BUR

7 / OCTOBER 4

8 / OCTOBER 18

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

ON DEMAND BIBLE

AVL

MCI

ARS

HUL

CHE

ARS

BUR

WHU

HUL

CRP

CRP

CHE

LEI

BUR

EVE

AVL

LIV

WBA

MCI

TOT

MUN

EVE

NEW

LEI

SUN

STK

QPR

LIV

SWA

NEW

SOU

SUN

TOT

SOU

STK

SWA

WHU

QPR

WBA

MUN

9 / OCTOBER 25

10 / NOVEMBER 1

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

EVE

ARS

BUR

LIV

HUL

AVL

TOT

MUN

CHE

CHE

QPR

QPR

AVL

CRP

SUN

SOU

STK

EVE

SWA

SUN

ARS

HUL

SOU

SWA

LEI

LEI

WBA

TOT

NEW

MCI

MUN

WBA

CRP

NEW

LIV

WHU

MCI

STK

WHU

11 / NOVEMBER 8

12 / NOVEMBER 22

HOME

HOME

AWAY

106

BUR

AWAY

HUL

ARS

MUN

LIV

CHE

AVL

SOU

MUN

CRP

CHE

WBA

QPR

MCI

CRP

LIV

SOU

LEI

EVE

WHU

SUN

EVE

HUL

TOT

SWA

ARS

LEI

SUN

TOT

STK

MCI

SWA

WBA

NEW

NEW

QPR

WHU

AVL

STK

BUR

ON DEMAND BIBLE

BUR

13 / NOVEMBER 29

14 / DECEMBER 2

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

107

BUR

AVL

ARS

SOU

LIV

STK

BUR

NEW

MUN

HUL

CRP

AVL

QPR

LEI

LEI

LIV

SOU

MCI

MUN

STK

SUN

CHE

SWA

QPR

SWA

CRP

WBA

WHU

TOT

EVE

CHE

TOT

WBA

ARS

EVE

HUL

WHU

NEW

SUN

MCI

15 / DECEMBER 6

16 / DECEMBER 13

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

ON DEMAND BIBLE

AVL

LEI

ARS

NEW

HUL

WBA

BUR

SOU

LIV

SUN

CHE

HUL

MCI

EVE

CRP

STK

NEW

CHE

EVE

QPR

QPR

BUR

LEI

MCI

SOU

MUN

MUN

LIV

STK

ARS

SUN

WHU

TOT

CRP

SWA

TOT

WHU

SWA

WBA

AVL

17 / DECEMBER 20

18 / DECEMBER 26

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

MUN

ARS

QPR

HUL

SWA

BUR

LIV

LIV

ARS

CHE

WHU

MCI

CRP

CRP

SOU

NEW

SUN

EVE

STK

QPR

WBA

LEI

TOT

SOU

EVE

MUN

NEW

STK

CHE

SUN

HUL

TOT

BUR

SWA

AVL

WHU

LEI

WBA

MCI

19 / DECEMBER 28

20 / JANUARY 1

HOME

HOME

AWAY

108

AVL

AWAY

SUN

AVL

CRP

HUL

LEI

HUL

EVE

LIV

SWA

LIV

LEI

MCI

BUR

MCI

SUN

NEW

EVE

NEW

BUR

QPR

CRP

QPR

SWA

SOU

CHE

SOU

ARS

STK

WBA

STK

MUN

TOT

MUN

TOT

CHE

WHU

ARS

WHU

WBA

ON DEMAND BIBLE

AVL

21 / JANUARY 10

22 / JANUARY 17

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

109

ARS

STK

AVL

LIV

BUR

QPR

BUR

CRP

CHE

NEW

EVE

WBA

CRP

TOT

LEI

STK

EVE

MCI

MCI

ARS

LEI

AVL

NEW

SOU

MUN

SOU

QPR

MUN

SUN

LIV

SWA

CHE

SWA

WHU

TOT

SUN

WBA

HUL

WHU

HUL

23 / JANUARY 31

24 / FEBRUARY 7

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

ON DEMAND BIBLE

ARS

AVL

AVL

CHE

CHE

MCI

BUR

WBA

CRP

EVE

EVE

LIV

HUL

NEW

LEI

CRP

LIV

WHU

MCI

HUL

MUN

LEI

NEW

STK

SOU

SWA

QPR

SOU

STK

QPR

SWA

SUN

SUN

BUR

TOT

ARS

WBA

TOT

WHU

MUN

25 / FEBRUARY 10

26 / FEBRUARY 21

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

LEI

AVL

STK

CRP

NEW

CHE

BUR

HUL

AVL

CRP

ARS

LIV

TOT

EVE

LEI

MUN

BUR

HUL

QPR

SOU

WHU

MCI

NEW

WBA

SWA

SOU

LIV

CHE

EVE

SUN

WBA

STK

MCI

SWA

MUN

SUN

QPR

TOT

WHU

27 / FEBRUARY 28

28 / MARCH 3

HOME

HOME

AWAY

110

ARS

AWAY

EVE

AVL

WBA

BUR

SWA

HUL

SUN

LEI

CHE

LIV

BUR

LIV

MCI

QPR

ARS

MUN

SUN

SOU

CRP

NEW

AVL

WHU

CHE

QPR

TOT

MCI

LEI

STK

HUL

NEW

MUN

WBA

SOU

STK

EVE

WHU

CRP

TOT

SWA

ON DEMAND BIBLE

ARS

29 / MARCH 14

30 / MARCH 21

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

111

ARS

WHU

AVL

SWA

BUR

MCI

HUL

CHE

CHE

SOU

LIV

MUN

CRP

QPR

MCI

WBA

EVE

NEW

NEW

ARS

LEI

HUL

QPR

EVE

MUN

TOT

SOU

BUR

SUN

AVL

STK

CRP

SWA

LIV

TOT

LEI

WBA

STK

WHU

SUN

31 / APRIL 4 HOME

32 / APRIL 11 AWAY

HOME

AWAY

ON DEMAND BIBLE

ARS

LIV

BUR

ARS

BUR

TOT

LIV

NEW

CHE

STK

MUN

MCI

CRP

MCI

QPR

CHE

EVE

SOU

SOU

HUL

LEI

WHU

SUN

CRP

MUN

AVL

SWA

EVE

SUN

NEW

TOT

AVL

SWA

HUL

WBA

LEI

WBA

QPR

WHU

STK

33 / APRIL 18

34 / APRIL 25

HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

SUN

ARS

CHE

AVL

QPR

BUR

LEI

CHE

MUN

CRP

HUL

CRP

WBA

EVE

MUN

EVE

BUR

MCI

AVL

HUL

LIV

NEW

SWA

LEI

SWA

QPR

WHU

MCI

WHU

SOU

TOT

NEW

TOT

STK

SUN

STK

SOU

WBA

LIV

35 / MAY 2 HOME

112

ARS

36 / MAY 9 AWAY

HOME

AWAY

EVE

ARS

SWA

CHE

CRP

AVL

WHU

HUL

ARS

CHE

LIV

LEI

NEW

CRP

MUN

LIV

QPR

EVE

SUN

MUN

WBA

HUL

BUR

SUN

SOU

LEI

SOU

SWA

STK

MCI

QPR

TOT

MCI

NEW

WBA

WHU

BUR

STK

TOT

ON DEMAND BIBLE

AVL

37 / MAY 16 HOME

38 / MAY 24 AWAY

HOME

AWAY

113

BUR

STK

ARS

WBA

LIV

CRP

AVL

BUR

MUN

ARS

CHE

SUN

QPR

NEW

CRP

SWA

SOU

AVL

EVE

TOT

SUN

LEI

HUL

MUN

SWA

MCI

LEI

QPR

TOT

HUL

MCI

SOU

WBA

CHE

NEW

WHU

WHU

EVE

STK

LIV

ON DEMAND BIBLE

114

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