Premier League preview part 3

Here is part three of Mystic Jarv's premier league season preview. This one includes Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. You can also read part 1 & part 2 if you haven't already. Also don't forget to join in Fantasy Football

Fulham
Fulham are in for a tough season this year, expectations have been raised a little after a run to the Europa league final and finishing in the top 7 2 seasons ago and 12th last season. Fulham have lost Hodgson to Liverpool and he will be a very tough at to follow, Hughes seems to do well as the underdog as proved with Wales and Blackburn.

Key Men: Hangeland, Solid rock at the Back, Schwarzer, if he stays will need to be on top form again and Zamora will need to find the form he had last season and not be distracted by call ups to the National set up.

What they need: To gel quickly under Hughes and to replace Schwarzer fast if he goes with another quality keeper. A bit of luck on the injuries front would help too.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Thirteenth

Liverpool
Last season was very poor by Liverpool's recent standards and this season appears to not be any easier. They have held onto Gerrard and Torres which is a big part of anything they may achieve this season. Joe cole has joined to replace Benayoun who went the other way. I personally think Cole is a massive upgrade  and if he stays fit will be a big player for them this season.  Liverpool have a good first team but keeping Gerrard, Torres, Reina, Agger and Joe Cole fit will decide whether thery are challenging for the champions league or scrapping for a Europa league place again.

Key Men: Gerrard and Torres, These 2 have to stay fit

What they need: New owners to clear the debt and invest in a few more world class players or they will quickly be left behind in the regular challengers for the top 4 list.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Sixth

Manchester City
Another off-season of big spending from the men from Eastlands and City should be taken as serious contenders for the title. Ultimately I don't think they will win it this year but I wouldn't bet against them in the next few years(as a Man Utd fan that's very hard to type). Mancini's first task is to trim the 40 players they have down to 25 a job which seems to be getting harder with the likely addition of Ballotelli and Milner. City will certainly have no excuses if injuries strike.

Key Men: I could name lots here but I'll go with Who ever plays in defence as this was definitely their weaker point last season even with the excellent Given in goal who will this season be fighting against Hart for the the right to wear the Gloves.

What they Need: A full time counsellor to keep the players whoa re not playing happy

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Fourth, Normally this would be a successful season but owing to the amount spent over the last three years it should really be seen as a complete failure. If I had spent close to half a billion pounds I'd be expecting a strong title challenge, anything less isn't good enough.

Manchester United
Close but no cigar last season and no matter what any pundit says winning the community shield in no way is any revenge or makes up for Chelsea winning the League and FA Cup last season. There have been no notable exits apart from Ben Foster who wasn't likely to play much. Smalling and Hernandez have been brought in and should Injuries not strike to the level they did last season, (More than any other club) Then this season United should have enough to reclaim the title.

Key Men: The Physio who needs to keep Ferdinand, Owen, Brown and Hargreaves (if he ever comes back from the Surgeons waiting room in America that is) patched up. Scholes and Giggs, both these 2 need to play often as the midfield lacks much of a creative spark without them.

What they need: A creative midfielder to take pressure off Scholes and Giggs, Fergie seems to think Cleverley will be that player and I hope he is right. As a United fan I would have loved Cole who went to Liverpool and I would like Ozil too, even if Cleverley is the real deal then having 2 really good players takes the pressure off them a little

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Champions, just.

Part 4 will come tomorrow

Written by Steve Jarvis