Raphael Honigstein: Let's talk the Prem. Guillem, can Rafa finally make a break-through and finish less than 20 points behind the champions this season? Gabriele Marcotti: lol.
Guillem Balague: They don’t let him!
RH: I would veto the Barry move, too, I think.
GB: Ah really? And keep Xabi Alonso? This is what I think: The team is better, the starting eleven are better, there’s a big hole on the left and the confusion at Chelsea and Arsenal make them favourite for runners-up. Then lets see how Cristiano returns to form. When and if Liverpool manage to convert draws into victories, they will be close. I’m optimistic.
RH: Why do you say confusion at Chelsea?
GB: Change of system, change of style, the Drogba situation (he hasn’t renewed his contract yet) Deco looks great again, but he plays in fits.
RH: Yes, let’s see what happens when he discovers the attractions of London as a city. He did have some trouble staying focused in Barcelona, I believe.
GB: Back to your question about Rafa, though. Arsenal have won one FA cup in four years... is anybody going to say they are underachievers and what a poor manager Arsene Wenger is? That doesn’t make sense either.
RH: Well, I think some Arsenal fans are losing patience.
GB: I dont think Wenger is a poor manager, just one with only one „plan A“ and with players on the verge of losing patience with his managerial decisions, especially his signings... Not sure some of his stars want to wait for the youngsters to grow up. Could Spurs be the surprise and leave Arsenal out of the top four? What do you think, boys?
GM: No.
RH: Wait, let’s stick with Chelsea for a second. Don't you think compared to last year's chaos, this team can only do better under Scolari?
GM: Would you like my answer? I say no. Last year, with all the problems, they came within a whisker of winning the Premier League. This year, they haven't strengthened. I have no idea who the hell Bosingwa is or why they paid so much for him. I see that Deco played well the last three months of the season but was poor the previous two years.
GB: Agreed. Last year, Lampard had his agenda, so did Drogba, so did Anelka... It’s a different situation now... But Malouda will be the player of the season, though.
GM: I don't see how Deco, Ballack and Lampard can possibly co-exist. Anelka scored one more Premier League goal than I did for Chelsea last year. Drogba is older, more injured and doesn't want to be there. Ivanovic doesn't want to be there.
GB: You’ve always had a very impressive goal-scoring record for Chelsea. Tough act to follow, even for Anelka, Gabi.
GM: Cech has been good rather than outstanding since the injury. Terry keeps getting injured. Makelele is gone. AND MOST OF ALL!!! MOST OF ALL!! Chelsea's best player is played out of position!!!
GB: Would that be Essien by any chance?
GM: Yes, Michael Essien is a victim of his versatility so that Scolari can accomodate the three other central midfielders. The pretty one, the tiny one, and the Teutonic one. RH: So Chelsea to finish where?
GB: Third, with Spurs fourth?
GM: No, Chelsea second. Spurs sixth.
RH: United to win it, then, Gab? For me, CFC are big favourites.
GM: Yes, United. Tevez to carry the team.
RH: Ok, so, let's have the top four. Here are mine 1: CFC 2. Utd 3. Liverpool 4. Arsenal
GB: Spurs are looking great, with lots of variation up front. They need to sign a centre-back to balance it up but Modric, Jenas, Zokora, great goalie, Bently superb on both wings, Bale returning, Lennon... 1. Utd, 2. Liverpool, 3, Chelsea, 4. Spurs, 5. Arsenal.
GM: 1. Utd. Chelsea 3. Liverpool 4. Arsenal. Guillem, why do Spurs need a central defender? Woodgate, Dawson, King,... not enough for you? And besides, they’re getting Cesar.
GB: King’s never fit, Woodgate is the only proper centre-back they have. Cesar can’t play as centre-back.
RH: That is true.
GB: Dawson is poor.
GM: Poor for what? He’s good enough for the Premiership.