EPL Round #1 - Fearless Predictions

To be honest, I cannot believe how far we have come. A little over a year ago this space did not exist . . . Posts By Panos was merely a pipe dream and a fearless prediction was only made if your buddy was going to go after the blonde at the bar at two in the morning . . . and we all know how that turned out. So thank you to the 149 countries & 45,000 page views that have made this experience not only enjoyable but extremely rewarding.

As many of the loyal readers have noticed, the regularity of the posts has been in a slight decline. I recently started a new job . . . yes, it took a while, but it was a down market (keep saying it to myself) . . . and I have not had the time to properly prepare for the upcoming EPL season. However, that is planning to change in the next couple of weeks with a feature on the new season, a World Cup qualifying draw recap on Europe and North America and a couple articles, written by the readers, on their passion and love for their national teams.

Furthermore, I would like to ask the readers for their help on growing Posts By Panos. Bill Simmons, on a recent podcast, mentioned that his new site, Grantland (www.grantland.com), is looking for a couple new writers and perhaps a Canadian or two to be added to the roster. Do we think there is a place for Posts By Panos? I would love for you to be a judge of that and I have listed below my favorite posts thus far and would appreciate any feedback. Honestly, give me the stark truth. I can handle it . . . as a young man who is follically challenged, a couple negative words aren't going to kill my spirit. As Dolly Parton so brilliantly stated, "I love bald men. Just because you have lost your fuzz, doesn't mean you ain't a peach."

Posts By Panos Favorite Posts:

MLS Cup in Toronto - Convincing Friends . . . http://www.postsbypanos.com/2010/11/mls-cup-in-toronto-should-you-care.html

The Champions League Final Preview . . . http://www.postsbypanos.com/2011/05/champions-league-preview-barcelona-v.html

You Had Me at Melo . . . http://www.postsbypanos.com/2011/02/you-had-me-at-melo.html

Champions League Power Poll (The Wire References) . . . http://www.postsbypanos.com/2011/02/uefa-champions-league-power-poll.html

The Voice of the Unofficial Toronto FC Fan . . . http://www.postsbypanos.com/2010/10/voice-of-unofficial-toronto-fc.html

AEK Fans Shame on You (My Personal Favorite) . . . http://www.postsbypanos.com/2010/08/aek-athens-fans-shame-on-you.html

Thanks for allowing me the forum to share my favorites with all of you but as always you are here for one thing and one thing only . . . . . the fearless predictions:

Liverpool - Sunderland (2-0)

Luis Suarez is highly unlikely to play against Sunderland considering his fitness levels after leading Uruguay to the Copa America title. However, with a healthy Andy Carroll and all the new signings for Kenny Daglish's men, you have to bet on Liverpool to win comfortably at home. Sunderland, on the other hand, have made some shrewd signings, but one cannot expect them to get anything from this match.

Blackburn - Wolverhampton (2-2)

The beauty about the opening day of the season is that every team is tied for first . . . . and of course, last. So let's give Rovers and Wolves their time in the sun and declare a draw as a fair result for both teams. I do not trust Steve Kean, the manager for Blackburn, and am throwing it out there, but Wolves could be a surprise package this season.

QPR - Bolton (1-2)

The return of QPR, Queen's Park Rangers, to the English Premier League means only one thing, the return of Loftus Road, one of England's most intimate stadiums.  Bolton, who are still holding on to Gary Cahill as of this morning, improved tremendously under Owen Coyle and I figure one has to fancy them against the EPL newboys.

Fulham - Aston Villa (1-1)

Count me as one of the many who were shocked when Alex McLeish, ex-manager of Birmingham City, was given the reins at Villa Park. Hiring your fiercest rival's manager is just a slap to the face of the most loyal Aston Villa fans. However, his signing of Charles N'Zogbia is one of the best of the season and look for him and Bent to link up for the tying goal.

Wigan - Norwich City (2-0)

I am going to keep my eye on Norwich City this season as Canadian Simeon Jackson plays a starring role for the Canaries and anytime a Canadian does anything of note on the footballing world stage, well we all should take note . . . ok maybe just the Canadians. At the other end of the spectrum, Wigan are lucky to still be in the EPL as they narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the season and one would expect a comfortable opening day victory for the Latics.

Newcastle - Arsenal (1-2)

Many times last year I made the mistake of picking Arsenal to bounce back after a midweek disappointment or any other type of setback and wow was I burned big time. So why do I think they can win mere days after selling Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City . . . . well because I failed history in highschool. Honestly though, Arsenal has one game to show that it has the mental toughness to challenge for the title and this is their chance. So let's see if they take it. Remember last year's fixture at St. James' Park ended 4-4, after Arsenal were up 4-0 . . . some might say the beginning of the end for the young Gunners last season.

Stoke City - Chelsea (0-2)

If there is one game where new Chelsea manager, Andre Villas-Boas, will be super prepared for, than this is it, because it is the first match of the new campaign. I fully expect Chelsea to challenge the Manchesters for the title, that's right both Manchesters, and their season begins with a comfortable victory away to Stoke.

West Brom - Manchester United (0-2)

Quickly name the only team that took points at Old Trafford last season . . . . West Brom. Unbelievably, they managed a 2-2 draw last season at Old Trafford. I am pretty sure that point will be drilled in the heads of the United players this week as they comfortable cruise to a two-goal victory away from home. Wayne Rooney will score his first goal of the season and let's go with Ashley Young to grab the second.

Manchester City - Swansea (3-1)

Manchester City could not score goals last season in the EPL and that lack of firepower hindered them in critical matches away from home. However, with the addition of Sergio Aguero from Athletico Madrid and potentially Samir Nasri from Arsenal, more creativity has been pumped into the City squad. I fully expect James Milner and Gareth Barry to take their rightful place on the bench and let the offensive firepower begin. As for Swansea, enjoy the experience and welcome to the English Premier League.

And to all of you . . . enjoy the matches this weekend and have a great season.