Mad Brit Diary

Same old teams should dominate EPL.

(Friday, August 13, 2004) -- Here we go again, another English Premier League season kicks off and it's all so predictable. Take a pick. It's going to be either Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea winning the big prize.

Oh for the days when there were nine of 10 potential challengers, way back in the 1960s and '70s. Judging from Arsenal's near flawless performance against Manchester United recently in the FA Community Shield -- the traditional curtain-raiser to the start of English Premier League -- the Gunners look like a well-oiled machine, ready to build on their historic 2003-2004 season. Last year, Arsenal went undefeated in 38 games in the EPL, last achieved by Preston in the 1888-89 season.

Manchester United, which stars two Americans -- goalkeeper Tim Howard and defender Jonathan Spector -- has looked disorganized in recent preseason games, but will no doubt badger Arsenal for the title. Never count out United manager Alex Ferguson who these days looks like he could do with a good sleep.

The only team that appears capable of testing Arsenal and United will once again be Chelsea. The Blues spent over $150 million on players in the offseason, more than any other club in the world. The club's owner, Russian oil billionaire Roman Abramovich, lured new coach Jose Mourinho from European Champions League winner FC Porto, in hopes of earning the Blues the championship. They last won it in 1955.

If Chelsea can't win a title with this well-financed lineup, it never will. But I suppose a good run by Chelsea will make things interesting. Mourinho, flushed with cash, acquired seven high-priced players and booted 13. He spent $45 million on Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba.

Nipping at the heels of the top three clubs will be Liverpool, Newcastle United and possibly Aston Villa.

It should be noted that in the FA Community Shield, played in Cardiff, Wales, Arsenal's 18-man team consisted of only two Englishmen -- Ashley Cole and Justin Hoyte. The Gunners' roster listed seven Frenchmen and, all together, players from a total of nine nations. Manchester United's 18-man squad listed six Englishmen with players from 10 national teams overall.

So, let's see. On the day, the French (9) outnumbered the English (8) on the field. And they call it the English Premier League. So on your marks, let the EPL -- the European Premier League -- begin.

Scott Wm. Knapper writes: "Hey, Brit. Does Major League Soccer really think the (Los Angeles) Galaxy and Chivas can survive in the same city, let alone the same venue? I really don't know what they're thinking. We know what we're getting with Chivas, but are we ready to say good-bye to the Galaxy? Does MLS really think that the Galaxy won't lose a good percentage of fans to Chivas? I live in San Diego and I know several life-long Chivas fans. I've attended probably 20 Galaxy games over the past two-and-a-half years, and I've yet to meet a die-hard Galaxy supporter. I give the Galaxy, say two-to-three years before it's moved."

Sanje says: "Hands off Sven, Mad Brit. He's a good coach and who he's having sex with is no one's business. England lost just three competitive matches under him and all three were close matches. Who would replace him? All the top coaches in England are foreigners? Besides, he wasn't the only one having sex with the help."

Heard a rumor, have a gripe or a tip? Feeling lonely? E-mail the Mad Brit at themadbrit3@aol.com.