The Observer - Sunday August 5th 2007

Appeared on page 14 of The Observer Sport, Sunday August 5th 2007.


The pessimism from the end of last season has made way for an air of optimism as the Shinawatra-Eriksson era begins and there's an expectation that the negativity of the past couple of seasons is behind us.



Eriksson has added steadily so far to a paper-thin squad and doesn't appear to be panic buying.



We'll feature in the top half, perhaps pushing for a UEFA place.

ONE TO WATCH: I'm looking forward to seeing how Rolando Bianchi fares. It'll be interesting to see what Eriksson can get out of Samaras and Corradi.

BOO-BOYS: Everyone should start with a clean slate this season.



HATE FIGURE: Inevitable I guess, but a certain Gary Neville is always likely to top this poll.

WE'LL FINISH: 9th.

CHAMPIONS: United.



GOING DOWN: Derby, Birmingham, Wigan.