“Much has been made of the many comings and goings at the ‘Big Four’ clubs throughout a summer full of signings and speculation. The Premier League title is destined, however, for the team which makes the most of their resources, whether massive or relatively meagre. Personnel, motivation – and luck – are all important factors, of course, but countless points will be won and lost on the pre-game chalkboard.” (Footballing World)

Changing Lanes
“As Real Madrid embarked on a typically senseless transfer rampage, Barcelona stood still. Nothing broken, nothing needing fixin’, was their attitude. Winning the treble last season dictates that the current squad possesses something special, but nevertheless, a leading supermarket can never afford to sit back with a contented smile because the competition will not, and will never, give up the chase for supremacy. Yet Barcelona did just this at the beginning of the summer. And so, with the less successful competitor having snapped up the best locations and offering the best prices, the leading brand responded in a frenzy in order to, somehow, hold onto its dominant market position.” (Footballing World)