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This is languagecaster’s first main listening report of the 2012/13 season, and Damian and Damon give their predictions for the coming season in England – who will be title winners, also rans, flops, and which teams will drop down to the second tier? You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support (in bold) appears at the foot of the report.
A Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Worksheet: Premier League Preview 2012-13
The Premier League
Top 4 and Champions
Damon: I think it’s almost going to be a repeat of last year but the order will be different. Manchester United look as though they’ve bought well this summer with Van Persie and Kagawa both looking good additions, but I don’t think it will be enough to give them the title. They’re going to finish third. In fourth it’s going to be Arsenal again. Why? I just don’t think Spurs, Liverpool or Newcastle, last season’s contenders for the final Champions League spot will be consistent enough. Manchester City will finish second – back to back titles are always difficult. So that leaves Chelsea as my tip to top the table.
Damian: Interesting prediction there Damon, some might even say controversial. Yes, Chelsea have made some good signings but I feel that these players need to find their feet so I think they’ll finish third behind the two sides from Manchester. I think United’s signings, the return to the side of Vidic and manager Alex Ferguson’s desire will mean that the red half of Manchester are going to win their 20th title in my opinion. City will come second and my team Spurs are going to finish 4th again.
Relegated
Damon: Going down this season will be Wigan, they can’t have another miracle escape surely. You always have to look at the newly promoted sides, too, and I think Reading will be most likely to join the Latics (Wigan) in the drop. And the final relegation spot will go to West Ham.
Damian: I see you think that two of the recently-promoted sides will go down – I am not so sure about that as I think that West Ham will have too much experience, though I do agree that Reading will go straight back down to the Championship. I reckon that Norwich will go with them and possibly Aston Villa.
To shine
Damian: Yes, he’s a good player but I am going for a member of one of our London rivals, Arsenal. Santiago Cazorla has been brought in from Spanish side Malaga and he is a top talent with vision, passing ability, a good scoring record and pace. He will do well but hopefully not too well!
To flop
Damon: Last year, Newcastle surprised the Premier League by pushing for a top four spot, being pipped by Spurs in the final stretch but finishing above Chelsea. This year, it’s mid-table mediocrity for the club from the North East. Not exactly flops, but they will fall from the heights of last season.
Damian: No, I think it might be your team Damon. I have a feeling that Brendan Rogers may be a little out of his depth at Liverpool, while I do not think the Reds have enough quality in their side. Another eighth place for Liverpool I am afraid.
Vocabulary support
contender: a team with a chance of winning the title, or achieving something
to top the table: to be in first place; to win the title
to find their feet : To settle in, to become used to a situation
the drop: relegation; falling down a division
will have too much: Will be good enough
to tie down: to secure; to make certain or safe
be pipped: be narrowly beaten in a race
the final stretch: the last part of the season; the last weeks or the league
a little out of his depth: Not good enough
Check out our glossary of footballing phrases here
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