2012/13 season. Any surprises? Not really..

With the 2012/13 football season enjoying its final breaths, all but a few of the ups and downs are decided.

In August, I predicted Robin Van Persie would prove the difference and secure the title for Manchester United. I was right. With 25 goals so far, Van Persie helped United stroll to the title with a couple of weeks to spare.

Liverpool’s Luis Suarez finished the season in disgrace on 23 before being banned for 10 games after biting a Chelsea player. Many an argument ensued, with some Reds’ faithful claiming the Uruguayan was harshly treated and that biting was no worse than a bad a tackle. As tackling is an integral part of the game and biting ones opponent is the savage action of animals, I disagree with these claims and hope sincerely that the Merseyside club has the integrity to sell him off at the end of the season. The Premier league and his club would undoubtedly miss his talent, but it is time a message was sent out to players that they are role models to millions of kids, and as such must display exemplary behaviour on the field or face the same consequences that any other employee would face – the sack. However, I suspect Suarez, who was banned last season for racism, will still be at Anfield next season, because sadly money is all that talks in the game these days.

A disappointing season for United’s neighbours City, at least by last season’s standards, sees them look set for the runners up spot.

Considering that in 2003 a successful season saw City finish sixteenth again highlights the absolute importance of money. The millions they have spent have bought expectation and success, much like rivals Chelsea.

The London club have dominated the top 3 for the last decade since Roman Abramovich rode into the capital with his billions. They will be hoping to finish 3^rd again despite my tip for top scorer Fernando Torres, again failing to find the form he enjoyed at Liverpool. With only 7 goals this season, he has hit the net 3 times less than relegated Reading’s super sub Adam Le fondre. Torres’ lack of prowess in front of goal may have contributed to Blues legend Roberto Di Matteo losing his job as manager after just eight months, despite guiding the club to Champions league victory.

Arsenal and Spurs are fighting to the bitter end for fourth spot after double pfa player of the year winner Gareth Bale inspired a remarkable season for Andre Villas-Boas’ men. 23 year old came in for criticism early in the season for falling down too easily and too often but proved his critics wrong by winning the prestigious football writers player of the year award.

The Gunners meanwhile had a poor start to the season, with many calling for Wenger to be relieved of the manager’s job he has held since 1996. A good run of results and the introduction of Santi Cazorla and the impressive form of England winger Theo Walcott, has seen them salvage the season.

At the other end of the table, I like many tipped Reading for an immediate return to the championship. With less than half a dozen wins all season they didn’t surprise many dropping straight back down. Joining them are big spending QPR, who after losing faith with Mark Hughes appointed Harry Redknapp to keep the dream alive. On lone exile Joey Barton described the highly paid Rangers failures as maggots after they dropped into second tier, while he enjoyed a season in France.

The last relegation spot will be decided on the final day with perennial strugglers Wigan looking favourite to fall. Former European champions Aston Villa, will be lucky to stay up though after another poor season while Paul Lambert rebuilds.

The other teams in the mix, North east rivals Newcastle and Sunderland have had a terrible season, with the Toon dropping like a brick since last season’s success and Sunderland turning to Paulo Di Canio to save their season. Di Canio was welcomed with a fanfare of controversy after the media attacked him for being a fascist, though oddly that never mattered when he was Manager of Swindon Town.

Next seasons debutants in the Premier league will be Cardiff City, after they romped to the Championship title. Hull should join them but my tip for promotion Sheffield Wednesday could still be relegated on the final day. With only a point separating the Owls, Barnsley and Peterborough tomorrow promises to give some late twists and turns. Already down are Bristol City, who were widely tipped to struggle. Perhaps the biggest shock of the Championship season is the once mighty Wolves, relegated from the Premier league last season, they sit second from bottom, three points behind Barnsley and Peterborough.

With the premier league dominated by bad behaviour and a long summer of no football, we are in desperate need of some change by next season. There will undoubtedly be an influx of foreign stars at the top clubs, blowing massive amounts of cash, and there is also of course the rumour the special one could return to the bridge. It will be interesting to see who gets the most headlines next season with the mouth-watering prospect of Mourinio and Di Canio clashing horns.