If I Were Always Right... - Premier League Table After Round 3

2015/2016 English Premier League Team Previews

Arsenal:

Arsenal need to continue the great form shown at the end of last season, and build on their second FA Cup win in a row. The fantastic signing of word-class Petr Cech is a weight off of Arsene Wenger's mind, and all he has to do now is concentrate on allowing his other brilliant players to flourish; Mesut Ozil needs to prove that he is one of the best players in the world after a poor showing last season, Alexis Sanchez simply needs to do exactly what he did all season whilst Olivier Giroud needs to avoid injury and keep up the form that earned him 14 goals in an injury-hit season. He could definitely pass 20 this year if he can stay on the pitch. Arsenal are set for a great season, and in the predicted table I have them finishing 2nd, which would be a great platform for them in their title quest the season after. This year is just too soon for them though.

Who Should Replace Harry Redknapp At QPR?

After Harry Redknapp announced his resignation from QPR due to imminent knee replacement surgery, a big decision has to be made: who should take over? I will look at some of the main candidates for the position and evaluate each option, no one is seriously expecting a manager to keep QPR up, but who has the best chance, and who could bring them straight back up?


Tim Sherwood:
Lasting 17 months in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, many believe Tim Sherwood did well at turbulent Tottenham, with a Premier League win percentage of 59%, the highest of any Tottenham boss in Premier League history, many believe Spurs would have made top 4 had he been in charge for the whole season. He is well known for creating a good atmosphere in the changing room, and could well rouse this QPR side for a push for survival, however, he lacks the experience of some other candidates.

Rating: 4/5

Glenn Hoddle:

Already at the club after Harry brought him in at the beginning of the season, the incredibly experienced Glenn Hoddle could be the man to see QPR to safety. A career win percentage of 39% comes after a controversial spell at England after Harry Redknapp himself called him the "perfect man for the job", and a tough spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2004 to 2006. Out of management for almost 10 years now, is he the right man for the job?

Rating: 3/5

Michael Laudrup:

The suave Dane commands a lot of respect in the Premier League after a sensational spell at Swansea is currently on a one year contract at Qatari side Lekhwiya. The flowing, attacking brand of play that Laudrup's 4-2-3-1 tactic brings to the table could be perfect with Austin up front for QPR. A keen eye for a bargain with signings such as Michu in his repertoire, even if QPR go down, he could bring them back up with smart signings and attractive football. The only problem is getting him as soon as possible, they may have to settle for him in the 15/16 season instead.

Rating: 5/5

Les Ferdinand:

Currently in temporary charge of QPR after Redknapp's departure, few people know the club better than Les. His early career at QPR consisted of over 80 goals, 24 goals in one Premier League season as well, he seems like a good choice until you realise he has no management experience, but I suppose everyone has to start somewhere...

Rating: 2/5

Verdict: Michael Laudrup is the ideal candidate for me, but where do QPR go from here? Wait for his contract to run out and leave Les in charge alongside Chris Ramsey for the rest of the season? Or take the best available option in either Tim Sherwood or Glenn Hoddle? It depends on the mentality of the board. If they are consigned to relegation this season, then waiting for Laudrup to swoop in ad lead them up and consolidate a Premier League place in the next couple of years is the best option. If they think either Tim or Glenn can keep them up they have to wonder if they'll be able to keep QPR up for the next couple of years. I personally doubt that either of them could. I'd go for the Great Dane.

Who should be the next manager of QPR?