Taking time out from his busy schedule filming Match Of The Day and the latest Walkers crisps advert, Gary Lineker ponders the season’s biggest talking points.
With the Manchester teams so strong, is it already a two-horse race for the title?
Don’t dismiss Chelsea’s chances. They’re starting to look strong, and manager Andre Villas-Boas is settling in. United may have started quickly, but they haven’t played that well in the last couple of games. Meanwhile, at City, there are clearly problems in the dressing room.”
Can Arsenal still claim a Champions League spot?
I’m a great fan of Arsene Wenger, and yes, he messed up in the summer by losing two key players and panicking to replace them — but he’s still got good players. They’ll certainly be in the top six and I think they’ll be one of the challengers for fourth spot alongside Liverpool and Tottenham.
Could all three of the promoted sides stay up?
You don’t look at any of those teams and say one is already down. You would give them all a chance. QPR have been erratic but have a good chance of survival. Swansea play good football, and I’ve been impressed by Norwich — they were unfortunate to lose away at Man United.
Which established Premier League sides are most in danger of relegation?
You wouldn’t have envisaged Bolton in the bottom three given the way they performed last season. But you’ve got to remember that the club’s in financial turmoil and a few heavy defeats can drain confidence. Blackburn and Wigan are the other two in trouble.
Is it now time to introduce technology to help officials?
Referees are genuinely an honest bunch, but they’re still human and the game is very quick, so they probably do need a little help. I’m all for bringing in technology — perhaps using the appeals system tennis uses would be a good idea. Fifa digs its heels in and I don’t understand why. There’s no excuse for not having goal-line technology. The decisions matter too much for too many people.
Lineker is currently starring in Walkers’ ‘Three Simple Things’ advert; facebook.com/walkers
(Image: Rex Features)
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