The groundrules: he can't pick Manchester United, just because that's too damn easy. He should pick a team with a chance for a European spot (Europa ftw!) and, if at all possible, in southern England so he can watch a game when he visits London.
Lets go to the Contenders.
THE POWER TEAMS
1) Liverpool. Perennial top-4 lock, with a *lot* of European success, so you're always right in the thick of the action. Great English (hometown) hero in Gerrard, with the rest of the team drifting Spanish in the mold of it's coach. *I* think they play attractive football. Liverpool's downside is that rooting for them is kind of like a non-Bostonian rooting for the Red Sox. There's very much a communal atmosphere around Liverpool. They also seem to have a great deal of managerial/ownership dysfunction for a top-flight club. Rafa is definitely a bit of a drama queen. But if you want a club that's going to be competitive - always - and has a great history - this one's it.
2) Chelsea. They bought their way to prominence, and they're unashamed about it. The question is, what happens when Roman (or his fortune) goes? Are they back to just being a strong London club? Chelsea is the penultimate bandwagoner's club, just behind ManU. Are they a great team? Yes. Do they play boring football? A bit, yes. Will they be competitive ten years from now? Who knows. The big plus is they're right in London. They have English stalwarts (Terry, Lampard, the Cole brothers). You have to be a bit arrogant to be a Chelsea supporter, which is why Mourinho was the *perfect* coach for them, and they'll never be the same without him.
3) Arsenal. Another consistent contender, also in London. But are they really an English football team? They may as well be PSG or Valencia with a lot of money. Despite what everyone says, Wegner is terrified of coaching big money/big ego players, and Arsenal is in a perpetual youth movement. In addition to that, their agressive forays into real estate during the boom are now impacting their transfer abilities. Look for Arsenal to finish out of the top 4 this year, and struggle in Europe.
4) Manchester City. Yep, I put them here. Long the Clippers to Man U's Lakers, Man City now has the financial resources to buy the world's best. The question is, does that make a great team? Manchester City will never have the arrogance of Chelsea because of it's blue-collar background and geography, but hopping on this team now does give you a sense of the bandwagon. But doing so now is a lot better than a year or two from now when they're in the Champion's League.
SECOND TIER
5) Everton. They're a great pick, if they weren't in Liverpool. Good coach, overachieving squad, good football, etc., etc. Unfortunately, they may not have the financial resources to continue their strong showings while their star players keep getting poached. Solid pick.
6) Tottenham. An up and down club, which should show some stability as long as Harry is there, which means "who knows?". Actually, the coach is one reason to pick this team. The other reasons are that they're in London, they're a good, attacking team, and that they'll certainly contend for a Euro spot. Plus they have a cool name.
7) Aston Villa. It's hard to get excited about this team from afar. First off, the coach is boring as dirt. Second, the uniforms are crap. Yes, there's young talent, yes, they had a great season last year. But they're in Birmingham (boring) and last season was probably a fluke. And the uniforms are *really* ugly.
THE REST
8) Portsmouth. My team, can't have 'em, and besides, we'll be lucky not to be relegated. We've lost like 8 of our starting 11 from our FA Cup year.
9) Fulham. This would have been a higher pick if Fulham were still Fulhamerica, but they're gone, except for Dempsey, whose starting spot has been in flux. Still, a London club, in a great stadium. This would be a real fan pick. But they aren't going to contend for Europe annually - once in 5 years at best.
10) Sunderland. This team was more intriguing with Keane managing, but now may rule the northeast roost with Newcastle down. Hard-working, gritty team without superstars, but a home atmosphere that is pretty impressive. But too far from London.
11) West Ham. Again with the ugly kits. But a weird, kind of boring club. This is the team that managed to keep Mascherano and Tevez on the bench for half a season. Ownership issues, and mid-table performance. Best thing about the club is that they're in London.
Everyone else - Bolton, Birmingham, Blackburn, Burnley, Hull City, Stoke City, Wigan and Wolverhampton - yawn.
So here's the final recommendation. If London doesn't matter - Liverpool and Man City are great choices. There's something special about European competition.
If London does matter, and you don't mind hopping aboard, Chelsea or Tottenham would be my suggestions.
But know this: the team you pick - that's your team. Period. Up or down. :) Good Luck!
