Premier League fans’ previews

Our club-by-club guide, from bold predictions to cult heroes

The top talents, worst weak links, and blasts from the past

17 Aug 2026 The Guardian

Arsenal

Bernard Azulay

@GoonerN5 OnlineGooner.com

Having finally got the title monkey off our back, and with many rivals in a state of flux, there’s plenty of optimism. Obviously the target is for Arteta to sustain the same appetite and intensity to mount a credible defence. The big questions are whether we can reproduce the same resilience at the back with Saliba out, and will the introduction of Guimarães be the catalyst for the sort of midfield chemistry we’ll need to carve open opponents who park the bus?

Key players/weak links 

On the evidence of our pre-season outings we urgently need the return of our remaining World Cup stars – Rice, Zubimendi and Saka should provide a renewed sense of purpose, both to counter any defensive fragility and to increase our goal threat. We’re all hoping for a breakthrough season for a beefed-up Max Dowman, and are anxious to discover if Tzolis is an upgrade on Trossard.

We still need to sign … 

Our friendly outings have shown the need for more attacking options, such as Atlético’s Julián Álvarez, and cover for Saliba – Quanseh and Konsa are linked. But presumably any further arrivals will be dependent on some astute pruning of those who’ve failed to cut the mustard, such as Vieira and Nelson.

Our cult hero is … 

Benny Blanco’s offthe-ball shenanigans ensure that he’s a firm favourite, but it’s the demeanour of Declan Rice that will set the tone.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Who wouldn’t want to add the artistry of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp to any team?

Predictions 

We will finish 1st.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Chelsea; 3. Manchester City; 4. Liverpool. 

Bottom three: 18. Coventry; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Sergej Jakirovic.

***

Aston Villa

Jonathan Pritchard

It would be daft to not be optimistic when each year under Emery we’ve created great memories, regardless of the previous summer’s transfer merrygo-round. Top six and a cup run of any flavour would count as a good season, and it may be that our best moments are back-end weighted as we integrate some exciting new talent. I understand that Manzambi is the best thing to come out of Switzerland since the cuckoo clock, and any 22-year-old with 187 appearances (Garnacho, ) must be all right. Perversely, the financial regulations that are holding us back should prevent too much moaning if we don’t get off to a flyer, and having a ground with only three sides might even help us make VP a fortress. In all, I’m fired up.

Key players/weak links 

The senior pros all need to keep drinking the Emery Kool Aid, but why wouldn’t they? Konsa remains a colossus and the purple prose around McGinn is fully deserved. If Kamara plays 40 games and not his usual 25 it will improve our finishing spot by two. Normally naming a ‘young player to watch’ in these pages guarantees them a loan move to Lincoln, but Brian Madjo has looked immense in pre-season.

We still need to sign … 

Marcus Rashford.

Our cult hero is … 

McGinn must already have done enough to have a hospitality suite named after him. Another two years and it could be a stand.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Dwight Yorke from 1995-96, and Gareth Barry: the complete midfielder.

Predictions 

We will finish 6th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Manchester City; 3. Manchester United; 4. Chelsea. 

Bottom three: 18. Fulham; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Roberto De Zerbi.

***

Bournemouth

Jeff Hayward

Back of the Net podcast 

youtube.com/@afcbpodcast

We’re so looking forward to this: our first ever season in a European club competition. It’s going to be monumental. And, with arguably our strongest ever squad to call on, we expect to be competitive in the Europa League too. We’re excited to see Marco Rose in charge and a continuation of the fast, attacking, no-fear brand of football that earned us our highest ever finish last season. In view of the extra games we have on the schedule, then a mid-table Premier League finish would be very respectable, but winning a trophy feels weirdly achievable. Why not a European one?

Key players/weak links 

António Silva has big Senesi-sized shoes to fill at centre -half but we expect big things. We’re also looking forward to the impact that new striker Álvaro Rodríguez and the attacking right -back Juanlu will bring. Watch out too for a fully fit Ben Gannon-Doak.

We still need to sign … 

Business is pretty much done. We’re in a good place, with maybe one or two to go out on loan.

Our cult hero is … 

Long-serving veteran Adam Smith continues to perform, an incredible 16 years after his debut. He epitomises the journey we’ve been.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

It would be hard to turn down a peak Nathan Aké or Callum Wilson, but with Junior Kroupi out for a few months, there might be a place for a natural finisher like Jermaine Defoe. Better still, prime Ted MacDougall would score hatfuls every week in this team.

Predictions 

We will finish 12th.

Top four: 1. Manchester City; 2. Arsenal; 3. Liverpool; 4. Manchester United.

Bottom three: 18. Hull; 19. Ipswich; 20. Leeds. 

First manager sacked Xabi Alonso.

***

Brentford

Billy Grant

Beesotted podcast and blog X: @BillyTheBee99

Twelve months ago we had Yoane Wissa refusing to train to force a move and the footballing world was convinced that our free-kick coach turned manager would get us relegated. Fast forward a year and things feel very different. We’ve had a proper pre-season, there’s a clear tactical approach and, importantly, we’ve signed players who can actually execute it. The target? Keep improving. If we can get a European spot this season, that would be another sign that we’re moving forward year-on-year. For a club like Brentford, that’s pretty exciting.

Key players/weak links 

There’s a lot of excitement around new signing Mamadou Sangaré. Callum Wilson is a shrewd signing too, while our explosive front three of Ouattara, Thiago and Schade have had time to gel. As for youngsters, 11 players aged 21 or under are vying for a place in the 25-man squad.

We still need to sign … 

If there’s one position to strengthen, left-back would be a good option. El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham has been rumoured.

Our cult hero is … 

Michael Kayode. Cemented his status by singing his own terrace chant on camera: “He eats spaghetti, he drinks Moretti, he hates Queens Park Rangers.”

If we could sign two players from our past … 

We’re a bit too “nice”. So for some old-school fire, fight and chaos, Terry Evans from our 1992 Division One-winning side and Terry Hurlock from that incredible 80s Kamara, Bowles, Hurlock midfield.

Predictions 

We will finish 6th.

Top four: 1. Man City; 2. Arsenal; 3. Man United; 4. Bournemouth. 

Bottom three: 18. Fulham; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Oliver Glasner.

***

Brighton

Scott McCarthy

WeAreBrighton.com, X: @wearebrighton

Having seen West Ham, Chelsea and even Palace go all the way in the Conference League, the main target is doing well in that and winning a first cup since the 1910 Charity Shield. But the competition looks tougher this year and even the playoff against Tromsø is a banana skin. I’m old enough to remember some pretty horrible trips to Carlisle when Brighton could never win north of Lake Windermere. Let alone inside the actual Arctic Circle.

Key players/weak links 

The key player will be whoever Fabian Hürzeler uses to fill the void left by selling Danny Welbeck. Not only did Welbeck score 13 goals last season, but most were vital equalisers or important winners worth 13 points. Allowing him to join Chelsea is a huge risk. There are big questions over all three potential replacements: Rutter looks lost as a number 9 compared to when he plays as a 10. Tzimas is coming back from an ACL. Kostoulas started two games last season and was dropped at one point because Hürzeler was not happy with his attitude in training.

We still need to sign … 

Danny Welbeck from Chelsea would be a good signing for his goals record and the experience he would bring to a young squad.

Our cult hero is … 

Rutter. Nothing says cult hero quite like having one Instagram account about your football career and another about your racehorses.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

I’ll spare you another Welbeck answer and say Glenn Murray and Bobby Zamora instead.

Predictions 

We will finish 13th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Man United; 3. Man City; 4. Chelsea; 

Bottom three: 18. Sunderland; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Oliver Glasner.

***

Chelsea

Paul Baker

In memory of Trizia Fiorellino

A new top manager, some decent new signings and a feelgood factor in the squad – it’s hard not to be optimistic. We’ve finally brought some experienced players who should take our younger ones to the next level. With no Champions League football, the target has to be top four and some cup runs.

Key players/weak links

Palmer and Colwill will hopefully have fully recovered and will hit the floor running. Really looking forward to seeing Morgan Rogers ( ), and Marco Palestra looks promising. I still worry with Sánchez in goal, though, and Penders might be a bit green for the Premier League. I’d also add young Reggie Watson to the squad as a wild card. He gave off real John Terry vibes in pre-season. How is he only 16?

We still need to sign … 

If Enzo Fernández goes he’ll need replacing; either Alex Scott or Adam Wharton would be a good choice, adding to the English spine of the team. Otherwise, at this stage of the window, it’s more about trimming the squad to a manageable level.

Our cult hero is … 

In a team with few real characters I’m hoping some of the new signings will shake it up a bit. I’ve a feeling Pep Chavarria could become a fan favourite with some dark arts. Cole Palmer will continue to entertain on and off the pitch with his great interviews.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

John Terry and Frank Lampard would grace any team in any era.

Predictions 

We will finish Fourth.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Man United; 3. Man City; 4. Chelsea. 

Bottom three: 18. Newcastle; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Sergej Jakirovic.

***

Coventry

Neil Allison

Nii Lamptey Show Podcast; X: @skybluesblog

There’s no downside to choosing optimism, so yes, we’re optimistic. I don’t expect a top-half finish but I do believe in our ability to compete. Clearly the target is to survive, but within that, if we can showcase what’s good about us, that would be a very acceptable return.

Key players/weak links 

Matt Grimes connects everyone in the team so we’re relying on him doing that again, else we’ll have to develop a completely new way to function. Signing keeper Carl Rushworth also gives assurance at the back and new midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi looks very special. But there are questions about our strikers (which feels barmy for a team that scored 99 goals last season). We simply don’t know if Wright and Simms have what it takes at the highest level. And aside from signing Aurèle Amenda, we haven’t touched our defence either. It’s a bold strategy.

We still need to sign … 

A dynamic, highstatus striker. Is Taiwo Awoniyi able to be that guy? Let’s hope so. And the rumours about Fikayo Tomori are exciting. If we could bring him in, good lord.

Our cult hero is … 

While the returning Gus Hamer is clearly our cult hero, Milan van Ewijk is the joker of the team. But don’t let the daftness fool you; he’s a serious, serious player.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

The original version of James Maddison, and Viktor Gyökeres. He functions far better when he believes he’s the star man. Come home Vik and bash your way to upwards of nine Premier League goals for Coventry.

Predictions 

We will finish 17th.

Top four: 1. Man City, 2. Chelsea, 3. Arsenal, 4. Man United. 

Bottom three: 18. Ipswich, 19. Fulham, 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Daniel Farke.

***

Crystal Palace

Chris Waters

X: @Clapham_Grand

What are we expecting? Right now, it’s really difficult to say. The only key player to have exited (so far) is Maxence Lacroix, but we have to strengthen so the squad can cope with Europe without risking our league campaign – a lesson learned from last season. Lots of signings seem close, but not yet over the line.

Key players/weak links 

Ismaïla Sarr and J-P Mateta will once again be essential, given the lack of goals in the rest of the squad. Adam Wharton will show how insane it was for Tuchel to leave him out of the World Cup, and Jaydee Canvot, 20, is destined to be a superb centre-back.

We still need to sign … 

There’s been some solid business – US teenager Zavier Gozo and right-back Anan Khalaili look exciting, and Evann Guessand is welcome back. But we still need to replace Lacroix, and to add strength in the middle – we had a £35m bid for Monaco’s Lamine Camara rejected. Plenty still to do. Meanwhile, the decision to swap Dwight McNeil for Brennan Johnson has split opinion: Johnson – all £35m of him – was only here a few months.

Our cult hero is … 

A few contenders. Mateta, obviously, chant-leader Dean Henderson and, potentially, Matheus França. He’s not there yet, but he’s had a strong pre-season. Some Brazilian flair would go down very well at Selhurst.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Michael Olise without a doubt, and Matt Jansen, from the late 90s – such incredible talent at such a young age. He’d shine in the modern era.

Predictions 

We will finish 14th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Manchester City; 3. Chelsea; 4. Tottenham. 

Bottom three: 18. Newcastle; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull;

First manager sacked Matthias Jaissle.

***

Everton

Paul Quinn

X: @theesk, www.theesk.org

Despite the £327m the Friedkins have provided there are still doubts about the scale of their ambition. Recruitment is tough, the process (Moyes or committee as decision makers) is uncertain. Realistically, eighth (and European qualification) is the likely limit. Does that make Blues feel optimistic? Unlikely. The 31-year wait for a trophy hangs heavys.

Key players/weak links 

Midfield is looking stronger but can Beto/Barry score 20 goals between them? Tyrique George is a key signing, but the right side of the pitch remains problematic. A couple of youngsters to watch: Harrison Armstrong, 19, who made his breakthrough last season, and, even younger at 18, Braiden Graham.

We still need to sign … 

A right-back. Jake O’Brien, who has been covering there, is a fabulous centre-back and would be perfect in the middle alongside Branthwaite. A proven goalscorer would be a bonus, as would a right-winger.

Our cult hero is … 

Jordan Pickford. We’re blessed to have such a dedicated player who loves playing for his country, the club and his fans.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Alan Ball, the club’s best ever outfield player. Never stopped running, commanded midfield and was a great passer and had a tremendous shot. He had it all, and would walk into any Premier League side of any generation. What would he be worth today? And a 17-year-old Wayne Rooney.

Predictions 

We will finish 10th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Liverpool; 3. Man United; 4. Aston Villa. 

Bottom three: 18. Tottenham; 19. Coventry; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Oliver Glasner.

***

Fulham

David Lloyd

@DMLTOOFIF (X)

I’m always optimistic at this stage of the summer – but there’s a bit of trepidation mixed in this time round. How on earth do you make an informed judgment on our chances when so much has changed? It’s farewell (and thanks) to Marco Silva and a warm welcome to Álvaro Arbeloa, who brings with him a new set of backroom staff and a fresh approach. Seems we’re set for a new, dynamic strategy, one that’ll keep us on the edge of our seats. In a good way, hopefully.

Key players/weak links 

We expect striker Gonzalo García (22) and versatile midfielder César Palacios (21) to hit the ground running. The Spanish duo have followed their former boss from Real Madrid knowing that running hard is part of the deal. Another midfielder, Shea Charles (22), also joined the fold: the trio will be eager to discard their “promising” tags and excel. And 18-year-old winger Macaulay Zepa is one to watch.

We still need to sign … 

If Arbeloa gets his way there’ll be further additions, probably to freshen up the back four. And maybe a younger keeper who’s good with his feet to take over from Leno.

Our cult hero is … 

For humour, the Naija Boys – Iwobi and Bassey – who will no doubt continue their comedic Instagram stories. But captain Tom Cairney remains the main man, still capable of scoring match-winning worldies after parking his antique bath chair at the side of the pitch.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Obvious goal-getter up front would be Louis Saha. And the superstrong Mousa Dembélé bossing things in midfield would suit AA’s style perfectly.

Predictions 

We will finish 14th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Man City; 3. Man United; 4. Chelsea. 

Bottom three: 18. Coventry; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Matthias Jaissle.

***

Hull

Ant Northgraves

To Hull & Back Podcast

I’m very optimistic. Sure, chances are that we’ll get relegated but we’ll certainly not be the pushovers that people are expecting. We thrive when we’re being written off, as last season showed, and have a pragmatic manager who has us playing brilliant, transitional football which suits the Premier League. We could definitely upset a lot of teams and maybe, just maybe, even stay up.

Key players/weak links 

As the squad currently stands, Oli McBurnie, Mohamed Belloumi and Charlie Hughes will be the key faces. But with new signings expected to add some much-needed experience and necessary skill, that may change. Hidemasa Morita has been an absolute coup on a free, so he may be one to keep an eye on. Full-back is still a problem position for us: there’s only Ryan Giles on the left and questions over Lewie Coyle and Cody Drameh at this level on the right.

We still need to sign … 

We still really need depth in the full back areas and a forward or two to compete with McBurnie. We could do with some more experience across the back line, too, as well as another back-up goalkeeper thanks to Jack Butland’s lengthy injury.

Our cult hero is … 

McBurnie. The kind of player you hate to be against but love to have in your team.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

I would have Jarrod Bowen on the wing and Andy Robertson in at leftback. Strangely, they were two transfers I thought might actually happen this summer following West Ham’s relegation and Robertson leaving Liverpool on a free. Alas, it wasn’t to be.

Predictions 

We will finish 17th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Man City; 3. Liverpool; 4. Man United. 

Bottom three: 18. Crystal Palace; 19. Ipswich; 20. Coventry.

First manager sacked Frank Lampard.

***

Ipswich

Craig Finbow

@BlueMondayITFC; bluemondayitfc.co.uk

Having endured the Premier League two years ago, the fans know what to expect: eyes are well and truly open. The momentum and hope we had two seasons ago was stopped in its tracks pretty swiftly once the season started. This time round, the summer’s transfer business looks of a better quality, more robust, giving us half a chance of survival and a smidge of optimism.

Key players/weak links 

Sasa Lukic looks to be exactly the type of signing we need to be making. 30 years old, good Premier League experience to add some no-nonsense mettle and physicality. There will need to be more like him and Issa Diop through the spine of the team.

We still need to sign … 

A senior striker, to take the pressure off our new, young Brazilian Emersonn, who was Gary O’Neil’s first signing when he joined from Toulouse for £25m in July. I do wonder whether we’ll get to the end of August and land Zian Flemming from Burnley.

Our cult hero is … 

Marcelino Núñez is probably the closest. That said, Florentino Luís’s early social media posts mean he has serious potential. We’ve already had AI farmers and Suffolk Punches on Insta & TikTok, although their appeal could wane in the winter if we’re in the midst of a long losing run …

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Paul Mariner for his all-round presence. He would be ideal as the central striker in the modern game. And Matt Holland as a box-to-box leader.

Predictions 

We will finish 16th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Man City; 3. Man United; 4. Chelsea. 

Bottom three: 18. Fulham; 19. Coventry; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Álvaro Arbeloa.

***

Leeds

Daniel Chapman

leedsista.com @leedsista.com (Bluesky)

At the end of last season Daniel Farke challenged the owners to move on from just surviving. So this summer Leeds broke our transfer record for goalkeeper James “next Nigel Martyn” Trafford, paid £34m for defender Tarik Muharemovic, and went back for Harry Wilson ( ), one of last season’s top creators. Over to you, Daniel. His challenge now is turning ambition into results fast enough to prove he’s the manager to move Leeds on from just surviving. A long-lusted-for new West Stand is under construction and the mood is good, which can be dangerous for a selfprofessed massive club in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Key players/weak links 

The main strength, and weakness, is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He’s our key goalscorer, but doesn’t have much back-up. Leftback is similar, but Jayden Lienou is a promising teenage understudy for Gabriel Gudmundsson.

We still need to sign … 

A striker to help Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

Our cult hero is … 

Anton Stach’s YouTube channel is, thankfully, a delightful contribution to happiness in our world. He’s been wandering the streets of Leeds incognito asking people what they have for breakfast, and filming himself buying EU plug adaptors in Boots. Good, wholesome stuff.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

The correct back-up for DCL would be Luciano Becchio. To add some suaveness to midfield, Gary McAllister.

Predictions 

We will finish 12th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Aston Villa; 3. Liverpool; 4. Man City. 

Bottom three: 18. Sunderland; 19. Hull; 20. Coventry.

First manager sacked Frank Lampard.

***

Liverpool

Steph Jones

I’m always optimistic about a new season, but this one feels very much like a new beginning and a real unknown. We start minus a few familiar faces alongside a new manager and some new signings, but that’s balanced with Van Dijk and Alisson still being here. I’d put little store by the pre-season results or Iraola saying we can’t run after 60 minutes – he didn’t mean it – and we’ll see how it goes when it all kicks off for real. We have top players, the boss comes with a style that fits and I believe we’ll do well. The target is to be up there fighting for a top spot.

Key players/weak links 

At the back with all their experience, Van Dijk and Alisson will be crucial. There’s a big gap to fill up front, but Isak now has the chance to stake his claim after a nightmare season for him last time around. Wirtz too will want to show he can adapt to the pace of the Premier League and be a force.

We still need to sign … 

Defenders. We need a solid centre-back and right-back for the immediate and long-term future. Konsa or Murillo at Forest? Also a central midfielder to help out Gravenberch and a right-sided attacker – Ibrahim Mbaye has been mooted, though PSG might balk at the idea of us coming after two of their players, because Barcola is a done deal. Apparently.

Our cult hero is … 

Not sure we have one right now. We need someone to step up.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Alan Hansen to partner Van Dijk, and Steven Gerrard to inspire and work his magic all over the pitch.

Predictions 

We will finish 1st. 

Top four: 1. Liverpool; 2. Arsenal; 3. Chelsea; 4. Manchester City. 

Bottom three: 18. Nottingham Forest; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Pierre Sage.

***

Man City

Lloyd Scragg

@lloyd_scragg (X) 9320pod.com

I’m excited; it’s a new dawn under Enzo Maresca. Naturally, every City fan loved Pep’s reign. We know we’ll never have it as good again. But after 10 years, naturally, there’s something exciting about a fresh start. The target is simple: we need to win the league back. The last team that weren’t City to retain the title were United in 2008-09. It’s our job to make it incredibly difficult for Arsenal.

Key players/weak links 

To temper the optimism slightly, losing Rodri, if it happens, is obviously massive. He’s the best No 6 in the world so, by definition, he’s irreplaceable. But in adding Anderson and Bouaddi it feels like Viana has done excellent business. The key players will be Haaland ( ), Semenyo, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Donnarumma, Cherki, Foden (if he can recover his level) and Doku. Youngster to watch? Ryan McAidoo.

We still need to sign … 

We’re still lacking depth out wide. If Doku or Semenyo pick up an injury, then currently (pending the Spurs interest) we’d have to rely on Savinho. He’d burnt most City fans’ heads out last season … so much natural talent, but an infuriating lack of end product.

Our cult hero is … 

Has to be Haaland, doesn’t it? The bloke’s dripping in aura.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Raheem Sterling was ridiculously good in his prime. Just relentless. He’d be perfect for Maresca’s system, with wingers isolated one-v-one. And Aymeric Laporte: I think he’s still good enough to play for us!

Predictions 

We will finish 2nd.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Manchester City; 3. Chelsea; 4. Tottenham. 

Bottom three: 18. Fulham; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Sergej Jakirovic.

***

Man Utd

Shaun O’Donnell

Michael Carrick is getting the best out of a group who were spectacularly mismanaged for a couple of years. The difference he made in six months was ridiculous. After the longest goodbye in recent history, Casemiro has gone, replaced by midfielders who can actually run – but we could still be reliant on keeping injury-prone Mount fit. I hope it’s not a case of Glazernomics repeating itself, where we spend to qualify for the Champions League, then go shopping in the bargain bin once we’ve qualified. Give Carrick another couple of decent signings and I genuinely think we could challenge. As it is I think we’ll finish third.

Key players/weak links 

We are looking forward to the link-up play between Bruno and Tielemans, whose eye for a pass will be a boon. I can see Sesko building on a decent first season but if to compete on four fronts we need another striker. The weak spot is still left-back. Luke Shaw being fit was almost a miracle last season: we can’t build a season around hoping his body holds together.

We still need to sign … 

Lewis Hall would be my choice. Up front, we’ll probably get last-resort Watkins on the last day of the window. Straight swap for Rashford?

Our cult hero is … 

Carrick. He went from being the quiet bloke in the background to dragging us into the Champions League.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Bryan Robson to run midfield and peak Wayne Rooney: everything you want from a modern forward.

Predictions 

We will finish 3rd.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Man City; 3. Man United; 4. Liverpool. 

Bottom three: 18. Sunderland; 19. Leeds; 20. Ipswich.

First manager sacked Oliver Glasner.

***

Newcastle

David and Richard Holmes

We’re hurting. We’ve lost our most successful manager in decades, plus his talismanic captain. A-listers have departed and we’ve been humiliated in the transfer market for the second summer running. Yes, a reset was needed, but we weren’t expecting it to be like this. At least, in Matthias Jaissle, we have a hungry, passionate young manager whose intensity will be welcomed. According to CEO David Hopkinson, this is “Newcastle United 2.0”. We guess we’ll know what that means in a few months’ time.

Key players/weak links 

Lewis Miley is “one of our own” and, with Tonali gone, can fulfil his potential. We’ll also be expecting improvements between the posts, with Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen competing for the keeper’s jersey. And if Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga can replicate their World Cup form, we might have a strike force on our hands.

We still need to sign … 

A replacement for Bruno Guimarães, leaders on and off the field, high-grade cover at both full-back positions, a centre-half … so not too much to ask … Benfica’s versatile full-back Amar Dedić and Milan’s centrehalf Fikayo Tomori would be a start.

Our cult hero is … 

Big Dan Burn. A giant of a man, with a heart to match.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Alan Shearer and of course, the much-loved, and much-missed, Kevin Keegan. Both knew what it meant to wear the black-and-white shirt.

Predictions 

We will finish 10th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Manchester City; 3. Liverpool; 4. Chelsea. 

Bottom three: 18. Ipswich; 19. Coventry; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Álvaro Arbeloa.

***

Nottm Forest

Rich Ferraro

1865: the Nottingham Forest Podcast; eighteensixtyfive.football

If nothing else, it can’t be as chaotic as last season. We survived fairly comfortably in the end – thanks Vítor! – then sacked him in favour of Glasner, with the rationale being that the Austrian has won silverware. So the target this time isn’t only a decent league finish, but also something in the cabinet.

Key players/weak links 

The key, like last season, will be Morgan Gibbs-White: the talisman, the on-pitch leader, and the guy who makes things happen for the Reds. After being overlooked for Tommy T’s England squad, he will be keen to continue to show his worth.

We still need to sign … 

Getting Ousmane Diomande feels important; Murillo and Milenkovic make a great pair but we were still vulnerable in defence last season, and the new guy should balance with the attributes of the established duo. For all that we have loads of wingers, we do desperately need a reliable striker: we can’t continue to rely on a 35-year-old with a chronic knee problem.

Our cult hero is … 

For all the controversies, our owner Marinakis has been great for Forest and for English football: ruthlessly ambitious, aware that decision-making carries risk as well as reward, and unwilling to shrink in the face of so-called “big clubs” or the authorities. And, of course, as Palace fans are aware (along with most of Greece), the Big Guy will also stand up for what he thinks is right and proper, and doesn’t care what other people think.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Stan Collymore and Des Walker: pace, power, brilliance.

Predictions 

We will finish 12th.

Top four 1. Chelsea; 2. Arsenal; 3. Liverpool; 4. Man United. 

Bottom three 18. Crystal Palace; 19. Coventry; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked De Zerbi.

***

Sunderland

Eleanor McCabe

@WiseMenSayPod wisemensay.co.uk; X: @eleanor_amc

I’m optimistic – but definitely cautiously optimistic. Last season completely exceeded our expectations and finishing seventh with Europa League football on the horizon was incredible. However, Europe changes things. The biggest challenge will be managing the extra games without losing the spark that made us so enjoyable to watch. I’d be very happy with a comfortable mid-table finish and a decent European run.

Key players/weak links 

Xhaka is still absolutely pivotal – he brings so much leadership and control – while Le Fée is probably the player I most enjoy watching. I’m also really excited to see what Talbi does this year. He was managed really well last season without too much pressure being put on him, but this feels like his season to really kick on.

We still need to sign … 

Another attacking option, ideally someone who can play on the right and offer genuine end product. Geny Catamo is an interesting link, but I know the club won’t move unless the figures line up. More than anything, I want quality depth. We could play a ridiculous number of games this season.

Our cult hero is … 

Wilson Isidor without question. His “football is life, Sunderland is life” clip probably summed it up perfectly. He gets the club and we genuinely love him. He’ll go viral several times this season.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Put Amad on the wing with peak Kevin Phillips alongside Brobbey through the middle and I’d be getting dangerously carried away very quickly.

Predictions 

We will finish 12th.

Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Man City; 3. Liverpool; 4. Man United. 

Bottom three: 18. Fulham; 19. Coventry; 20. Hull.

First manager sacked Sergej Jakirovic.

***

Tottenham

Spooky

The Fighting Cock podcast; Filthy Shambles podcast on Spotify

Nothing screams more “Tottenham Hotspur” than stating we’re going to have an outstanding season having just finished 17th twice in succession and narrowly avoided relegation. We probably should have gone down. Roberto De Zerbi and Enic’s personality change (spending money on end products) is why I’m flirting with the idea of a top-five finish. Absolute greed on my part, but it’s fun to believe. Top eight would be grand.

Key players/weak links 

Still work to do, but the backline has been rebooted and Micky van de Ven has signed a new contract. In midfield, with Tonali and Fernandes (two of the best mids available to sign) and with Kudus and Deki to return, we finally have depth and quality. The aim will be to galvanise and rejuvenate our home form and regain some swagger. The key is De Zerbi ( ). His appointment has changed everything.

We still need to sign … 

We’ll need plenty done over the next few windows, but ideally, we could do with a winger, a No 10 and a forward. We need more than just Solanke up top, with Richy likely to leave.

Our cult hero is …

If we hadn’t just sold him, it would have been Djed Spence for his World Cup heroics. So it has to be the Spurs social media team, the togetherness vibe is the feelgood cleansing we need.

If we could sign two players from our past … 

Harry Kane up top and Gareth Bale on the wing (or any position he wants).

Predictions 

We will finish 17th/1st.

Top four: 1. Tottenham; 2. Man City; 3. Liverpool; 4. Man United. 

Bottom three: 18. N Forest; 19. Newcastle; 20. A Villa.

First manager sacked Mikel Arteta.