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 Do...