My expectations for the new season
Usually wrong, but I'll give it a go 😊
Arsenal
Last season they kept going, when they usually fade at the end.
If they all stay fit Arsenal are really in with a shout this time, all depends on what City do?
Aston Villa
Shocked a few last season with the top 4 finish, lots of signings but the pressure of Europe will cost them this season. Might make the Euro positions
Bournemouth
Surprised me last season, Iraola looked like a terrible choice in the first 10 games but they got a whole lot better.
Will miss Solanke, so bottom half and possibly in the relegation scrap if any of the promoted teams do well.
Brentford
Play some good football, but feel they will be nearer the bottom even if Toney stays. With a fully fit squad they can give anyone a game.
Brighton And Hove Albion
Another new manager (Fabian Hürzeler) I've not heard much about him so no idea what we are going to get? replaces the highly overrated De Zerbi.
Did well last season despite a lot of injuries, will miss Gross. Mid table.
Chelsea
Another new manager (ex Leicester boss Maresca), he probably has no idea what players he has available as Boehly and co do their usual 'buy everything that moves' ritual. Read they have 43 first teamers after another £230m spending spree this summer.
If he can work out what 11 players can play well together they might make top 4?
Crystal Palace
Glasner came in last year and in the last months of the season Palace were flying, when Olise, Eze and Mateta were fit they could beat anyone.
Losing Olise is a big blow, Mateta may need recovery time after the Olympics? and the 'big" teams are sniffing around others.
If they play like they did last season a possible European shout, but a few injuries to key players could drop them into the bottom half.
Everton
One day they will get relegated, I like Dyche no frills but gets results.
If Calvert Lewin actually stayed fit they would easily be mid table, but expect another season near the bottom.
Fulham
A few big players gone, only the frequently injured Smith Rowe in so far so not expecting much from Fulham this season. Might struggle.
Ipswich Town
2 promotions in a row, hope they do well but expect them to struggle.
Maybe like Luton last season they will put in some good performances but don't really have the squad to compete with the big boys.
Some big money arrivals who most won't have heard of Greaves, Delap, Hutchinson, Muric.
Sammie Szmodics could be a great signing? scores goals everywhere he's been, Kalvin Phillips will he be the great Leeds player or the disaster we saw at West Ham and Man City?
Leicester City
Steve Cooper back in the Premier league after Maresca's defection to Chelsea, Dewsbury Hall, Albrighton, Praet and Iheanacho gone, Vardy and Daka injured. Can only see a season of struggle for last season's Championship winners.
Liverpool
New manager Slot has made no signings yet, but apart from injury prone Matip and Thiago everyone else is still there including Salah.
Expect them to be Top 4 but trailing City and Arsenal.
Manchester City
Will always start favourites, but will need to be on their best form to keep Arsenal away. Alvarez going will weaken them but if Haaland is on form they will be hard to stop.
Manchester United
Surprised Ten Haag is still there, but the Cup win shows there is still a team capable of beating the best. If he could keep most of his players out of the treatment room they could be contenders. But already have injuries including new guy Yoro so who knows?
Newcastle United
Expect them to do better this season after their European hangover last year, again injuries will decide. A full strength Newcastle team will be a match for most.
Nottingham Forest
Another revolving door team like Chelsea. Don't think Nuno Santo really improved them much from what Cooper did. Some good players like Gibbs White and Elanga but expect them to be down near the bottom again.
Southampton
Hard to see Southampton doing anything but fight relegation.
Might have a few good days but fear it's back to the Championship next season.
Tottenham Hotspur
They looked good at the start of last season, but faded.
Solanke a good signing so could be in around the top positions but unlikely to be in the title hunt.
West Ham United
Lots of signings but I'm not feeling it at the moment.
Kudus and Bowen will star, Paqueta facing a ban is a worry.
Have a stronger squad this season despite not being in Europe, but not sure what our best XI is, Fullkrug will only be good if we cross the ball to him and won't hold up play as well as Antonio, reminds me of Haller mk2 great player but only if you give him the ball.
Summerville has potential, Wan Bissaka probably a better defender than Coufal but will he put crosses in like Vlad?
Top half but not seen anything in pre-season to get excited about yet.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Losing Neto and Kilman will be a blow, and Cunha injured.
Wolves did better than expected last season, but think it's bottom half for them.
Tips
Top 4 - Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd
Next best - Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham
Relegated - Southampton, Leicester
Relegation battle - Ipswich, Nottm Forest, Wolves, Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Bournemouth
