Arsenal
We’re preparing for the usual eight months of frustration venting – so why not let’s start off in an optimistic mood? Maybe this will be a glorious season, one that allows Arsène to walk off into the sunset with respect and adoration restored.
Key players I’m hoping our key signings are still to come, but Granit Xhaka could be special. If he can avoid incurring the wrath of refs he might well be the perfect, muscular minder for Cazorla. Granit by name and nature? Also keep an eye on young winger Chris Willock, and the elegant Jeff Reine-Adelaide.
Weak links With our BFG and Welbeck both out for the foreseeable, the sooner Wenger signs a centre-back and a striker the better. Rob Holding might well make the step up, but we can’t put too much pressure on him. And then there’s Walcott. His languid pre-season efforts only confirm his unsuitability as an alternative to Giroud.
First-choice XI from current squad Cech; Bellerín, Holding, Koscielny, Monreal; Ramsey, Xhaka, Cazorla, Sanchez; Özil; Giroud.
Best and worst away grounds The best trips are Bournemouth and Everton– one of the few surviving traditional grounds. The worst is obvious.
Two former players who would walk into the current side Tony Adams, for the vocal leadership, and Thierry Henry, for the grace, guile and goals.
• Predictions – We will finish: 1st, if we sign a striker to replace Giroud. Leicester will finish: Mid-table. The top three: 1 Arsenal, 2 Man City, 3 Man United. The bottom three: 18 Watford, 19 Bournemouth, 20 Hull. First manager sacked: Walter Mazzarri (Watford). Who will be promoted? Wolves, Villa, Newcastle.
– Bernard Azulay goonersdiary.co.uk, @GoonerN5
Bournemouth
After being underdogs for so long, there’s a sense that Eddie Howe is building something special for our second top-flight season. And, having seen our display against Portsmouth pre-season, I’m pretty optimistic about what lies ahead.
Key players Jordon Ibe is the club’s record signing, and Callum Wilson is keen to get a full season in. Lewis Cook already looks a good prospect in central midfield, and young defenders Baily Cargill and Matt Butcher could make Premier League debuts.
Weak links The centre-back position is a real worry, so landing a quality defender like Jonny Evans is key. And the keepers, Artur Boruc and Adam Federici, need to do much better this season, too.
First-choice XI from current squad Boruc; Smith, Francis, Aké, Daniels; Ibe, Cook, Surman, Gradel; King; Wilson.
Best and worst away grounds West Ham’s new ground will be an interesting trip. But I don’t enjoy Selhurst Park – pillars everywhere, a small viewing slot, and some unfriendly stewards.
Two former players who would walk into the current side I’d take Danny Ings, who I’m sure will have a great season at Liverpool now he’s fit, and Rio Ferdinand. How we’d love a dominant central defender like Rio, playing out from the back and reading the game in front of him.
• Predictions – We will finish: 14th would be great. Leicester will finish: 9th. Europe will distract them. The top three: 1 Spurs, 2 Man City, 3 Man United. The bottom three: 18 Middlesbrough, 19 West Brom, 20 Hull. First manager sacked: Alan Pardew (Palace). Who will be promoted? Newcastle, Brighton, Norwich.
– Peter Bell afcbchimes.blogspot.co.uk, @CherryChimes
Burnley
I’m looking forward to this. For a club our size, being in the Premier League again is a brilliant achievement. I’m not sure we’re heading for anything other than a relegation battle, but hopefully it’s one we can win. To have successive seasons in the top flight would be quite something – that’s the ambition this time out.
Key players We’ve been quiet in the transfer market – only two signings so far. So the key players are ones who were already with us. I’m confident Michael Keane in defence and striker Andre Gray will prove themselves.
Weak links It has to be central midfield. We haven’t learned, as yet, from past experiences and are still short in that area. In our previous two top-flight seasons we were caught short in the middle when Chris McCann and then Dean Marney suffered long-term injuries. We have to strengthen in that area.
First-choice XI from current squad Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward; Gudmundsson, Marney, Jones, Boyd; Vokes, Gray.
Best and worst away grounds I’ve always liked White Hart Lane. But Bournemouth isn’t much of an experience – a very small ground, a bit like Blackpool.
Two former players who would walk into the current side Jimmy McIlroy and Brian O’Neil. We need midfielders, and those two would provide real class. Jimmy Mac was our greatest ever player and O’Neil is a big, big hero of mine.
• Predictions – We will finish: 17th or higher. Leicester will finish: Mid-table. They won’t be close to the title. The top three: 1 Man City, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man United. The bottom three: 18 West Brom, 19 Bournemouth, 20 Hull. First manager sacked: Alan Pardew (Palace). Who will win promotion? Newcastle, Norwich, Brighton.
– Tony Scholes uptheclarets.com, @utcdotcom
Chelsea
I haven’t a clue how we’re going to do. What I’ve seen of Conte I like – he’s passionate, a disciplinarian, a proven winner – but he’s coming into a very different league. I’m also worried about the squad. Last year’s disaster wasn’t just down to Mourinho – some players who should be ashamed of themselves are still at the club.
Key players Hazard has shown so many times how he can single-handedly change a game, so his form is key to what we achieve. And watch out for the kids: hopefully they should get more playing time under Conte – Loftus-Cheek and Traoré chief among them.
Weak links Matic was poor last season, and hasn’t convinced in pre-season. If Costa leaves we also lack the world-class forwards you need for a title challenge; and, with both Ivanovic and Terry in the twilight of their careers, the defence needs serious investment, too.
First-choice XI from current squad Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fàbregas, Kanté; Hazard, Willian, Costa, Batshuayi.
Best and worst away grounds My favourite ground is gone: Upton Park was a proper, traditional stadium with fans close to the pitch. Sunderland is the worst: an identikit ground in the middle of nowhere.
Two former players who would walk into the current side Hernán Crespo, who is in my top three most-gifted players ever to pull on the shirt; and the John Terry of 10 years ago.
• Predictions – We will finish: 3rd. Conte knows his onions. Leicester will finish: Mid-table. The top three: 1 Man United, 2 Man City, 3 Chelsea. The bottom three: 18 Burnley, 19 Swansea, 20 Hull. First manager sacked: Sean Dyche (Burnley). Who will win promotion? Brighton, Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday.
– Trizia Fiorellino chelseasupportersgroup.net
Crystal Palace
Palace confounded expectations by signing some very decent players in key positions early in the window – yet we’re still down to one fit striker in Connor Wickham. Scoring goals is our weakness, and we need to address it urgently. The appalling 2016 league form has not been forgotten – a strong start is essential.
Key players James Tomkins, Andros Townsend and Steve Mandanda are much needed purchases – Townsend has particularly impressed in pre-season. As for youngsters: Sullay Kaikai may feature.
Weak links As mentioned, our strike force is currently weak to nonexistent. I’d expect one, or possibly two, expensive signings in that area.
First-choice XI from current squad Mandanda; Ward, Tomkins, Dann, Souaré; Zaha, McArthur, Cabaye, Townsend; Puncheon; Bolasie.
Best and worst away grounds Spurs is the best trip – old ground with superb sightlines and acoustics, and a happy hunting ground for Palace. As for the worst: it’s a new entry here: West Ham. It’s scandalous how they got their new taxpayer-funded home for next to nothing.
Two former players who would walk into the current side Andrew Johnson for his blistering pace and goals, and Nathaniel Clyne for his powerful defending and link-up skills with midfield.
• Predictions – We will finish: 12th, if we find someone who can score. Leicester will finish: 10th. The top three: 1 Man City, 2 Man Utd, 3 Arsenal. The bottom three: 18 Bournemouth, 19 Swansea, 20 Hull. First manager sacked: Whoever gets the Hull job. Who will win promotion? Newcastle, Derby, Wolves.
– Chris Waters palacetrust.org.uk, @Clapham_Grand]
Everton
I’m always optimistic – but more so this year with Ronald Koeman as manager, Steve Walsh as director of football and the financial backing of Farhad Moshiri, who paid £7m in compensation for both. A proper new era for Everton, who now mean business.
Key players Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu remain our two top players as it stands. They need to be more consistent, and under Koeman I’m sure they will be. And keep an eye on Tom Davies, our talented 18-year-old midfielder. He’s going to be a star.
Weak links We need a few new signings, especially in defence, and the rejected bid for Ashley Williams shows the management are thinking along the right lines. I’m hopeful that Idrissa Gueye will be just the first of a handful of new players arriving before the deadline.
First-choice XI from current squad Stekelenburg; Coleman, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Baines; Mirallas, Barkley, Barry, Davies; Deulofeu, Lukaku.
Best and worst away grounds West Ham always used to be the one I looked forward to: we haven’t lost in nine league visits. Let us hope their new place is as lucky. The worst? Liverpool. No atmosphere.
Two former players who would walk into the current side Alan Ball – man of the match in the 1966 World Cup final, a born winner and simply the best player I’ve ever seen. And, in goal, Neville Southall – the best keeper ever.
• Predictions – We will finish: Top six, if the defence comes together. Leicester will finish: Top eight. The top three: 1 Man City, 2 Tottenham, 3 Man United. The bottom three: 18 Swansea, 19 Burnley, 20 Hull. First manager sacked: All eyes on Hull. Who will win promotion? Newcastle, Brighton and Derby.
– Steve Jones @bluekippercom
Hull
Steve Bruce walked out after the club failed to make any signings despite releasing players and suffering an injury crisis – and the takeover most fans desperately want to see happen to rid the club of the Allam ownership fell through. All in all, the new season brings only a sense of trepidation.
Key players We’re very low on numbers but there is quality left over from the last Premier League run. Dawson and Davies at centre-half will be vital, Jake Livermore in midfield and Abel Hernández up front. Seventeen-year-old left-back Josh Tymon and 20-year-old winger Jarrod Bowen are ones to watch.
Weak links Before the injuries the priority positions to strengthen were up front, midfield and full-back. Now we now need cover pretty much everywhere.
First-choice XI from current squad Jakupovic; Elmohamady, Robertson, Davies, Dawson; Snodgrass, Clucas, Livermore, Huddlestone; Diomandé, Hernández.
Best and worst away grounds Turf Moor is the worst because our terrible record there, but Bournemouth is a great day out. A nice, compact ground.
Two former players who would walk into the current side Our great captain of three promotions, Ian Ashbee, would add steel and leadership in the midfield, and Big Billy Whitehurst up front would terrify defenders.
• Predictions – We will finish: I hate to say this, but I can’t see past 20th. Leicester will finish: 6th. The top three: 1 Man City, 2 Arsenal, 3 Chelsea. The bottom three: 18 Bournemouth 19 Burnley 20 Hull. First manager sacked: Walter Mazzarri (Watford). Who will win promotion? Newcastle, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday.
– Rick Skelton boothferrytowembley.blogspot.com, @HullCityLive
Leicester
It’s hard not to be upbeat after last season’s fairytale. We’re going into this season with a feelgood factor and no real expectations holding us back. It could be another fun 10 months on Filbert Way.
Key players Ahmed Musa’s lightning quick pace will bolster our already full-throttle attack, and Luis Hernández has looked assured in defence during pre-season having just signed from Sporting Gijon. I’m also expecting Demarai Gray to step out from the shadows this season - he’ll be as good as a new signing.
Weak links It’s hard to be confident that the gap left by Kanté has been adequately filled: despite his treachery, we’re really going to miss him. City could also benefit from another striker. Ulloa doesn’t seem up to Leicester’s new continental level and, if Vardy can’t replicate his form, we’ll be left relying on Okazaki.
First-choice XI from current squad Schmeichel; Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Chilwell; Albrighton, Drinkwater, Mendy, Mahrez; Vardy, Musa.
Best and worst away grounds I’ve always preferred the less glamorous grounds - that’s where you’re more likely to find real passion for football (and three points). Give me a trip to Dean Court or Vicarage Road over the Emirates Library any day.
Two former players who would walk into the current side A young Gary Lineker, and Muzzy Izzet. There’s always a space for our famous midfield general.
• Predictions – We will finish: 5th. We’ll be stretched by more games and by the resurgent big boys. The top three: 1 Man City, 2 Man Utd, 3 Arsenal. The bottom three: 18 Sunderland, 19 Burnley, 20 Hull. First manager sacked: Alan Pardew (Palace). Who will win promotion? Newcastle, Derby, Brighton.
– Chris Whiting thechriswhitingshow.wordpress.com, @ChrisRWhiting
Liverpool
I’m pretty much always optimistic at the start of the season (except for last year). I’m always thinking on the way to the first game that we’re going to win the league – so this season in particular confidence is running high. In his short time at the club Klopp has given us the belief we can win every game we play – and even when we don’t it feels like a blip rather than a tragedy. He’s made going to the match fun again, and we’re looking forward to good times.
Key players I was hoping that keeper Loris Karius would be key for us. Most of our signings picked up injuries in pre-season but his broken hand is the one we needed least. Georginio Wijnaldum will hopefully live up to the hype, and, fingers crossed, Sturridge will become brilliantly consistent, and injury-free.
Weak links All eyes on the goalkeeper…
First-choice XI from current squad Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Wisdom, Milner; Can, Wijnaldum, Henderson; Firmino, Coutinho, Sturridge.
Best and worst away grounds West Brom’s a great day out on the Spirit of Shankly coach. The worst trips are Swansea or Southampton – they’re usually at midday, 4pm or on a Monday night, and a nightmare to get back from.
Two former players who would walk into the current side John Barnes and Ian Rush for their goals, their swagger, and their love for LFC.
• Predictions – We will finish: 1st. Leicester will finish: 12th. The top three: 1 Liverpool, 2 Man City, 3 Man United. The bottom three: 18 Middlesbrough, 19 Watford, 20 Hull. First manager sacked: David Moyes (Sunderland) or Walter Mazzarri (Watford). Who will win promotion? Newcastle, Norwich, Brighton.
– Steph Jones Observer reader
Manchester City
I’m feeling good about this – who wouldn’t be? Pep Guardiola is our manager - I still can’t quite believe it. He’s going to completely revolutionise how we play and think about football, and I absolutely cannot wait.
Key players Ilkay Gündogan will be key to our chances this season. He has a wonderful blend of agility, ability and positional awareness – all the qualities you need to play in a Guardiola team. I’m also looking forward to seeing more of teenager Aleix García. He’s an elegant deep-lying midfielder who could have a big impact on the first team. Angeliño is another one to watch, too.
Weak links Both full-back positions are still a worry. All four options are over 30, and we’re having real trouble shifting Kolarov and Zabaleta. Our problems at centre-half, though, should be alleviated by signing John Stones, who I think will thrive under Guardiola’s tutelage. See: Jérôme Boateng and Gerard Piqué.
First-choice XI from current squad Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Gündogan, Fernandinho; Sané, De Bruyne, Sterling; Agüero.
Best and worst away grounds Stoke’s a good trip; Everton’s the worst.
Two former players who would walk into the current side Paul Lake, because we’re desperate for an all-action midfielder now Yaya’s legs have gone. And I’d re-sign Carlos Tevez. I just miss him running around like Carlos Tevez.
• Predictions – We will finish: 1st. Leicester will finish: 6th – if they keep Mahrez. The top three: 1 Man City, 2 Man United, 3 Chelsea. The bottom three: 18 Watford, 19 Middlesbrough, 20 Hull. First manager sacked: Walter Mazzarri (Watford). Who will win promotion? Newcastle, Brighton, Aston Villa.
– Lloyd Scragg mcfcwatch.com, @lloyd_scragg
