Premier League 2026-27 Season Preview

The new Premier League season kicks off this weekend and it's set to be another entertaining season with surprises waiting to happen, many new faces both on the pitch and in the dugout and records waiting to be broken.

In this preview, I've done a fact file on each club which includes where I think they'll finish this season, their strongest line ups and who I their most important player is likely to be alongside their stats from last season.

ARSENAL

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 1st

FA CUP: Quarter Finals

LEAGUE CUP: Runners Up

EUROPE: Champions League Runners Up

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Viktor Gyokeres, 21

Mikel Arteta finally got the trophy his progress deserved when he guided Arsenal to the title last season and his side look well placed to defend it. Losing the Champions League final to PSG may hurt them, but they still have a strong mentality within their squad which looks arguably stronger than it did last season with the signings they've made. Bruno Guimaraes will bolster the depth of their midfield which will allow them to rest Declan Rice, who played almost every game last season, whilst Christos Tzolis will add more goals to the attack.

KEY PLAYER: DECLAN RICE

Rice has very much been Arsenal's main man in recent seasons because of the consistency of his performances throughout his time at the club. He's taken the Gunners onto another level ever since he arrived at the club because of the leadership, energy and tenacity he's brought to the team and if he can start adding more goals to his game, he'll become a more complete midfielder.

PLAYER TO WATCH: CHRISTOS TZOLIS

The Gunners lacked a reliable left winger last season despite Leandro Trossard's best efforts and they'll be hoping that Tzolis can be that player. He scored 17 times for Club Brugge last season during their title winning season and if he can carry that form with to Arsenal, the Gunners will surely defend their title.

PREDICTION: 1st

They had the strongest squad in the league by far last season and it arguably looks stronger this season. Because of this they should definitely defend their title.

ASTON VILLA

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 4th

FA CUP: 4th Round

LEAGUE CUP: 3rd Round

EUROPE: Europa League Winners

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Ollie Watkins, 21

Villa were a side in their prime last season by qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Europa League which was what Unai Emery deserved for all the progress his side have made under him. This season will no doubt be more challenging as they've lost arguably their two best players from last season in Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, and they're also back in the Champions League and the last time they were in that competition they struggled to compete on both fronts. They have signed some decent players this summer, but this season could be one where people could be asking if Emery has taken them as far as he can.

KEY PLAYER: JOHN MCGINN

McGinn has developed into one of Villa's most important players and especially since Unai Emery has been his manager. He scored some crucial goals during Villa's run to Europa League glory last season and is a player who never stops running without the ball. His energy and work rate off the ball as well as his ability to score crucial are what make him a key player for his team.

PLAYER TO WATCH: JOHAN MANZAMBI

Manzambi impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup during the summer and is the kind of player Villa needed after losing Rogers and Tielemans. He has a lot of energy which enables him to be effective at both sides of the game and likes to break into the box to score goals.

PREDICTION: 6th

Losing both Tielemans and Rogers is a massive blow because of how important they both were last season. With the club back in the Champions League alongside this, repeating their exploits last season will be tough.

BOURNEMOUTH

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 6th

FA CUP: 3rd Round

LEAGUE CUP: 2nd Round

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Eli Junior Kroupi, 13

Bournemouth have come such a long way since nearly dropping out of the Football League all those years ago and this season they'll be playing in Europe for the first time in their history. Being in Europe will definitely test them due to their lack of squad depth but they do have a manager in Marco Rose who has managed in European competition before. Rose will big shoes to fill in replacing Andoni Iraola following the outstanding job he did during his three seasons in charge, but he should fill them with ease because of his top level managerial experience.

KEY PLAYER: ALEX SCOTT

Scott was the Cherries' most consistent player last season and they'll feel grateful that they managed to keep hold of him. He covered every blade of grass last season by doing pretty much everything including winning the ball back for his team and carrying the ball into the opposition half. If he can carry his form from last season into this one, he could earn his first England cap.

PLAYER TO WATCH: ANTONIO SILVA

Silva arrives as Marcos Senesi's replacement and is almost a like for like for him in he's good on the ball, reads the game well and can play defence splitting passes. He was one of the best young defenders in Europe at Benfica and his move to the Premier League could see his game go onto another level.

PREDICTION: 10th

Repeating last season will be tough as they'll be in Europe which will test the depth of their squad. Because their squad lacks depth, I cans see them struggle to compete on both fronts.

BRENTFORD

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 9th

FA CUP: 5th Round

LEAGUE CUP: Quarter Finals

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Igor Thiago, 25

Keith Andrews proved his doubters wrong last season by guiding Brentford to 9th after his side were heavily tipped to struggle. They missed out on Europe by just a single point last season and although repeating their exploits from last season will be challenging, they look in good shape to go again this season as they've made some good signings and have a strong squad.

KEY PLAYER: IGOR THIAGO

Only Erling Haaland scored more goals than Thiago last season in what felt like his debut season after picking up an ACL injury just weeks after joining the club two summers ago. His form last season earned him a call up for Brazil and a place in their World Cup squad and if the Bees are to go one better this season, they'll need him to perform close to last season's exploits.

PLAYER TO WATCH: JAIDON ANTHONY

Anthony scored 8 times for Burnley last season which isn't a bad return and he'll hoping to get more this season now he's playing in a better team. His pace will be key when the Bees go on the counter attack as they like to attack at pace whenever they hit teams on the break.

PREDICTION: 7th

Last season's achievement might feel like an overachievement, but it could give them something to build on. With a quality striker up top and a strong squad in all areas, they could go again.

BRIGHTON

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 8th

FA CUP: 4th Round

LEAGUE CUP: 4th Round

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Danny Welbeck, 14

Brighton had an up and down season last season in terms of form but they still finished 8th and qualified for Europe. Being back in Europe this season will again test them because of their lack of squad depth which impacted them the last time they were in Europe three seasons ago. They've also lost important players in Jean Paul Van Hecke and Danny Welbeck who will both be big losses because of how important they both were.

KEY PLAYER: KAORU MITOMA

Mitoma makes such a difference for the Seagulls when he plays because of the pace and energy he brings to the team. Injuries hampered the Japanese winger last season and if he can keep himself fit this season, the Seagulls could have another positive season.

PLAYER TO WATCH: JACK HINSHELWOOD

Hinshelwood has been a regular for the Seagulls ever since Hurzeler has been in charge and has impressed whenever he's been given an opportunity. If he continues to impress this season, he could earn himself an England call up.

PREDICTION: 11th

Losing Welbeck is a massive blow as their attack now looks very short on goals and options. Because of this and a lack of squad depth overall, a challenging season awaits.

CHELSEA

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 10th

FA CUP: Runners Up

LEAGUE CUP: Semi Finals

EUROPE: Champions League Last 16

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Joao Pedro, 20

For the first time since taking over, Chelsea's owners appear to finally be making the right decisions as they've hired a manager in Xabi Alonso who has won a league title and are bringing in experienced players to help out the younger players in the team. They've made a lot of mistakes since taking over the club and they've taken the club backwards. But now they appear to be correcting those mistakes by bringing in the right calibre of manager and experienced player to help guide the younger players.

KEY PLAYER: COLE PALMER

Palmer didn't have his best season last season with injuries being the main reason as he struggled for form. With a full pre season under his belt after not going to the World Cup, he'll hopefully rediscover the form he was in during his first 18 months and maybe force his way back into the England squad.

PLAYER TO WATCH: MAXENCE LACROIX

The blues have lacked experience and leadership in their team for a while now and Lacroix will certainly bring both. A player of his quality and experience will both strengthen the blues defensively and help the younger players in the team improve.

PREDICTION: 3rd

They finally have the right manager to take them forward and some experienced players to help the younger players improve. With no European football to distract them alongside that, this could be a positive season for the blues.

COVENTRY

LAST SEASONS STATS:

CHAMPIONSHIP: 1st

FA CUP: 3rd Round

LEAGUE CUP: 2nd Round

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Haji Wright, 18

Coventry are back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years and they've been on some journey since. They've dropped all the way down to League 2, been in administration and they also didn't have a home for a few years. Frank Lampard comfortably guided the Sky Blues to the Championship title last season and by doing so kept up the good work that his predecessor Mark Robins started. But now he faces first massive test in trying to keep them in the top flight.

KEY PLAYER: BRANDON THOMAS-ASANTE

Thomas-Asante was one of Coventry's main attacking outlets in the Championship last season by scoring 13 goals and in doing so showed that he is ready for the Premier League. If he can make the step up and deliver the goals, the Sky Blues have a good chance of staying up.

PLAYER TO WATCH: CARL RUSHWORTH

Rushworth impressed whilst on loan during their promotion season last season so the club decided to sign him up on a permanent basis. His crucial saves were key to the Sky Blues winning promotion and he'll need to make them again if they're to stay up.

PREDICTION: 18th

It's good to have a club of their stature back in the top flight after so many years away. They have made some decent signings over the summer, but a lack of top flight quality and experience could cost them.

CRYSTAL PALACE

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 15th

FA CUP: 3rd Round

LEAGUE CUP: Quarter Finals

EUROPE: Europa Conference League Winners

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Ismaila Sarr, 21

It's been a quiet window from Palace so far and they've also lost Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea which is a big blow. They'll surely be disappointed with their lack of signings this summer and especially as they have another season in Europe to look forward to. A lack of squad depth was what cost them in the league last season and they'll need to address it before the window closes if they're to compete on both fronts this season.

KEY PLAYER: ADAM WHARTON

Wharton was arguably the Eagles' most consistent player last season but was somehow left out of England's World Cup squad. He patrols the entire midfield when he's at his best by covering every blade of grass because of the energy and tenacity he has and Palace are always a better team when he plays well.

PLAYER TO WATCH: YEREMY PINO

Pino was brought in last summer as a replacement for Eberechi Eze but he didn't deliver enough. He has all the ability in the world to be a game changer and this season could be his chance to be one and especially with a new boss in charge who he'll be eager to impress.

PREDICTION: 14th

They didn't have the squad depth to compete on both fronts last season and it appears to be the same again this season following a quiet transfer window. Because of this and the loss of Lacroix, I can see a repeat of last season.

EVERTON

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 13th

FA CUP: 3rd Round

LEAGUE CUP: 3rd Round

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Beto, 10

Everton had a decent debut season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last season even though their record at their new stadium was not the best. But they still stayed out of another relegation scrap which was what the owners were hoping for at the start of the season. They'll now be looking to kick on and push up the table towards Europe now that David Moyes has more or less re-stabilised them as a Premier League club.

KEY PLAYER: JAMES GARNER

Garner was the Toffees' most consistent outfield player last season as he covered every blade of grass and made vital contributions at both ends of the pitch. He was unlucky not to be in England's World Cup squad after earning his first call up in March and another good season from him this season could see him win his place back.

PLAYER TO WATCH: HAYDEN HACKNEY

David Moyes has had success when buying players from the Championship in Tim Cahill during his first spell with the Toffees and Jarrod Bowen when he was at West Ham. Hackney was the named Championship player of the season last season following an outstanding season with Middlesbrough and could be Moyes' next success.

PREDICTION: 9th

They had a promising season last season which they'll be looking to build on. But I don't see them making that final step towards Europe because they still lack that clinical centre forward that has plagued them for years.

FULHAM

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 11th

FA CUP: 5th Round

LEAGUE CUP: Quarter Finals

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Harry Wilson, 11

Fulham have been a well established side in the Premier League ever since they've been here but this season could be their most challenging since their promotion. They've lost big chunk of their goals following the departures of Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez and they've also lost their manager Marco Silva. The appointment of Alvaro Arbeloa will be seen as risky because he's never managed in England and had an unspectacular spell in charge of Real Madrid at the end of last season.

KEY PLAYER: SANDER BERGE

Berge is the one who stays and protects the back four because of his ability to win the ball back for his team. Him doing this job allows the players ahead of him to do what they do and makes Fulham a tough team to play against.

PLAYER TO WATCH: OSCAR BOBB

Bobb didn't make much of an impact when he arrived at Fulham in January but this season he's expected to play a key role. He's at a club where his career will hopefully kick on and Harry Wilson's departure will give him the chance to for that to happen.

PREDICTION: 16th

Losing both Wilson and Jimenez is a massive blow as it's taken a chunk of goals out of their attack. Arbeloa will need time to get his methods across to the players but without a recognised goal scorer, they could get sucked into a relegation battle.

HULL

LAST SEASONS STATS:

CHAMPIONSHIP: 6th (Play Off Winners)

FA CUP: 4th Round

LEAGUE CUP: 1st Round

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Oli McBurnie, 19

Hull are back in the Premier League after a decade away and they come into this season like they went into last season as massive favourites to go down. A lot of people tipped them to get relegated from the Championship last season after they stayed up on the final day the season before, but Sergej Jakirovic came in an defied the odd by leading them towards promotion. They were a side who were adaptable last season depending on who they faced and they'll need to be that this season if they're to stay up.

KEY PLAYER: OLI MCBURNIE

McBurnie netted 18 times in the Championship last season including the winning goal in the play off final. He's yet to prove himself in the Premier League after two below par spells at Sheffield United and if the Tigers are to stay up, they'll need him to make the step up.

PLAYER TO WATCH: JOE GELHARDT

Gelhardt impressed whilst on loan with Tigers last season by scoring 14 goals which were enough for him to earn a permanent move. He can play anywhere across the frontline including out wide and both as a centre forward and a no.10. His ability to be versatile will be key if the Tigers are to stay up.

PREDICTION: 20th

They haven't got the quality of the experience to compete at this level. Because of this I can only see them going straight back down.

IPSWICH

LAST SEASONS STATS:

CHAMPIONSHIP: 2nd

FA CUP: 4th Round

LEAGUE CUP: 1st Round

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Jack Clarke, 16

Ipswich had a far from convincing season last season despite winning promotion but they come into this season arguably better equipped than they were the last time they came up. They've brought in players who are proven at the top level and have a manager who has managed in the Premier League before in Gary O'Neil, who did decent jobs at Bournemouth and Wolves respectively. He went into both jobs with little expectations and he'll come into this one the same and it could go in his side's favour.

KEY PLAYER: JADEN PHILOGENE

Philogene scored 12 times in the Championship last season as the Tractor Boys won promotion and he'll need to replicate this form if they're to stay up. He didn't play a lot during their last spell in the Premier League but now he has chance to prove himself as a Premier League player.

PLAYER TO WATCH: DAIZEN MAEDA

Maeda will bring top level pedigree with him to Ipswich following years of success at Celtic for whom he scored a bucket load of goals. He's not the most clinical finisher, but he's always dangerous whenever he's in and around the penalty box because of his pace and ability to run in behind.

PREDICTION: 19th

They're arguably better equipped to survive than they were the last time they were in the top flight. But as they lack that clinical no.9 up top, I can see them fall short.

LEEDS

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 14th

FA CUP: Semi Finals

LEAGUE CUP: 2nd Round

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 15

Daniel Farke proved his doubters wrong last season by guiding Leeds to survival and relatively comfortably. He made them more competitive and tougher to beat than a lot of people thought they would be and especially at home, which was where their best results came. Most teams struggle in their second season including Leeds the last time they came up, but this season they look in good shape to kick on because of the signings they've made including Harry Wilson who will add more firepower to the attack.

KEY PLAYER: DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN

Calvert-Lewin put his injury troubles behind him last season by scoring 14 league goals with all of them playing a key role in Leeds staying up. If he can another injury-free season like last season, Leeds will again be safe and could even push up the league.

PLAYER TO WATCH: HARRY WILSON

Wilson will bring extra firepower to Leeds' attack this season following his best goal scoring season at Fulham last season. He scored 10 goals for Fulham last season and if he can replicate that form this season, Leeds will be more than safe.

PREDICTION: 13th

They've made some good signings over the summer and in the right areas as well. With an attack with plenty of goals and a well drilled midfield and defence, they should kick on.

LIVERPOOL

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 5th

FA CUP: Quarter Finals

LEAGUE CUP: 4th Round

EUROPE: Champions League Quarter Finals

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Hugo Ekitike, 17

This will be start of another new era at Liverpool under new boss Andoni Iraola who will be bringing in a more front footed style of football which is what the fans wanted. They were far from impressed with what they were watching under Arne Slot last season where it was slow and predictable. Iraola's style is definitely closer to the club's ethos as it's one that will get the crowd off their seat and make Anfield a place teams don't want to go to.

KEY PLAYER: DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI

Szoboszlai was by far the reds' best and most consistent performer last season as he put in a good shift for his team wherever he was asked to play including right back. With the energy he has alongside his technical abilities, he could be the reds' best all-round midfielder since Steven Gerrard.

PLAYER TO WATCH: RONALD ARAUJO

Araujo's career has faded a bit in recent seasons following a lack of game time at Barcelona and this move will hopefully help him get it back on track. He'll bring some much needed experience and leadership to the reds defence and with Van Dijk getting on a bit, he'll step up in the games where the Dutchman is rested.

PREDICTION: 4th

The brand of football will certainly be better than what it was in and it will arguably suit the players better. Because of this Ii can see them nick that fourth spot.

MAN CITY

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 2nd

FA CUP: Winners

LEAGUE CUP: Winners

EUROPE: Champions League Last 16

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Erling Haaland, 38

A new era begins at Man City following the departure of Pep Guardiola following a trophy laiden decade in charge. New boss Enzo Maresca will no doubt have big shoes to fill in replacing a man like Pep but he should do with relative ease as he worked under Pep as an assistant during the treble season and is someone most of the players will know. They have lost key personel, but Maresca is still taking over a team that is still capable of cometing for major trophies.

KEY PLAYER: ERLING HAALAND

Haaland carried City for the majority of last season with his 27 goals keeping them in the title race winnign him a third golden boot. With a goal machine like him still around, City will be there or there abouts.

PLAYER TO WATCH: ELLIOT ANDERSON

City paid a lot of money to bring Anderson to the club which will no doubt bring a lot of pressure. With Rodri now gone, he'll be expected to take his place in the team after originally arriving to partner him in the midfield.

PREDICTION: 2nd

Maresca will have big shoes to fill in replacing an iconic manager such as Pep. But with a good squad and a clinical marksman up top, they should be there or there abouts.

MAN UNITED

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 3rd

FA CUP: 3rd Round

LEAGUE CUP: 2nd Round

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, 12

Michael Carrick completely turned things around last season when he took over from Ruben Amorim as he guided Man United to a remarkable 3rd placed finish which got him the full time job. He was asked to just put a smile back on the faces of the players when he arrived which he did and now he's got the full time gig, he will be judged more this season because his team will have more games to play and he's managing such a massive club.

KEY PLAYER: BRUNO FERNANDES

Fernandes took his game onto another level last season by breaking the record for mosts assists in a season with all of them being key to United finishing in the top four. He's carried United pretty much ever since he arrived at the club and if he can have another outstanding season this season, he has to be put among the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen.

PLAYER TO WATCH: ANDREY SANTOS

United having been crying out for a quality defensive midfielder ever since their manager Carrick hung up his boots and they'll be hoping that Santos will be the player to fill that void. He's arrived at United to kickstart his career after a lack of gametime at Chelsea and he's under the right manager to help him do so.

PREDICTION: 5th

There will more pressure on Carrick now he has the job on a full time basis. They have made some good signings during the summer, but will he be able to live up to the pressure?

NEWCASTLE

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 12th

FA CUP: 5th Round

LEAGUE CUP: Semi Finals

EUROPE: Champions League Last 16

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Anthony Gordon, 17

It's been another difficult summer for Newcastle as they've lost three of their best players in Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes alongside their manager Eddie Howe. They've also missed out on their transfer targets which was the case for them last summer as well. New boss Matthias Jaissle already has one massive job on his hands because of these reasons and although they will be helped by not being in Europe, the Magpies are in for another difficult campaign.

KEY PLAYER: MALICK THIAW

Out of all the signings Newcastle made last summer, Thiaw was by far the best of the lot as he stepped up in defence whenever his team needed someone to. The Magpies might've conceded more goals without him in their backline and he'll need to be on top of his game once again this season as the Magpies are going to be in for another difficult season.

PLAYER TO WATCH: BAZOUMANA TOURE

Toure is one of the most exciting young players around as he's lightning quick and can both create and score goals. The Magpies will look to him inject some energy and life in their performances should they need it.

PREDICTION: 12th

It's been another tough summer following the loss of three important players and their manager. With no replacements brought in to replace the former, another difficult season lies ahead.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 16th

FA CUP: 3rd Round

LEAGUE CUP: 3rd Round

EUROPE: Europa League Semi Finals

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Morgan Gibbs-White, 18

Forest had a rollercoaster of a season last season as they went through four different managers in Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche and Vitor Pereira. They're now on their fifth manager within a year after sacking Pereira and replacing him with Oliver Glasner. Glasner is certainly an ambitious appointment following the success he had at Crystal Palace and he has the player to help him replicate that success at Forest.

KEY PLAYER: MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE

Gibbs-White ended last season in fine form and was very unlucky not to have been included in England's World Cup squad. Forest will feel very fortunate that they managed to keep hold of him during the summer because many of the top teams would want a player like him in their side.

PLAYER TO WATCH: XAVER SCHLAGER

Schlager is almost a like for like replacement for Elliot Anderson in that he's brilliant at winning the ball back, moves the ball quickly and can play both as a no.6 and as a no.8. His physicality and energy off the ball will be for Forest without the ball.

PREDICTION: 15th

No European football will massively help but goals could be a problem. They have a good enough squad to stay up but their lack of a poacher up top could drag them in.

SUNDERLAND

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 7th

FA CUP: 5th Round

LEAGUE CUP: 2nd Round

EUROPE: N/A

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Brian Brobbey, 7

What Sunderland did last season was absolutely remarkable but repeating that this season will be tricky and especially as they'll be in Europe. Second seasons have proven to be tricky for a number of teams over the years and Sunderland's second season will no doubt be trickier because of them being in Europe which will require a big squad. They haven't signed many players during the summer with Thomas Meunier being their only notable signing and whilst he'll bring a lot of top level expereince to this team, they'll need to bring in more players if they're to compete on both fronts.

KEY PLAYER: GRANIT XHAKA

Xhaka proved to be a game changer for the Black Cats last season with his leadership and presence on the pitch being a key reason why they had the season they had. It was vital that they kept him during the summer because his leadership and expereince will once again be vital as they navigate a first campaign in Europe.

PLAYER TO WATCH: HABIB DIARRA

Diarra missed a big chunk of games for Sunderland last season due to injury after arriving last summer but he did show glimpses of his abilities. After having a full pre season under his belt to get himself fit, we'll hopefully see the all-action energetic midfielder we know he is.

PREDICTION: 17th

Repeating last season will be very tough simply because they'll be in Europe which could lead them to becoming a victim of the second season syndrome. But with captain Xhaka still around, they should be safe.

TOTTENHAM

LAST SEASONS STATS:

PREMIER LEAGUE: 17th

FA CUP: 3rd Round

LEAGUE CUP: 4th Round

EUROPE: Champions League Last 16

TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS)

Richarlison, 12

Last season was an absolute disaster for Spurs as they came painfully close to going down and they surely can't be any worse this season. Their early window big spending has made sure of that as they've brought in the right players in the right positions. Andy Robertson will bring some much needed leadership to the team as well as experience, Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes will add steel to the midfield whilst Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul Van Hecke will bring depth and solidity to the defence. This and no European football will help massively as it will mean fewer injuries and injuries are what have affected them in each of the last two seasons.

KEY PLAYER: JAMES MADDISON

Maddison was a massive miss for Spurs last season where he missed a massive chunk of the season due to an ACL injury he picked in pre season. Spurs lacked creativity without him in their side and after having a full pre season under his belt to get himself fully fit, he'll hopefully make the difference for Spurs.

PLAYER TO WATCH: JAN PAUL VAN HECKE

Van Hecke worked under De Zerbi at Brighton and has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League in recent seasons. He's comfortable in possession in the ball as he's a good carrier and passer of it which makes him ideal to how De Zerbi wants his defenders to play.

PREDICTION: 8th

The players they brought in look promising and they will be massively helped by not having European football. But despite the money they've spent, they're still short on quality in other areas.