Arsenal<\/p>\n
Having finally got the title monkey off our back, and with much of the competition in a state of flux, there\u2019s 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 on the long-term missing list, and will the introduction of Guimar\u00e3es be the catalyst for the sort of midfield chemistry we\u2019ll need to carve open opponents who plan to park the bus?<\/p>\n
Key players\/weak links On the evidence of our pre-season outings we urgently need the return of our remaining World Cup stars \u2013 Rice, Zubimendi and Saka should provide a renewed sense of purpose, both to counter any defensive fragility and to increase our goal threat. We\u2019re all hoping for a breakthrough season for a beefed-up Max Dowman, and are anxious to discover if Tzolis is an upgrade on Trossard.<\/p>\n
We still need to sign \u2026 Our friendly outings have shown the need for alternative attacking options, such as Atl\u00e9tico\u2019s Juli\u00e1n Alvarez, and cover for Saliba \u2013 Quansah and Konsa are linked. But presumably any further arrivals will be dependent on some astute pruning of those who\u2019ve failed to cut the mustard, such as Vieira and Nelson.<\/p>\n
Our cult hero is \u2026 Benny Blanco\u2019s off-the-ball shenanigans ensure that he\u2019s enshrined as a firm terrace favourite, but it\u2019s the demeanour of Declan Rice that will invariably set the tone for whether or not we\u2019re destined for more success.<\/p>\n
If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 Who wouldn\u2019t want to add the artistry of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp to any team?<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Max Dowman: breakthrough season? Photograph: Matt Impey\/ShutterstockAston Villa<\/p>\n
It would be daft to not be optimistic when each year under Emery we\u2019ve created great memories, regardless of the previous summer\u2019s transfer merry-go-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 senior appearances (Garnacho) must be all right. Perversely, the financial regulations that are holding us back should prevent too much moaning if we don\u2019t get off to a flyer, and having a ground with only three sides might even help us make VP a fortress. In all, I\u2019m fired up for the new season.<\/p>\n
Key players\/weak links The senior pros all need to keep drinking the Emery Kool Aid, but why wouldn\u2019t they? Konsa remains a colossus and the purple prose around McGinn is fully deserved. If Kamara plays 40 senior 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 up front in pre-season.<\/p>\n
We still need to sign \u2026 Marcus Rashford.<\/p>\n
Our cult hero is \u2026 McGinn must already have done enough to have a hospitality suite named after him. Another two years and it could be a stand. He will be aware that Emery doesn\u2019t deal in sentimentality so I expect yet another year in which SJM pushes for player of the season while being a key figure in the dressing room.<\/p>\n
If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 Dwight Yorke, from 1995-96 when he switched to an out-and-out striker. And Gareth Barry: the complete midfielder.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
John McGinn: cult hero. Photograph: James Marsh\/ShutterstockBournemouth<\/p>\n
We\u2019re so looking forward to this: our first ever season in a European club competition. It\u2019s 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\u2019re 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, a mid-table Premier League<\/a> finish would be very respectable, but winning a trophy feels weirdly achievable. Why not a European one?<\/p>\n Key players\/weak links Ant\u00f3nio Silva has big Senesi-sized shoes to fill at centre-half but we expect big things from him. We\u2019re also looking forward to the impact that new striker \u00c1lvaro Rodr\u00edguez and the attacking right-back Juanlu will bring. Watch out too for a fully fit Ben Gannon-Doak \u2013 a breakthrough season beckons for him.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 Business is pretty much done. We\u2019re in a good place, with maybe one or two to go out on loan deals towards the end of the window.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 Long-serving veteran defender Adam Smith continues to perform at the highest level, an incredible 16 years after his debut for the club. He epitomises the journey we\u2019ve been on and we love him for it.<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 It would be hard to turn down a peak Nathan Ak\u00e9 or Callum Wilson, but then with the squad that we have now, I\u2019m not convinced they would get into a starting 11. Perhaps, with Junior Kroupi out for a few months, there might be a place for a natural finisher like Jermain Defoe. Better still, prime Ted MacDougall would score hatfuls every week in this team.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ant\u00f3nio Silva: big things expected. I\u2019m very optimistic. 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\u2019ve had a proper pre-season, there\u2019s a clear tactical approach and, importantly, we\u2019ve 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\u2019re moving forward year-on-year. For a club like Brentford<\/a>, that\u2019s a pretty exciting prospect.<\/p>\n Key players\/weak links There\u2019s a lot of excitement around new signing Mamadou Sangar\u00e9 \u2013 so much so that he\u2019s already got his own song. Callum Wilson is a shrewd signing too, and, at this stage of his career, seems happy to sit on the bench and knock a few in when called upon. Our explosive front three of Ouattara, Thiago and Schade have now had time to gel, and should cause plenty of problems. As for youngsters, 11 players aged 21 or under are vying for a place in the final 25-man squad. 19-year-old striker \u2013 and rapper \u2013 Kaye Furo is highly rated, as is 20-year-old centre-back Jannik Schuster. It\u2019s a good sign that we\u2019re getting to the point where our youngsters aren\u2019t just making up the numbers.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 If there\u2019s one position we could strengthen, left-back would be a good option. El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham has been rumoured.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 Michael Kayode. Cemented his status by singing his own terrace chant on camera: \u201cHe eats spaghetti, he drinks Moretti, he hates Queens Park Rangers.\u201d<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 We\u2019re probably a bit too \u201cnice\u201d. Whenever we need a short injection of old-school fire, fight and chaos, Terry Evans from our 1992 Division One-winning side and Terry Hurlock from that incredible 80s \u201cKamara, Bowles, Hurlock\u201d midfield would be great to call upon.<\/p>\n We will finish 6th. Top four: 1. Manchester City; 2. Arsenal; 3. Manchester United; 4. Bournemouth<\/a>. Bottom three: 18. Fulham; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull. First manager sacked I got it spot-on last season, predicting two consecutive Forest sackings. Surely Glasner isn\u2019t next on the cards? OK, go on then \u2026<\/p>\n Michael Kayode: hates Queens Park Rangers. Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi\/The GuardianBrighton<\/p>\n Having seen West Ham, Chelsea and even Crystal Palace<\/a> go all the way in the Conference League, the main target is doing well in that and winning a first cup final since the 1910 Charity Shield. Am I optimistic about it happening? Not really. The competition looks tougher this year. Freiburg, Atalanta and Monaco all have proper European experience. Even the playoff round against Troms\u00f8 is a banana skin. I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n Key players\/weak links The key player will be whoever Fabian H\u00fcrzeler uses to fill the void left by selling Danny Welbeck: Georginio Rutter, Charalampos Kostoulas or Stefanos Tzimas. 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<\/a> is a huge risk. If none of those younger alternatives who the club want playing more this season step up and replace Welbeck, there\u2019s the weak link. And there are big question marks over all three.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 Danny Welbeck from Chelsea would be a good signing for his goals record and the experience he would bring to a young squad.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 Rutter. Nothing says cult hero quite like having one Instagram account about your football career and another about the racehorses you own. With the racing one being more interesting.<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 I\u2019ll spare you another Welbeck answer and say Glenn Murray and Bobby Zamora instead. Hopefully, I\u2019ll be able to revisit this on 3 June 2027 after we\u2019ve just won the Conference League and Kostoulas has hit 46 goals in all competitions. Danny who?<\/p>\n We will finish 13th. Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Manchester United; 3. Manchester City; 4. Chelsea; Bottom three: 18. Sunderland; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull. First manager sacked Oliver Glasner.<\/p>\n Georginio Rutter: likes racehorses. Photograph: Matthew Childs\/Action Images\/ReutersChelsea<\/p>\n A new top manager, some decent new signings and a feelgood factor within the squad \u2013 it\u2019s hard not to be optimistic. We\u2019ve finally brought some experienced players who should complement our younger players and take them to the next level. With no Champions League football, the target has to be top four and a good run in the domestic cups.<\/p>\n Key players\/weak links We\u2019ve strengthened in most areas so it\u2019s key that the new signings make a quick impact. Palmer and Colwill will hopefully have fully recovered, too, and will hit the floor running. Really looking forward to seeing Morgan Rogers in a blue shirt and Marco Palestra looks promising. I still worry with S\u00e1nchez in goal, though, and Penders might be a bit green for the Premier League. As for youngsters, I\u2019d add Reggie Watson to the squad as a wildcard. He impressed in pre-season, giving off real John Terry vibes. How is he only 16?<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 If Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez goes he\u2019ll need replacing; Alex Scott and Adam Wharton have both been heavily linked and either would be a good choice, adding to the English spine of the team. The rest of the squad looks very balanced with strength in depth. At this stage of the window the main focus will be on trimming the squad to a manageable level.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 In a team with few real characters I\u2019m hoping some of the new signings will shake the squad up a bit. I\u2019ve a feeling Pep Chavarr\u00eda could quickly become a fan favourite with some dark arts. Cole Palmer will continue to entertain on and off the pitch with his great interviews.<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 John Terry to marshal the defence and Frank Lampard to bang the goals in. Both players gave 100% every time they stepped on the pitch and were also fantastic motivators. Two absolute legends who would grace any team in any era.<\/p>\n We will finish Fourth. Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Manchester United; 3. Manchester City; 4. Chelsea. Bottom three: 18. Newcastle; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull. First manager sacked Sergej Jakirovic.<\/p>\n Reggie Watson: real John Terry vibes. Photograph: Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC\/Getty ImagesCoventry<\/p>\n There\u2019s no downside to choosing optimism, so yes, we\u2019re optimistic. I don\u2019t expect a top-half finish but I do enjoy how the club\u2019s being run and believe in our ability to compete. Clearly the target is to survive, but within that, if we can showcase what\u2019s good about us and provide a challenge, that would be a very acceptable return.<\/p>\n Key players\/weak links The money we\u2019ve spent is basically unfathomable, but my focus has been on those who were so critical to our promotion. Matt Grimes connects everyone in the team so we\u2019re relying on him doing that again, else we\u2019ll have to develop a completely new way to function. Signing keeper Carl Rushworth also gives assurance at the back that we hope will translate into points. There are questions about our strikers (which feels barmy for a team that scored 99 goals last season). It\u2019s not complicated \u2013 we simply don\u2019t know if Wright and Simms have what it takes to score at the highest level. Aside from signing Aur\u00e8le Amenda, we haven\u2019t touched our defence either. It\u2019s a bold strategy. Liam Kitching and Jay Dasilva have improved significantly, but it\u2019s hard to ignore the notion that we\u2019re relying on players like this finding another uptick. However, new signing Caleb Yirenkyi looks very special.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 We saw how vital Brian Brobbey was for Sunderland last season. A dynamic, high-status striker would go a long way towards calming the nerves about our forward line. Is Taiwo Awoniyi able to be that guy? Let\u2019s hope so. The rumours about Fikayo Tomori are exciting. If we could bring him in, good lord.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 While the returning Gus Hamer is clearly our cult hero, Milan van Ewijk is the joker of the team. You\u2019ll find him front and centre of every celebration. But don\u2019t let the daftness fool you; he\u2019s a serious, serious player.<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 The original version of James Maddison was unlike anything I\u2019ve ever seen. His game has adapted with age, which is a shame, but I\u2019d love some of that early ingenuity. I\u2019d also welcome back Viktor Gy\u00f6keres. He functions far better when he believes he\u2019s the star man. Come home Vik and bash your way to upwards of nine Premier League goals for Coventry.<\/p>\n We will finish 17th. Top four: 1. Manchester City, 2. Chelsea, 3. Arsenal, 4. Manchester United. Bottom three: 18. Ipswich, 19. Fulham<\/a>, 20. Hull. First manager sacked Daniel Farke.<\/p>\n Milan van Ewijk (right, sharing a joke with Carl Rushworth): don\u2019t let the daftness fool you. Photograph: James Marsh\/ShutterstockCrystal Palace<\/p>\n What are we expecting? Right now, it\u2019s really difficult to say. The only key player to have exited (so far) is Maxence Lacroix, on whom we made a massive profit, but we still have to strengthen the squad so that it can cope with the rigours of going deep in the Europa League without risking our Premier League campaign \u2013 a lesson learned from last season. Lots of incoming deals seem close, but not yet over the line.<\/p>\n Key players\/weak links Isma\u00efla 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 Tyrick Mitchell will continue to excel on the left. Jaydee Canvot, still only 20, is destined to be a superb centre-back and should grow further in stature this season.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 There\u2019s been some solid business already \u2013 US teenager Zavier Gozo and right-back Anan Khalaili look exciting prospects, and Evann Guessand is welcome back from Villa. But we still need a replacement for Lacroix, and strength in the middle \u2013 we had a \u00a335m bid for Monaco\u2019s Lamine Camara rejected. Plenty still to do. Meanwhile, the decision to swap Dwight McNeil for Brennan Johnson has split opinion: Johnson \u2013 all \u00a335m of him \u2013 was only here a few months.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 A few contenders. Mateta, obviously, chant-leader Dean Henderson and, potentially, our Brazilian attacker Matheus Fran\u00e7a. He\u2019s not there yet, but he joined the club three years ago at 19 and has barely made an impact for various reasons. But he\u2019s had a strong pre-season, including dancing goal celebrations \u2013 some Brazilian flair would go down very well at Selhurst.<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 Michael Olise without a doubt; he was clearly a world-class player at Palace and has continued to progress spectacularly. And Matt Jansen, from the late 90s \u2013 a personal hero of mine; such incredible talent at such a young age and would shine in the modern era.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Matheus Fran\u00e7a: strong in pre-season. Photograph: Daniel Weir\/Sports Press Photo\/ShutterstockEverton<\/p>\n Despite the \u00a3327m the Friedkins have provided since the takeover, there are still doubts about the scale of their ambition. Recruitment is tough, the process (Moyes or committee as decision-makers) is uncertain. Realistically, aiming for eighth (and European qualification) is the likely limit. Does that make Blues feel optimistic? Unlikely. The 31-year wait for a trophy hangs heavy on our hearts and minds.<\/p>\n Key players\/weak links Midfield is looking stronger but can Beto\/Barry score 20 goals between them? Tyrique George (acquired from Chelsea) is a key signing. The right side of the pitch remains problematic. A couple of youngsters to watch: Harrison Armstrong, 19, made his breakthrough last season, and, even younger at 18, Braiden Graham, the Northern Ireland forward signed from Linfield.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 A right-back. Jake O\u2019Brien, 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.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 Jordan Pickford. His contribution to Everton<\/a> maintaining top-flight status and his excellence in goal for England are shamefully under-reported in the media. We are blessed to have such a dedicated player who loves playing for his country, the club and his fans.<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 Alan Ball, the best outfield player to play for the club in my opinion, never stopped running, commanded midfield, was skilful and a great passer and had a tremendous shot \u2013 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.<\/p>\n We will finish I said eighth last season, the optimist says eighth again. But realistically, 10th. Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Liverpool; 3. Manchester United; 4. Aston Villa<\/a>. Bottom three: 18. Tottenham; 19. Coventry; 20. Hull. First manager sacked Oliver Glasner, not because he deserves it, but because of the owner.<\/p>\n Tyrique George (centre): key signing. Photograph: Richard Lee\/ShutterstockFulham<\/p>\n I\u2019m always optimistic at this stage of the summer \u2013 but there\u2019s 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\u2019s farewell (and thanks) to Marco Silva and a warm welcome to \u00c1lvaro Arbeloa, who brings with him a new set of backroom staff, a fresh approach and a determination to write a new chapter. Seems we\u2019re set for a new, dynamic strategy, one that\u2019ll keep us on the edge of our seats. In a good way, hopefully.<\/p>\n Key players\/weak links We expect striker Gonzalo Garc\u00eda (22) and versatile midfielder C\u00e9sar 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, and, as well as helping to lower the average age of the squad, the trio will be eager to discard their \u201cpromising\u201d tags by excelling in the top flight. Arbeloa may well turn to the youth ranks too, with 18-year-old winger Macaulay Zepa one to watch.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 If Arbeloa gets his way there\u2019ll be further additions, probably to freshen up the back four. And maybe a younger keeper who\u2019s good with his feet to take over from Leno.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 For humour, the Naija Boys \u2013 Iwobi and Bassey \u2013 who will no doubt continue their off-pitch antics and comedic Instagram stories, although they\u2019re a man light now that Chukwueze has headed back to Milan. Unless someone else steps up, 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.<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 Obvious goal-getter up front would be Louis Saha. And the super-strong Mousa Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 bossing things in central midfield would suit AA\u2019s style perfectly.<\/p>\n We will finish 14th. Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Manchester City; 3. Manchester United; 4. Chelsea. Bottom three: 18. Coventry; 19. Ipswich; 20. Hull. First manager sacked Matthias Jaissle.<\/p>\n Gonzalo Garc\u00eda: should hit the ground running. Photograph: Antonio Pozo\/ShutterstockHull<\/p>\n I\u2019m very optimistic. Sure, chances are that we\u2019ll get relegated but we\u2019ll certainly not be the pushovers people are expecting us to be. We thrive when we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n 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 arriving 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\u2019s only Ryan Giles on the left and questions over Lewie Coyle and Cody Drameh at this level on the right. Thanks to a late flurry in the window we\u2019ve now got a healthy plethora of young talent hoping to break through. 18-year-old Australian Lucas Herrington comes as a fully fledged international and had the likes of Barcelona sniffing around before signing for us.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 We still really need depth in the full-back areas and desperately need a forward or two to compete with McBurnie. We could do with some more Premier League experience across the back line, too, as well as another back-up goalkeeper thanks to Jack Butland\u2019s lengthy injury.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 Definitely McBurnie. He\u2019s a handful for every defender and a constant wind-up merchant. The kind of player you hate to be against but love to have in your team.<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 I would have Jarrod Bowen on the wing and Andy Robertson in at left-back. Strangely, they were two transfers I thought might actually happen this summer following West Ham\u2019s relegation and Robertson leaving Liverpool on a free. Alas, it wasn\u2019t to be.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Oli McBurnie: key figure. Photograph: Andy Sumner\/Focus Images Ltd\/ShutterstockIpswich<\/p>\n 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\u2019s transfer business looks of a better quality, more robust, a step up in quality, giving us half a chance of survival and a smidge of optimism.<\/p>\n 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. One youngster to watch: Sindre Walle Egeli has just turned 20, and signed for a Championship record fee of \u00a317.5m last August. He had an up-and-down season but has had a really good pre-season in the No 10 role.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 A senior striker, to take the pressure off our new, young Brazilian forward Emersonn, who was Gary O\u2019Neil\u2019s first signing when he joined from Toulouse for \u00a325m in July. We were strongly linked with Callum Wilson before he went to Brentford. I do wonder whether we\u2019ll get to the end of August and land Zian Flemming from Burnley.<\/p>\n Our cult hero is \u2026 Of the current players, Marcelino N\u00fa\u00f1ez is probably the closest. He has plenty of credit in the bank after his transfer, last summer, from a lower league club. That said, Florentino Lu\u00eds\u2019s early social media posts mean he has serious potential in this category. We\u2019ve already had AI farmers and Suffolk Punches on Insta & TikTok<\/a> \u2026<\/p>\n If we could sign two players from our past \u2026 Paul Mariner for his all-round presence at the top of the pitch. He would be ideal as the central striker in the modern game. And Matt Holland as a leader and box-to-box midfield general.<\/p>\n We will finish 16th. Top four: 1. Arsenal; 2. Manchester City; 3. Manchester United; 4. Chelsea. Bottom three: 18. Fulham; 19. Coventry; 20. Hull. First manager sacked \u00c1lvaro Arbeloa.<\/p>\n Emersonn: \u00a325m signing. Photograph: John Sibley\/Action Images\/ReutersLeeds<\/p>\n At the end of last season Daniel Farke challenged the owner, 49ers Enterprises, to move on from just surviving in the Premier League. So this summer Leeds have broken our transfer record for goalkeeper James \u201cnext Nigel Martyn\u201d Trafford, paid \u00a334m for defender Tarik Muharemovic, and gone back for Harry Wilson, one of last season\u2019s top creators in the Premier League. Over to you, Daniel. His challenge now is turning ambition into results fast enough to prove he\u2019s the manager to move Leeds on from just surviving. A long-lusted-for new West Stand is under construction at Elland Road and the mood is good, which can be dangerous for a self-professed massive club in the bottom half of the Premier League.<\/p>\n Key players\/weak links The main strength, and weakness, is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He\u2019s our key goalscorer, but doesn\u2019t have much back-up. Left-back is similar, but Jayden Lienou is a promising teenage understudy for Gabriel Gudmundsson.<\/p>\n We still need to sign \u2026 The priority is a striker to help Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. There are rumours, though, about adding more flair for the forward line.<\/p>\n
Photograph: Robin Jones\/AFC Bournemouth\/Getty ImagesBrentford<\/p>\n