Roos star’s grim reality; who’s coming for Arsenal with heavyweight in freefall: EPL State of Play

It’s back.

760 games of glorious football will cause scenes of jubilation and heartache around the world again as the English Premier League gets started for the 2026/27 season.

Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Clubs have spent billions of dollars trying to get a foothold in the most competitive league in the world. But who will come out on top and who will suffer the ignominy of relegation?

Here, Fox Sports gives its best guess as to how your team will fare in what promises to be another season filled with drama and intrigue.

Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!

ARSENAL

Key signing: Bruno Guimaraes

Fox Sports Prediction: 1st

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: David Raya, Ezri Konsa, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis

The Premier League champions go into the new season having once again splashed the cash and will be looking to build on last season’s triumph. While there are still weaknesses in their squad, they do still look like the strongest team English football has to offer.

An already powerful midfield has been further augmented with ex-Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes, an excellent all-rounder who can be expected to come in at the expense of Martin Zubimendi. Meanwhile, arguably Europe’s best defence is still in place and enhanced by the soon to be announced addition of Ezri Konsa. However, there are weaknesses that need to be addressed.

Being shorn of William Saliba is a major blow for the Gunners. While there are a raft of options to come in for the French international, such as Konsa or Christian Mosquera, none match the class of the 25-year-old.

There are still issues in attack as well. Last season’s big money summer signings Ebereche Eze and Viktor Gyokores have been inconsistent, and too much reliance is still placed on an increasingly injury prone Bukayo Saka.

Pursuits of Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior have fallen through, and a marquee attacking signing will surely be necessary for the Gunners to outdo last season’s achievements. However, if these issues are addressed and one of the attackers linked — such as Julian Alvarez or Kenan Yildiz — are signed, expect to see red and white ribbons on the Premier League trophy again.

MANCHESTER CITY

Key Signing: Elliot Anderson

Fox Sports Prediction: 2nd

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Nico Gonzalez, Antoine Semenyo, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland

Manchester City are going through the sort of transition that has the capability of killing a club’s ambitions. Pep Guardiola, arguably the greatest manager of all time has left the club. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon D’or and 2026 World Cup golden ball winner, is also gone along with fellow legend Bernardo Silva, while incumbent manager Enzo Maresca is yet to win a major trophy.

However, there is still plenty of class in the ranks for the Citizens, too much surely for them to finish outside of the top five.

Erling Haaland is the closest thing to a goalscoring cheat code in the current game and is the face of the Premier League. An athletic phenomenon with genius movement and a cannon of a left foot, he is a near guarantee of 25 or more league goals per season.

If Haaland stays fit, almost no matter the teething issue City may have, they will be at the business end of the table. They also have a solid foundation of experienced winners in Ruben Dias, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Phil Foden to lean on when times get tough.

However, despite the addition of the excellent England international Elliot Anderson, it is surely too much for a side shorn of so much leadership and trophy winning experience to take the English title off Arsenal. Particularly without Rodri’s ability to send the ball through the lines, City could struggle in matches where their midfield is put under pressure. Expect a strong showing, perhaps a cup, but a few too many sloppy performances to get their hands on the Premier League title.

READ MORE

PL TALKING POINTS: ‘Stop it’: Utd problem that won’t go away; Spurs spree and champions’ scary statement

MANCHESTER UNITED

Key Signing: Youri Tielemans

Fox Sports Prediction: 3rd

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Lenny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Bryan Mbuemo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko

Michael Carrick’s emergence as Manchester United manager was one of the stories of last season. Taking over from Ruben Amorim, who had led the rudderless Red Devils to a 16th place finish in 2024/25, the ex-United midfielder oversaw a remarkable resurgence at Old Trafford. Manchester United will now be looking to take that impressive league finish and build on it with a title challenge and a strong run in the Champions League.

The departure of defensive midfielder Casemiro, one of United’s best last season, has been covered by Youri Tielemans; who is reportedly soon to be joined by fellow midfielder Carlos Baleba. While not the same exact profile as the decorated Brazilian, Tielemans does add a degree of class on the ball. His ball striking has marked him out as a consistent goal threat from range, and his passing off both feet will be a massive help for United when looking to progress the ball.

He has been joined by another central midfielder in Andrey Santos, brought in from Chelsea for 50 million pounds. He struggled for first team opportunities at Chelsea, but he’s an excellent progressive passer and has a strong defensive work rate. Those two together should rotate well with Baleba and Kobbie Mainoo to platform United’s attacking weapons in Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbuemo.

However, questions remain over the Manchester giants’ defence, which conceded 50 goals last season. Now without the nous of Casemiro, further defensive additions will surely be needed if the Red Devils are to maintain a title challenge. Similar to Manchester City, expect a strong season, but winning the title may be a step too far.

LIVERPOOL

Key Signing: Jeremy Jacquet

Fox Sports Prediction: 4th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil Van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak

Liverpool more than many teams going into the season are an unknown quantity. The loss of Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson has left a big void in the leadership department. Moreover, players who had previously performed at near world-class levels like Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Alexis MacAllister and Ryan Gravenberch severely underperformed under former coach Arne Slot last season.

Now Andoni Iraola has come in, his first task will be bringing these players back to the sort of form that won Liverpool the Premier League two seasons ago. Much of their success will also depend on the Reds’ transfer business before the end of August, which has been slow so far this window.

Winger Victor Munoz, 23, has arrived from Osasuna, while out-of-favour Barcelona centre back Ronald Araujo has arrived on loan with an option to buy for 47 million pounds. The key incoming though is French prodigy centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais, whose goalscoring debut in the Reds’ most recent pre-season friendly win against Como had Liverpool fans drooling across social media. A well-publicised pursuit of PSG and France winger Bradley Barcola continues apace, and if he comes in as expected it would inject the sort of speed and ability to stretch the opposition back line that was missing last term.

There are also several young talents whose ability to deliver at a senior level will be the difference between whether this season is a disaster or a success. Rio Ngumoha, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremy Jacquet and Trey Nyoni are all extremely talented but have little experience.

f they can achieve their potential, the Reds are looking strong, but it’s a lot of pressure on four players between the ages of 18 and 21.

CHELSEA

Key Signing: Morgan Rogers

Fox Sports Prediction: 5th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Mike Penders, Reece James, Maxence Lacroix,Levi Colwill, Jorrell Hato, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro

Chelsea, in news that will shock no one, have spent an unholy amount of money yet again on a severely bloated squad. At time of writing, the Blues have brought in several players of great quality under new coach Xabi Alonso, but they remain an unknown quantity.

After an extremely disappointing 10th-place finish last season, the West London side are in desperate need of Champions League revenue this time around to maintain their high spending strategy, with the Blues having an estimated net spend of 245 million euros this summer according to Transfermarkt.

As exciting as the addition of the likes of Marco Palestra and Maxence Lacroix are, the Blues’ signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa is the one that could bear the most fruit. The 24-year-old Englishman’s powerful ball carrying and willingness to run off the striker could supply the directness that Chelsea’s attack lacked at times last season. Joao Pedro’s ability to hold up play added to Cole Palmer drifting into the spaces vacated by markers chasing Rogers is a highly enticing recipe.

As has been par for the course over the past few seasons, it’s easy to see how this side could be a force to be reckoned with on paper. Whether this team will inspire the same sort of fear with their on-pitch performances, however, remains to be seen.

READ MORE

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?: Baristas, lawyers and property moguls... Where every Aussie to play in the Premier League is now

ASTON VILLA

Key Signing: Johan Manzambi

Fox Sports Prediction: 6th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Zion Suzuki, Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Victor Lindelof, Ian Maatsen, Joao Gomes, John McGinn, Alejandro Garnacho, Johan Manzambi, Emi Buendia, Ollie Watkins

The Villains have been one of the Premier League’s most well-run and successful clubs in recent years through excellent recruitment, brilliant coaching from Unai Emery and the fiery atmosphere of Villa Park, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. However, they have once again been relieved of their best players by several top clubs including Chelsea, who paid £117 million for Morgan Rogers, and Manchester United, who signed Belgian star Youri Tielemans, while Ezri Konsa appears to be on his way to Arsenal. The signing of Swiss phenom Johan Manzambi from Freiburg looks like a strong incoming, but it’s a lot of pressure on the shoulders of the young man.

Joao Gomes has also been brought in and the combative Brazilian should be an excellent addition, but the void left by Tielemans will be a hard one to fill. There are also questions of their attackers outside talismanic striker Ollie Watkins. While Emiliano Buendia, Alejandro Garnacho and Alysson are no doubt talented, some more proven quality would not go amiss. Meanwhile, Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has come in to replace outgoing World Cup finalist Emiliano Martinez.

Emery is, however, one of the very best coaches in the world at being able to work with a squad greater than the sum of its parts. If they can bring in some more quality to replace their departing stars, expect them to make another strong challenge for the Champions League places.

BOURNEMOUTH

Key Signing: Antonio Silva

Fox Sports Prediction: 7th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Đorđe Petrovic, Julián Araujo, Antonio Silva, James Hill, Adrien Truffert, Tyler Adams, Alex Scott, Rayan, Justin Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier, Evanilson

The Cherries have gone from strength to strength since their return to the Premier League in 2022 and are now set to embark on their first European adventure. Under Andoni Iraola, they were built into a side showcasing brutal speed in transition, direct passing and constant goal threat. His replacement Marco Rose will be more of the same, having coached positive, front-footed football in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.

The increased demands of European football will be a new challenge to the Cherries, but they possess a squad with a depth of quality and talent perhaps never seen on the Dorset coast. The additions of Alvaro Rodriguez, Antonio Silva and Alex Jimenez have added the sort of depth in quality that’s always needed for sides juggling domestic and European demands.

It remains to be seen however if they can keep hold of their best players who’ve been linked with moves away; like Rayan, the currently-injured Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott. Yet if they manage to hold onto their stars, you can be sure they will be ready to bloody a few noses among the traditionally ‘bigger’ clubs in the league.

TOTTENHAM

Key Signing: Sandro Tonali

Fox Sports Prediction: 8th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Antonin Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Jan-Paul Van Hecke, Micky Van de Ven, Andrew Robertson, Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, James Maddison, Mohamed Kudus, Richarlison, Mathys Tel

Tottenham’s escape from relegation last season must be seen as a sliding doors moment for the club. Going down to the Championship would have wreaked incalculable damage on and off the pitch, and they cannot afford to even flirt with the possibility again. As a result, Roberto de Zerbi’s team has enjoyed an unprecedented spending spree, topping the scales as one of the biggest spenders in the 2026 transfer market.

The signings of Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Jan Paul Van Hecke have set the club back 267 million euros according to Transfermarkt. These have been reinforced by the signings of experienced defenders Marco Senesi and Andrew Robertson. All five add serious quality to a Spurs squad that has massively underperformed through the last two seasons. They could soon be joined by linked attackers Cody Gakpo, Savinho and Omar Marmoush to complete a huge rebuild.

However, as has been true of many a side who have gone on major spending sprees, there is no guarantee of it working as planned. Their back four in particular is one that should excel on the ball, but off it there could be issues. While Robertson, Van de Ven, Van Hecke and Pedro Porro are all excellent footballers, there are serious questions over their propensity for defensive errors.

READ MORE

SOCCEROOS REUNION: Stunning Socceroos reunion looms for star at Euro giant or Premier League club

BRIGHTON

Key Signing: Luka Vuskovic

Fox Sports Prediction: 9th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Bart Verbruggen, Mats Wieffer, Luka Vuskovic, Lewis Dunk, Ferdi Kadioglou, Diego Gomez, Yasin Ayari, Pascal Groß, Maxim De Cuyper, Jack Hinshelwood, Georginio Rutter

The Seagulls’ reputation as one of Europe’s best recruiting clubs is well-founded and they once again go into the season with a squad brimming with young talent. The signing of Luka Vuskovic is arguably one of the coups of the transfer window, with the 19-year-old linked with moves to Barcelona and Liverpool among others before joining Brighton.

There is also more than enough quality in terms of options in the midfield, with the likes of Pascal Groß, Jack Hinshelwood and Yasin Ayari providing excellent technical skill in the centre of the park. In defence, outside Vuskovic, the likes of Lewis Dunk, Ferdi Kadigolou and Mats Wieffer are all experienced performers who will provide a solid base to build on.

There are however, holes in the team that will need to be filled before their season kicks off in earnest. Yet again, the spectre of Chelsea has loomed large over the AMEX Stadium and this time they’ve taken veteran striker Danny Welbeck to compliment fellow former Seagulls striker Joao Pedro. Injury has also struck down highly sought-after winger Yankubah Minteh.

This has left a gaping hole up front for Brighton to fill, with the former England man having top-scored for Brighton last season with 13 league goals. They have loanee striker Promise David from Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise, but more firepower would not go amiss for the Seagulls.

BRENTFORD

Key Signing: Mamadou Sangare

Fox Sports Prediction: 10th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Caoimhín Kelleher, Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Kristoffer Ajer, Keane Lewis-Potter, Mamadou Sangare, Vitaly Janelt, Kevin Schade, Mathias Jensen, Dango Ouattara, Igor Thiago

Brentford were up there with Sunderland as last season’s surprise package. Shorn of their two best goalscorers in Yoanne Wissa and Bryan Mbuemo, as well as manager Thomas Frank, many predicted the Bees to go down.

However, under ex-set piece coach Keith Andrews, they continued to be a very difficult to beat, supremely physical team. They’ve replaced Jordan Henderson with a record transfer for Mamadou Sangare from Ligue 1 side RC Lens and have managed to keep hold of their key players so far this window.

If Sangare can keep up the standards left by Henderson this season and continue to build on his impressive form in France, he could be a key player for the Bees. He’ll add the legs and energy that Henderson would sometime struggle to bring as he moves towards the end of his career. Meanwhile, up front the little and large combination of Kevin Schade and Igor Thiago will continue to represent a serious threat to any defence in England.

Now that Keith Andrews has been able to settle in West London after a deeply impressive first season, he will be expecting to do even better second time around. Missing out on European football was a major blow to the Bees last season, and they’ll be keen to put that right.

LEEDS

Key Signing: Harry Wilson

Fox Sports Prediction: 11th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic, James Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Jayden Bogle, James Justin, Christian Ampadu, Anton Stach, Brendan Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Wilson

Leeds United are another one of the 2025/26 success stories having been relegated in the 2023/24 season. Manager Daniel Farke pulled off one of the miracles of last season; from looking on the verge of the sack ahead of a two-game run against Chelsea and Liverpool, he managed to recover to give the Lilywhites a respectable 14th (check) place finish.

Now the Yorkshire giants will be looking to back up a highly ambitious summer window with a push up the table.

Leeds’ owners’ 49ers Enterprises have pushed hard in the transfer market and have brought some impressive talent to Elland Road. Ex Fulham and Bournemouth attacker Harry Wilson joins to add creativity and one of the best set piece deliveries in world football to the Leeds attacking arsenal. Meanwhile, England international goalkeeper James Trafford has joined from Manchester City as he eyes the chance to bag consistent first team football and challenge Jordan Pickford for the England No.1 jersey. Meanwhile at centre back, Sassuolo prodigy Tarik Murahemovic will be hoping to help shore up a leaky Leeds United back line.

With this influx of talent along with being able to hang onto their best players, Leeds should be looking up rather than down the table. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be confident that he can recapture the form that saw him score 14 Premier League goals last season and his physical presence up top will represent a vital out-ball if Leeds are under pressure.

READ MORE

ROO RADAR: Every Socceroo on the move as $100m trio smash records in post-World Cup transfer boom

EVERTON

Key Signing: Hayden Hackney

Fox Sports Prediction: 12th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Jordan Pickford, Jake O’Brien, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Vitaly Mykolenko, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, Hayden Hackney, Iliman Ndiaye, Merlin Röhl, Brennan Johnson, Thierno Barry

Everton’s first season in their new stadium was somewhat underwhelming. From the excitement of recruiting Jack Grealish and opening their season at the Hill-Dickinson Stadium they fell off as the season progressed.

A blunt attack cost them several times, with Toffees finishing in a slightly disappointing 10th position. Much of their season will depend on finding inspiration in attack to help out their greatest threat, Senegalese trickster Iliman Ndiaye.

However, so far Everton’s transfer business has been focused more on the centre of the park and the wings, hoping to up their chance creation to increase their goal tally. They’ve brought in Tyrique George, who came in on loan last season from Chelsea, while Brennan Johnson joins his third club in three seasons on the right wing. In the middle of the park, ex-Middlesbrough prodigy Hayden Hackney joins German attacking midfielder, the fabulously named Merlin Röhl.

David Moyes is arguably Everton’s greatest ever Premier League manager, but the pressure will be on for a more concentrated European challenge this season. Similar to Tottenham everything is in place for the Toffees to be a major player in English football. They have the stadium, the training ground, and now they need the success to match the glitz and glamour that has made its home on the banks of the Mersey.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Key Signing: Ousmane Diomande

Fox Sports Prediction: 13th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Matz Sels, Ousmane Diomande, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams, Nicolás Dominguez, Xavier Schlager, Ola Aina, Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Ndoye, Chris Wood

Nottingham Forest’s 25/26 season may not have been as spectacular as their European charge in 2024/25, but they are now firmly cemented as a Premier League club. Despite being shorn of their extraordinary midfield talent Elliot Anderson, there is still plenty of star power at the City Ground. Talismanic attacker Morgan Gibbs-White would have been on the plane to the World Cup if many England fans had their way, while Chris Wood is an experienced goal getter capable of producing consistently in attack.

New manager Oliver Glasner got Crystal Palace into position for European success and the hope is he’ll be able to bring that ability to punch up with him from south London. The signing of Ousmane Diomande now gives Nottingham Forest’s three-man defence a seriously intimidating look, with the talented Ivorian set to line up alongside Brazilian mountain Murillo, and Serbian hard man Nikola Milenkovic.

Glasner’s preference for playing with a back three looks to be a perfect match for many of the players in this Forest squad. This is a club that was floundering in search of consistency last season, and the Austrian tactician could well give them that. Given the abundance of talent present at the City Ground, don’t be surprised to see them give a few bloody noses to the big boys.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Key Signing: Oscar Mingueza

Fox Sports Prediction: 14th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Dean Henderson, Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards, Chadi Riad, Tyrick Mitchell, Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton, Oscar Mingueza, Dwight McNeil, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Ismaila Sarr

Crystal Palace have been on their greatest run of form in recent years but in losing Oliver Glasner, they’re going into the new season with an air of uncertainty surrounding them. New coach Pierre Sage comes in with a sterling reputation out of Ligue 1. The 47-year-old led RC Lens to a remarkable second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season and the Eagles will be hoping he can help them continue the momentum built under Glasner.

However, there are warning signs that this could be an underwhelming season for the Eagles. They’ve been shorn of Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix in the past two transfer windows and have only brought in Takehiro Tomiyasu at centre back who’d been released by Ajax; and all for being an experienced pro, he is not in his predecessors’ class. Meanwhile, star winger Ismaila Sarr is being heavily linked with a move to big spenders Galatasaray for 45 million euros.

The swap deal for Dwight McNeil with Brennan Johnson going the other way is underwhelming, while Anan Khlalaili and Zavier Gozo are inexperienced at the highest level of European football. They should steer clear of any relegation trouble, but it’s hard to argue that Crystal Palace look like the sort of dark horse they have been in recent seasons.

READ MORE

TRANSFER WHISPERS: Socceroos star joins powerhouse in $33m record move as Aussie European assault continues

SUNDERLAND

Key Signing: Thomas Meunier

Fox Sports Prediction: 15th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fee, Angulo, Brian Brobbey

The Black Cats were arguably the biggest story of last season; securing European football on their return to the top flight was nothing short of a herculean achievement. However, their summer has been a quiet one so far and reinforcements will certainly be needed towards the end of the season if they are to get anywhere near the heights of last year, with a minimum eight more fixtures to contend with in the Europa League outside of their domestic commitments.

Their one and only signing has come in the form of Belgian right back Thomas Meunier after he was released by French club Lille. While the ex-PSG man does bring a wealth of experience, his signing alone cannot be the limit of Sunderland’s summer recruitment drive. While there are links to Sporting winger Geny Catamo, further reinforcements are needed as a matter of urgency.

There is reason for hope going into the season for the Black Cats however, mainly down to the fact they’ve managed to keep their best players at the club. Before they brought in Jordan Henderson, Chelsea were heavily linked with Sunderland’s talismanic captain Granit Xhaka but the Swiss veteran’s services have been retained much to the delight of the Wearside club’s fans. Dutch striker Brian Brobbey, despite reportedly attracting plenty of attention from around Europe so far seems well positioned to remain at the Stadium of Light.

NEWCASTLE

Key Signing: Bazoumana Touré

Fox Sports Prediction: 16th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Lukáš Hornicek, Amar Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Lewis Miley, Sean Steur, Anthony Elanga, Yoanne Wissa, Bazoumana Toure, Nick Woltemade

Newcastle United have experienced arguably the worst summer window in the Premier League. As well as missing out on top targets Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi to Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively, there has been an almighty talent drain from St. James’ Park.

First, flying winger and top Champions League goalscorer Anthony Gordon was shipped off to Barcelona. He was swiftly followed out the door by Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur. Off the back of this, former manager Eddie Howe resigned before, most sickeningly of all, captain and midfield general Bruno Guimaraes left for Arsenal.

One of these would be a big hole to fill; all four departures in one window leaves the club in complete turmoil. Add to that Lewis Hall being linked with a move away to Manchester United and this is a club in serious trouble. Talented players have been brought in, but most are young and to consider them to be serious replacements for the departed talent is a very big ask.

Bazoumana Touré is a highly talented and extremely pacey winger from Hoffenheim, but asking him to replace Gordon’s goal output from wide is simply not reasonable. Other young talents such as Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur represent great prospects for the future but again asking them to replace the roles of the Magpies’ departed stars is a tall order. New manager Matthias Jaissle, brought in from Saudi giants Al Nassr, has admitted the squad needs ‘adjustments’ in the window — and they need them ASAP.

FULHAM

Key Signing: Gonzalo Garcia

Fox Sports Prediction: 17th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Bernd Leno, Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen, Antonee Robinson, Shea Charles, Sander Berge, Oscar Bobb, Josh King, Kevin, Gonzalo Garcia

Fulham are a team in a big period of transition. Under Marco Silva, they were one of the Premier League’s classic tough-to-beat sides after a period of ups and downs.

However, with the Portuguese having moved to Lisbon giants Benfica, he has been replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, who comes in from Real Madrid. This makes them somewhat of an unknown quantity, as Arbeloa’s record in first-team football is limited to less than a full season of underperformance at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Fulham represent an entirely different challenge for the Spaniard and the loss of experienced squad leaders Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez means having to place a lot of faith in a youthful attack. Youngsters Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios have come in from Real Madrid, while Shea Charles and Jonah Kusi-Asare arrive from Southampton and Bayern Munich respectively.

While these young stars are full of potential, their first team experience outside of Shea Charles is severely limited, with just 58 first-team appearances between them (51 from Garcia). While there should be enough quality in the Cottagers’ lineup to stay up, with a relatively untested manager and an attack seriously lacking experience, don’t be surprised to see them dragged into a relegation battle.

READ MORE

ANGE WATCH: ‘Here to stay!’ Aussie’s unbeaten Saudi start continues

COVENTRY

Key Signing: Caleb Yirenkyi

Fox Sports Prediction: 18th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Carl Rushworth, Milan Van Ewijk, Bobby Thomas, Aurele Amenda, Jay Dasilva, Caleb Yirenkyi, Matt Grimes, Frank Onyeka, Ellis Simms, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Loum Tchaouna

Coventry City after several near misses have finally made their return to the big time. It’s a great story after the severe financial troubles the club have found themselves in in recent years. However, under the stewardship of Frank Lampard, they have managed to climb back into the Premier League for the first time since the 2000-2001 season.

As with any promoted side, it’s a big ask for them to retain their status as a Premiership club but given the scale of their dominance in the EFL Championship last season, there is reason to believe they’re the best placed among the promoted sides to do it. In terms of transfers, they’ve managed to retain the services of highly rated goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, who had been on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, while Gustavo Hamer and Caleb Yirenkyi represent excellent additions in midfield. Meanwhile, Sidiki Cherif and Taiwo Awoniyi have come in to bring more goals to the Midlands side

While it will be a challenge to hold onto their top-flight status, there is a solid base of quality in the squad, and crucially, Lampard has survived a relegation battle previously with Everton. If he can keep Coventry up this season, it will be a massive achievement for him and the club.

IPSWICH TOWN

Key Signing: Julio Enciso

Fox Sports Prediction: 19th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Kjell Scherpen, Leif Davis, Dara O’Shea, Issa Diop, Abdoul Ouattara, Florentino, Azor Matusiwa, Jaden Philogene, Julio Enciso, Abdul Fatawu, Emerson

Ipswich Town have come straight back into the Premier League after being relegated the season before last. It’s a great chance for them to establish themselves as a Prem regular after so many years in the wilderness. It’s a brilliant achievement from manager Kieran McKenna to get the Tractor Boys back up and they’ve also spent an enormous sum of money (178 million euros!) to make sure they stay there.

The headline buys of their extraordinary spending spree come with what looks set to be a brand-new attack. Brazilian striker Emerson comes in highly rated from Ligue 1 side Toulouse, while Julio Enciso arrives from fellow French team RC Strasbourg. Meanwhile, out wide, veteran Celtic campaigner Daizen Maeda comes in on the left, while Abdul Fatawu, a flying Ghanaian winger, has come in from Leicester City for a place on the right. Further back, defensive midfielder Florentino arrives from Burnley and Premier League veteran Issa Diop are a few more of Ipswich’s 12 signings so far!

However, there will still be concerns despite the clear attempts to bring in a massive influx of talent to the East Anglian side. Many other teams have chucked money around with abandon only to fall straight out of the Premier League before, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the same happen here. Hopefully for Ipswich fans, McKenna will be able to take on the lessons from his previous relegation and keep the Tractor Boys up.

READ MORE

A-LEAGUE LATEST: Bombshell as longest-serving coach exits club on eve of new season

HULL CITY

Key Signing: Hidemasa Morita

Fox Sports Prediction: 20th

Predicted round 1 lineup as it stands: Konstantinos Tzolakis, Lewie Coyle, John Egan, Semi Ajayi, Ryan Giles, Regan Slater, Matt Crooks, Elliot Stroud, Jens Hjerto-Dahl, Mohamed Belloumi, Ollie McBurnie

Aussie football fans everywhere will be tuning in to Hull City games to keep eyes on Socceroos centre back Lucas Herrington, who joined the Yorkshire club from MLS side Colorado Rapids. The 18-year-old is one of the most highly-rated centre back prospects in the world, but it’ll be a tall order for him to help keep up a side who finished sixth in last year’s EFL Championship and were promoted thanks to playoff opponents Southampton’s well publicised spying drama.

Their recruitment has been extremely varied. From bringing in experienced campaigners like Matt Targett and Jack Butland to recruiting young prospects like Herrington and fellow centre back Nobel Mendy. The key pickup however, could be Hidemasa Morita from Sporting CP. Coming in from a Champions League side, he’ll bring vitally needed nous from playing at the highest level and will be hoping to lead the Tigers to safety.

However, their squad still looks short of the sort of talent that’s required to stay in an ever more demanding Premier League. They’ve also been introducing a few of their signings, including Herrington late in pre-season games, so the hope will have to be that they are able to hit the ground running despite new stars potentially needing time to settle. If manager Sergej Jakirovic can keep his side in the league, it will be a tremendous achievement.

Click here to read article