Fans' Premier League season preview: Predictions for 2020-21
The start of the new Premier League season is now just two days away - and ahead of the 2020-21 kick-off, we spoke to a fan from every club to hear their hopes, ambitions, analysis and predictions for the eight months of top-flight football ahead.
Liverpool enter the campaign as reigning champions, of course, while Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham are back in the division after promotion.
So, what can we expect from each of the 20 teams? We got the lowdown from one supporter per club in our annual season preview below.
The views expressed in this article are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Arsenal
By Luke Kulchstein
How are you feeling about the new season and tell us about your manager?
Honestly, I’ve not been this excited for a new season in years. It feels as if we have a plan in place and are working towards something for a change. I was a fan of Arteta as a player and it certainly looks like he’s got the right mind for managing, too. We have strengthened at the back, which was our biggest issue last season, and if we get one or two more players into the midfield I think we’ll be in a good place.
How are you likely to line up this season?
Three at the back seems to work for us and with Saliba and Gabriel both in the team, I’d expect Luiz (for better or worse) to be the third man in that formation. Our wing-backs are solid, even if Bellerin does leave, but I really hope he doesn’t. Then with a bit more strength in the midfield we have options for a two- or three-man, with Auba, Laca, Pepe up top.
Who will be your most important player?
It’s difficult to not say Aubameyang here, but Saliba or Gabriel could honestly make all the difference for us. Still probably Auba, though, let’s be honest.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
I’m buzzing for Fulham, if only to see the team in action again and I reckon we can kick it off with three points. The Liverpool game on the 28th will be our first big challenge, though, and I’m kind of happy to have a game like that early on.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
There’s a lot of good players to choose from, but I reckon Wijnaldum would slot into our midfield pretty perfectly.
Top four (in order)?
City
Liverpool
Chelsea
United
Bottom three?
West Ham
Brighton
West Brom
Where will your team finish?
Realistically, probably fifth.
Aston Villa
By Ollie Thomas
How are you feeling about the new season?
You’ve got to be optimistic. With time to reflect, last season was job done – we stayed in the top flight after our first season back. Now it’s about pressing on up towards mid-table. Another relegation scrap will be seen as a bad season.
Tell us about your manager…
Had we gone down, I don’t think he would be at Villa now. He probably knows that, too. However, he did the job of keeping us up and gets his reward. As a character, Smith appears honest and well respected in the game – it also helps that he’s a Villa fan! Hopefully he can take what he learnt last year as a manager and build on it. I’d love to see a more ruthless side to his personality come through, when individual performances dip…
How are you likely to line up this season?
It massively depends on summer signings but I like the 4-3-3 Smith tends to go with. It’ll also be good to get Heaton back from injury – he’s our number one.
Defensively we looked much stronger after the restart. Mings and Konsa are shoo-ins and have developed a good partnership at the back. Then we’re building competition on either flank. On the right, new signing Matty Cash will compete with Guilbert. On the left you’ve got Neil Taylor competing with Targett.
Moving up the park it’s a case of who we might sign versus who we might keep. Aside from Jack, I thought Douglas Luiz was our best player last season, so he’s in. We’re probably looking at McGinn and Hourihane/Trezeguet in front of him, though I’m hoping for one or even two new signings to challenge that quartet.
Up top, if he stays, then Grealish on one flank. The other two spots are up for grabs. Samatta and Davis never really threatened through the middle last season, so unless we sign another striker, I think Wesley will start with El Ghazi on the right. A couple of new names would be great, though.
Who will be your most important player?
Your instincts say Grealish, but actually, it’ll be whoever we put up top. We lacked goals last season and whoever is given that role will carry a huge amount of responsibility.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Given we’ll both likely be bottom half of the table and local rivals… West Brom!
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Mane. Work-rate, speed and a goalscorer. Plus no ego! What’s not to like?
Top four (in order)?
Man City
Liverpool
Chelsea
Man Utd
Bottom three?
Fulham, Brighton, West Brom
Where will your team finish?
I’ll go for 14th. Hopefully we’re fairly clear of any relegation worries before the final eight games of the season, as our run-in looks hideous.
Brighton & Hove Albion
By Simon Tipple
How are you feeling about the new season?
I’m feeling hopeful that we can make some positive steps forward this season. We’ve had a season now to get to grips with the shift towards ‘Potterball’ and the platform is there to push on. There’s a good blend of experience and exciting young talent in the squad. There were a few too many occasions where we dominated the opposition but couldn’t turn the point into three. At the time of writing, we’re still on the hunt for another forward option who’ll hopefully help us win those games but I’m confident that we’re moving in the right direction regardless.
Tell us about your manager…
You can never predict his line-up – so peeping ahead, the next question will be tough – and he loves to mix things up tactically. He likes versatile players who are comfortable on the ball and he’ll change things up during the game if it’s not working. He’s brought through a number of young prospects, such as Steven Alzate (21) and Aaron Connolly (20). The likes of Tariq Lamptey (19) and Alexis Mac Allister (21) joined in January and have become first-team regulars, too. We’re expecting the returning Ben White (22) to play a big part this season. We have a lot more possession than we were used to under Chris Hughton but I think the biggest difference is we genuinely go into most games knowing we’ll have a go and feeling that we’ll give ourselves a chance of winning the game.
How are you likely to line up this season?
The shape and XI will regularly change, so there’s no chance I’m getting this right, but I’ll go with 5-3-2/3-5-2.
Ryan; Lamptey, White, Dunk, Webster, March; Bissouma, Lallana, Pröpper; Trossard, Maupay.
Who will be your most important player?
It goes without saying that Lewis Dunk, our captain and player of the season, is hugely important, but if we’re going to climb the table you’re possibly looking at Adam Lallana. We enjoyed so much possession last season but couldn’t always translate it into goals and three points. Hopefully he’ll be able to unpick a few defences.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
I was one of the lucky few to attend the friendly with Chelsea where the return of fans was trialled. It felt amazing to be back in the stadium, watching the team again. Assuming fans are allowed back this season there’ll be a ballot for each game, and nothing beats the thrill of being there, regardless of the opposition. So I’m really looking forward to any game I can get to. If I could pick one fixture that I’d love to attend, it would probably have to be the Palace game.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
I’m going to go with a pick that I suspect might be a bit left-field in more ways than one, Andy Robertson. We could be in the market for a left wing-back and I think he’d be perfect!
Top four (in order)?
Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Man Utd
Bottom three?
Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Brom
Where will your team finish?
13th
Burnley
By Harry West
How are you feeling about the new season?
Pretty positive! We’ve shown enough in recent seasons that we know how to scrape enough results together to get ourselves away from the bottom three and into mid-table. The team know what they’re about and although I don’t think we’ll finish top half again, I’m reasonably confident we’ll do enough to stay up.
Tell us about your manager…
There was some talk at the end of last season that he wasn’t happy and that he’s taken us about as far as he can (the last part is probably true), but it’s hard to see where he would go in this country to take him up to the next level. He’s the longest-serving manager in the division and he’s done an outstanding job – Burnley fans should not be quick to forget that.
How are you likely to line up this season?
4-4-2! Dyche likes a settled side... Barnes and Wood have traditionally been the favoured front two but I think we look a far better side when Jay Rodriguez is in the team. He’s got an extra touch of guile and class.
Who will be your most important player?
Probably Dwight McNeil. In a team that doesn’t create an awful lot of goals, he’s very important down the left. Shoutout for unsung heroes Ashley Westwood and Ben Mee, too.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Probably the Leeds games – although mainly due to the atmosphere, which may not be a factor this time around...
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Roberto Firmino is a fine, fine player. Makes everyone around him better, although we’re probably a bit too direct to get the best out of him!
Top four (in order)?
1. Liverpool, 2. Chelsea, 3. Manchester City, 4. Manchester United
Bottom three?
Villa, Fulham, Brighton
Where will your team finish?
14th. I think the standard of the division is higher this year.
Chelsea
By Rachel Smith
How are you feeling about the new season?
You can’t help but be excited about this season given the signings we have made. There is still a lot of work to be done, particularly defensively, and we were so far off Liverpool and City last season but Frank looks like he could be building something special. We have waited a long time for an exciting young team and we might just have that now.
Tell us about your manager…
How can I not love the man?! I am glad he is being given time to build the squad he wants – in the past we have been quick to sack managers who do not deliver instant results. Frank needs time. Adored as a player and now adored as a manager.
How are you likely to line up this season?
Mendy
Chilwell
Silva
Rudiger
James
Havertz
Kovacic
Kante/Mount
Ziyech
Werner
Pulisic
Who will be your most important player?
To be successful you need a prolific attack so it has to be Timo Werner, but I also think Silva was a shrewd move as he can also be something of a defensive coach to the young players, who were frustratingly naive at times last season and cost us multiple points.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Normally the answer would be the best away day of the season but things are different as a fan this year so, as clichéd as it is, Spurs was the first game I checked for.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
TAA – the lad is a class apart and would improve any side.
Top four (in order)?
City
Liverpool
Chelsea
United
Bottom three?
Villa
Fulham
WBA
Where will your team finish?
I am trying not to get overexcited, so will stick with a modest third (but secretly dreaming bigger).
Crystal Palace
By Daniel Cook
How are you feeling about the new season?
It’s already been a summer of quite sizeable change at Palace. After a very poor run of results to end the season, we’ve moved early in the summer window to secure the services of Nathan Ferguson and Ebere Eze, with more expected to come in before the October deadline. It’s hard to know if that will have an immediate positive impact on our results but I am certainly feeling a tad more positive ahead of the season kicking off than I was when the 2019-20 campaign drew to a close.
Tell us about your manager…
Fan feeling over Roy Hodgson’s tenure at Selhurst Park can be pretty neatly split into two halves, with the opening period of his reign seeing him lauded for steadying a decidedly unstable ship, playing some lovely football along the way, and the second half seeing many feeling as though his defensive set-up has stifled our creativity and made us too one-dimensional. We all know he won’t be around forever and is likely to depart next summer but for the majority, he’ll always be hugely respected for helping us become a stable mid-table Premier League side.
How are you likely to line up this season?
It’s hard to know for sure in certain areas given the new arrivals but I wouldn’t bet against this being our most regular XI.
GK – Guaita
RB – Ferguson
CB – Tomkins
CB – Cahill
LB – Van Aanholt
RM – Townsend
CM – Milivojevic
CM – McArthur
LM – Zaha
AM – Eze
FW – Ayew
Who will be your most important player?
If he remains at the club beyond the summer window, it’s impossible to say anyone other than Wilfried Zaha. He’s been the talisman for us ever since returning from Manchester United and has the natural ability and confidence to take that responsibility in his stride. There are high hopes that the arrival of Eze will help to ease the burden on Zaha’s shoulders but for now, Wilfried remains the main man.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Brighton at home and away are always the first games Palace fans look for. It’s a rivalry many outsiders don’t understand, but for fans of both clubs it’s a hugely important fixture.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
There are so many headline-making Liverpool players that it’s hard to narrow it down to just one but I think Firmino just about pips the rest. His work-rate and importance in Klopp’s set-up is immense and has been for years now.
Top four (in order)?
Liverpool
Chelsea
Manchester City
Manchester United
Bottom three?
18th – West Ham
19th – West Brom
20th – Fulham
Where will your team finish?
14th
Everton
By James Owens
How are you feeling about the new season?
I’m feeling fairly optimistic for the new season. It is clear that progress is being made under Carlo Ancelotti and now that he has brought in some of his own players, hopefully we can climb the table closer to where we should be.
Signing proven Champions League quality in players like Allan and James Rodriguez really proves that we mean business, and hopefully we’ll be in the running for European football as the season reaches the business end.
Tell us about your manager…
I never thought I would see the day when a manager of Ancelotti’s calibre and experience was sitting in the Goodison dugout.
He has won the lot, and has proven in his short time on Merseyside so far that he isn’t here for a final pay day. He means business, and underperformers from last season will have to up their game to remain a part of his plans.
How are you likely to line up this season?
All the noises coming from those connected to the club suggest that we aren’t done yet in this transfer window. However, as things stand, I imagine Jordan Pickford will start behind a back four of Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Lucas Digne. A brand-new (and much-needed) midfield three will see Allan sit behind a roaming Abdoulaye Doucoure, while our new superstar James Rodriguez will likely be given the freedom to roam forward. I imagine Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi will battle it out to start up top alongside Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Who will be your most important player?
I would be thrilled if Rodriguez hit the ground running and rediscovered the form that he has shown previously under Ancelotti. In reality, it may take him a bit of time to get up to speed with the Premier League, which is understandable. Richarlison was our standout performer last season, and I expect him to improve further this campaign. He will have better players around him and is still only young. Don’t be surprised if he beats his goals and assists tally from last season.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Like most Evertonians, I always look out for the derby at Goodison. It’s always a nervy affair, but it is a rare and fantastic feeling beating Liverpool at our home stadium.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
There’s no two ways about it, Liverpool have a side full of superstars and there are many that I would like to see make the switch across Stanley Park. However, we really need a new right-back and someone with the quality of Trent Alexander-Arnold would be a perfect addition for us right now.
Top four (in order)?
Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd.
Bottom three?
West Brom, Fulham, Aston Villa.
Where will your team finish?
If we bring in one or two more quality additions, I see no reason as to why we can’t make a push for a top-six spot. With our new-look midfield, and a full season under Ancelotti’s guidance, that has to be our aim. We’ll be harder to beat, so I’m going to go with sixth or seventh.
Fulham
By Mark Liston
How are you feeling about the new season?
Certainly more optimistic than a few years ago. Hopefully we learnt our lessons from the last time we came up. It’s good that a lot of the same squad are there, so they know what to expect.
Tell us about your manager…
Great potential. He did amazing for us in his first year. Knows the club well and seems to have a strong relationship with the players and supporters. He got all important decisions correct at the end of last season when it mattered.
How are you likely to line up this season?
We are still short of a top centre-half, right-back and another striker. I think Parker will try to make us hard to beat, so I predict: goalkeeper, three centre-backs, two wing-backs, then the usual suspects in midfield and attack with Mitro leading the line.
Who will be your most important player?
Normally I would say Mitro, but this year I think it will be Michael Hector. If we can get the defence sorted, we stand a good chance as we are always capable of scoring goals.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Different circumstances this year with no fans being able to attend, but I’d say Liverpool and Leeds are two I am looking forward to.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Virgil van Dijk. On his day, best defender in the world and defence is where we face our biggest issues. However, I would settle for any of the others.
Top four (in order)?
Liverpool
Man City
Chelsea
Man United
Bottom three?
20th West Brom
19th Aston Villa
18th West Ham
Where will your team finish?
17th
Leeds United
By Nick Twigg
How are you feeling about the new season?
It’s pretty frightening to think that it’s been 16 years since we were in the big time, but looking at the quality at the bottom half of the Prem last season, I don’t feel like our first year back is anything to be particularly worried about. I’m really looking forward to watching the big games again, Liverpool/Man United/Arsenal etc. It’ll be a tough year but one every Leeds fan must be buzzing for.
Tell us about your manager…
If I’m honest, I was a bit sceptical at the start, as I wasn’t too sure anyone could create a real ‘team’ from the squad we had back in 2018. Bielsa’s brought on the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Luke Ayling, and created a side that dominated last season. It’ll be good to see the impact he can have in his first season of Premier League football – one thing that can be guaranteed is the preparation he’ll have in place for it!
How are you likely to line up this season?
I don’t expect much change from last season, although we’ve brought two or three good signings in that will undoubtedly create some competition for places. It’s a big step up from the Championship, but keeping the likes of Phillips/Hernandez/Dallas fit is going to have a huge bearing on whether we compete, or we struggle.
Who will be your most important player?
It’s hard to pinpoint an individual, but as mentioned above, Kalvin Phillips and Pablo Hernandez are huge players for us, and as results proved last season, we’re better with both players in the side. Robin Koch’s been brought in to replace Ben White, and our back four will undoubtedly have more work to do than last season, so I’m hoping he lives up to expectations.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
It has to be Man United home or away, although as things are right now, I guess the atmosphere won’t quite be the same as it once was. I’ve a lot of mates who are United fans, and they always try to claim they don’t consider us as rivals, but come December 19 it’ll be a very different story.
One Liverpool player you’d love in your team?
From a common sense point of view, it’d have to be TAA or Sadio Mane. Both offer something that pretty much nobody else in world football can, it’s mad to think what they would both be worth in the current market. It’d have been nice to get James Milner back in a Leeds shirt for our return to the Prem, though, it’s like he hasn’t aged since he left Elland Road.
Top four (in order)?
Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Man United
Bottom three?
Brighton, Fulham, Palace
Where will your team finish?
Heart says 12th, head says 15th – not sure my heart can take a real battle to the wire!
Leicester City
By Laurence Kelly
How are you feeling about the new season?
Not as pessimistic as some fans I’ve spoken to, despite the way that we finished the season. I’ve even heard the word relegation mentioned, but that’s not something I’m considering! The only notable player we’ve lost is Ben Chilwell, which personally I think is a shame, albeit I think a majority of fans were grateful to see the back of him, and especially for that price.
I think the only slight concern I have is the lack of signings; it was well documented towards the end of last season that we lacked any real depth. Admittedly, we were very unfortunate with injuries, coupled with an avoidable suspension away at Bournemouth, but I still feel we need to strengthen, particularly with a European campaign to look forwards to. I think that will undoubtedly be the highlight of our season, and having knocked Sevilla out during our Champions League campaign, you’ve got to fancy our chances, as they’re the only team who seemingly win the Europa League!
Another positive is we have some good young players coming through with the likes of Luke Thomas and George Hirst, and our squad has some great young players anyway, which I think is what gives me enough reasons to be optimistic for the season.
Tell us about your manager…
No doubt Brendan Rodgers was the right man at the right time for us, and I think his results in the first six months or so showed that. It was a big call to leave Celtic on the brink of the treble treble, but he must have known how well the combination would work as well.
For all the negative things I have to say about Claude Puel, the one thing I can never take away is the way he developed our young players. And Rodgers was almost the natural progression to take them to the next level; I think Liverpool saw similar benefits during his time with you.
I guess the big question is, now what? We seem to have been a bit all or nothing with him so far, and it would be nice to have a bit more consistency. I think he buys into the ethos of the club and the city well, though, and despite the occasional cringeworthy quote, I think there’s a lot to like about him and the brand of football he’s got us playing. We’re no longer the ‘all guns blazing’ counter-attack team, but he’s kept that in our armoury, as well as playing a brand of football which is pleasing on the eye. And how he’s helped to develop Jamie Vardy even further, I think is quite simply genius.
How are you likely to line up this season?
Your guess is as good as mine! Whatever formation I try to pick, I think I’ll probably get wrong, as we experimented with most combinations by the end of last season. We were forced into playing three centre-halves by the end of the campaign, but I wouldn’t necessarily mind seeing that again, as it helped to release our full-backs and provided a bit more creativity. Without Chilwell and the injured Ricardo Pereira (who is a huge loss), it wouldn’t be quite as effective, though.
If I had to take a guess, I would stab at 4-3-3/4-5-1, which seemed to be more of our go-to last season.
Who will be your most important player?
My answer to this question has been the same for the last six years – it has to be Jamie Vardy. Any time he’s not in the starting line-up I imagine the opposition must breathe a sigh of relief; I know I would! There just isn’t that same threat without him, whether it be defending from the front, but even more so in attack.
I’m not one for criticising my own team’s players, but I really don’t think we have another option up front. It’s Vardy or nothing.
Having said that, a special mention has to go to Wilfred Ndidi – I never thought we would replace N’Golo Kante, but I think Ndidi has shown he’s at that level, and arguably a more all-round player. Our performances and results show that we’re just not the same when he’s not dominating the middle of the park.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
On a personal level it’s Leeds away (if lockdown restrictions let me!). I’ve been fortunate enough to travel all over the country watching Leicester, but I’ve somehow always missed that one, and it’s the only top-flight stadium I’ve not been to.
On a footballing level, it has to be our opening fixture away at West Brom. Vardy seems to save all of his best goals for playing them, and even without the fans, I can’t wait to see him go and celebrate in that same corner – I hope they’ve got cardboard cut-outs of the same disgruntled faces!
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
I’m not sure any would get in... hmmm!?
It’s a really tough call, and I started off genuinely thinking who might fit in best, with the likes of Andy Robertson springing to mind, but in the end, I just couldn’t see past Sadio Mane. He is phenomenal. When you signed him for 34 million, I was definitely in the camp laughing, but what a bargain that’s turned out to be!
Top four (in order)?
A little boring, but you’ll be pleased to hear I can’t really see it changing from last year. I think Arsenal might finish a little higher, but I can’t see the top four changing its order.
Liverpool
Man City
Chelsea
Man U
Bottom three?
Aston Villa
Fulham
West Brom
Where will your team finish?
Seventh
Liverpool
By David Beattie
How are you feeling about the new season?
I'm feeling really positive after last season, who wouldn’t be? The post-lockdown run-in was quite surreal, as we effectively had the title sewn up earlier on in the year, so I’m really interested to see how they kick on this year as reigning champions. The team is largely the same, albeit rivals have strengthened, so I’m optimistic. Who isn’t going in to a new season?!
Tell us about your manager…
I know I’ll no doubt come across as biased, but I’m firmly of the belief he’s the best around. He’s given us all what we wanted in as much as he led us to a league title, but he’s also given us immeasurably more along the way, too. What a man. He’ll always be remembered as the manager who brought the league back to Anfield, but I sincerely hope it’s at least a few more years until we have to talk about his legacy. I’m really excited to see how he continues to develop this team in the coming years. As clichéd as the soundbite seems, there is an element of truth to the whole ‘doubters to believers’ line. What a ride the last five years have been.
How are you likely to line up this season?
Initially I'd be surprised to see us play anything other than 4-1-2-3, but I’m interested to see how the team and system changes, as it did a couple of times last year.
The XI of Alisson, Trent, Robertson, Van Dijk, Gomez, Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Salah, Mane and Firmino is widely expected to be our starting line-up when fully fit, so barring injuries, suspensions or players leaving I don’t think we’ll deviate too far from that initially. There is a lot of talk about how the midfield could change before the end of the window, so we’ll see what happens there.
Who will be your most important player?
You’d be hard pressed to pick one! Alisson has been incredible and Virgil van Dijk has been remarkably consistent in front of him; I think missing the latter would be an issue for the team. Fabinho was sorely missed for a while last year, so he’s another vital cog in the machine. The front three rightfully pick up a lot of the headlines, and it’s nice to see a growing appreciation of what Henderson offers us in midfield, too.
With all of that said, though, I think the full-backs are the key to this team. There seemed to be a slight switch early on last season with just how prominent both Trent and Robertson became to our overall approach play, so I’d be surprised if that isn’t a prominent feature to this season as well. They’ve picked up a lot of assists across two seasons, but a lot of our game now runs through both, particularly through Trent.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
The away at Man Utd in early May seems perfectly timed for a potential title run-in towards number 20. Apart from that, though, home games against both Manchester clubs three weeks apart in January and February will be good, if only for the fact we may potentially be able to attend games then.
One opposition player you’d love to have in your team?
If I were looking around the league at other players, I don’t think I could look past De Bruyne. He’s absolutely phenomenal.
Top four (in order)?
Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Man Utd.
Bottom three?
West Brom, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Where will your team finish?
Heart says we’ll win it again, head says we may come second behind City.
Manchester City
By Dan Burke
How are you feeling about the new season?
Optimistic that City will be much better and will at least make the title race a lot more competitive than it was last year. If we defend better then everything else will hopefully fall into place. Shame Lionel Messi isn’t coming, though.
Tell us about your manager…
Guardiola is still a football genius but he blotted his copybook somewhat with some daft decisions and team selections at times last season. Losing nine Premier League matches was unacceptable, to be honest, and I hope Guardiola is fired up to right those wrongs in the coming season.
How are you likely to line up this season?
Based on the players we’ve got at the moment, I would say our best XI is...
Ederson; Walker, Aké, Laporte, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden; Sterling, Mahrez, Agüero
If Kalidou Koulibaly comes then he will be the main partner for Aymeric Laporte at the back.
Who will be your most important player?
Kevin De Bruyne. He’s the best midfielder in the world right now and probably behind only Messi in terms of the planet’s best footballers. If he has a good game then we usually win, and I expect he’ll be named as our new club captain before the season begins.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Given our dismal record at Anfield, it’s definitely not Liverpool away! I’ll probably go for our trip to Old Trafford in December. One of the most embarrassing things about last season is that United beat us twice, and I’m thirsty for revenge.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
There’s loads but the player who would be the biggest upgrade on what we already have is Virgil van Dijk. I think his decision to join Liverpool instead of coming to City in 2018 was a massive turning point for English football. He’s unreal.
Top four (in order)?
Man City, Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal
Bottom three?
Fulham (bottom), West Brom, Sheffield United (don’t ask me why, just fancy them to do an Ipswich)
Where will your team finish?
I have to back us to win the title but I’m probably only about 50 per cent convinced we will. It will all depend on whether Liverpool can maintain their level.
Manchester United
By Ian Farrow
How are you feeling about the new season?
Obviously, it’s going to be a strange one given the current circumstances. I’m a little underwhelmed at the prospect of what could be a whole season behind closed doors. I’ve been going to Old Trafford every single year since I was about 12 and to substitute that with games played at a training ground pace with computer game sound effects doesn’t fill me with excitement. That said, it’s better than nothing, right?
Tell us about your manager…
He’s a club legend and I will always love him, even if he was in charge and we got relegated twice on the bounce. I think he’s perhaps not as tactically assured as some of the other top managers, but he’s learning, and the team is moving in the right direction. He knows better than anyone the ethos of the club and where we want to get back to, so he will give everything he has to try to make that happen. Whether he himself is given the support from the board in terms of the transfers that should happen is another thing.
How are you likely to line up this season?
With the players we currently have and barring any other signings (which I am expecting to happen but again we have left it far too late to get our business done)…
De Gea (until he makes a mistake and Henderson is thrown in)
Wan-Bissaka
Lindelof
Maguire
Shaw
Van de Beek
Pogba
Greenwood
Fernandes
Rashford
Martial
Who will be your most important player?
Bruno Fernandes. He completely changed the dynamic of the whole team when he came in and he’s only going to get better and more of a key figure in that dressing room. His creativity, work-rate and intelligence are everything I love in a footballer and he makes the game easier for his teammates. If he has an off day or just a day off, we’re not the same side, which is worrying.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Leeds at home. It’s been a very long time since we’ve faced Dirty Leeds in a competitive match and I’ve actually been hoping they would come up so we can give them a good panning to avenge that FA Cup loss at OT back in 2010. They’re always passionate and fiery games and I think having Ole and Bielsa in charge of the teams will only add fuel to that. It’s just a shame that it’s looking likely that the game will be played with no fans as I remember the buzz of the atmosphere for this fixture being one of those that you can truly feel in the air. That was back in 2003 when I was a teenager, mind. Like I say, it’s been a while for Leeds!
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Van Dijk. The biggest weakness in our team is our central defence and just look at the difference he made to you when he came in. A world-class centre-back to partner Maguire would lift us so much but for some reason it doesn’t look like we’re in the market for one.
Top four (in order)?
City
Liverpool
United
Chelsea
Bottom three?
West Ham
Villa
West Brom
I’ll be sad if this does happen as I think West Ham and Villa are real old-school clubs with a lot of tradition and they belong in the Premier League. But they were both scrambling away from the trap door last season with a few games to go and I don’t think they will improve much.
Where will your team finish?
Third again. I just don’t think we have enough strength in depth – especially defensively – to seriously challenge you or City. Chelsea have made some great signings and look very strong, but I’m hopeful we can hold them off. It’ll be tough, though.
Newcastle United
By Matt Ketchell
How are you feeling about the new season?
Better! At the time of writing we’ve just completed the signing of Callum Wilson for £20m and Ryan Fraser on a free, with Jamal Lewis from Norwich having a medical with a view to signing for around £13.5m. Three proper, Prem-proven players aged 28, 26 and 22 for £6.5m less than we paid for Joelinton. I feel like I’ve woken up in a parallel universe. All three will vastly improve our squad, and all of a sudden there’s some depth and excitement around the place for the first time in years. I’m so happy, I’m not even going to moan about why Ashley didn’t back Rafa like he has Steve Bruce.
Tell us about your manager…
The antithesis of Rafa, basically. We all know about Steve Bruce. Whereas Rafa would march onto the pitch at full-time to discuss positional awareness with the Man of the Match, Steve Bruce is the arm around the shoulder guy. I think it’s suited some of our key players (Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin) and he put enough points on the board to steer us away from the relegation battle last season. It wasn’t pretty, but he surprised us – most NUFC fans had the team nailed on for the drop.
How are you likely to line up this season?
Martin Dubravka is missing the start of the season after minor ankle surgery (very bad news for us), so here’s how I’d like to see us start v West Ham on the opening weekend. Allan Saint-Maximin at No.10 please!
Darlow; Manquillo, Lascelles, Fernandez, Lewis; Shelvey, Hayden; Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Fraser; Wilson.
Who will be your most important player?
Allan Saint-Maximin. We only won once without him last season. He’s indispensable. His presence lifts the players around him and the crowd. Sadly, he won’t feel the benefit of the latter until probably after Christmas.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Not being able to go to any games yet has made it hard to look at the fixture list. But I guess the standout for me is Fulham away on the last day of the season. I live in London for work, and used to live a short walk from Craven Cottage. That game, in the sunshine, hopefully safe from relegation (!) with fans allowed back as normal, has all the hallmarks of a classic.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Andy Robertson is a very ‘Newcastle-type’ player. We were crying out for a left-back when he was turning heads at Hull and I couldn’t believe we weren’t pulling up trees to get him. Hard-working, end product, connection with the fans and an incredible career path. He would’ve been brilliant for us, a fan favourite easily, and Ashley would’ve loved the profit margin!
Top four (in order)?
Man. City
Liverpool
Chelsea
Arsenal
Bottom three?
Burnley
Aston Villa
Fulham
Where will your team finish?
13th
Sheffield United
By Thomas Glasby
How are you feeling about the new season?
Cautiously optimistic. Our first season back in the Premier League was a success that we could only have imagined! It shall be difficult to repeat that feat again but we have a special environment that the players and staff love to be a part of – which shows, and shall continue to show, on the pitch.
Tell us about your manager…
A local lad who loves football, loves his local football club, that went from spectator to player to manager... it is like a Hollywood script!
However, that journey has not been one of privilege, Chris has had to be patient and overcome major obstacles in his managerial career to earn his right to manage at the elite level of English football.
Chris’ affinity to the club also comes with dedication and care in all that he does. Chris often refers to himself as a ‘custodian’ of the club and you can verify that claim by observing his pitchside behaviour or his refreshingly honest, unrehearsed interviews with the media.
Sheffield United fans do not ask for much. We are pleased by evidence of honesty, passion and ‘graft’ being shown by our players and management. Chris demands nothing less of his players and that has also created a special bond between the players, staff and fans of the club.
An old-school character who emphasises work ethic and team spirit; Chris Wilder personifies Sheffield United.
How are you likely to line up this season?
I am not expecting any major surprises in how we line up or tactically approach this season. We cannot afford a ‘blank cheque’ approach towards recruitment and that means we have missed out on transfer targets. However, we have also managed to keep hold of and reward our key players with longer term contracts. Our much-admired ‘overlapping centre-halves’ shape has not changed during pre-season and I cannot see us putting a wrecking ball to this formula for success.
Who will be your most important player?
Although we are still yearning for a prolific goalscorer, the signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth cannot be overstated.
Dean Henderson largely contributed to our success last season so filling that void could have been a big ask of any replacement. Aaron Ramsdale has very similar characteristics to Dean Henderson, both on and off the pitch, with the added bonus of previously working under Chris Wilder at Sheffield United, therefore I expect “Rambo” can slot back into the culture and expectations at Sheffield United.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
At the risk of making myself unpopular with Sheffield United fans, I shall confess that I was pleased to see Leeds United achieve promotion last season! A passionate Yorkshire rivalry has been missing from the Premier League for too long... it’s a great game to get excited about!
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Just one?!?!
As much as we desperately need a free-scoring striker, my pick would be Andy Robertson. His passion and desire definitely makes him a Chris Wilder/Sheffield United-type of player! Perfectly exemplified by the moment against Man City at Anfield where he pressed the ball from left-centre of the pitch all the way around to the right corner.
Top four (in order)?
1. Liverpool
2. Man City
3. Chelsea
4. Man Utd
Bottom three?
18. Fulham
19. Newcastle
20. Aston Villa
Where will your team finish?
A very satisfactory 12th!
Southampton
By Stu Howden
How are you feeling about the new season?
I am feeling optimistic about the upcoming season. I’m fed up with hearing “9-0 defeat” from media and pundits every time they talk about Southampton FC, but this result last season turned out to be the catalyst we needed to turn things around. We had started to turn things around before the season lockdown but post-lockdown we played some fantastic football, winning five and drawing three of our last nine games. I think confidence and morale is sky-high in the squad now and we’ll carry this over into the new season, especially with such a short off-season.
We have managed to keep hold of all our key players and added a couple of new signings – Mohammed Salisu and Kyle Walker-Peters – so we’ll have good continuity to go with our confidence. I’d like to see us sign another new midfielder to replace Højbjerg. Will Smallbone, from our academy, is looking very promising, but lacks first-team experience, so we could really do with more cover in that area.
I really like the look of our team this year and with Ralph Hasenhuttl leading us I can see us finishing in the top half of the table this year. I’d also like to see us take the cups a bit more seriously – it would be great to win some silverware.
Tell us about your manager…
Ralph Hasenhuttl is a great manager. When he arrived at the club he was a huge breath of fresh air after Hughes, Puel and Pellegrino, and fans really took to his enthusiasm and high-tempo football. In the Bundesliga, particularly with RB Leipzig, he had a reputation for playing high pressing and aggressive football which he brought with him to Southampton. At the start of last season, though, he inconceivably changed our formation and tactics. We were awful during this period and bottom of the Premier League, culminating in that thrashing by Leicester. I think even after that result, though, most fans did not want him to leave or get sacked – we really liked the guy. Kudos to the club for sticking with Ralph and to Ralph for getting the team to respond in the way they did. Ralph is a meticulous planner and reverted our formation and shape back to what it had previously been and reinstated the aggressive front-foot approach. He spoke to all the players to get them to buy into his system, behaviour requirements and methodology. The turnaround was fantastic. Now he has the squad of players he wants/needs for his system and the players believing in him, we can really achieve this year. I’m expecting him to be linked with much bigger clubs in the near future, but hope he remains a Saint!
How are you likely to line up this season?
GK: McCarthy
RB: Walker-Peters
CB: Salisu
CB: Bednarek
LB: Bertrand
DCM: Romeu*
DCM: Ward-Prowse
AMR: Armstrong
AML: Redmond
ST: Ings
ST: Adams
*Romeu is likely to give way, if we sign a new central midfielder as speculated.
Who will be your most important player?
It might sound a bit obvious, but Danny Ings will (again) be our most important player this year. He looked sharp all year and was lethal anywhere near the goal, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, 22 of them in the Premier League. If we want to be successful, get a top-half finish and maybe have a good cup run, his goals will be crucial for us. Che Adams started to find his feet in the last few games of last season and I think he’ll get goals this year, but without Ings’ goals I’m not sure where our goals will come from.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Without a derby game in the Premier League, it is tricky to pick the fixture I am most looking forward to. There was nothing sweeter than beating Portsmouth 4-0 in the cup last year, but we’re not likely to meet them again this year, so I’d probably say I’m most looking forward to playing Liverpool. If you want to measure how well your team is playing, competing against the champions is a great test, plus Liverpool still have a couple of old Saints favourites – Van Dijk and Mane – still playing for them.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Virgil van Dijk. VVD left a massive gap in our defence when he left, which we are still struggling to fill. He was imperious when he played for us and he continued to be so at the highest level with Liverpool in winning the league and Champions League. He is pretty much the ‘model’ centre-back – good strength, speed, aerial ability and tackling, coupled with a ‘football brain’ so he is always in the right position. More importantly he’s a great leader, who will give out orders when needed, while inspiring those around him. Any defence in the world would be improved with him playing in it.
Top four (in order)?
Liverpool
Man City
Chelsea
Man Utd
Bottom three?
Fulham
West Brom
Aston Villa
Where will your team finish?
I think we will definitely finish in the top half of the table this year – so I’ll say an optimistic eighth. We had a poor start to last season but finished the second half of the season very well. It is unlikely we’ll be able to maintain the post-lockdown form from last season for the whole of 2020-21 but if we play anywhere near that from the start of the year, we’ll safely be a top-half team.
Tottenham Hotspur
By Robert Tammaro
How are you feeling about the new season?
I’m pretty optimistic actually. Last season was a disaster, but we’re on a new journey with a manager that will stop us being so nice all the time.
Tell us about your manager…
Jose Mourinho has won something everywhere. Surely Spurs can’t have such a bad curse that even he doesn’t win something for us! But I think he will instil an attitude to a Spurs team that’s never really had one.
How are you likely to line up this season?
Nothing fancy. It’s Jose. Solid back four and strong midfielders to soak up pressure, with pace going forward to hit teams on the break.
Who will be your most important player?
Harry Kane obviously for the goals, but I think Eric Dier will be in the heart of our defensive line.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Arsenal at home. Hopefully we’ll be allowed back by then. It’s the best derby in the world!
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Henderson. We need another strong, reliable midfielder.
Top four (in order)?
Man City
Liverpool
Man Utd
Spurs
Bottom three?
West Brom
Aston Villa
Sheffield Utd
Where will your team finish?
Fourth
West Bromwich Albion
By Danny Garbett
How are you feeling about the new season?
It is the first time in 10 years that we are going in to the season as newly-promoted and it is a somewhat new, yet all too familiar feeling. We are the bookies’ favourites for relegation and our squad seems weaker on paper than the one that limped back in to the Premier League last season, but I am optimistic and believe in the character of the squad and manager.
Tell us about your manager…
Slaven Bilic is obviously better known by the blue half of Merseyside but you Reds are already aware of his fire and passion and I suppose he is similar to Klopp on the touchline in that respect. He gives us belief as the underdogs that we will fight for every point whilst playing a more attractive style of football. This is not the West Bromwich Albion of the Tony Pulis era and the rest of the Premier League need to respect that.
How are you likely to line up this season?
That is a tough one because there is still a lot of business to be done. We are expecting Filip Krovinovic and Grady Diangana to return so I have been a little cheeky and put them in my likely line-up...
Sam Johnstone; Dara O'Shea, Semi Ajayi, Ahmed Hegazi, Kieran Gibbs; Jake Livermore, Romaine Sawyers; Grady Diangana, Matheus Pereira, Filip Krovinovic; Hal Robson-Kanu (4-2-3-1).
Who will be your most important player?
Matheus Pereira without a doubt. I think he will light up the Premier League and potentially become our best ever Premier League player. With eight goals and 16 assists last season, he is a serious threat in the final third. Pereira’s dribbling ability and close ball control was an issue in and around the penalty box for Championship defenders. He is the type of set-piece taker who can just as easily put the ball under the wall as over it, or even around it. Albion have traditionally done well from free-kicks and corners in the Premier League and that could be the difference between safety and relegation.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
The Black Country derby, January 16, Molineux, Wolves v West Brom. The last time the Albion went to Wolverhampton was the 5-1 win in February 2012. I don’t know what Liverpool fans know of the Black Country derby but the Premier League is a much better league for it. It has local pride, passion and is steeped in history. Wolves have a great side and it will be the first time we play them where I consider us to be the underdogs.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Sadio Mane can pull on the blue and white stripes any day. He averaged 20 league goals over the last two seasons and always plays with a smile and for the love of the game. I’ve heard from people at the club that’s he’s the nicest guy in the world. His charity work goes a long way for me, too. I would be honoured to have Mane representing my hometown club because the impact he makes off the pitch is so much bigger than football. Every club needs a Mane outlook on football.
Top four (in order)?
Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United
Bottom three?
Fulham, West Ham, Aston Villa
Where will your team finish?
15th
West Ham United
By Vinny Genco
How are you feeling about the new season?
Not confident. Even though we finished the restart well, there has been a lack of investment. There is no will to strengthen the squad, unlike our rivals. They seem happy to go into this season with the same squad as last year plus a few young players who have come through the academy.
Tell us about your manager...
You have to respect that David Moyes has come in on two occasions and saved us from relegation. The players seem like they want to play for him and the signings he made in January were pivotal in keeping us up.
How are you likely to line up this season?
4-2-3-1
Who will be your most important player?
Declan Rice (if he is still at the club) and Jarrod Bowen. Bowen works hard both in attack and defence and is an exciting player.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
Personally, I always enjoy playing against Chelsea. Growing up, this was the first fixture I always looked for.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Trent Alexander-Arnold. A player who creates so much and also chips in with goals.
Top four (in order)?
Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd
Bottom three?
West Ham, West Brom and Fulham
Where will your team finish?
The way the pre-season has gone so far and with the potential of players still leaving, I think we will be in for another relegation fight and this time we may succumb if we do not strengthen.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
By Lynsey Hooper
How are you feeling about the new season?
I’m excited, but also expecting some ups and downs. It doesn’t feel like football has had much downtime when you factor in Europe and the season ahead looks long. I really hope we start to see full stadiums again before too long. Football has really missed the fans. It will somehow become more manageable when we start to see the fans return.
After back-to-back seventh-place finishes in the Premier League for Wolves, I go in to this season wondering whether it really is possible to improve on that. On one hand we don’t have Europa League football to juggle this season so can arguably try to push into the top six and have a good cup run, but looking at the transfer business to date the squad remains very thin and it will be a huge ask of the players to keep reproducing the sorts of results and performances we’ve seen in recent seasons.
Tell us about your manager…
Nuno has been a revelation at Wolves. He really underpins all of the success in recent seasons. Many will talk about players like Traore, Jimenez and Neves, but it’s Nuno in my mind who is irreplaceable. I’ve been on tenterhooks all summer waiting for news on his contract being renewed, but nothing has been confirmed yet. This makes me pretty nervous. The nucleus of the team are all at the club because they want to work for him, if he goes they go, there’s no doubt in my mind about that.
He’s meticulous in his planning and has made Wolves not only a difficult team to break down, but also a real threat on the counter-attack. You really get the sense as a Wolves fan nowadays that opposition teams don’t want to play us and that speaks volumes for the job he is doing.
How are you likely to line up this season?
I don’t think you will see too many changes. Matt Doherty has gone to Spurs, so if you look at like-for-like positions then that provides an opportunity for Ruben Vinagre to get more game time but much of the team (if we manage to keep hold of everyone up until the transfer deadline) will remain unchanged. There has been talk of Leander Dendoncker dropping in to a centre-back role similar to how Romain Saiss did last season, that could suggest Nuno is thinking of moving away from a back three (with Jonny also injured) and starting the season with a back four. I expect to see more of Pedro Neto up front this season, he looks a really promising talent and is providing real competition for Diogo Jota, who can be a bit patchy with his form.
Who will be your most important player?
It’s hard to see past Raul Jimenez and the goals he provides. Also having a player of his quality in the team lifts everybody else around him. I really hope he doesn’t leave before the end of the transfer window.
Fixture you’re most looking forward to?
That’s easy, West Brom at home in January. It’s our first Black Country derby in nine years. I have family and friends on either side of the divide so it’s easily the biggest football fixture I look forward to.
One Liverpool player you’d love to have in your team?
Just one... ha ha. Sadio Mane – I’ve loved watching him for years. The first time I saw him up close was at the Audi Cup in Germany a few years back and he was easily the best player on the pitch. I think he was one of the most complete footballers I’ve ever seen when it comes to skill, speed, strength, intelligence on the ball... he’s got it all.
Top four (in order)?
1. Liverpool
2. Man City
3. Chelsea
4. Man Utd
Bottom three?
18. West Brom
19. Aston Villa
20. Fulham
Where will your team finish?
Ninth