Jonathan Northcroft (Sunday Times)

Who will win the league?

I'm just back from holiday and maybe it's something I drank over there, but actually got a feeling that Arsenal are going to have a really good season. They have made two terrific signings. Sead Kolašinac will just give them a bit of beef at the back and Alexandre Lacazette is a born Premier League goalscorer. Keeping Alexis Sanchez is massive for Arsenal because he is such a special player. Arsene Wenger has come through a bad time but he's now got his authority back, they have a big squad and their system suits them really well. I sort of feel stupid saying this but Arsenal for the title.

Where will Liverpool finish?

It's a difficult question because I think we will have a far better idea at the end of the transfer window. They are capable of anything, I don't think they are capable of winning the title, but certainly anything from second to fifth or sixth let's be honest. I think Liverpool will be better but I don't quite see them having enough to win the league right now. They have the Champions League factor as well so it will be interesting to see how they cope with that, but I think it's going to be a good season.

What do you think of the new additions to the squad?

I think Mohamed Salah is an absolutely superb signing. It's almost like what Liverpool had last year with the pace, penetration and speed on the counter-attack, it's like let's have more of that and trouble teams even more. Salah and Sadio Mane on opposite flanks is going to terrify defenders. Salah also scores goals which is really important because Klopp has this template when he might not even play a No.9 and get goals from all around the team. Dominic Solanke is a very shrewd signing. He was the best player at the U20 World Cup and he has started quite well at his new club. I also like Andy Robertson at left-back and I think there are certain teams that should have a Scot in them. This is a good signing. Robertson is a really good footballer. He is a very good attacking player and Scotland have actually used him in midfield. He has been schooled as a defender so it gives balance. He is a young player, he didn't cost that lot of money, and it is a shrewd signing.

Surprise package team?

If Arsenal win the title obviously that will be a surprise package for everyone. I've got a feeling that Brighton having come up will do better than people expect. They might trouble the top 10 and do well. I also think West Ham United will come back strongly. They have signed really well and had that first year acclimatising to playing in a new stadium, and they have sold a few as well.

Player of the Year?

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur.

Relegated?

If I have to go for three I'll go for Watford, Huddersfield Town and Stoke City. If Rafael Benitez stays at Newcastle they will be alright, but if he doesn't then I would say Newcastle over Stoke City.

LFC player to watch?

Mo Salah because I think he's going to delight the fans and be a really important player. Sadio Mane was just sensational last year and a full season out of him might be something to behold. Another player to watch out for is the goalkeeper Danny Ward. I really like him and it might just take an injury for him to get a chance but I think he is good enough to take that chance.

One hope as a reporter this season?

I think we are at a point with football when we are looking at two different things happening. It's big spending, instant success and the pursuit of instant success versus clubs on the other side that are trying to develop. I want one of those clubs, which means an Arsenal, Liverpool or Tottenham to prevail. I loved it when Leicester City did it. The big money stuff does leave me a little bit cold. Yes, it's exciting, but if we just end up in a world where football is only about who has got the biggest wallet, that's really dull. I just hope it will be one of the teams who will do it through their football.