It’s that time of the season again. Excitement, hope, expectation, nerves. And some terrible calls, no doubt.
Here are the 93:20 family’s predictions for the season. To be revisited at a later date!
Who will win the league?
Howard: Superstition forbids me from backing City to ever win anything, which makes this easier. I have Liverpool will not have a smooth campaign (more on that later), and that Arsenal might just finally get over the line after their summer business. This is a really hard one to call – there are four genuine candidates.
Chris: City will win the league – just. The new players generating more competition for places coupled with Pep’s indignation about the previous season’s narrative will just about push us over the line.
Jordan: City.
Bailey: This title race will run close into April, but in the end, Manchester City will get over the line and reclaim the top spot.
Adam: City – right now is reminiscent of the start of 20/21 where everyone thought Liverpool were streets ahead. A few tweaks later and we pulled away – trust Pep.
Joe: Sadly I think City will be short this season, I quite fancy Arsenal to finally get over the line with their new summer additions.
Ben: City – with pretty much a rebuild since January and players returning from injury, including….Rodri. I expect a huge reaction this season.
Tom: Liverpool but by a wafer-thin margin. They’re coming off the back of a title and have built on that this summer so my gut says them. I still think they have little depth in midfield and defence. City will be right there until the end though and if we add Rodrygo and Donnarumma (even if I’m not a huge fan of the latter) I’d tip us for the title.
Lloyd: City, I think. But I’m not saying this with much conviction. We should re-do these once the transfer window shuts! Far too much is undecided at the moment.
Ahsan: City.
Ally: Manchester City. (I say this not because I am convinced of our impending season of brilliance, but because I simply refuse to acknowledge the impending brilliance of any of our competitors.)
Ste: Is it hedging my bets too much to suggest the title winner will be which side gets the best results from the two City v Liverpool clashes? Those two will again go neck-and-neck with Chelsea always in contention but never firmly in the reckoning. In fact, I can see a repeat of the 2023/14 season playing out, with hopefully the same outcome.
George: The media have already crowned Liverpool as Champions before a ball has been kicked, and Arsenal have a revamped midfield and a new prolific striker and are widely tipped, but there’s only one clear winner for me: Manchester City. Pep doesn’t give other teams more than a one-year break from his endless pursuit of glory.
Who will make up the remainder of the top 4?
Howard: The transfer business has created a schism I reckon.
So – City, Liverpool, Chelsea.
Praying Liverpool don’t get Guehi in – they are vulnerable if they do not strengthen in defence.
Chris: The season may feel a bit like a Monster Mash, as the Top 4 change places weekly until March. There will be a significant gap between the top 4 and the rest. The final outcome will be 1. City, 2. Chelsea, 3. Liverpool, 4. Arsenal. Liverpool’s defence will prove its undoing as they will finish their recruitment very top heavy in the front line. Chelsea will be in the race from the start but will draw 1-2 critical games in the PL run-in allowing City to creep past the finishing post in pole position. Arsenal will have moments but will continue to be bemused (and appalled) by the low blocks that they fail to navigate.
Jordan: Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea
Bailey: This season, we’ll see a bigger gap open up between the top four and the rest, with Manchester City joined by Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Adam: Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea
Joe: 2. City 3. Liverpool 4. Chelsea
Ben: Arsenal – Destined for another second-place finish. Their signings this summer have definitely improved the overall quality of the squad which in past seasons has meant they’ve ran out of gas towards the end. They’ll still do that but I think they’ll be a better team this season.
Liverpool – As Pellegrini found, that second album can be difficult. Ekitike looked sharp and full of confidence in the Community Shield and of course Wirtz is a top signing but they have a lack of depth at the back and I expect both VVD and Salah to start to tail off after signing those hefty contract renewals. Plus two new fullbacks, neither of who are strong defensively, could cost them. I expect them to be involved in a lot of high scoring matches.
Chelsea – Too many signings to mention but I think Joao Pedro will be a big hit there with Delap playing second fiddle. Having said that, the squad and team is still young which I think affected them last season with their consistency and will do similar this year. Especially with Champions League to contend with. Last season they could rotate in Europe but they won’t have that luxury this year.
Tom: 2) City 3) Arsenal 4) Chelsea
Lloyd: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea.
Ahsan: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea.
Ally: 2. Arsenal
3. Liverpool
4. Chelsea.
Ste: Even if Gyokeres flops it has to be Arsenal, though Villa will have something to say about that for the most part. City top, Liverpool second, Chelsea third and Arsenal fourth.
George: City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea. There will be a much bigger gap between the top 4 and the rest of the league than there was last season.
Predict Man U’s final league position
Howard: Again, both tradition and superstition COMPELS me to predict that at some point United will get some things right, and it feels yet again that they have this summer, enough to even propel them into the top half. Sadly, I do think we will see a massive improvement, but they have improved at the same time as far superior teams have done exactly the same – it’s the equivalent of a runner speeding up when they are about to be lapped. But they should have enough to finish above your Brightons, Palaces and Forests. They of course may instead implode as per usual. I’m going for 7th.
Chris: 9th. United will improve and their new front line will deliver an increased number of goals – particularly with 2 of them having PL experience. But their keeper, defence, and midfield remain alarmingly defective and devoid of any strategic investment. They will continue to be a team of moments with Amorin expressing bemusement throughout the season about his tactics not working. Brexit Jim will continue to share artist’s impressions of his circus stadium to distract the fanbase from the wretched truth.
Jordan: 7th, Mbuemo and Cunha are good signings and guarantee you goals in the Premier League. With no European football, they should be able to keep their squad fresh and I expect them to improve significantly from last year.
Bailey: We’ll see an improvement from the team, provided they don’t have the same injuries, there are many more goals in that group, and they’ll be more accustomed to the way Amorim wants to play. The depth of quality in the league has diminished slightly. That being said, they’re still behind plenty of other quality teams pushing for the Europa League spots, and I’d have them finishing 10th.
Adam: 10th – I think Ruben Interim will fulfil the prophecy of his name and get sacked before Xmas with United sat on 2 league wins. Sir Gareth Southgate comes in to lift the spirits and racks up a few low pressure wins to take the mighty Reds above Keith Andrews’ Brentford and Granit Xhaka’s Sunderland.
Joe: This is really difficult given I think they have actually had a very decent window, that said, I haven’t seen anything from Amorim to suggest he has the dressing room behind him, nor the ability to manage such a high-pressured job whilst acting so oddly with the media etc. So I think I’ll stick them 7th or 8th
Ben: 10th. I just see 9 other teams that are better than them! Whereas it seems City have a no dickheads policy, United are drawn to them. Cunha may have the talent but I give it 3 months before there is some type of controversy around him. Their first 6 matches see them play Arsenal (home), Fulham (away), Burnley (home), City (away), Chelsea (home), and Brentford (away). I’ll be surprised if they get 6 points from that so the pressure will be on Amorim early doors.
Tom: 8th – If they don’t add central midfielder and defensive reinforcements, they’ll improve but without the quality needed to break into the European places. No midweek games will help them though.
Lloyd: 11th. Based on their current business I’m not convinced they’ll come top half. They’ve spunked £200m+ on forwards and haven’t addressed their issues at wing-back, GK, centre-half and CM. One game a week will help them enormously if they can generate a bit of early momentum. If they can’t though…
Ahsan: 10th. Bought goals but have no midfield or defence. If they sign Baleba then 6th.
Ally: I predict Manchester United will show significant improvement this season, possibly climbing to the dizzying heights of 11th place. Their recruitment policy remains baffling and they look about as well balanced as a baby giraffe on a unicycle, but It is conceivable that Mbeumo and Sesko could score as many as 20 goals between them and just possible that Cunha will NOT trample gleefully over their long-heralded yet continuously elusive ‘no dickheads’ policy. It’s just very unlikely.
Ste: Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko have to improve them from an attacking perspective. Maybe quite a lot too. But fundamental problems persist elsewhere and I would be shocked if Amorim is still in charge next May. I’ve got them down for finishing eighth.
George: I would love for United to regress even further this season, which would mean relegation, but that is probably wishful thinking after the money they’ve spent. Their revamped forward line will surely mean more goals and therefore more points. That being said, there are still huge question marks about their defence and defensive midfield, and for that reason, I’m going for 10th.
Who will be relegated?
Howard: I spoke to a Sunderland fan for the Opposition Fan podcast series this week (you don’t want to miss that one), and even he is not sure what to expect from a heavily revamped side. It needed to be revamped, but my hunch is that they will fall agonizingly short come season-end. To join them? Brentford have had the heart ripped out of them, and I don’t think Burnley have the quality.
Chris: The promoted 3 will be relegated. Wolves will offer a lifeline to 1 of these teams as the depletion of their squad in the transfer window will contribute to further demise.
Jordan: Burnley, Leeds and Brentford
Bailey: As it stands, I cannot see a Premier League team being poor enough to open up the door, so I’ll pick all three promoted teams to go down again. Sunderland have the best chance of all to stay up, if Wolves and Brentford struggle.
Adam: Burnley (Because Kyle Walker is about to have his Gary Neville 10/11 season), Leeds (Because Daniel Farke is a paid actor) and Wolves because they’ve been sleepwalking for a while towards it.
Joe: Brentford, Wolves & Burnley.
Ben: 18th – Brentford – see teams that will struggle
19th – Leeds – although they’ve signed a few, I don’t see much proven premier league experience or quality there and a lack of goals.
20th – Burnley – Scott Parker and Kyle Walker.
Tom: 18) Brentford 19) Leeds 20) Burnley
Lloyd: Burnley bottom, Sunderland and I think Brentford could go. I feel one of the promoted teams could stay up this year, particularly given the state of Brentford/Wolves. I’m going to back Leeds to stay up, but it could be Sunderland. They’ve done some impressive business. I’m really split between them and Leeds.
Ahsan: Wolves, Burnley, AN Other
Ally: I really, really don’t want to predict the same three going down as came up yet again, so against my better judgement I’ll say Sunderland, Burnley and… (wait for it….) Brentford – especially if they can’t hold on to Wissa.
Ste: I’m backing Leeds to stay up with the enduring relegation battle consisting of five clubs – Sunderland, Burnley, West Ham, Fulham and Brentford. Of these, Mackems and Burnley to drop in bottom two with Brentford joining them.
George: As ever, there’s a big chance that all three promoted sides slide straight back down, but Championship Champions Leeds look like they might be able to stick around for more than a year. Brentford’s Premier League dream is crumbling around them, with their Premier League rivals draining them of their talent. Brentford, Burnley, and Sunderland to go down.
Top scorer in PL (if choice is Erling, pick 2nd place too)
Howard: If he stays largely fit, Erling is going to storm back.
I have another probably optimistic hunch that Salah will wane this season, and has the African Cup of Nations too, and Isak probably isn’t ready to play football for anyone for a few weeks, so will go for Gyokeres, who will neither flop nor storm the league, but pick up 20+ goals.
Chris: Haaland will be 1st. But it will be close – in 2nd place, it will be a toss up between Gyokeres and Ekitike. If Isak signs for Liverpool, he could usurp Haaland at the top. And we may see the first signs of a reduction in Salah’s output this season.
Jordan: Erling, then Isak (if he moves to Liverpool)
Bailey: Erling Haaland will take back the title of top scorer, with Isak second.
Adam: Halaand followed by Palmer.
Joe: Erling Haaland with Mo Salah not far behind.
Ben: Haaland – Mr Inevitable will be back to his best.
2nd will be Joao Pedro – scored a hatful in pre-season and is a smart signing.
Tom: Top scorer of players not called Haaland – Mo Salah – but by a long way off, with 18-20 goals for him this season (less if he gets taken off penalties). I think Liverpool will share the goals around a lot more this season, even if they have Isak (who will miss the start of the season due to his antics alone). Outside of that, I considered Joao Pedro who looked good in pre-season but there’s a minute risk.
Lloyd: Haaland. If he can stay fit he’ll win it at a canter. If Isak ends up at Liverpool, I think he’ll be 2nd. Otherwise, Salah.
Ahsan: Haaland first Gyokeres second
Ally: Erling, followed (far behind) by Gyokeres.
Ste: Isak and Haaland to again be close in terms of numbers but this time without Salah topping them. Naturally, I’m going with the Striking Viking to prevail.
George: Erling Haaland will hit his stride early this season and run away with the Golden Boot. Salah won’t be too far behind in second place, but it will never be a contest.
Total number of goals for Haaland (all comps)
Howard: A successful City side will spread the goals – but I predict he will still get 44.
Chris: I think that Haaland will actually have fewer goals than his first 2 seasons as City now have a number of other players who can reach 10+ goals to lighten the burden on him – Marmoush, Cherki, Reijnders, Foden… I predict 42 goals and there will be fewer clusters (3 or more) and he will score several match winning goals.
Jordan: 35
Bailey: 45
Adam: I’ll go with 48 – he realistically should be racking up 15 in the UCL group phase alone if we’re more ruthless as a side this year, plus he always tends to start seasons well, this time he’ll do it throughout.
Joe: I’ll plump for 46
Ben: 40 – and that’s being cautious.
Tom: 41 – which would match his average over his first three seasons. I think he suffered last season as the team suffered. I think a squad with the likes of Foden, Cherki, Reijnders, Ait-Nouri, Doku, Bobb, Rodrygo (maybe) and Nunes (RB) to some extent, I think we will play to his strengths this year with plenty of goal threat around him too.
Lloyd: 38 goals.
Ahsan: 45
Ally: 42
Ste: 36, with 20+ of them coming in the league.
George: His first season will always be a tricky one to replicate, but he’ll get close this season with 47 goals in all comps.
Team that will surprisingly struggle?
Howard: Not sure Brentford would be a surprise, so will plump for Wolves, which may not count as a surprise. They are a club that is stagnating, and lost their two best players over the summer.
Chris: Whilst they have achieved mid-table stability in recent seasons, Brentford will struggle and flirt with relegation. Frank’s departure will prove to be hugely significant and Keith Andrews may not make it past Christmas. In the upper echelons, I think that Newcastle will struggle. Their off-field business bears not relation to their often thrilling onfield performances. They are at a threshold point in which they must assert themselves as a major player in the league, with the prerequisite ability to spend, or slip into the stream of mediocrity. This dilemma will see them struggle.
Jordan: Nottingham Forest
Bailey: Regardless of the players that have departed, losing not just your manager, but his entire backroom staff is tough for any club to handle. So my pick is Brentford.
Adam: Aston Villa – not done too much business and I think after the highs of the last 2 seasons they’ll stagnate in a classic Unai Emery third season that spells ‘what next for us?’
Joe: Two. First, Nottingham Forest. I think they will start quite normally for a team of their quality but given the new expectations of the great dictator, will sack Nuno and end up below midtable. I also have Brentford to be relegated.
Ben: I think Brentford will go down this season. Losing Frank, Mbeumo, Norgard, Flekken and could still lose Wissa will be too much for them.
Shout out for Forest too, who I predicted to go down last season. I think they’ll drop down the league but are solid enough at the back to ever truly flirt with relegation.
Tom: Bournemouth – I think losing Huijsen, Kerkez, Zabarnyi and Kepa is a big problem and they were all instrumental in how they were so impressive last season. However, I don’t think they’ll get sucked into a relegation zone due to their manager but can see them slipping from 8th to 14th.
Lloyd: Palace, if Guehi/Eze go. Otherwise they’ll be fine. I think Villa will struggle relatively. That lack of CL football has killed them off given the huge wages/fees they paid to gamble on securing it.
Ahsan: Fulham
Ally: I’ve already dumped on Brentford who have lost one of the best managers in the league and too many of their best players. Wolves are also looking very threadbare and feel like they’ve been clinging by their fingernails for a while.
Ste: Newcastle. Not as dramatic a slump as experienced by United and Spurs but mid-table and out of the reckoning throughout.
Would Forest or the Hammers skirting with relegation be a surprise? If so, them too.
George: I’m not sure it can be classed as a huge surprise, but a team like Fulham really benefitted from a lot of typically better sides having poor campaigns in 24/25. I think the wheels could fall quickly off at Craven Cottage and they could be pulled into a relegation scrap.
Team that will overperform?
Howard: Always traditional to pick a promoted side, but there is not one that stands out – I think Sunderland and Leeds will be competitive, and tough nuts at home. But if we use last season’s league table alone, it has to be Spurs. Sadly, we are going to see a very different side under Frank, and a much better one, though losing Maddison for the season, Kulusevski for the first two months and Son for good is hardly ideal.
Chris: Tottenham. This is based simply on their 17th position last season. 17th!! They can only improve from there and the recruitment of Frank will give them an identity and playing style that is both pragmatic and progressive. The Champions League will be a challenge for them and I see an exit at the group stage followed by securing a comfortable top 10 finish in the PL.
Jordan: United (I’m assuming Manchester)
Bailey: We’ve seen last season green shoots at Everton, managed by David Moyes. Now they’ll have more quality to exploit teams in transition. Adam Aznou has the potential of a CL team left-back, both ways. Adding another ball carrier in Jack Grealish to join Ndiaye and drag them up the pitch, and keep hold of the ball better. Thierno Barry is a striker who’s gone under the radar among all the other forwards joining the league. Quick over short and long distances, great leap to be a threat in the air, and the strength to hold up the ball. He won’t stop looking for the ball and taking chances.
Adam: West Ham. I think people are forgetting how good Graham Potter can be and if he gets it right – they’ve got more than enough talent for a top half finish.
Joe: I really rate Thomas Frank, but the loss of Maddison could be problematic, unless a certain Brazilian comes in, so I’ll go with Spurs to finish 5th and thus, take this accolade.
Ben: Spurs – Compared to last season that is. I think we’ll see Spurs in the top 6. Frank is a top manager and good for him for getting a bigger job. Kudus is a smart signing but they’ll need to sign an attacker or two before the window closes. Palace is another shout too. Glasner impresses me every time I hear him speak and he has assembled a good side.
Tom: Everton – they’ve made some nice additions to the squad this summer in Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, Barry (not Gareth), Alcaraz and Aznou. I think Moyes has adapted to the current football landscape whilst maintaining his principles. I can see them going from 13th to a fight for the top 8.
Lloyd: Brighton. They’ve kept hold of most of their good players this time around. Huezeler impressed me a lot last season. He feels like a top coach in the making. They’ve done some great business too (e.g. De Cuyper).
Ahsan: Sunderland
Ally: I’ve spent years tipping Everton to crash out, they’ve somehow survived the marathon crawl to their new stadium, I like their signings. I want Jack to be happy. It’s just possible Moyes will bring them back to his traditional Evertonian berth somewhere around seventh (and park them there for another decade or so.)
Ste: As things stand, Crystal Palace could do a Bournemouth, though they are still short of two players. I expect those signings to be made though by the end of the month so let’s go with the Eagles.
United could break into the top 10 lolz
George: Palace are on the up having beaten us in the Fa Cup final and Liverpool in the Charity Shield. I expect that form to continue and for them to qualify for the Europa League next season by winning the Conference League and a top half finish.
Premier League Player of the Season?
Howard: Irrespective of how every player performs, it will be awarded to Wirtz. Might as well announce it now, and Fred done may as well pay out on bets.
Chris: Florian Wirtz. Sorry – but he is a quality player and will bring a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack. However, if it clicks for them at City, Cherki and Reijnders could be in with a shout. As could Gittens at Chelsea.
Jordan: Wirtz.
Bailey: Erling Haaland.
Adam: Cole Palmer – I think there’s too much talent in his boots and therefore he’ll produce the most “wow” moments, which is usually what does the trick.
Joe: I’ve got Arsenal as champions, and I think Rice will drive that, so I’m going with that.
Ben: Rodri. I expect him to start slowly but by October, he’ll be back to his best and will be the driving force of our team once again!
Tom: Cole Palmer – despite an underwhelming final months of last season, he was still Chelsea’s best player last season and had an incredible Club World Cup. In a Chelsea side that has strengthened, I only expect his influence to grow and think he can take the next step in his career.
Lloyd: I think Cole Palmer will cement his status as one of the very best in World football. I expect Saka will enhance his reputation as one of the PL’s best players too.
Ahsan: Wirtz.
Ste: If he takes to the Premier League then expect lots of gushing, nauseating prose about Florian Wirtz. That alone will put him in contention.
George: Erling Haaland will take back the mantle with a 30+ league goal campaign.
FA Cup Winners?
Howard: United will fluke it all the way to walking up those Wembley steps, despite stinking the place out for most of the games.
Chris: Chelsea. They will be on a roll at the critical part of the season (but City will still pip them to the post in the league).
Jordan: Arsenal
Bailey: Chelsea might not have the depth to handle a close title race, but they have the quality and confidence to get it done in knockout competitions.
Adam: Liverpool – Slot has too good a team to not win silverware this season.
Joe: Chelsea.
Ben: Liverpool – whilst they hopefully won’t be consistent enough for the league, I think they will have enough for a cup run.
Tom: Chelsea – I’d be surprised if they went trophyless next season and they’ve strengthened again (as they always do with a million signings).
Lloyd: Arsenal. I think Arteta will have to lean into winning a domestic trophy to keep the Gooners at bay.
Ahsan: Newcastle.
Ally: We can’t lose at Wembley yet again, can we? OK OK of course we can. City to be runners up to someone frankly ridiculous like Brighton.
Ste: We had an unlikely winner last time out so let’s go with a boring choice. Chelsea. Yawn.
George: Chelsea will continue to baffle and amaze in equal measure in this campaign, and either such a deep squad they’ll be able to rotate well through all the various competitions and will end the season with the FA Cup as their sole piece of silverware.
Champions League winner?
Howard: Another hunch – Liverpool will have an underwhelming league season, but then go and win the Champions League just to annoy us all.
Chris: PSG may possibly retain it. Madrid will, as always, be in with a shout but they no longer have Ancelotti’s luck at the helm and Alonso will need plenty of adjustment time.
Jordan: Real Madrid.
Bailey: Manchester City.
Adam: Atletico Madrid – insanely rogue shout but they should’ve got past Real Madrid last year, had they done I think they’d have provided the sternest test for Arsenal, PSG and Inter. With the additions of Raspadori and Baena they’ve now got two players there who can unlock games at the right moment in the midst of an abhorrent Simeone deep block.
Joe: Liverpool or PSG.
Ben: I was really impressed with PSG last season but this year, I think Madrid. Minor blip last season but annoyingly, they’ll be back.
Tom: Screw it, I’m going with City. I think we have strengthened everywhere we needed to (except RB) and if we add Rodrygo in the next couple of weeks. I’m all aboard the CL train. We’ve restored our midfield balance since January with additions like Reijnders, Nico G and Cherki combined with the returning Rodri, Foden, Bernardo, Kovacic and Lewis. I think we could go all the way. Real Madrid will improve though under Alonso and have added some much-needed additions to their back line with Huijsen, Carreras and Trent so expect their balance to be better too and to reach the semis at least.
Lloyd: Barca.
Ahsan: City.
Ally: I picked PSG two years ago and we won, then I picked us last year & PSG won, so I’ll say PSG again & pray my voodoo skills are undiminished. More earnestly, PSG were a country mile clear of the rest of the continent and I struggle to see either them falling away or anyone else catching up, so they’ll do the near-impossible and retain the trophy.
Ste: Not even their Club World Cup final has swayed me from the opinion that PSG are presently the best team in Europe.
George: I said that Liverpool will fall short in the league, despite being tipped as favourites, but I think they will end up with major silverware and one that Liverpool fans hold dearest, the Champions League.
First manager to be sacked?
Howard: Keith Andrews says hi. And then goodbye.
Chris: Graham Potter. The 3 promoted sides will all struggle but their clubs will give them until January before enforcing premature exits. But West Ham’s continuing identity crisis will accelerate Potter’s departure as he experiences a slow start to the season and is in the bottom half by November. And then gone.
Jordan: Scott Parker.
Bailey: Daniel Farke.
Adam: Daniel Farke, who will obviously then become Southampton manager.
Joe: Keith Andrews (or Nuno).
Ben: Scott Parker – I just don’t rate him at Premier League level. Silly haircut and dress sense too.
Tom: Daniel Farke – Leeds were toying with sacking him the day after they got promoted due to the struggles he’s had in the Premier League. I think if they start poorly, he’ll be gone pretty quickly as their finger is already on the trigger.
Lloyd: Parker. Amorim with an outside shout if United start badly (fingers crossed).
Ahsan: Moyes (or Howe).
Ally: I’m going to say Regis le Bris, mostly because I enjoy typing his name almost as much as I enjoy saying it.
Ste: Tricky, tricky, tricky. I’m going to take a punt on Graham Potter, early October.
George: Having tipped Fulham to struggle, it’s only right to back Marco Silva as the first manager to be sacked. He’s seemingly flirted with Saudi offers over the last few years and Fulham ownership could quickly pull the plug if they get off to a rocky start.
Signing of the summer so far.
Howard: Reijnders innit?
Away from City, sadly I think Zubimendi is just what Arsenal needed.
Chris: When you consider the price, £36M, Cherki could prove to be the best signing of the summer. It has been a very low-profile transfer for someone who is regarded as a player of enormous potential. If Gyokeres has the desired impact at Arsenal, he could prove to be a critical signing. But for now, I’m going with our French wunderkind.
Jordan: Wirtz
Bailey: I’ve got to go for Tijjani Reijnders, who I think will be the regular starter for Manchester City for most games as they go on to win the title. Although I can’t help but mention Bafode Diakite moving to Bournemouth, he won’t be a superstar, but he will help them maintain stability among so many departures.
Adam: Until proven otherwise I’m going for Cherki on the basis that I think he’ll be one of the best on the planet and we got him for peanuts.
Joe: Viktor Gyökeres – I think his goals will be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta.
Ben: Wirtz I think will be good and despite the fee, will live up to the hype but shout out for João Pedro too.
Tom: Florian Wirtz – the huge fee will add pressure but Liverpool have added the best young attacking midfielder available to an impressive squad.
Lloyd: Florian Wirtz, as much as it pains me to say. I think he could struggle a little in his first season, but he is an outstanding player. And I expect he’ll prove it at Liverpool very quickly.
Ahsan: Cherki.
Ally: Well *so far* it’s clearly Reijnders, I very much hope it still is come May.
Ste: Wirtz is sadly up there but Cherki and Cunha are potentially perfect buys for us and them. Wolves have done well to secure Jorgen Strand Larsen on a permanent basis – that lad is phenomenal – while Jhon Arias is a really interesting purchase.
George: Tijjani Reijnders is the perfect signing for City’s midfield and will quickly gain attention from the rest of the league with his dribbling, link-up play and box-crashing goals.
Worst signing of summer so far.
Howard: Donnarumma to City. I jest!
Broja for Burnley.
Chris: I hope that it will be Wirtz – but it is unlikely! It gives me no pleasure saying this, but it may be Walker at Burnley. He was getting found out at LB with a world class team in front of him last season (albeit an erratic one). A year older and with inferior team mates, he could have his arse handed to him on a weekly basis for his new club. And I see a flurry of red cards for him also.
Jordan: Elanga (decent player but far too much money involved)
Bailey: If we’re talking about the big moves, Matheus Cunha is the standout among a team of players that all want to be the shooter and score goals. But if Newcastle has Ramsdale as their starting keeper, they’re in for some tough CL nights.
Adam: Emile Sesko to Manchester United. There’s an optimal height for a big man and Benjamin Tesco exceeds that height. He’ll end up resembling Nikola Zigic more than Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Joe: Joao Pedro to Chelsea – I don’t see it.
Ben: I have to go a for a United player. Sesko. Another big fee for a United player who is relatively inexperienced. We’ve seen this playout before…
Tom: Madueke – not based on the quality of the player but the strategy around it. He isn’t going to play on the right because he isn’t better than Saka. Madueke has played just 12 times on the left wing in his career. I just don’t understand the move.
Lloyd: If it happens, I’m going to need some *serious* convincing on Donnarumma to City. It’s not the worst by any stretch though, obviously. Jordan Henderson to Brentford stands out.
Ahsan: Kerkez.
Ally: £80 million quid kid Benjamin Sesko has the happy smile of a lad who’s just come out of Lord Kitchener’s recruiting office in August 1914 and is now ready to throw himself into an ill-fated campaign which will all be over by Christmas.
Ste: Viktor Gyokeres. I’m tipping him to flop at the Emirates. He’s clinical as they come but with the touch of an elephant.
George: Florian Wirtz. Hear me out. In the long run, he’ll turn out to be a good signing, but I have a feeling that he is going to go through a pretty intense adjustment period and will have far from a fairytale start to life in England.
What you expecting will have changed with Pep for coming season?
Howard: If Donnarumma comes in, everything. It will have to.
With a new team next to him, I have no idea what Pep is cooking. But I want to see the return of effective pressing, and a mobile, energetic front line. Going to be relying heavily on the full-backs for width.
Chris: He will have to navigate 2 key challenges: 1. A fuller squad and keeping an increased number of players happy, and 2. a new coaching/assistants team to keep him on his toes. If he plays it right, he can utilise a remarkable depth in the squad, and be guided from his often stubborn principles by his team. I hope that these changes give us vintage Pep with a new outlook for the last 2 years of his time at City.
Jordan: Hopefully having his squad available to him and his reliance on the older players. Emphasis on ‘Hopefully’ for both of those things.
Bailey: I think we’ll see much more of a back two in the buildup, goalkeepers’ minutes spread more evenly, and Rayan Cherki used deeper in midfield than people expect.
Adam: Not too much to be honest – I simply think he’s now got the tools to deal with transitions and fixture congestion therefore we’ll ‘click’ again. I’m not expecting any revolutionary tactical overhauls.
Joe: I think we will see more consistency in our play, with a new look team emerging at the end of the season which the final touches will be applied to next summer to attempt winning everything in his final year.
Ben: I’m really hoping that we see him move away from some of his tried and trusted players (I’m not going to say the word) and slower more secure football that we saw last season and unleashes what could be a really exciting attack now that we have Rodri back to protect the defence.
Tom: Although not a complete overhaul in playing style, I think the squad is set-up for a quicker and less risk averse style – similar to 17/18 but with defensive stability. The additions of Ait-Nouri, Cherki and Reijnders will help massively with that. Hoping that the Uncs are shown the bench a lot more too.
Lloyd: I’m hoping we’ll play without the handbrake on this season. The new additions should mean Pep’s happier to revert back to more of a cavalier, attacking style focused on quick interchanges and risk-taking in the final 3rd. I have a feeling Cherki is going to cook and will quickly help fill some of KDB’s void.
Ahsan: More LONG BALLS.
Ally: I confidently predict that he’ll adopt a surprising winter season fashion choice sometime around November and stick with it until March. Beyond that? Pfffft. I’m writing this in the midst of the craziest transfer season I can remember since Maldini, no one knows WTF is going on and everything at the club feels a bit less intricately micromanaged than it’s ever been before for Pep. Maybe it’s the new assistants, maybe it’s Viana, but I expect a lot of the unexpected. The mad bastard will probably end up playing Marmoush at left back.
Ste: I think most of the positive changes will come from Pep Lijnders. Judging by our anticipated opening line-up not many lessons have been learned from the big chief but I expect to see less of the Uncs as the season progresses. We may need to endure a few losses first though to get to that point.
George: He’ll have more internal challenges from Pep number two and Kolo, which will reign in his neurotic nature and lead to much more calm and his favourite state, control.
Which City player will have a stand out season?
Howard: Phil is back.
But it’s Reijnders who will catch the eye.
Chris: Reijnders. He looks like he will slot into one of the most challenging positions in a City team (alongside Rodri’s DCM role) with relative ease. He can dictate play, find passes, and score goals. By December, his will be the first name on the team sheet.
Jordan: Reijnders
Bailey: Tijjani Reijnders. The replacement for Gundogan has been a long time coming, add to that his carrying ability, and the energy he brings on/off the pitch.
Adam: Khusanov – I think he’ll emerge as one of the best defenders in the league come May.
Joe: Tijjani Reijnders.
Ben: Reijnders – from what I’ve seen, he already looks a very clever player. I think he’ll very quickly go to be one of first names on the team sheet. We’ve lacked goals aside from Haaland in recent seasons and I think Reijnders will easily be hitting double figures to help with that. Foden I think will be back to his best too.
Tom: Reijnders – everything about him so far has been pure class. He’ll elevate our midfield no-end and will provide attacking contributions with his finishing and box-crashing ability. Brilliant performances in the CWC and two goals against Palermo in pre-season too.
Lloyd: Cherki. I’ve seen enough to know he’s pure quality. We’ve needed a pure creator for a while now, even prior to Kev’s departure. I’m hopeful Bobb finally has the breakout season we’ve all been waiting for too.
Ahsan: Cherki.
Ally: Tempting to choose a new face, but I believe this will be the season that Gvardiol enters the conversation about the best defender in the world.
Ste: : Ait Nouri, Cherki and Reijnders are all capable of making a serious impact. We all know though what a difference it makes to have Philip Walter Foden on top form. An improvement from him and we’re in business.
George: Erling Haaland will have a standout campaign, but he’s a player for whom these are almost expected at this point. Otherwise, it’s Tijjani Reijnders who will be in the spotlight and deliver for City this season, across all competitions.
Will we get the 115 decision? And what will said decision be if so?
Howard: At some point in the autumn, and it will be a victory of sorts for City, but not a complete one, and then nothing will happen as legal wranglings continue past the point we all die after Donald Trump accidentally sits on the nuclear button.
Chris: We will see the majority of the 115 charges overturned, with just a number held up that are indisputable such as non-collaboration with the league’s investigations. We will get a hefty fine, followed by a backtracking statement from the PL that hopes that the matter is now closed and they can work with City moving forward. If this is the outcome, the PL will be badly injured and their status diminished. If we lose, bring on York away.
Jordan: Yes, cleared on most serious charges but guilty on non-co-operation so a hefty fine.
Bailey: Yes, we will, only fined for non-cooperation.
Adam: I’ll say we won’t get it this season and the can will be kicked further down the road. I think it’s also starting to smell like the Premier League are saving face by buying time. City have been moving with full confidence. Whatever the outcome is – if it’s bad for City it gets appealed anyway so I’ll likely be in my 30’s before a punishment is dished out.
Joe: Yes, expect us to be ‘cleared’ of the most substantial charges around owner investment through sponsorship, but with further issues going back & forth through appeal processes.
Ben: Surely we have to! I’ll say the same as I did last season, we’ll get a fine for lack of cooperation but that’s all they’ll be able to pin on us.
Tom: Suspect we’ll get a decision by the international break in October. We’ll be cleared of almost all charges other than non-cooperation and have to pay a hefty fine.
Lloyd: I expect it will come in 2026. And I think we’ll be fined.
Ahsan: Cleared on all major charges by mid October.
Ally: Why are we here? That is the question? And we are blessed in this, that we happen to know the answer. Yes, in this immense confusion one thing alone is clear. We are waiting for Godot to come. We are not saints, but we have kept our appointment. I’m going. [He does not move]
Ste: It will definitely be concluded and I’ve long felt it will be a heavily watered-down compromise that will have social media seething and everyone else wondering what all the fuss was about. One big anti-climax for all concerned.
George: Yes, we will, in October. Happy Halloween.
Give me your left-field crazy prediction for the season.
Howard: United will ease past Grimsby in the Carabao Cup 2nd round tie.
But even more crazily, City will be the top scorers from set pieces.
Chris: Pep Lijnders will be announced as Pep’s successor as the end of the season to take effect in the 2027/28 season. Pep’s last season at City (2026/27) will be a successful transition to his namesake to ensure that the culture that he has embedded over the last decade will remain in the club’s DNA. And the staff at CFA will be happy that they’ll never forget the new manager’s name!
Bailey: Thomas Frank manages to find the balance of being pragmatic in the right games and has the quality to beat teams when they’re having more possession. Along with the gap opening up to the top four, I could see Spurs finishing 5th.
Adam: Marcus Rashford re-establishes himself as a top tier player and outlasts Amorim, returning to United the following season as a starter.
Joe: I think Leeds & Sunderland could have quite good seasons & stay up comfortably.
Ben: Palace will win the Conference League. Villa will win UEFA cup. United will win fuck all.
Tom: Arteta is sacked at the end of the season after going trophyless for *checks notes* six consecutive seasons and spending almost £900m. If they finished fourth, for example, I can definitely see this happening.
Lloyd: I think Jarrod Bowen could have an all-timer season and propel West Ham up the table somewhat. I think Frank should turn Spurs around too, if he can sign the attackers he needs in these final couple of weeks. He’s a criminally underrated coach. I could see them coming 5/6th.
Ahsan: City to run away with the league.
Ally: When the referees do that on-pitch announcement thing for VAR decisions, one of them will develop a nervous tic and his voice will come out sounding like Joe Pasquale.