Don't miss the big Liverpool FC stories by getting our newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Arsenal

Andy Ha

How will you fare this season?

There is a quiet sense of optimism for the first time in years after the arrival of Unai Emery. From what we've seen already, the Spaniard has added fresh impetus and an intensity behind the scenes which was lacking towards the end of Arsene Wenger's tenure. By all accounts, the players have embraced change and are enjoying the new manager's methods.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

On the transfer front, the signings have generally been sensible - the addition of Lucas Torreira looks like a smart piece of business, while Matteo Guendouzi has not looked out of place against quality opposition in pre-season.

With a bit of luck, Arsenal can get back into the top four and have a good run in the Europa League.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. If he stays fit, it isnt churlish to suggest that he could easily score over 30 goals in all competitions.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

Like most neutrals, it is hard to be anything but impressed with the signings of Alisson, Fabinho and Naby Keita. Jurgen Klopp's side now boast star quality through the spine of their team and if a certain Mohamed Salah can repeat his heroics from last season, Manchester City will be nervously looking over their shoulders. I'll go Liverpool to finish a close second.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

Sadio Mane. Such an excellent player, and goes about his business with the minimum of fuss.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

None, until they score against Arsenal.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Fulham and West Ham have added quality in numbers, but Liverpool have had the stand out window with those marquee signings. Almost every weakness in the squad has been addressed, and on paper the Reds will surely be a real threat to Manchester City.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

Manchester City will still be too strong. The manner in which they brushed aside Chelsea in the Community Shield - without the likes of Silva, De Bruyne and Sterling - is ominous for the rest of the chasing pack.

I'll go for Newcastle, Huddersfield and Cardiff to go down.

Bournemouth

(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Simon Reed - Retro Revisted Vlog

How will you fare this season?

We're currently set for a season of possible struggle. It's clear manager Eddie Howe still doesn't know whether to really give the 3-5-2 formation that bought us some big results last season (such as a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge) or to stick with his tried and trusted 4-4-1-1. A formation that is clearly never going to work for us long-term as it makes us too predictable and doesn't fit the players we have. Ultimately expect us to still concede a lot of goals but just stay up due to our attacking principles. But it'll be close.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

We're dependent on players in every position - with Nathan Aké at the back and young talent Lewis Cook in midfield - but I think this is a big season for Josh King. If played in his proper position (as the main man up front, rather than a number ten) he can cause havoc and potentially fire us to a mid-table finish.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

I think they're the team that can push Manchester City the closest in terms of a title challenge. I think they'll fall a bit short though and end up second.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

They're a team packed with attacking talents, but Robert Firmino is a much underrated part of their main attacking trio in my view. Creative, hardworking, and a dazzling a pair of teeth to round it off. Almost too dazzling truth be told.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Daniel Sturridge definitely consider himself better than he is, and needs to move away from Liverpool to play regularly if he's ever to fulfil his obvious talent. He's running out of time to do so.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

I think Fulham have bought in some very impressive players that will fit well into their style of play - on their day they could be a match for most sides. Liverpool however have filled in almost every gap in their squad during this transfer window and now look even scarier than they did last season.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

Manchester City still have too many attacking riches for anyone in the Premier League to compete with, but I don't think they'll run away with the title this season. I think the teams that might drop will be Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, and Brighton - they all won't score enough to survive.

Brighton and Hove Albion

Jim Frank

How will you fare this season?

On paper, the Premier League looks tougher than last season. But after defying the pundits last year who all said we’d go down, the club have shrewdly strengthened the squad over the summer. Survival remains what it’s all about again and most Albion fans are quietly optimistic that will be achieved. There are no big stars at Brighton and a key ingredient to the team’s success has been the way Hughton has nurtured a real team ethos. Goals were at a premium last season so one of the new strikers, Florin Andone, or Jurgen Locadi, (hopefully both) must find their feet quickly and chip in with goals to help Glenn Murray. If that happens we’ll be fine.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

Much will be expected of record signing Ali Jahanbaksh and watch out for another new signing Yves Bissouma, who’ll likely be eased in by Hughton. He has a hell of a shot on him.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

Liverpool could win the league and surely have to win something this time.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Not very original but who, apart perhaps from Evertonians or Man United fans, can’t enjoy watching Mo Salah. What a player.

And which, if any, Liverpool do you dislike, and why?

N/A

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Liverpool have spent a lot and now look very strong all over the pitch. Fulham look like they’ve done good business.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

Man City to pip Liverpool to the title. Going down – Cardiff, Newcastle and Huddersfield.

Burnley

(Image: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

Jonathan Pile

How will you fare this season?

Less well than last year. Even if we didn’t have Europe to consider (and, we still may not given the qualifying rounds we have to negotiate) and a squad light on numbers, last year’s seventh placed finish was a remarkable achievement beyond most fans’ expectations at the start of the season. I’d happily sacrifice a few places in the league table for a decent cup run. Especially if it’s in Europe.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

One of the great things about this Burnley team, is that everyone is as important as each other. We lost Tom Heaton last season just after he’d broken into the England squad. In came Nick Pope, who surpassed all expectations. It was the same with Michael Keane — our best defender the year before, who was replaced by James Tarkowski and not missed. Sean Dyche, with his focus on the group over the individual, is the key to that.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

At the risk of looking stupid when Manchester City break the Premier League points record, I’m actually going to going to back Liverpool for the league. They’ve strengthened well and have every chance of pushing Guardiola’s men all the way. Assuming Burnley aren’t going to do a Leicester City, I hope Liverpool do it.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

So many of them. And not secretly. The obvious truth is Liverpool exist on a different level to Burnley and we couldn’t hope to attract players of that calibre. Beyond the obvious talents of Salah and Firmino, I really admire the way Trent Alexander-Arnold came in and acquitted himself last season.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

I don’t particularly dislike anyone — it’s not as though they’ve got a John Terry in their ranks — but I’m baffled by the continued presence of Alberto Moreno. Even on the bench.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Liverpool, probably. Klopp’s identified his squad’s weaknesses and bought to players to counteract that.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

I’ve already said Liverpool for the league. Cardiff, Fulham and Watford to be relegated. Although if Newcastle lost Benitez, I’d immediately choose them instead.

Cardiff

Daniel Lewis

How will you fare this season?

I've yet to see a pre-season prediction piece that doesn't have Cardiff finishing bottom of the table. That's a fair assessment, on the face of it, as many felt that we were fortunate to scrape our way into the Premier League and the recruitment since then has not exactly been eye-catching.

But in truth, Neil Warnock has stuck to what he knows best by bringing in hungry players from the second tier – a tactic that has worked for teams in the past. A focus on team spirit cannot be played down when it comes to Warnock sides, explaining how he got a side battling for relegation upon taking over in October 2016 into the top flight 19 months later, with the aid of cast-offs and free agents.

Contrary to the myth, Cardiff deserve their place in the Prem after accumulating a tidy amount of points last season. Finishing bottom of the table is indeed likely, but Warnock will relish the chance to prove his doubters wrong – much like he did last season in emphatic style.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

He is not necessarily Cardiff's best player, but Joe Ralls is arguably the most important man in Warnock's squad as things are shaping up. The outlook may change between now and the transfer window officially closing, though it is looking likely that Cardiff will go into their second ever Premier League campaign with a weaker midfield than last term. Craig Bryson and Marko Grujic have returned to their parent clubs, with the latter is seemingly playing hard to get this summer, so even more will be asked of central midfielder Ralls over the next 10 months.

In terms of talent, Junior Hoilett, Sol Bamba and Sean Morrison were three of the standout players last season, along with the consistent Ralls, while many expect Danish striker Kenneth Zohore to thrive in the top flight.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

I've been very impressed by Liverpool's transfer business this summer and expect them to push Manchester City all the way in the title race. It's hard not to love Jurgen Klopp, who has recruited some very talented players in troublesome areas since the turn of the year.

Some suggest that the 25-point gap on Man City is too much to make up, but maintaining the level of excellence witnessed last season for another campaign cannot be expected from the Citizens. If I'm a Liverpool fan, I'm thinking that *this* could be our year.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

Is it too easy to say Marko Grujic? How about Ben Woodburn?

In the case of the former, he played his part in a memorable season for Cardiff last season by helping to get them over the line, even if he was surprisingly overlooked by Warnock for the big end-of-season clashes. Woodburn, meanwhile, is destined to be a star if his early showings in a Wales – and indeed Liverpool – shirt are anything to go by. I'd love nothing more than to see him thrive in the Championship this season and then potentially force his way into Liverpool contention a year from now.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

Is El Hadji Diouf still at Anfield in some capacity?

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Aside from Liverpool, and it pains me to say this, I'd have to go with fellow promoted club Fulham. How on earth did they manage to tempt Jean Michael Serri into signing? Arsenal have also had a quietly efficient summer under Unai Emery, essentially plugging gaps that needed filling all for the price of one player in today's market.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

The obvious answer to the first half of the question is Man City. Retaining the title is proving far easier than winning it for teams in the modern era, though, and I do fancy Liverpool to at the very least take it to the wire. If it sounds like I'm sitting on the fence, that's probably because I am.

I don't expect Cardiff to be as bad as many are suggesting, and Warnock deserves plenty of credit for even guiding us up, but even the most ardent of Bluebirds can acknowledge that staying up will be extremely tough, not helped by Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers' summer spending.

I'll go with Cardiff, Huddersfield and Bournemouth.

Chelsea

(Image: TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Nikki Davidson

How will you fare this season?

I think Chelsea will finish in the top four, but I don’t think we’ll win anything. It will be a task for Sarri to work with the players he has to strengthen the squad and impose his brand of football, plus Europa League matches will mean a heavier fixture load and exhausting travel.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

Once again, N’Golo Kante will be vital to anything we do, as will Eden Hazard.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

Liverpool look very strong, particularly with the new signings they’ve made. They should have no trouble finishing in the top three or four, and potentially push for the title. There is a lot for them to build on following last season, and having added depth and ability to the squad, they pose an even greater threat.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

I quite like Alisson, and think he would be a promising addition to any club.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Fulham. The squad that got them promoted was already very strong, and they’ve only added to it with some quality signings that will ensure their stay in the top flight, and possibly set them on course for a top half of the table finish.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

At the moment, Manchester City look too strong to consider anyone else. It’s certainly difficult to retain the title, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did. Huddersfield really struggled to stay up last season, and though they have brought in a few decent players during this window, they may also have to contend with second season syndrome.

Crystal Palace

Robert Warlow

How will you fare this season?

I think Crystal Palace are well placed to have a good season. They have had a solid summer transfer window, given that Roy Hodgson said they were working with a limited budget.

They have competition for places now in key areas, and will be looking to build on a positive end to last season.

And with Roy Hodgson signing a contract extension on the eve of the new season, there is optimism among supporters.

Provided the key men stay fit, Palace have the players to challenge for a top half finish, and I would expect them to be comfortably clear of relegation trouble.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

(Image: Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Wilfried Zaha is, and will continue to be, pivotal to Palace's hopes.

They failed to win a point without him last season when he was not in the team, and the influence he has on the team is clear for all to see.

There are other important players too, such as Luka Milivojevic, Mamadou Sakho, Andros Townsend and Christian Benteke, but Zaha is the most important.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

I expect Liverpool to be the closest challengers to Manchester City. They have invested well this summer and look to be in a good position going into the new season.

This could be the year that Liverpool win their first trophy with Klopp. I know the fans crave the Premier League title, but it is a tall order to beat City over 38 games, and it might be another success in a cup.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

With Liverpool, there are several.

Obviously, Mo Salah had a superb season last year, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in his second season.

But while he took most of the plaudits last season, the likes of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane perhaps went under the radar, but both are very good players who are maybe underrated by some.

And which, if any, Liverpool/Everton player do you dislike, and why?

I know that some Palace fans are not particularly fond of Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic, after a couple of poor challenges during matches with the Eagles in recent seasons. The first was at Anfield in April 2017 on James Tomkins and the second was on Wilfried Zaha in the Premier League Asia Trophy game in Hong Kong later that summer.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Liverpool and Everton would both be up there in the list of Premier League clubs for the business they have done.

Fulham and Wolves have impressed with their summer business too, although it will depend on how the new additions fare in the Premier League.

For who they have added in key positions and how they could help them to progress, I would probably say Liverpool.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

I cannot see past Manchester City winning it again, although as I mentioned earlier, I do expect Liverpool to run them close this year.

As for who will be relegated, I think it will be difficult for Cardiff City to stay up. I also think Huddersfield Town could struggle this season, but the third team is harder to call.

I think Fulham and Wolves will both do well this season, and it could be a surprise for who else goes down, maybe Watford.

Everton

(Image: Cameron/Getty Images)

Gareth Halsall

How will you fare this season?

At least it looks like we will be trying to play football, which is better than last season. The team has a bit more pace and direct play about it as well which I am a fan of. I am quietly optimistic that we will comfortably be top 7 this year. We need a trophy by any means possible, we are approaching our biggest ever trophy drought which would be great to put to behind us.

A fast start could see us on the front foot and be looking a completely different prospect come January.



Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

We need to score more goals this season so I will say Cenk Tosun, the whole front line is important and I think Richarlison may even end up playing up front as he matures, I really rate him as a player, when we first got Lukaku he was missing chances like Richarlison was last year at Watford, he could develop a lot over the next two years into a complete forward in my opinion.

If Tosun puts 20 away this season it will take the pressure off the young players around him and hopefully allow them to develop, that includes Sandro who I think has shown enough in pre-season to be given a go.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

They will be closer to winning that first Premier League title than they were last year, but I can't see them making it. They have been slowly upgrading the team since Klopp arrived and I think the only reason they will fall just short again is the that the squad lacks the depth of City or United. I would expect Klopp to deliver a trophy this year, I hope he does in a way because he is improving the English game with his mentality. But hand on heart I don't think it will happen for them.

Like last year they stand a better chance in Europe.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Van Dijk, I saw him play for Liverpool at Goodison last season and he was so assured. He didn't have his best game either that day but you could see that it would not affect him. He shanked one 40 yard pass straight into the Bullens road, he apologised and a few minutes later dropped one on someone's toes from 50 yards. His confidence and ability stood out so much and he has every attribute a world-class centre half requires. Trent Alexander-Arnold is a close second he looks such a prospect.



And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

I don't have much time for Shaqiri as a player. He may find a niche at Liverpool as an impact sub but I was really happy Everton didn't want him. He has never impressed me over 90 minutes, he strikes me as a player that takes more goals away from a team with his mentality than he gives.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Fulham and wolves have done very good business for promoted teams, they have both bought shrewdly and could stay up because of it, that would constitute a huge success. Liverpool's window has been promising, especially buying a top goalkeeper, it will just push them closer to City not past them.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?



I am saying Man City again for the title, the points difference they had last season was huge and I think they will be a stronger unit this season than last. Cardiff will struggle, Huddersfield and Watford would be my other picks, I see lesser teams in the league but certain managers will keep clubs up. Huddersfield looked very poor in the second half of last season and Watford has been playing merry go round with managers for so long now it could be the year it catches up with them.

Fulham

Matt Domm (Fulham Focus)

How will you fare this season?

As a newly promoted club, 17th or above has to go down as a success. However, with the transfer window we've had a sneaky mid-table or even top-half finish wouldn't be the biggest surprise. The key will be how well some of the stars of the Championship playoff-winning season can step up - such as Ryan Sessegnon, Kevin McDonald and Tim Ream. Slavisa Jokanovic plays a high-risk, high-reward brand of football, so we might be on the wrong side of a few hammerings, but I can certainly see us turning over one or two big names as well.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

Now that he's back home where he's wanted to be since arriving on loan in January: Aleksandar Mitrovic. He was the missing link in our system last season and everything clicked into place when he was there leading the line. The Serbian has a point to prove in the Premier League and to those who think he doesn't have the right attitude - and with a fellow countryman as his boss, who will put his arm around him when necessary, this season could be huge for Mitro.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

To me they look the strongest team, Manchester City aside. They have done some early business in areas in need of strengthening, even if some of the fees look a bit excessive. Key was getting a goalkeeper good enough for a title-challenging team and I think Alisson might finally be that. To me, they look a defender or two short of being able to push City for the title, but should be the best of the rest because the attack and midfield look very strong.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Joe Gomez, for me, will be a star in England and Liverpool's defence in the years to come. He's got everything a modern centre-back needs - vision, ability with the ball and strength.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

Adam Lallana. I just don't see what a lot of other people see in him as a player.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

I think this could well be us as things stand. Shahid Khan's forced restraint in the Championship has given way to real spending ambition to keep us in the top flight - and more. Jean-Michael Seri, last year linked with Barcelona, was a real eye-opening deal and was then followed by Andre Schurrle - two big statements of intent that Fulham don't plan to just make up the numbers. Aside from us, I think West Ham have done some strong business too.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

Manchester City to win.

To go down: Cardiff, Huddersfield, Bournemouth.

Huddersfield Town

(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

James Chisem - Huddersfield Town Supporters Association

How will you fare this season?

I think we’ll survive by the skin of our teeth. Granted, the Premier League is only going to be more competitive this season, what with the addition of free-spending teams such as Wolves and Fulham. But we’ve strengthened in the right places and David Wagner has a habit of working miracles.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

Aaron Mooy. He’s our human metronome in the middle of the park, dictating the tempo of the game and acting as the main link between defence and attack.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

The likes of Keita, Alisson, Fabinho, and Shaqiri have given Liverpool a strength in depth that they didn’t have last season. I reckon they’ll pip Man Utd to 2nd and have a decent cup run.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Loris Karius. We all make mistakes and he’s handled the fallout from his with dignity, especially for such a young man.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

James Milner is a fantastic footballer and a consummate professional, but he’s a Leeds fan, so he’s off into Room 101, I’m afraid.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Probably West Ham. Fabianski is an upgrade on Joe Hart, and a relatively cheap one at that, while Wilshere, Anderson, Diop, and Yarmolenko are all solid acquisitions.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

I can’t look past Man City for the title. And I’m not bothered who gets relegated, so long as it’s not us! But if you insist, I’ll plump for Cardiff, Fulham, and Southampton.

Leicester City

Emma Cambers

How will you fare this season?

After finishing ninth last season, it would be great to better that and push for Europe. Obviously, we’ve lost a key playmaker in Riyad Mahrez but I think most Leicester fans agree that the mood around the club has improved since his departure and we’re looking forward to an exciting season with a side full of pace and creativity.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

Harry Maguire had a great World Cup and there’s a lot of buzz around him at the moment, but I’m hopeful that we will be able to hold onto him for another season. I think Kelechi Iheanacho and Demarai Gray both have points to prove and big seasons ahead of them.

How do you think Liverpool with get on?

This could be a great season for Liverpool. Klopp’s put a lot of eggs in one basket by shelling out £65m for Alisson but if he proves as good as his price tag suggests, it will be a big improvement on Karius or Mignolet. The defence is still a big shaky (I’m not convinced by Lovren’s claims that he is one of the best defenders in the world) but you can’t rule anything out with Salah, Mane and Firmino up front.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

Salah is an incredible talent but I admire Firmino for his work rate and intensity. He really upped his game last season, adding goals to assists, and has a great partnership with Salah that is a pleasure to watch.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Xherdan Shaqiri will need to do something special to convince me that he’s a good signing for Liverpool. I don’t feel his style of play or attitude are particularly suited to Liverpool so it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Liverpool have, without a doubt, had the best transfer window. Naby Keita and Fabinho add quality to the midfield and Alisson should put a stop to the goalkeeping errors that have cost Liverpool so dearly in recent years.

Who will win the Premier League?

Man City are such a strong team and could dominate the league for years to come, but if Leicester can’t repeat their title-winning heroics of 2015-16 (never say never!) I’d like to see Liverpool do it.

And who will be relegated?

I think Huddersfield and Southampton will struggle this season, and Cardiff don’t seem to have a real goal scorer in their ranks so it may be straight back to the Championship for them.

Man City

Richard Burns - The Blue Moon Podcast

How will you fare this season?

After breaking every record worth having last season, we have to expect that by any metric, City will not fare as well this time round. However, I expect overall the team to improve and further embed Guardiola's style. This is the best chance we've had to defend a Premier League title and I would back us to do just that. I'm hopeful of improvement in the Champions League too - I think we'll reach at least the semi-final.



Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

Leroy Sané. His two years at City have seen constant improvement. He is electric to watch and he's getting better and better at taking difficult games by the scruff of the neck. After Germany left him out of their World Cup squad, I expect his motivation to be even higher than usual - he will be fantastic this season.



How do you think Liverpool will get on?

(Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

I think Liverpool are in for a real title challenge this time round. They've bought well over the summer and improved what was already a very good squad. I think their main concern will be consistency and whether the intensity of Klopp's style lends itself to a 38 game league campaign. If they can cut out a few of the stupid losses to lower teams, they'll have a good year.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

James Milner. He's made some comments since he left for Anfield that haven't endeared himself to our supporters and he gets a bit of stick when he comes up against us, but Milner was fantastic for City. They worked hard to keep him but he could see his chances would be limited and made the right decision for himself. He's an exceptional professional and his versatility takes attention away from his talent which is frustrating, because he's got it by the bucketload.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

Roberto Firmino - I'll be honest, I'm really stretching the point here. The World Cup brought about some terrible partisan opinions between Liverpool and City fans about merits of Fermino and Gabriel Jesus. By backing our Brazilian, I'll have to discredit Fermino. It's not even his fault.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Liverpool. They've addressed the positions they needed to; Clearly the goalkeeper position was a huge problem and they've splashed out huge money on a replacement. We saw ourselves last season what a difference a fantastic goalkeeper can make. Jürgen Klopp will be banking on something similar.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

Winners

Manchester City

Relegated

Cardiff City

Bournemouth

And for a left-field shout - Burnley. I think with very few additions and a Europa League campaign, they'll struggle this time out.

Man United

(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))

Stephen Armstrong

How will you fare this season?

No idea. Last season ended dismally and the sense of emptiness after the cup final was awful. Add into that a bizarre pre season both on and off the pitch and the case for suggesting that United are in a bit of a mess isn’t hard to make. Then there’s the other side of that. The side that says we’ve still got one of the two managers in the league who are obsessive winners. The side that says you shouldn’t read too much into pre season anyway. The side that says that’s a squad he improved by 12 points and 4 places last season. The side that says he’s added a good midfielder and a much needed right back and then you end up with a case that can be made to suggest that United aren’t in bad shape.

What is clear is this. Manchester United are here to win trophies. Last season ended in failure because they didn’t win one. End of. A second season without one won’t be tolerated. Last season the football from Christmas onwards was poor. Another season of that won’t be tolerated. Last season the manager spent the bulk of it looking like he’s just found a winning lottery ticket in pieces in the back of his newly washed jeans and we can’t be doing with another season of his grid looking like that. Play well. Cheer up. Win a trophy. We’ll be fine with that.



Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Pogba. He’s a sensational player and he’s coming on the back of a great World Cup. That continuing is critical. He also needs to be captain. Our current captain doesn’t even speak English so I’m not quite sure how that works. Make Pogba captain, tell him he can basically do whatever he likes on the pitch and focus on making the other 10 do their job as defined and we’ll then have something close to what we had when Ronaldo was embarrassing the league and showing it up for what it is.

You also want Lukaku, himself a bit of a leader to continue what was a great start to his United career and that should then help those who just need to kick on a bit like Rashford to do exactly that.

That said, I’m going to point at someone in the backroom as the person who can make the most impact. One of our most influential and decorated players is now a coach. Someone who I think has been one of the most likable and dedicated professionals there has been in the last decade. Michael Carrick is a future United manager and I am made up he is now on the coaching team. He can not only inspire the players, he can help the manager to do what he needs to do with a lot more faith in what is behind him.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

Klopp took ages to plug the centre half gap. He took even longer on the keeper and paid the ultimate price for not doing so. He deserved far more flack for that than he got. That said, it is without doubt the strongest Liverpool team for a fair while now he’s finally sorted that and they are rightly favourites to get closest to the team who will win it. Given that last season Liverpool went backwards by a point, didn’t budge in terms of league placing and yet again left the season with absolutely nothing they are going to now have a greater weight of expectation on them. That is of course if the fanbase has the mentality of the Liverpool Fans from my generation. Tolerating a place and not demanding silverware is part of the problem and accepting failure, however glorious doesn’t create winners. I remember a flag from years ago at Anfield. It said ‘We achieve your dreams’. Been a while since that was true.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

I don’t tend to have a great deal of admiration for many modern players and I’m including United’s in that. Martin Buchan was why I became a United fan. Hard as nails and proper cool. I then had warrior players like Robson and Whiteside to idolise because they used to put the fear into Liverpool. I still cling to players who are good at what they do, have an association and an empathy with fans and who are absolutely willing to put their bodies on the line for United. I can put rivalry aside and still admire players from other clubs who are cut from the same cloth. Unless it’s City obviously. So who does that leave me at Liverpool. Probably no one. Doesn’t mean I don’t think they’re good but I don’t have a stand out I would admire, like Souness and Gerrard who ticked all those boxes. If you have someone who gets booked 12 times a season, gets straight red cards for horrible tackles then I’ll pick them.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

James Milner played for our two biggest rivals (in my head) and he then went and joined our 3 biggest. Robbie Fowler did the three and then went back for another dose at Anfield so along with him Milner is right up the list for those perfectly acceptable reasons.



Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Transfers should do three things. Improve a position, lift the rest of the squad and inspire them to raise their own bar and excite the supporters. I think it is very fair to say that Liverpool have done that better than anyone else in the division. That could change between now and the end of the window if as the media say United sign Bale, Neymar, Willian and that Maguire fella who played Ok against Panama. Odds are that come the start of the season Liverpool will be the ones looking at their work with the most satisfaction.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

Manchester City will win the League for the six time in 138 years and draw level with Phil Neville. Back to back titles for a club who once had 3007 people at a home game, have fans who wear inflatable shark heads and take 5 foot bananas to games and have Niall Quinn in their Hall of Fame. It’s wasted on them it really is.

As for who goes down probably Cardiff. Be good to see Burnley & Huddersfield go as well as they’re too near for a decent away day. I can’t be doing with Mark Hughes so Southampton but then that’s a brilliant trip so that probably means 4bottom and him getting sacked will do. I’ll go Cardiff, Watford and Huddersfield.

Newcastle United

(Image: Getty Images)

Michael Martin (True Faith)

How will you fare this season?

God knows. If Rafa sticks around probably 12th. If not relegated in spectacular style.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

Jamaal Lascelles. Leader.

How do you think Liverpool get on?

I think it's between Man City and Liverpool to win the league. I fancy Liverpool they have momentum from last season and have strengthened well. Hope they do win it.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

Mohamed Salah. Outstanding.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Liverpool.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

Man City or Liverpool. Liverpool. it's overdue.

Relegated? Anyone from 9th down last season and the promoted clubs with the exception of Wolves who will do well I think. Huddersfield might go down.

Tottenham Hotspur

(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Joe Fish

How will you fare this season?

It will be a fight for the top four again but nothing bigger. The lack of movement, in or out, in the transfer window is a concern and I don’t think we’re in a position to kick on and challenge Manchester City. But we should still compete with the rest of the big boys.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

Christian Eriksen really stepped up last year and will need to again this season. Harry Kane and a few others are coming back off a long summer and might take some time to get going so there is pressure on the Dane to deliver right away. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him used in a deeper role considering our failure to, so far, bring in a top-class central midfielder.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

As it stands they are the only team who look capable of keeping up with Man City. I don’t think they will win the title but I would be optimistic of finishing second and going deep in the Champions League again.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

I’ve liked Mohamed Salah since his Basel days (honestly!) I love players who run at defenders and Salah has always done that - not to mention his goal haul last year was unbelievable.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

If you are the best, you don’t need to say it yourself, others will say it for you. Dejan Lovren could learn that.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Liverpool have addressed key areas by spending big on real quality, something I admit I would love to see happen at Spurs. Pound-for-pound though I reckon Fulham have done the best business.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

I can’t see anybody dethroning Man City. Cardiff and Huddersfield will struggle and Watford could get sucked in too.

Watford

(Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Steve Baldwin

How will you fare this season?

I literally do not know, last year's away form was diabolical and worryingly we faded badly after Christmas again. There seems to be a mental issue after the festive period as this has been a consistent theme for the last three years.

My heart says a top-10 finish is possible whereas my head says relegation battle - 16th is more probable.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

I think Abdoulaye Doucoure will critical again this season, signing a new contract is a real boost to the club and fans, a box-to-box midfielder who is so important to us.

I feel he will have to replicate his form from last year especially on the goal front, our forward line looks a little light and therefore we will be relying on the midfield for goals too.

How do you think Liverpool will fare?

Liverpool I think will have an excellent season , they seem to have invested really well and going forward they have so much pace which is really important in the Premier League, my only concern for them is they do find a way of losing some important games, I cannot see them closing the points gap on Manchester City this season but would expect them to run City close.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: Gavin Trafford)

No sure I secretly admire any to be truthful, however what I would say is fair play to Jordan Henderson. I was very critical of him pre-World Cup, but he certainly changed my mind on him, I thought he was terrific and when we was not playing we did miss him.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

Cannot say I dislike any player, I am really only bothered at moaning at my own team!

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

I love what Fulham and Wolves have been doing, really excited to see how they go.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

Manchester City to win the Premier League, the gap is just too big

Sorry to these fans do not want to upset you

Cardiff

Huddersfield

Brighton.

West Ham

West Ham

(Image: Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Joe Fisher

How will you fare this season?

With Manuel Pellegrini in charge and all the investment in players, I believe that we can achieve a top-10 finish, be easily safe from relegated and maybe even a cup run but I may be a bit too optimistic.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

It has to be Marko Arnautovic, was probably the only reason we managed to stay up last season and now with a more attacking manager in Pellegrini, can only see him improving on his 11 goals last season

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

I still Man City are too good and will win the league again but Liverpool have signed the players they’ve desperately need so I can see Liverpool finishing second

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah, simply the best player in the Premier League last season. It will be interesting if he can re-create that form but he’s certainly a special player.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

Dejan Lovren, incredibly average centre-back who thinks he’s one of the best defenders in the world because of better teammates around him.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window?

Maybe a bit biased but West Ham. It’s been great, we finally have a manager the board trust to spend the large transfer amount on the likes of Anderson, Yarmoleko and Diop and potentially play the football that we have been craving.

Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated

Man City will win the league again, I don’t see any weaknesses in their team and have only improved it in my opinion

20th Cardiff - I think Cardiff will finish last, compared to Wolves and Fulham they haven’t spent much and have got a manager that’s perfect in the championship but never been able to cut in the premier league

19th Huddersfield - I don’t want them too but I don’t feel like they have the quality to survive this season with the new teams (apart from Cardiff) spending big I feel like a return to the championship is inevitable this season.

18th Newcastle - This one is tough, but if Newcastle don’t back Rafa he could easily walk and without him and without any big new signings they will definitely struggle, but if Ashley does invest could see Southampton filling this spot.

Wolves

(Image: ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Alex Richards

How will you fare this season?

After some big spending and some smart signings, Wolves are going up hoping to achieve, not merely survive.

The billionaire owners, Fosun, aren’t interested in just making up the numbers and want the club, eventually, to be striving for the Champions League - that’s where the money is.

But they’re aware you need to take it step by step and build from a solid platform.

Given how the league is these days, Wolves could, realistically, finish anywhere from 8th downwards. I think they’ll be too good to be anywhere near trouble and somewhere from 10th to 14th come May.

Which player will be key to your hopes this season?

Ruben Neves. Easily the best player in the Championship last season, he dictates games from the centre of midfield. He’s not particularly quick, but mentally he’s always seemingly a half second ahead of everyone else, and at times he moves players around with his passing like pieces on a chess board.

The formation Wolves play allows him to thrive, sitting in front of the back three.

How do you think Liverpool will get on?

After the summer spending they have to be title contenders - but it’s one hell of a gap to make up.

I think they’ll run City close, but reckon Guardiola’s side will just take it.

Which, if any, Liverpool player do you secretly admire, and why?

(Image: Liverpool FC)

Roberto Firmino’s bloody brilliant. He was a good player at Hoffenheim for a club at their level, but his transformation at Anfield has been remarkable.

And which, if any, Liverpool player do you dislike, and why?

None to be fair.

Who has enjoyed the best transfer window? Who will win the Premier League? And who will be relegated?

Fulham have had an excellent window for a promoted side and Liverpool too have done very smart business, spending big on top-class first team players.

Manchester City will still be Premier League winners however.

As for relegation, there are 10 teams who are all potential candidates.

Cardiff look the weakest side for me by a decent margin and will come bottom. With them, I’m unsure Huddersfield have what’s needed to stay up against the odds again.

As for the third side, perhaps Watford; they’ve stayed up in each of the last two years based on excellent starts - maybe this time it doesn’t work out.