Manchester United

Key Players: So many of the new signings are their key players. Ronaldo of course will be the focal point of everything Manchester United related for the next year, and so expectation will fall on his shoulders, however those around him then become as crucial as ever. The likes of Bruno, Rashford, Greenwood and of course Sancho must all be providing and creating chances for not only themselves but the main man up front. Additionally, Maguire and Varane must create a partnership, as defensive frailty has overhung Manchester United for several years now, but the experience of these two should solidify things at the back.

Transfers: What hasn’t been said about Manchester United’s transfer window. Varane who has won everything everywhere, Jadon Sancho who is one of England’s most exciting prospects and Cristiano Ronaldo. That’s all I have to say, A+ window for the Red Devils.

Opening Fixture: We’ve already covered this one in the previous post, however United host rivals Leeds on opening weekend, and will look for a repeat of the last result at Old Trafford where they ran out 6-2 victors. It will not be as easy as that this time round, but I expect a fairly comfortable victory for the Reds on opening day, and getting a potential push for the title off to a great start.

Predictions: Manchester United on the final day of the window jumped to become one of the favourites for the league, and I can see them pushing harder than they have for some time, however Chelsea’s squad gelling gives them the edge, while City just win games, meaning United may have to settle for 3rd this season, as I have some doubts over all the new boys clicking instantly, while I think Ole is massively overshadowed by opposition coaches at the top.

Newcastle United

Key Players: Saint-Maximin has to become consistent to bring the squad from below-average to something worth shouting about. The likes of Joelinton, Wilson and now Willock must get firing and hit a run of form to give optimism in a tough season, however behind those players, there’s next to nothing to get excited about in the Newcastle squad. Apologies to Newcastle fans for being so negative, but what else can I say. Tell me I’m wrong.

Transfers: What transfers?? Okay I get the permanent move for Joe Willock got over the line, but it’s not enough. Where’s the depth? Where’s the talisman that can save a season before it’s begun. Ashley wants out, and he’s shown it massively in the summer transfer window.

Opening Fixture: Newcastle are at home to West Ham on opening weekend, and West Ham have been a real tough opponent for many under Moyes. I think it will be a tough start for Newcastle, as West Ham are confident, believing and genuinely looking to push up further and settle in the European spots. I’m going for a West Ham win, however I have no idea what the score may end up being. It could be a riot for the away side, or scrappy 1-0 win, however no matter what, the Hammers will take the points.

Predictions: Look away Newcastle fans, as you could have been pushing up the league with the investment, however I think this year will bring relegation I’m afraid, with 18th spot and a tough relegation scrap being the final straw for Mike Ashley and Steve Bruce. On the optimistic side, I think a takeover will happen in the coming years, and the relegation may kick that into gear quicker, as sad as that may sound.

Norwich City

Key Players: Pukki must hit that same vein of form that he had last time round in the top-flight, and I think he might, however aside from their main striker, the space is there now after Buendia has moved on for someone to step up and become the star man at the club. Gilmour on loan may be a great move, and they have some real useful players with Krul in goal and Aarons at the back still, however that’s about where their quality ends I’m afraid.

Transfers: I love the signing of Gilmour on loan from Chelsea, and he will thrive getting consistent game time in the top-flight. Aside from this, it’s been a case of smaller squad players arriving at Carrow Road. Josh Sargent, Dimitris Giannoulis, Milot Rashica and Pierre Lees-Melou add quality in attack, however it’s signings that won’t cause concern if they suffer another relegation, and instead thinking long-term. I would be very worried about losing Buendia this summer, and although it was clear he was set to leave, it will hurt them hugely this season.

Opening Fixture: Norwich have Liverpool in the opener, and being at home, the fans need to kick every ball for their side, as Liverpool will be ruthless, and I’m not sure I can see anything but a Liverpool riot in front of the Canaries’ fans. At least 3, if not 4 or more for Liverpool, and Norwich might grab a goal if they get their main man Pukki in with a decent chance.

Predictions: 20th. I don’t see anything but bottom for Norwich. They are too good for the Championship, but miles away from the Premier League. What else am I supposed to say, they have some quality players, but the system, the squad and the belief isn’t right to scrap in those bottom spots, and I think it’ll be back down they go.

Southampton

Key Players: Having lost 2 key players, James Ward-Prowse will now take the burden of leader even more, and he is a seriously underrated player, however will need those around him to step up. I think the new lads Armstrong and Livramento will need big seasons for their new clubs, and they are both on my watchlist as I think they could have some gems on their hands, however all eyes will turn to JWP for the coming season.

Transfers: Southampton have lost a lot this summer with Ings and Vestergaard both departing, however they’ve brought in Armstrong and Livramento who we could look back as absolute bargains come the end of the season. It will take some adjustment to get over losing their two big players, but bringing in young bargains and selling at a higher price is just the Southampton way. Also Ward-Prowse sticking around is like the biggest signing they could have done.

Opening Fixture: We’ve covered this one earlier and given Everton the advantage, however as mentioned it will be a close, scrappy game and I can see there being just 1 goal in it. No matter, I think Everton have just too much talent in attack, and Southampton will be missing the key players who have gone in the summer.

Predictions: I am predicting Southampton to finish 13th this season, a respectable finish and keep them away from the relegations scrap, however that’s possibly me being optimistic after losing their main man Ings and several other key players this summer. Keeping JWP is a great bit of business, and will give them hope, but I think it will be a comfortable and solid season from the South coast side.