Tottenham Hotspur

Key Players: It’s Harry Kane, as simple as that really. Spurs will struggle to get top half if he doesn’t get firing and hit his usual great form. I think he will, as the man cannot stop scoring goals, however he needs to hit the ground running and prove to the fans he’s staying and happy to be at the club. The likes of Son and Moura also need to be supporting this, but without Kane, Spurs are a shell of their side.

Transfers: With a few potentially useful signings in Gil, Romero and Emerson Royal arriving, Spurs have added a few quiet additions that could be useful, while really talking transfers we have to talk about Kane staying. Everything appears solid at Spurs to keep their main man at the club, and by keeping their main goal machine, they’ve potentially lost £150million, but given themselves a chance of a successful season. Personally, I would have sold him and made some big transfers this summer, but I can understand the reluctance given the managerial concerns. Overall, keeping Kane has to be a great transfer window, and we will see about the incomings.

Opening Fixture: Spurs have one of the toughest openers against Manchester City, however as mentioned in the previous posts, they have a perfect opportunity to get one over on the leagues’ big-boys, and get Nuno off to a solid start. In front of their home crowd, with the Harry Kane factor on their side, there’s a chance they could get something from the game, however overall my prediction still has to be a City win. It’s silly to ever go against Guardiola, even with their main transfer target playing on the opposite side. City to win, maybe 3-2 in a dramatic end to gameweek 1.

Predictions: Spurs will struggle this season by their own high standards, and I am predicting 8th for the London side, essentially swapping spots with rivals Arsenal from the previous year. I think the Conference League will be a hinderance, and honestly I don’t see the club improving from the previous year, and struggling with the extra games and pressure.

Watford

Key Players: Their top scorer Sarr last season must be hitting at least 10 goals if Watford are to stand any chance of survival. Likewise, their other strikers need to contribute goals, particularly in the ‘easier’ games. Make no mistake, each and every one of Watford’s players needs to dig deep for their club and place in the league, as this is going to be a long slog for the Hornets. Without a recognised ‘superstar’ they must all bring their individual skill and ability, and all become key players in their own right this coming season.

Transfers: The Hornets have added Juraj Kucka, Dennis Emmanuel and Moussa Sissoko who are all useful signings, however in a similar mould to Norwich, the club haven’t gone mad on their signings, and this is a smart move given it’s a 50/50 to say the least about them staying in the league. Solid signings, but I can’t see it being enough I’m afraid.

Opening Fixture: Watford are home to Villa on opening weekend, and with the signings Villa have made, unfortunately it may be a tough start to life back in the top flight for Watford. I predict plenty of goals, however it will be a Villa win in this one for my money.

Predictions: Watford are not yet at the level they need, and their improvements and time will come, however mentally I think similar to Norwich, the club are worried for relegation, and they will suffer another yo-yo year, finishing in 19th. I don’t see them having enough quality to win the tight, close games, and bigger opposition could really see Watford as an easy 6 points this season.

West Ham United

Key Players: The key man once again will be Declan Rice, it has to be. In almost the same mould of a Kane, keeping their midfielder is the best bit of business possible, and to have such a reliable player holding the fort, and being versatile when needed, West Ham can worry much less about their defensive unit and continue on from where they left off.

Transfers: West Ham have kept their squad together, which is the most important thing once again. With Moyes really building something at West Ham, keeping Rice is crucial, and again could be arguably the best bit of business in the summer. They brought in Vlasic, Kral and Kurt Zouma who are solid additions. My only concern will come with the added pressure of European football, as so many sides have plummeted down the league with the extra pressure and travel, so perhaps a bit of backup in key areas could have been useful.

Opening Fixture: West Ham are given the perfect chance to continue where they left off last season, with an away trip to a Newcastle side that are abject to say the least ahead of the new campaign. The Hammers could really run riot and get a fair few goals on opening weekend.

Predictions: I think the Hammers’ are guaranteed top-half, however the extra European games will cause a league drop, resulting in a 9th placed finish in my predictions. Moyes is doing well, and possibly they could enjoy a decent Europa League run, however the league will be the sacrifice for this.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Key Players: Having Jimenez return after the horrific injury will be a huge relief to Wolves fans, and he will be their key player once again this year. I think he is more than capable of 15+ goals, which can easily equate to 20 points for the club, which keeps them clear of the relegation scrap and comfortable in mid-table.

Transfers: It’s been quiet on the Wolves front, they brought in Jose Sa to fix their goalkeeping issue, and Trincao as en exciting loan move. Overall a fairly mediocre summer and could potentially cost Wolves if Jimenez struggles to find his scoring run again.

Opening Fixture: Wolves have the trip to Leicester on the opening weekend, and it will be a very close, tough matchup with both sides feeling they can take all 3 points. I’ve predicted previously that I think Leicester will edge it, I’m hoping for a fair few goals and believe that both sides can put a cracker on in the opening weekend.

Predictions: Last of all in my predictions, I have Wolves finishing in 12th. I think they will take time to adapt to a new coach, however they have too much quality in their ranks to be dragged into a relegation battle, and I think mid-table is about their level. Looking on paper, they are around the level of a Palace, Leeds, Everton and thus they will be happy to cement their place again in the top-flight.