Leicester
Am I optimistic? Yes and no. Brendan Rodgers promised a rebuild in the window, but so far we haven’t made a single signing. The big boost comes in the reduction of players currently sidelined, and the bittersweet absence of European football this season. Hopefully, we can tread water at least.
Key players/weak links Expect another big season from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and keep an eye on the emergence of Patson Daka. But we still lack quality on the wing, especially since Ademola Lookman’s loan hasn’t been made permanent. We’ve also continued to look chaotic defending set-pieces in pre-season, so expect more calamity at the back.
Best and worst away trips I’m no fan of the club that plays there but you won’t find a better “proper” ground than Villa’s Park. The worst? There’s only so many times I can hear the tannoy welcome me to the “world famous City Ground” without dying of laughter.
First-choice XI Schmeichel; Pereira, Evans, Fofana, Castagne; Tielemans, Ndidi; Maddison, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes; Vardy
Two players from the past who would slot right in We never replaced Riyad Mahrez - we desperately need a slick operator like him back on the wing. And Steve Walsh - a no-nonsense defender who knew how to attack at set-pieces.
We will finish 8th; Top four 1 Man City 2 Liverpool 3 Chelsea 4 Tottenham; Bottom three 18 Southampton 19 Nottm Forest 20 Bournemouth; First manager sacked Frank Lampard
Chris Whiting clippings.me/chriswhiting; @ChrisRWhiting
Liverpool
Some personnel have changed, but I can’t see that the system or boss or players will a great deal, so we go again – and this time round, hopefully finish a place higher. So, completely optimistic about that – but I’d like to be as assured of Uefa’s “independent” inquiry into what happened at the fiasco that was the Champions League final. We, as should all football fans, will be watching closely.
Key players/weak links Salah. I’m made up he’s stayed. Same with Joe Gomez. Along with new man Calvin Ramsay, clearly one for the future, our defence looks solid for a while to come. Díaz made an off-the-scale start when he arrived and can only get better. Fábio Carvalho is here from Fulham to strengthen our front line, and the big one to replace Mané, Darwin Núñez. According to most pre-season reports he’s a flop – the four goals against Leipzig notwithstanding. No real weaknesses. Lots of hollering for a midfielder to join with Henderson and Milner, particularly, ramping up the average age. But we have youth in Harvey Elliot and Curtis Jones. There’ll always be cries for more signings, but we’ve got a strong, first-class squad.
Best and worst away trips Goodison Park, for both. It’s easy to get to, it’s an old-fashioned ground, full and mostly we get a result there. On the other hand, you can’t see anything.
First-choice XI Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Djik, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Núñez, Díaz
Two players from the past who would slot right in Johnny Barnes: pizzazz, swagger, work rate and goals. And he could compete with Bobby Firmino as backheel king. And Terry McDermott, for his energy and adaptability.
We will finish 1st; Top four 1 Liverpool 2 Man City 3 Chelsea 4 Arsenal; Bottom three 18 Leeds 19 Brentford 20 Fulham; First manager sacked Frank Lampard
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