The English Premier League is back after a pulsating Euros where England lost gallantly to Italy in the final. The EPL resumption on the 14th August 2021 will thankfully take our mind of that unfortunate night at Wembley. Our football feature columnist, John Newsome previews what you can expect from this year’s edition of the EPL and gives us his outright winner and final league position run down predictions.
You can read all of John’s past posts here: English Premier League Predictions For Saturday.
Please note all prices quoted below were correct at the time of publication.
ARSENAL
The Gunners under Pep 2, Mikel Arteta finished in their lowest league position of 8th for the 2nd-year in succession, the lowest place since the 1994/95 season, where Arsenal finished 12th, under George Graham and then Stewart Houston, who took over from Big GG after some brown paper bags were found??
The possible irony in all connected to Arsenal is the previous incumbent of the manager’s job, Unai Emery who was sacked in November 2019, replaced by Mr Arteta, then went on to win the 2021 Europa League with Villarreal and qualify for next season’s Champions League competition, whilst the Gooner faithful don’t require their passports next term.
Matteo Guendouzi has left again and has headed back to France to play for Marseille, on a season-long loan deal, following last season’s loan spell at Hertha Berlin.
Another player that’s left the Emirates, with a similar Sideshow Bob hairdo is David Luiz whose contract expired, with rumours that Real Madrid are interested and the Bernabeu could be David’s next destination. Ben White is in from Brighton, with a fee in the region of £54 Million.
Young Mr White has just gained a Euro 2020 Runners-up medal, being part of the England squad that lost a penalty shootout against Italy in the Final at Wembley.
Although Ben didn’t see any official game time at the Euros, the ex-Brighton lad was part of the 26-men and the fee of £54 Million reflects that achievement.
Mikel Arteta has brought in a Left-Back, that of Nuno Tavares from Benfica for £8 Million, with the 21-year old in as cover for Kieran Tierney. Albert Sambi Lokonga, a Midfielder, quickly followed Nuno into the Emirates, signed from Anderlecht for a fee of £20 Million.
There are rumours on the mill that Leicester’s James Maddison is an Arsenal target and why wouldn’t JM be, however, if the Foxes were to allow Jim to leave, which seems unlikely, there would be a lot more teams other than the Gunners in for the ex-Norwich ace.
One player that won’t be at the Emirates next term that could be missed is Dani Ceballos, whose loan from Real Madrid has come to an end.
The hierarchy at Arsenal see Mikel as a long term manager to get the Gunners back somewhere near the top table but if things start badly in the upcoming new campaign, the Gooners faithful will become impatient and will want Pep 2 out.
Opening Game Fixture-Brentford Away
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Premier League Finish 7th
ASTON VILLA
The Villa went early in the Transfer Market by signing Emiliano Buendia, who was on his way to the Premier League with Norwich but jumped ship and heads to Villa Park for a fee of around £35 Million.
Ex-Watford, Manchester United and Inter Milan star, Ashley Young returns to the Midlands club, where Mr Young spent 5-seasons back in 2006-11 before Sir Alex Ferguson took Big Ash to Old Trafford.
Dean Smith will once again have his work cut out to try and keep Jack Grealish at Villa Park, with several clubs in hot pursuit of the talented 25-year old, who turns 26 at the beginning of September and is now the prime age for a big move.
At the time of writing this, Jack is still officially an Aston Villa player but it’s fair to say that in the next couple of weeks, JG could be wearing another club’s jersey, most likely that of Man City, with the Man City hierarchy reported having made an initial bid of £100 Million.
Manchester United wouldn’t go far wrong in signing Jack, however, the Blue side of the City may just be favourites to take Mr Grealish to the Etihad.
Ask a question, if given the opportunity and this is to all players, not just Jack Grealish, to join any club in England, Europe or for that matter the World, at this current moment, would United get the nod over City? It’s unlikely!
Jack is too big for Aston Villa, the Villains won’t want to hear that and obviously wouldn’t want their hero to leave but JG would light up the Etihad, Old Trafford or even the Nou Camp.
Aston Villa have tested the water at St Mary’s by putting in a £25 Million bid for Southampton’s influential Midfielder, James Ward-Prowse. That was initially rejected but don’t be surprised if Villa go back in for JWP.
One influential person that won’t be at Villa Park next term, is Dean’s Assistant Manager, John Terry, who leaves his role and is rumoured to be heading to Wales to take up the vacant Swansea Manager’s position.
Opening Game Fixture-Watford Away
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Premier League Finish 10th
BRENTFORD
Brentford have finally made it to the Promised Land after 3-seasons in the Championship under Thomas Frank.
The Great Dane Mr Frank, started at Griffin Park back in 2016, as Assistant Manager to Dean Smith. After Dean left for Aston Villa, Big Thomas took over the hot seat.
In the 2019/20 campaign, Brentford’s final fixture of the season would see the Bees promoted automatically if a victory was achieved against the team residing at the foot of the table, Barnsley FC.
Unfortunately, the Brentford Boys underestimated the Super Reds with the Yorkshire-men scoring the winner in the 92nd-minute to not only prevent Brentford from gaining automatic promotion but jump out of the bottom 3 and avoid relegation.
The Bees went into the Play-Offs but came up short in the Final at Wembley, losing to fellow West London rivals Fulham.
Twelve months later Brentford beat Swansea in the 2020/21 Championship Play-Off Final and are in the Premier League for the first time in their history, ironically replacing the Cottagers in the Top Flight.
Griffin Park has gone and the Bees have a swanky new stadium to host the big boys of Man City, Manchester United and Norwich.
Thomas Frank has the services of Ivan Toney who scored 31-goals in the Championship last term, after leaving Peterborough in 2020. Big Ivan was part of the Barnsley FC team that won the League 1 Play-Off Final at Wembley in 2016.
The Barnsley fans wish the lad and his mate, Ethan Pinnock, well for the upcoming 1-season stint in the Premier League.
The Norwegian Defender Kristoffer Ajer, signs a 5-Year Deal, for the Bees, coming in from Celtic, for a fee of £13.5 Million, which could rise depending on achievements.
Thomas has gone home and brought in Nigerian Midfielder Frank Onyeka, from the Danish side, FC Midtjylland.
Opening Game Fixture-Arsenal Home
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Premier League Finish 20th
BRIGHTON
Graham Potter is still at the Amex after speculation and low betting odds somehow suggested that Harry would succeed Jose Mourinho in the Tottenham hot seat. That suggestion wasn’t shared by John Newsome who did say last season that Spurs wouldn’t take Mr Potter.
Kjell Scherpen comes in to replace Big Matt as the backup goalkeeper to Robert Sanchez, whose form last season, determined Matt Ryan’s eventual move out of the Amex.
Brighton have signed the Zambia Midfielder Enock Mwepu from RB Salzburg on a 4-year deal for £10 Million and Jeremy Sarmiento, in from Benfica for a fee of around £12 Million.
Although Jeremy sounds Portuguese and comes in from Benfica, the 19-year old is actually English, starting his career at Charlton, starring in the England Under-17 setup and is tipped to be a star that won’t stay long in Brighton after already turning down the chance to join Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
The Man City merchandising machine is already getting the printers ready for ‘Sarmiento’ to be put on the back of the City shirts.
A couple of players that have left the South Coast, are Ben White finally joining Arsenal, with Brighton receiving £54 Million and Graham getting his hands on some of that dollar to replenish the stock and goalkeeper Matt Ryan, who went on loan to the Emirates at the end of last season but as now joined Real Sociedad on a permanent deal.
Maybe Big Ben can live in Matt’s old house.
Opening Game Fixture-Burnley Away
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Premier League Finish 14th
BURNLEY
The Gingerbread Maestro that is Sean Dyche is still at Turf Moor ready for another season in the Premier League with Burnley. There were rumours that Mr Dyche would move on from the Lancashire outfit but the question needs to be asked, why would he?
The lad is an icon in Burnley even having a pub named after him, ‘The Royal Dyche’, so there’s no reason at the moment for Big Sean to go anywhere.
That may change in the future but for now, Mr Dyche will be bringing his unique talent and for that matter, his unique gravel voice to the dugout for another campaign.
Stoke City’s highly rated Centre-Back, Nathan Collins arrives at Turf Moor in a deal which the footballing world like to refer to as ‘Undisclosed’. This basically means, ‘4-Bob and a Blackbirds egg!’
Burnley have let a couple of players leave, such as goalkeeper Tom Heaton who has gone to Old Trafford to sit on the bench and Ben Gibson, who heads to Carrow Rd to join the Premier League new boys Norwich.
The ex-Crystal Palace and Wales goalkeeper, Wayne Hennessy signs on a free to replace Tom as a rival to Nick Pope between the sticks. Big Sean will want a few more players in before the Transfer Window ‘slams shut’ at the end of August 2021.
Opening Game Fixture-Brighton Home
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Premier League Finish 12th
CHELSEA
The highly-rated Midfielder and Scotland International, Billy Gilmour, has somehow been allowed to leave Stamford Bridge and join Norwich on loan for the season. Whilst the lad will gain valuable experience in the Premier League for the new boys, have Chelsea missed a trick in not keeping Billy?
It was generally considered that Mr Gilmour was the Man of the Match for Scotland in the fixture at Wembley, against England in the recent Euros, outperforming all of Declan Rice, Kalvin Philips and his Chelsea team-mate Mason Mount.
There was a rumour that when Little Billy went back to the Away Dressing Room, after the draw against England, the New Canary had to take Double M out of his pocket and point him in the direction of the Home Team.
It would be foolish to question Thomas Tuchel, who won the Champions League after only 5-months in London and the decision to let Billy Gilmour go out on loan will probably be a great move, however, if the Blues start the season slowly, then that choice might come back to haunt Mr Tuchel.
One thing to add to that is Billy can play and showcase his talents against Man City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Leicester, plus the other 14 in the Premier League, yet can’t play against Chelsea. Doesn’t seem right somehow that?
Chelsea face Norwich on the 23rd of October, in Game Week-9, before that Norwich will have played Liverpool in Game Week-1, Man City in Game Week-2 and Leicester in Game Week-3, with BG being able to help determine the result of those fixtures, yet come Game Week-9, Mr Gilmour cannot influence proceedings against Chelsea.
Olivier Giroud has gone to AC Milan for an ‘Undisclosed Fee’ and been given the dreaded Number 9 shirt for the Rossoneri.
Players such as Alexandre Pato, Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Torres all wore the ‘9’ at the San Siro but didn’t notch too many times.
That won’t deter Mr Giroud, who’s 2nd on the French International all-time leading goal scoring chart, with 46-goals, just 5-behind Thierry Henry.
One Chelsea player already at the San Siro is Fikayo Tomori who has made the loan move from last season, a permanent one for a fee of £25 Million.
Tammy Abraham looks surplus to requirements and it’s likely the lad will be allowed to leave, with there being a number of clubs that would take young Tammy including Arsenal who could become favourites.
The dressing room at Stamford Bridge could start awkwardly for the first couple of weeks, with the Chelsea Left-Backs having a little discussion.
The Italy hero Emerson, with a Euro Top Chocolate in his back pocket, reminding Ben Chilwell that, not only did the Italians beat England in the Final (on penalties, by the way, it was a Draw!) but Big Ben didn’t need to clean his boots after not featuring for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.
Jorginho will no doubt be sat next to Mr Emerson, giggling at Mason Mount, enquiring as to why Mason didn’t take one of the 5-penalties in the shootout. Double M, quickly replying, that he didn’t want to miss as Mr Jorginho had.
No doubt the banter will flow for a couple of weeks but it shouldn’t affect the performance of the Blues who will be there or thereabouts in all of the competitions on offer. Thomas Tuchel is bringing in another goalkeeper in Marcus Bettinelli from Fulham.
The 29-year old, who has featured in a couple of Gareth Southgate’s England squads, will come to Stamford Bridge as the 3rd-choice ‘keeper behind Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea are near to finalising a deal to bring in the France International Defender Jules Kounde from Seville for a fee of around £20 Million.
Opening Game Fixture-Crystal Palace Home
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Premier League Finish 3rd
CRYSTAL PALACE
The legend that is Roy Hodgson has left Selhurst Park and with the lad coming up to his 74th Birthday at the start of the new season, surely it would be fitting for Mr Hodgson to retire and stay in with Mrs Hodgson watching Dion Dublin on Homes Under the Hammer.
Roy definitely deserves his time at home, however, refuses to shop at Iceland for some reason?
The hierarchy at the Palace have brought in the ex-Arsenal Midfielder and French World Cup Winner, Patrick Vieira to replace Mr Hodgson, with the hope that Roy Keane’s best mate can push Crystal Palace on from the perennial mid-table wannabes.
The Lyon Defender, Joachim Andersen, who was on loan in West London last season with Fulham, moves a little bit South and joins the Eagles in a deal worth about £25 Million.
It’s hoped that Big Joachim doesn’t bring the relegation jinx from his spell at the Cottagers last term that saw Fulham drop out of the Premier League.
Michael Olise is in from Reading, coincidentally, a French Midfielder like his boss and if Michael gets anywhere near the level of Mr Vieira, Crystal Palace will have some player.
Jacob Montes, aged 22, comes in from the American Georgetown University. Another young Midfielder to try and impress the Eagle Ultras.
Crystal Palace have released 22-players, including Gary Cahill, Scott Dann, James McCarthy and Patrick Van Aanholt. Patrick has just starred for the Netherlands at the Euros so shouldn’t find it difficult to get a new club.
Although Gary Cahill is now 35, the lad is still a class act and if a Premier League club doesn’t want him, there will be a few in the Championship that would snap up the ex-Chelsea man, perhaps Gary’s hometown club, Sheffield United, will take a punt.
Mr Vieira isn’t daft though and will probably want to keep the cultured defender in his ranks so it wouldn’t be beyond the realm of possibility that Gary re-signs again for Crystal Palace, however, that would mean a wage cut and not many people, whether in football or a supermarket want to do that.
There is talk that Steven Gerrard wants GC to join him and Rangers in the SPL (Scottish Pub League), so it’s fair to say Gary will be playing somewhere, depending on the dollar on offer.
Another player that is following in the footsteps of Gary is Marc Guehi.
Palace have signed the 21-year old Defender, on a 5-year deal, like Gary previously, coming in from London neighbours Chelsea.
The Blues from West London appear to be a feeder club for the Eagles with Connor Gallagher also joining the Selhurst Park outfit on a season-long loan.
Connor was on loan from Stamford Bridge, at The Hawthorns last term, helping West Brom to finish in the bottom three and ultimately relegated.
Opening Game Fixture-Chelsea Away
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Premier League Finish 17th
EVERTON
Carlo Ancelotti has decided that Merseyside doesn’t suit the legendary Italian’s lifestyle and has headed back to Spain to rejoin Real Madrid after Zinedine Zidane departed.
Why would someone want to leave the rain of Everton to bask in the sun of Spain?
It’s fair to say that although Mr Ancelotti’s start at Goodison Park was okay, 18-months later, the season fizzled out for both the Italian and the Toffees and Carlo’s reign, ended with a trip back to Spain.
Everton wouldn’t employ an ex-Liverpool manager, would they? Surely not, however, that’s exactly what the owners have decided and in comes Rafa Benitez, fact!
Putting aside Rafa’s previous managerial spell across the way at Anfield, the Spanish Waiter is an excellent Coach and despite the rivalry between the 2-Merseyside clubs, the Toffees faithful should look forward to the new campaign under Mr Benitez.
Remember, this man got Newcastle back in the Top Flight and kept the Magpies in the Premier League for 2-seasons until the arduous task of dealing with Mike Ashley, took its toll and the Chinese dollar seemed more appealing.
The coincidence in the appointment of Rafa Benitez as a replacement for Madrid bound Carlo Ancelotti, is Real Madrid did the same back in 2015, sacking the Italian and bringing in the Spaniard. If it’s good enough for Real Madrid, it’s good enough for Everton.
Moise Keane, who was on loan last season at Paris Saint-Germain, is wanted again in Paris but Everton have confirmed it has to be a permanent move for a fee of around £20 Million.
Mr Keane has seen game time in Everton’s recent friendlies and scored on the trip to America against the Pumas of Mexico, so with a new gaffer at the helm, Moise could just stay on Merseyside.
Theo Walcott has also left Goodison Park, joining Southampton permanently after the ex-Arsenal lad’s loan at St Mary’s. Andros Townsend has headed North from Selhurst Park, to join the Toffees after his contract ran out at Crystal Palace.
Ex-Leicester star, Demarai Gray, who somehow left the King Power in January to head to Germany and join Bayer Leverkusen on an 18-month deal, is back in England, joining Everton after just 6-months talking German.
The Toffees have paid just under £2 Million for the 25-year old, who on his day, is a class player. A signing that could cause a bit of speculation is Everton bringing in the goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Bournemouth.
No doubt Asmir is a great ‘keeper, worthy of a place in a Premier League team, however, the question needs to be asked, is Mr B coming in as a backup to Jordan Pickford? Or is Big Jordan on his way out of Goodison Park?
After the displays for England in the Euros, Mr Pickford has enhanced his reputation and is now up there with the top stoppers in the World, which could mean that the lad is in demand.
The Sheffield Superstar 2, that is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, played exactly 19-minutes at the recent Euros, so should be fresh, revitalised and ready for action and the experience in the 26-man England squad, should give DCL the confidence to push on under Rafa.
Seamus Coleman stays in the Toffee Wrapper after signing for another 2-years, which is certainly a plus for everyone at Goodison Park.
Opening Game Fixture-Southampton Home
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Premier League Finish 11th
LEEDS UNITED
Marcelo Bielsa is back once again, to lead his Leeds United boys for another season in the Premier League after last terms successful campaign.
Junior Firpo comes in from Barcelona on a 4-Year deal for a fee of £13 Million, whilst Jack Harrison is signed permanently from Man City, for £11 Million, after spending 3-seasons at Elland Rd on loan.
Junior is a Left-Back that can play in the Centre but is in at Leeds to replace the departing Ezgjan Alioski, who has left the rain of Leeds for the sun (and money) of Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Ahli, in a deal that doubles the lads wages.
Dan James, who was a Leeds target a few seasons back, even pictured holding a Whites shirt with ‘James’ and ‘21’ on the back, is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and is rumoured to be heading East along the M62, to join the Elland Rd Boys.
The Yorkshire Pirlo, that is the excellent Kalvin Philips is still in Leeds but the question is, for how long? after the Midfielders superb performances for England at Euro 2020, which, although ended in a penalty shootout defeat, on a personal level, elevated the West Yorkshire lad to Superstar status, with a total of 83 Kilometres running stat in the 7-fixtures played, only beaten by Italy’s Jorginho, who registered 86 KM, with Kalvin covering 15 Kilometres in both the Semi-Final and Final.
Mr Phillips has 3-years left on a 5-year contract signed whilst Leeds United were still in the Championship and it’s understood that there is no desire to leave West Yorkshire, however, money does talk and a cheeky little explorative offer of £100 Million may just change the desire of both Leeds United and KP.
Without knowing details, the lad’s probably currently on £50,000 a week?
There is no argument that a club, such as Manchester United, would offer Kalvin, at least £200,000 a week (a week!). If, as reported, Paul Pogba earns £300,000 a week, then Kalvin Philips can demand close to that.
No one is saying that KP will leave Leeds United this summer but it’s acceptable to now suggest that the lad will be wanted by the so-called Big Boys and as everyone knows, money increases desire.
Opening Game Fixture-Manchester United Away
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Premier League Finish 7th
LEICESTER
After once again, agonisingly missing out on Champions League Qualification, on the final day, for the 2nd season in succession, Brendan Rodgers went early in the Transfer Window, acquiring Ryan Bertrand on a Free from Southampton.
Ryan will be 32-years old when the new season starts but Mr Rodgers feels, the ex-Chelsea defender’s experience will be an asset at the King Power.
Whilst at Chelsea, aged 22, Young Ryan won a Champions League Winners medal playing in the Final of 2012, against Bayern Munich.
Leicester also bring in the Zambian Striker Patson Daka for a fee of £23 Million from RB Salzburg.
Whilst no one can say Jamie Vardy is slowing down, Jimmy V will be 35 in January 2022 and may not play as many games in the coming season, however, Patson will have a priceless learning experience, training with the Sheffield Superstar.
Brendan has also paid Lille, the Princely sum of £18 Million for Boubakary Soumare, a big Defensive Midfielder who helped the French club surprisingly win Ligue Un. James Maddison’s name popped on the Transfer Whisper site, towards the end of July as a possible target for Arsenal.
Although it would appear strange that the Foxes would allow Big Jim to leave, nothing in football should really be considered as a surprise, however, if Leicester were to put Mr Maddison on the market, the Fee would be in the £70 Million region and there would be others, along with the Gunners that would want the influential Midfielder, who is on a par with Jack Grealish (or just below!)
Transfer Whispers, sounds like a brilliant Nightclub in Barnsley, during the late 1980s and early 90s!
Don’t be surprised if there are a few more coming through the doors of the King Power before the Window closes.
Rod Stewart is still not happy with Brendan Rodgers after Big Brendan left Rod’s beloved Green and White Hoops a couple of seasons ago.
That unhappiness has been compounded recently when Celtic were unceremoniously dumped out of this season’s Champions League losing a 2-legged affair against FC Midtjylland. Lennon the pooch was nowhere to be seen after a late winner from the Danes.
Sir Roderick has gone out again this term and purchased 3-new shirts, Norwich, Watford and Brentford with ‘Stewart’ and ‘76’ on the back to go along with the other 16 from last season and has vowed to wear each one when Leicester take to the pitch to face whoever.
Lennon just put his paws over his eyes knowing that the said shirts will at some point be heading his way and knowing that once again, the puppy will be barking out the tune to one of Rod’s famous ditties.
‘He’s Celtic, United but Brendan has decided that Leicester is the best place to be’ Woof Woof!
The Australian branch of this EveryTip column, who resembles the new Tottenham manager, Nuno EspÃrito Santo, thinks Rangers v Livingston (Dr, I presume?) is a Big Game. It’s about as big as Athersley Rec v Cudworth City!
Steven Gerrard and his boys won the opening SPL fixture of the new campaign easily by a 3-0 scoreline! Big Game?
The only Lions and Tigers about, were the faithful in the Glasgow boozers. Good lads though, at least the Scottish are passionate about their Pub League!
Opening Game Fixture-Wolves Home
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Premier League Finish 4th
LIVERPOOL
Mo Salah has decided not to go to the Olympics with Egypt, which could turn out to be a massive bonus for Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool boys.
Egypt did make the Quarter-Finals of the tournament in Japan but suffered a defeat against Brazil by a 1-0 scoreline. Another plus for the Reds, that will feel like 3-new signings, are the return of Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson and Virgil Van Dijk.
There is no doubt that Liverpool missed the 3, last season, most of all Big Virgil, who is instrumental in getting Jurgen’s Reds back to the top of the charts.
Ibrahima Konata signs from RB Leipzig for £36 Million, with the possibility of Saul Niguez joining from Atletico Madrid for around £20 Million. As yet, Saul hasn’t decided if Liverpool is the place to be so that Transfer could rumble on.
One player that has left Anfield is Georginio Wijnaldum, who has headed to France to join Paris Saint-German.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, Georgi Boy allowed his contract to run out, not only earning the Dutch Midfielder Millions in wages and signing on money but preventing the Reds from receiving a Transfer Fee for the lad. That’s football!
Federico Chiesa, who starred at the recent Euros and arguably the difference between Italy and England in the Final, is a potential Liverpool target, that said, the Italian, son of Enrico Chiesa will be a potential target for any of the Top Clubs.
It’s whether Young Mr Chiesa would want to leave Juventus? A fist full of dollars would sway that decision. The is a rumour that Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has offered the French Midfielder to Jurgen Klopp. Surely not PP?
After a poor mid-season spell, Liverpool rallied in the end, winning 8 of the last 10-Premier League fixtures, drawing the other 2, to somehow miraculously finish 3rd in the table, behind the Manchester clubs and above both Chelsea and the unfortunate Leicester.
Jurgen’s Reds were 5th, going into the final game of the campaign and until 38-minutes into proceedings, it didn’t look like a Top Four finish and Champions League football was on the cards next term.
However, with Liverpool beating Crystal Palace, married with Chelsea and Leicester suffering final day losses, the Anfield Rappers jumped above both, into 3rd and out came the passports.
Like most clubs, there could be some late dealings in the Transfer Window, with the season starting on the 13th, yet the Window not closing until the 31st of August.
Opening Game Fixture-Norwich Away
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Premier League Finish 2nd
MAN CITY
The legend that is Sergio Aguero, with 184-Premier League goals, 4th on the all-time list, behind Andrew Cole, Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, has left the rain of Manchester and headed for the sun of Spain, joining Barcelona.
The Citizens wish the lad well for the future, however, it’s as certain as night follows day that Mr Aguero, will return to the Etihad next term, with his new mates, in the Champions League and score against his old friends. The Citizens may then offer a few choice words towards Sergio.
Barcelona have raided Man City twice this Summer, not only acquiring Sergio Aguero but also getting Eric Garcia, with both heading to the Nou Camp.
Although the Spanish Giants have got Mr Garcia for nothing, Barcelona have inserted a £400 Million Buy-Out clause in the 20-year olds contract. £400 Million, wow! Eric started at Barcelona, before moving to Manchester in 2017, as a 16-year old.
Man City rejected a £15 Million bid from Barcelona in October 2020, as City wanted nearer to £20 Million, now less than a year later, the lad has left for nothing.
It’s reported that Man City have tested the Tottenham and Aston Villa resolve, with a bid of £100 Million for Harry Kane and just as much for Jack Grealish.
Jack looks to have agreed on personal terms with City and now it’s just a matter of the Transfer Fee being paid, with JG having a buy-out clause at Aston Villa. The buy-out figure is unknown but it will be a few quid, probably £100 Million of them.
Both will definitely enhance an already brilliant City team, however, Pep Guardiola is not infallible as was shown in the Champions League Final, when Thomas Tuchel out thought the Pepster.
Although Jadon Sancho has signed for the Numpty Neighbours up the road, City will receive approximately £10 Million from the deal, due to the lad starting his career at the Etihad and when sold to Borussia Dortmund, a sell-on fee was inserted into that contract.
There’s talk that if City cannot tempt Tottenham to sell Harry Kane, then Pep will target Robert Lewandowski. Man City will be there or thereabouts, as in previous seasons, in all competitions this coming campaign.
Opening Game Fixture-Tottenham Away
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Premier League Finish 1st
MANCHESTER UNITED
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has finally signed Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £73 Million. As mentioned, £10 Million of that goes into the coffers of the Noisy Neighbours down the road, due to JS starting his career at the Etihad.
The youngster, who is 21-years old and has just been with England in the recent Euros, was meant to sign last summer but complications and holdups meant the deal didn’t materialise, however, Manchester United have finally got an exciting talent on their books which could just mean that Dan James is surplus to requirements and a move out of Old Trafford, with Elland Rd, a possible destination.
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton started his career in Manchester back in 2002 as a Youth player and after 11 years away from United, returns as cover for David De Gea and Dean Henderson.
Ole and United are chasing Rennes 18-year old French Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga but the deal could be put on hold for the time being.
Like Kalvin Philips, Declan Rice wouldn’t look out of place in a Manchester United jersey and another £100 Million could tempt West Ham into selling Dr Declan, with the possibility of reuniting the England Midfielders.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, both starred for England at Euro 2020, with Mr Shaw finishing in the UEFA Team of the Tournament.
Harry and Luke’s England team-mate, Kieran Trippier, who is a Bury native, is rumoured to be a United target, which would see the ex-Barnsley FC loanee, come home, unlike Football.
How good would Manchester United be with Harry, Luke, Kieran, Kalvin, Declan, Jadon, and Marcus?
Throw in Rafael Varane joining his French Team-mate Paul Pogba and the smallest of dreams of Harry Kane coming North.
It’s been a bit of a protracted Transfer between United and Real but Mr Varane swaps the Sun of Madrid for the Rain of Manchester. Mrs Varane will be as happy as Larry, whoever he is?
There is talk that Paul Pogba is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain and if Manchester United cannot tie Paul down with a new contract, the lad can leave next Summer for nothing.
The signing of Rafael Varane not only strengthens United in Defence but could strengthen Mr Pogba’s desire to stay at Old Trafford. Not forgetting Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes. Could the Red, Grey or Zebra Devils dare to dream?
That would cost a lot of money, however, Manchester United have that money and it is what United need to spend, to compete with Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Ex-Bayern Munich star, Jerome Boateng says his ‘Dream Move’ would be to join Manchester United.
It’s funny that, John Newsome’s ‘dream’ would be to join United, however, Ole’s not known for signing fat bald 51-year old’s and why would he, Mr Solskjaer has Fred on his books.
Jerome has already experienced the rain of Manchester after a stint across the way at the Etihad back in 2010 playing for Man City.
No doubt Mr Boateng is a class player but if the reports are true that Kieran Trippier is on his way to Old Trafford, along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, OGS has enough cover in the Right-Back position.
Marcus Rashford will miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury that will put the lad out for about 3-months.
The Manchester pairing of Harry Maguire and John Stones were pipped in the UEFA Team of the Tournament by Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci but both the Yorkshire-men should be proud of their Euro achievement.
It would be remiss not to offer a few words on the recent Euro 2020, that saw England once again lose a penalty shootout, after reaching the first major Final since 1966, agonisingly coming so close but ultimately losing on penalties after a 120-minute stalemate.
Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Harry Kane should all hold their heads up high, puff out their chest and be proud of having the heart to step up and take a vital penalty.
Jordan Pickford should hold his head high, puff out his big chest and be proud of standing in the goal trying to prevent Italy from scoring, which the Everton stopper did on 2-occasions.
All 6, plus the 20 others in the squad should stand tall along with Gareth Southgate and the rest of the England staff, taking the hopes of a nation so close to glory, just being pipped by a nose on the line.
The idiots, sat in their Mums bedroom, hiding behind a keyboard, were quick to abuse the Black players who missed the England penalties,
Those said players, young Bukayo, aged 19, Jadon, aged 21 and Marcus at 23, should be proud of their heritage, their families and most of all the fact that they wore the Three Lions jersey with pride and dared to step up to the plate, stick their head above the parapet and take a penalty, knowing that the hopes of 70 Million people, were weighing heavy on their young shoulders.
The boys didn’t shirk that responsibility.
There were England fans of all ages, some knowing the heartache that as been there before, others, new to all this commotion.
Mexico in 1970, 2-0 up against West Germany in the Quarter-Final of the World Cup, then conceding 3-German goals, to catch an early flight home.
England didn’t even qualify for the World Cup in 1974, which took place in Germany and failed again 4-years later for Argentina’78.
Spain‘82, the Three Lions didn’t lose any of the 6-games played but still didn’t progress to the latter stages (a very convoluted Group stage system in Spain that must have been devised by someone feeling the effects of the afternoon sun and a Sangria or 3!)
The heartache of Mexico’86 wasn’t as a result of a penalty shootout, it was as a result of a cheating little Argentinian, whose ‘Hand of God’ goal would immediately be ruled out by VAR nowadays.
England haven’t a good record at the Euros since 1968, even failing to qualify for the 2008 tournament, with supposedly the ‘Golden Generation’ The heartache continued at Italia’90, with the first of the penalty shootout disappointment.
At USA’94, the English passports weren’t required and for a month, the English fans had the craic and cheered on the Republic of Ireland with Big Jack Charlton at the helm.
Skinner and Baddiel had the faithful believing that football was coming home at Euro’96, however, the penalty shootout heartache reared its head again. The Germans will argue that it did come home.
At France’98, England suffered another defeat against Argentina, however, this time, there wasn’t a Hand of God involved, just another penalty shootout failure again!
At the Euros in 2000, luckily for the English public, Kevin Keegan’s Lions, were rubbish and didn’t progress from the Group Stage in Belgium and the Netherlands.
In Japan and South Korea for the World Cup of 2002, Brazil’s Ronaldinho ended Sven’s Men’s hopes, catching out the Ponytail. The penalty shootout reared its head at Euro’04 in Portugal and another defeat was on the record.
Everyone keeping score, up to now, that’s 5-penalty shootout’s and 4-defeats, (England did beat Spain at Euro’96 via the spot-kick scenario).
At the World Cup in Germany’06, Sven, Sven, Sven Goran Eriksson was somehow still in charge but the Three Lion fortune didn’t change, losing in the Quarter-Final, against Portugal, again and yes, another penalty shootout defeat! There’s a pattern developing.
As mentioned the Golden Boys that included John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and of course Peter Crouch, failed, under the guidance of the Wally with the Brolly, Steve McClaren, to qualify for the tournament in Austria and Switzerland, 2008.
England then employed Postman Pat to take us to South Africa in 2010.
Fabio Capello lead the Golden Generation to a draw against the United States of America, a draw against the mighty Algeria and a group defining victory against Slovenia by a 1-0 scoreline.
In the Last-16 game against Germany, England suffered a humiliating defeat, with the Germans scoring 4 and Mathew Upson notching the solitary Three Lion goal.
Frank Lampard did score and introduced Goal Line Technology, however, the goal somehow wasn’t seen by the officials, hence the introduction of GLT. At least it wasn’t the disappointment of a shootout.
Poland and Ukraine were the next Euro hosts in 2012, where England, now with Roy Hodgson at the helm after the Italian Postman went back to his round, were knocked out in the Quarter-Final, by Italy, yes another penalty shootout defeat!
At Brazil’14, Roy was again in charge but England didn’t make it out of the Group, losing against Italy and Uruguay and gaining a point against the mighty Costa Rica, to finish bottom of their respective group.
Back at the Euros in 2016, with France as the hosts, Roy surprisingly was still at the helm and after guiding England to the Last-16, the Three Lions succumbed to a defeat against Iceland, Iceland of all teams, nice food though, especially in the Frozen Meat aisle.
Mr Hodgson bowed out and headed for the Palace, not to have his head chopped off but to take over at Selhurst Park.
It’s commonly assumed that Gareth Southgate succeeded Big Roy, however, that’s not the case, as Sam Allardyce, who resembles a Police Sergeant in Manchester, took over Mr Hodgson’s hot seat and lasted 1-game then ordered a Pint of Wine and the rest is history.
The solitary fixture for Big Sam, which saw England beat Slovakia by a 1-0 scoreline, back in September 2016, had a starting eleven that included, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane. Five that played in the Euro 2020 Final against Italy.
Gareth Southgate lead England to the Semi-Final of the World Cup in Russia’18 but the heartache continued for the weathered and weary faithful, with Gareth’s men losing against Croatia, however, not by penalties!
On July the 11th, 2021, England played in the Final of Euro 2020, a year behind schedule due to the horrendous Coronavirus situation.
Luke Shaw scored after 3-minutes to give the faithful hope but ultimately heartache was on the horizon and after conceding an equaliser and 120-minutes of play, the game went to a penalty shootout.
The outcome was inevitable, the youngsters didn’t know the hurt, the elders knew what was coming, the idiots resorted to abusing the Black players that missed but had the cahonas to step up.
For the idiots and keyboard cowards out there, Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle are White, Gareth Southgate is White, David Batty is white, David Beckham is White, Frank Lampard is White, Steven Gerrard is White, Jamie Carragher is White, Jordan Henderson is White.
These are 9 of the 16 players that have missed a penalty for England in 9-major tournament shootouts, that England have only won 2.
The others that missed are, Paul Ince, Darius Vassell, Ashley Young, Ashley Cole and Marcus, Jadon and Bukayo.
The colour of a man’s skin isn’t the reason that a penalty is missed or that England are not very good at penalty shootouts. Get out of your mum’s bedroom and stop the online abuse girls and boys! Respect Marcus, Jadon and Bukayo.
Opening Game Fixture-Leeds United Home
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Premier League Finish 5th (However, the caveat to that is, if Manchester United buy Kalvin, Kieran, Declan and Harry, the position will be higher)
NEWCASTLE
Steve Bruce is still in the (very!) hot seat at St James Park for the start of the 2021/22 Premier League season but the Toon Army may get their wish to have the Big Lad removed if the campaign starts badly.
Dwight Gayle, Fabian Schar, Jacob Murphy, Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett have all been given a new contract to keep them in the Northeast.
Mike Ashley is still trying to sell the club with Amanda Staveley’s consortium that includes the Reuben Brothers and a Saudi Arabia Investment Fund, pursuing the purchase of Newcastle after failing last season. Joe Willock was a star at St James Park last term but was only on loan from Arsenal.
Big Brucey is trying to get the lad to come back again on loan but there are other suitors for the youngster who scored 7-goals in the final 9-fixtures.
Until the takeover is sorted, Steve will most likely have to wait to add some superstar names to his squad.
Opening Game Fixture-West Ham Home
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Premier League Finish 16th
NORWICH
Daniel Farke brings his Norwich boys back to the Top Flight after a years hiatus in the Championship, which saw the Canaries, finish top of the pile, with a massive 97-points from the 46-fixtures played.
That was 3-more than the total tally from the 2018/19 campaign, which saw the Norfolk club promoted as winners of the Championship with 94-points.
What Norwich did well after relegation from the Premier League, was keep Daniel and most of the players, including Teemu Pukki and Emi Buendia. Emiliano has decided to leave the Canaries this time and joins Aston Villa.
There is a legendary Norwich goalkeeper that performed brilliantly at Carrow Rd in the late 1980s and 90s when the Premier League commenced. Bryan Gunn was instrumental in the success of the Canaries during his 12-year spell between the sticks, also keeping goal for Scotland.
Big Bryan had a brief spell as manager of the club, back in 2009 and after a tricky spell that saw Norwich drop into Division 3 or League 1, as it’s now known, Mr Gunn started the 2009/10 campaign in the 3rd-Tier but didn’t last long, being sacked by the bosses of Norwich that included Delia ‘let’s be having you!’ Smith after the opening day defeat against Colchester by a 7-1 scoreline.
Bryan was the Norwich goalkeeper when the Canaries beat the legendary Bayern Munich team in the UEFA Cup back in October 1993, producing a string of brilliant saves against the German giants, that included Lothar Matthaus.
Daniel Farke has signed Mr Gunn as his goalkeeper for the new 2021/22 Premier League season, the Mr Gunn being Angus, son of the legendary Norwich stopper.
Angus, aged 25-years old, comes in from Southampton and joins along with Ben Gibson, who signs on a permanent deal following last seasons loan, Billy Gilmour, on loan from Chelsea, Dimitris Giannoulis, like Ben, signed permanently, Kenny Coker, a young Striker, signed from Southend and Pierre Lees-Melou, a slightly older Midfielder.
It will be another difficult year for the Carrow Rd Yellows, as it will be for the other 2-promoted teams but Norwich do entertain so will enhance the Premier League and with Teemu in the ranks, won’t be shy of a goal or two.
Over the last couple of years, a character emerged in this EveryTip column that of James from Swinton, nowhere near Bramall Lane.
Unfortunately, with Sheffield United being relegated, it was assumed that the little Blunt wouldn’t be able to feature, however, the ex-Barnsley fan, begged John Newsome, begged, even offering bribes of Sunday Lunch, to somehow still be included in this season’s EveryTip Premier League Preview.
As James lived nowhere near Bramall Lane but decided to follow the Blades, the lad must have had a bump on the head in his youth, it was put to Little Jim that he could pick a Premier League team to follow and his regular weekly feature would continue. James from Swinton, nowhere near Carrow Rd, is now a Norwich fan.
The Little Canary went straight out and purchased the famous Yellow Shirt, walking into the Norwich Superstore, constantly repeating to himself, ‘Yellow Canary, Yellow Canary, Yellow Canary!’
The lad is pleased as punch in his new shirt, running around the garden in Swinton, nowhere near Carrow Rd and is actually quite pleased the shirt is Yellow as it won’t show when the little fella spills mustard on it from shovelling Hot-Dogs down.
The Little Canary did have to check with his beautiful girlfriend if the passport was needed when visiting Norfolk, as Jimbo wasn’t too sure if Norwich was in England.
The girlfriend is still the girlfriend as Jim hasn’t been able to find the right time to propose and the fact that Haribo haven’t got a jelly in the girls’ size yet but are rumoured to be manufacturing one.
Yellow Canary, Yellow Canary.
Opening Game Fixture-Liverpool Home
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Premier League Finish 19th
SOUTHAMPTON
Wreck-It Ralph Hasenhuttl is back at St Mary’s for another campaign hoping to push his Saint’s on from last season’s 15th-placed finish.
That was actually 4-places lower than the 2019/20 finish that saw Southampton finish 11th and at one point at the beginning of last season, Ralph’s boys were at the top of the Premier League table.
This will be the 3rd full pre-season start for Mr Hasenhuttl who appears to have some sort of spell over the Saints faithful, however, is finishing 15th progression? Theo Walcott comes back home permanently after a loan spell from Everton last term.
Ryan Bertrand as left to join the Foxes and out goes the young stopper Angus Gunn, who heads to Norwich where the lads Dad is a legend at Carrow Rd.
Wreck-It has brought in Romain Perraud from the French Ligue Un club, Brest, who replaces Ryan in the Left-Back role.
Along with Romain, comes another Defender, Dynel Simeu on a permanent deal from Chelsea for around £2 Million. Young Dynel is from Southampton and heads back home to hopefully break into Ralph’s 1st-team.
A couple of players that the Saints faithful look set at saying goodbye to are the brilliant Striker that is Danny Ings and the excellent James Ward-Prowse.
Danny has turned down the offer of a new contract at St Mary’s and looks set on a move to a ‘bigger’ club, with talk of Man City and Tottenham wanting the 28-year old.
Mr Ings has a year left on his current deal and Southampton have no desire to sell but as everyone knows, money increases desire and a nice little offer of around £20 Million may change the desire of the Saints hierarchy.
If the bosses refuse Danny a move, then the lad will leave for free next season, so it’s a tricky game to play in preventing Mr Ings from leaving this Summer.
As for James, Aston Villa are in hot pursuit, with an opening bid of £25 Million coming in from the Midlands outfit.
Southampton do have the upper hand in dealings as JWP only signed a 5-year deal last term, so the Saints will feel £25 Million is way short of the mark and don’t need to sell at the moment.
Opening Game Fixture-Everton Away
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Premier League Finish 15th
TOTTENHAM
With Jose Mourinho exiting left just before the Final of the Carabao Cup in April, Tottenham have appointed another Portuguese Manager in Nuno EspÃrito Santo, who was a player under Dracula at Porto back in the day.
Nuno announced he was leaving his position at Molineux at the end of last season and although there were others in the running for the Tottenham job, it was muted by John Newsome in this EveryTip column, back in May that Mr EspÃrito Santo would be heading to the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium.
What’s remarkable about Nuno is the lad is 47-years old and not the 63 he looks and resembles a Scottish-Australian, currently residing in Mount Eliza which is a suburb of Melbourne. One of Mr E-S main objectives is to try and keep the Spurs star Striker, that is Harry Kane.
Daniel Levy is a shrewd businessman and although no one at Tottenham (apart from Harry!) wants Mr Kane to leave this Summer, £150 Million could change that.
After the horrendous pandemic that has swept the World, Tottenham, like most clubs need dollar and although, as mentioned, Harry is officially not for sale, Daniel is not daft and will know that this will be the optimum moment to sell Big Harry.
Mr Kane has just turned 28, a couple of days ago, in the prime of his career, with 3-years left on his current Tottenham contract.
The £150 Million price-tag, is the maximum that Spurs and Mr Levy will ever get for Harry Kane.
Even if Tottenham refuse to sell, in 12-months time, Harry will be 29 and the contract will only have 2-years to go. That £150 Million will have reduced dramatically.
Mr Levy knows this and will play a game similar to Poker to wait for the right time and offer, which could be in the final minutes of the expiry of the Transfer Window on August 31st.
Big Harry is reportedly on £200,000 a week (a week!) so the money isn’t the issue, Man City, Manchester United or Chelsea would match that and more, the issue is the current state of play at Tottenham.
Spurs won’t win the Premier League anytime soon, or the Champions League, (not competing in the competition this season, definitely hinders that!).
Does Harry Kane want to finish his career at Tottenham, with just the possibility of a Carabao Cup loses medal in his trophy cabinet?
One thing that is for certain is Harry won’t go abroad as the Big Fella wants to surpass Alan Shearer’s Premier League goal record of 260. Mr Kane is currently 7th on the list with 166-goals, 94 away from Big Al.
Having scored an average of 23-goals over the past 7-seasons, if the lad continues that goal-scoring fete, Mr Shearer’s record will be overhauled in 2025. With Harry Kane being 32-years old at the time.
Jamie Vardy has scored 50-Premier League goals since the Sheffield Superstar turned 32. How many Premier League goals will Harry end up with, when his career finally comes to an end?
There’s talk that Big H won’t return to training with Spurs, to try and force a move away.
Mr Kane doesn’t come across as that type of player and in reality, doesn’t really need to mess around, Daniel Levy will sell, it’s just a waiting game as to the maximum dollar that Big Dan can manifest and the timing.
Don’t be surprised if Mrs Kane is packing the bags for a move up to Manchester, at midnight on the 31st of August.
Gareth Bale has headed back to the Madrid golf course and now Carlo Ancelotti has replaced Zinedine Zidane, GB will get more of a chance at the Bernabeu, so won’t be returning to London. Nuno brings in Bryan Gil (pronounced Hill!) from Sevilla.
Bryan, who sounds like a plumber from South Yorkshire, is a Spanish International who plays out wide and is currently in Tokyo at the Olympics with Spain.
Going in the opposite direction is Erik Lamela who is part of the deal that sees Big Hill-Gil head to London.
Mr Lamela was one of the 7-players, along with Christian Eriksen, Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches and Nacer Chadli, that Tottenham signed in the summer of 2013 when Gareth Bale left for Real Madrid in a world record £85 Million deal.
Erik Lamela becomes the last of the (not so) Magnificent Seven to leave Spurs. Money well spent!
Toby Alderweireld leaves Tottenham after 6-years in North London, with the Big Belgium Defender going to the sun of Qatar to join Al-Duhail. Making it 2-in and 2-out currently at Spurs is Pierluigi Gollini, which Nuno has recruited from Atalanta.
The ‘keeper comes in on a season-long loan with the view to a permanent move and will be back up to Hugo Lloris.
A player that should feel like a new signing at the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium, is Dele Alli, who was frozen out by Dracula. Nice one Jose!
Dele just needs to take inspiration from Luke Shaw, who was given the same treatment by Mr Mourinho, whilst in residence at the Lowry.
Luke is a different player now and the recent displays for England at the Euros enhanced the Manchester United star. No doubt Dele Alli is a great player, Nuno just needs to bring that out of the lad in the coming season. Expect a few more in’s and out’s before the end of the Transfer Window.
Opening Game Fixture-Man City Home
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Premier League Finish 9th
WATFORD
A lot may not have heard of the Spaniard Xisco Munoz, who is the manager of Watford after succeeding Vladimir Ivic in December 2020.
Vladimir had only been at Vicarage Rd a few months (4) following the relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
When the hierarchy at Watford sacked Mr Ivic, the Hornets were 5th in the Championship but the bosses decided a change was needed and replaced the unlucky Vlad with Xisco.
Xisco the Disco, lead Watford to a 2nd-placed finish behind Norwich, gaining automatic promotion back to the Premier League, along with the Canaries who had been relegated with the Hornets at the end of the 2019/20 season.
The 3rd team relegated in that campaign were Bournemouth who unfortunately couldn’t match Norwich and Watford in gaining promotion, so stay in the Championship.
Brentford joined both in the Top Flight and on paper, all 3 look set to enjoy just 1-season in the Promised Land, with the clubs promoted being favourites to be relegated this term.
Watford have signed the Norwegian Striker Josh King, who was part of the Bournemouth team relegated but joined Everton in a bizarre move that saw him only at Goodison Park for 6-months, playing a total of just 212-minutes in 11-appearances for the Toffees, mostly from the bench.
Peter Etebo is in at Vicarage Rd on a Season Loan from Stoke, with ex-Tottenham and England Left-Back Danny Rose, moving the short distance from Spurs up to Watford. Imran Louza, who is a Midfielder signs from Nantes, in a 5-year deal for a fee of around £10 Million.
Ex-Manchester United youngster and a team-mate of Ivan Toney, when the two helped the Super Reds gain promotion to the Championship back in 2016, Ashley Fletcher signs a permanent deal from Middlesbrough.
The lad is class and Marcus Rashford-esq but it’s whether Young Ashley can step up to the plate in the Premier League.
Mr Fletcher cost the Hertfordshire club nothing in Transfer Fees as Ash’s 4-year contract at Middlesbrough came to an end.
Emmanuel Dennis comes in from Club Bruges, with a reputation as a Bad Boy, supposedly refusing to get on the team bus for a Bundesliga fixture against Borussia Dortmund, because the preferred seat, Big Em wanted to sit in was occupied, might have been the toilet though.
The lad did score twice in the Champions League fixture against Real Madrid which finished in a 2-2 scoreline, so obviously knows where the onion is.
Kwadwo Baah signs from Rochdale and Mattie Pollock comes in from Grimsby (of cause he does with a name like Pollock!) both are not expected to go into Disco’s First Team straight away but with potential in mind.
Watford are 500/1 to Win the Premier League, which, for those not up with the betting odds system, means if one places a pound on the Hornets, to be the 2021/22 Premier League Champions, one loses a pound.
Opening Game Fixture-Aston Villa Home
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Premier League Finish 18th
WEST HAM
David Moyes has gone early in the recruitment drive, bringing in the 19-year old, highly rated French Midfielder, Pierre-Ekwah Elimby from Chelsea for a fee of around £7 Million. Thierry Nevers, who is a Striker, also aged 19, joins from Reading, along with Armstrong Okoflex, a Winger from Celtic.
All young exciting prospects, that the Hammers fans should look forward to seeing but the man that the faithful want back is Jesse Lingard, who made a great impact when he came on loan, to the London Stadium back in January.
However, at this moment in time, Jesse is a Manchester United player and saw game time wearing the Red Devil’s jersey in recent friendlies against Queens Park Rangers and Derby, even scoring against QPR, so could possibly stay at Old Trafford.
The recent Euros, saw Thomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal star for the Czech Republic, along with Lukasz Fabianski, who was with the Poland squad but didn’t see any game-time, with the ex-Arsenal stopper Wojciech Szczesny, being the preferred choice between the Polish sticks.
The other West Ham star man at Euro 2020, was, of course, Declan Rice, who started every game for England, that saw the Three Lions reach the final, however, ultimately lose on penalties, against Italy.
Dr Declan will be in demand from the so-called Big Boys and if the Hammers hierarchy want to cash in on the lad, £90 Million could be the figure to prize Mr Rice away from the London Stadium.
Mr Moyes was after a new goalkeeper, with West Brom’s Sam Johnstone a target, however,
after an initial bid of £8 Million was rejected by the Baggies, West Ham have signed the Paris Saint-Germain stopper, Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal.
Although Alphonse comes in from Paris, the lad doesn’t have to move home as Mr Areola spent last season in London, on loan at Craven Cottage. Mrs Areola will be pleased that she hasn’t to pack all the gear up.
Chelsea’s French Defender Kurt Zouma is wanted by Mr Moyes and could be in at the London Stadium before the end of the Transfer Window, with the Hammers prepared to pay around £20 Million.
One player that won’t be in London next season is Felipe Anderson who has joined Lazio for a fee of just £3 Million.
Whilst that doesn’t appear to be the most exciting of Transfer News, a story to add, is West Ham purchased Mr Anderson, 3-years ago, for £36 Million, from guess who?
That’s right, Lazio.
Football is a funny old game!
If David Moyes does secure the signing of Jesse Lingard, to go with Thomas and Vladimir plus the excellent Michail Antonio, then the Bubbles faithful should be extremely excited about the upcoming season.
Opening Game Fixture-Newcastle Away
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Bet 365 offer West Ham at 12/1 to Finish in the Top 4.
Premier League Finish 6th
WOLVES
It was stated at the end of the 2020/21 season, that Nuno EspÃrito Santo would be leaving Molineux after 4-seasons in the Wolves hot-seat. However, at the time, it wasn’t certain that Nuno would go to Tottenham, although John Newsome did suggest that would happen.
Now that Nuno is no longer, Wolves have stayed Portuguese and have employed Bruno Lage to replace Mr EspÃrito Santo. Bruno comes in from Benfica, who had qualified for the Champions League, finishing 3rd, behind Sporting Lisbon and Porto.
Mr Lage immediately needs a goalkeeper after his fellow countryman, Rui Patricio, left the Midlands and signed for another Portuguese manager that being a certain Jose Mourinho at Roma in Italy.
Olympiacos stopper Jose Sa, another native of Portugal is on his way to Molineux but Bruno still has the reliable John Ruddy in his ranks.
Rayan Ait-Nouri has signed permanently, on a 5-year deal, from the French club Angers, following a successful season on loan at Molineux last term, with the 20-year old Rayan playing 21-times, mostly as a Left-Back. The fee is around £10 Million.
Winger Francisco Trincao comes in from Barcelona on loan and should go straight into the starting eleven for the opening game of the season against Leicester.
Columbian Centre-Back Yerson Mosquera signs from Atletico Nacional, for a reported fee of £5 Million, whilst another goalkeeper, youngster Louie Moulden arrives from Man City, as a backup for Jose Sa and John Ruddy.
The excellent Adama Traore is still at the club for the time being but others are willing to test the resolve of the Wolves top men to try and sign the pacy Winger.
Bruno will once again have the service of Raul Jimenez after the Striker was given the all-clear following the horrendous injury last season.
Opening Game Fixture-Leicester Away
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Bet 365 offer Wolves at 150/1 to Win the 2021/22 Premier League.
Bet 365 offer Wolves at 5/1 to be Relegated.
Premier League Finish 13th
1st Man City
2nd Liverpool
3rd Chelsea
4th Leicester
5th Manchester United
6th West Ham
7th Leeds United
8th Arsenal
9th Tottenham
10th Aston Villa
11th Everton
12th Burnley
13th Wolves
14th Brighton
15th Southampton
16th Newcastle
17th Crystal Palace
18th Watford
19th Norwich
20th Brentford
The new column full of predictions for the new season will be out next week, please feel free to read and share.
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