Laura Woods: Manchester City will win Premier League
PEP & CO WILL BOUNCE BACK
I was saying Liverpool to defend the title but now I am worried about them defensively based on what we saw in the Community Shield.
I think [Hugo] Ekitike is a good player but he should have had a hat-trick in that game and he could be a worry if they don’t manage to bring in Alexander Isak.
I think Manchester City could come from nowhere; they’ve made some excellent signings.
Arsenal will be in the conversation and a lot hinges on [Viktor] Gyokeres hitting the ground running.
I do believe he will – but I’m going to go with City as champions.
Man City to win the Premier League is 3/1 with BetMGM
ONE PROMOTED SIDE WILL STAY UP
I’m going with Leeds to be relegated. They have lost a couple of goalscorers and Daniel Farke does not convince me. I don’t think he is the person to lead a side to Premier League safety; his record worries me.
I was going to say Sunderland, too, but I like the business they have done, especially Granit Xhaka.
Whatever their team is, he is such a brilliant leader. He could be the difference. I’m backing them to stay up.
I am concerned about Wolves, I’m putting them down there. They have lost big players like [Matheus] Cunha and I think they are going to struggle.
Burnley probably finish bottom. They like to yo-yo and Scott Parker, much like Farke, is a brilliant manager at getting teams promoted but his Premier League record is questionable.
I worry about them defensively despite their incredible clean sheet record last term. I think against the top sides they could be on the end of some heavy defeats.
TOP FOUR SPOTS WIDE OPEN
I’ve based my top four thinking on Isak not being at Newcastle. I think if he leaves, that’s their Champions League hopes over.
My top four will be Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea… but I’m giving an honourable mention to Manchester United.
They have done some really good business. Whoever is making the signings is giving the impression that United are back. While I don’t think they are quite there, we’ll certainly see an improved season from the Red Devils.
I can’t see them quite getting the top four but players are joining them over the likes of Newcastle as they are a huge club that is rebuilding.
It’s a season too early for the top four, though.
HAALAND TO HIT GOAL TRAIL
I’m going with City to win the league and I’m going with Haaland to be top scorer.
By his own standard, he had a bit of a down season last term, and he will be back at it. They’ve signed a few players, too, who could provide him with goals, so I’m going with him.
Gyokeres, I think, will have a great season and I can see him second behind Haaland.
Isak would be right up there and, if he goes to Liverpool, I could see him maybe pipping Haaland.
Right now, though, we don't know what his situation will be. He could be sitting on the bench for Newcastle.
NEW SIGNINGS TO FLOURISH
Gyokeres will be one of the best newcomers.
He is the final piece in Mikel Arteta’s puzzle. I know he’s played in the Premier League before but not at this top level.
But he knows how to play against English teams – he scored a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League and he was outstanding. I don't think he will be a fish out of water or need a season to settle. He’ll hit the ground running.
I’m going to go for Jack Grealish at Everton to be the best signing. If Everton can give him the freedom he had at Aston Villa, and he plays the way that everyone loves him to play, then he will be an incredible addition.
He was a maverick and made things happen. It wasn't a one-man team but the club was his identity through and through and, at Everton, they are building something. He will fit in so nicely.
I hope he becomes a happy player again – a happy Jack Grealish is a brilliant Jack Grealish.
I also want to mention Florian Wirtz at Liverpool, as he is in for a fantastic season.
Florian Wirtz to have the most assists this season is 7/2 with BetMGM
SUNDERLAND WILL SURPRISE BUT FRANK’S GOING TO STRUGGLE
Sunderland will overachieve. I honestly think Xhaka is such a good signing and their fans seem confident.
They’re going to be my overachievers, I’m calling it now, they won’t get relegated, they will stay in the Premier League!
Spurs, however, are my underachievers. Having won a trophy last season, expectations will be high in north London, especially with the new manager.
I worry, though, that the manager will struggle; I don’t think it will work. I really like Thomas Frank but the job could eat him up.
The European Super Cup was a prime example. To be leading for as long as they were and then lose in the manner they did, it raises questions again about their mentality, which has always been levelled at them.
Sunderland not to be relegated is 7/4 with BetMGM
FEARS FOR FARKE
First manager to go will be Daniel Farke at Leeds.
He just struggles in the Premier League and this season won’t be any better.
They have a difficult start, unfortunately for them, and the pressure is going to be on him from Matchday 1.
GOLDEN GOALS MATCHDAY 1 SELECTIONS
Here’s what I’m thinking for the first Golden Goals of the season:
You can find out more about Golden Goals and play along here.
Golden Goals Terms & Conditions
Opt in & predict 6 correct scores (see game lobby for weekly tournament cut-off time) to win up to £500k jackpot. Predict 2+ correct scores and win a prize (ranging from Free Bets to £5k Prizepool). Winnings shared evenly in case of multiple winners. Each prize subject to its own terms. Void if 1 or more matches postponed/abandoned or not completed. Verification procedures apply. 18+. T&Cs and exclusions apply.
