THE Premier League is back for what looks to be an enthralling 2025-26 season.
Liverpool go into the season as champions and have spent big on some world-class talent.
Play Dream Team now!
Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season
Chelsea are reigning world champions having won the Club World Cup earlier in the summer.
Arsenal have finally landed a natural striker, while surely Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham can’t underperform so dramatically again…
So what does the 2025-26 Premier League season have in store?
SunSport’s crack team of reporters run through each team’s hopes, dreams and chance of success… as well as their star man on Dream Team and A-list celebrity fan.
ARSENAL
By Jordan Davies
THE Prem’s perennial bridesmaids will have another crack at finally walking down the aisle themselves.
Surely this is Arsenal’s time?
A fourth year on the spin of finishing runners-up would likely push the fanbase over the edge… and pile the pressure on boss Mikel Arteta.
December 19, 2025 will mark six years since the Spaniard took over and the progress is there for all to see. But is that enough?
Trophies maketh the manager and Arteta believes their time is coming.
They are not at a win-or-bust situation just yet but they are getting close to it.
A horror opening run of fixtures will not help — they play United, Liverpool, Forest, City and Newcastle in the first six games.
But there is added quality and depth — with the hope Arteta has finally found a No 9 in Viktor Gyokeres.
Even so, the proof is in the pudding and nothing tastes sweeter than silverware.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Declan Rice, midfielder, £5m
Bukayo Saka is normally the go-to guy at the Gunners but Rice produced nine goals and 10 assists overall last season.
He also created 58 chances in the Prem, two more than his England pal Saka.
Two huge games against Real Madrid last season earned him legendary status at the Emirates and contributed to a 295-point haul.
FAMOUS FAN
It’s a little harsh to suggest Rihanna found love in a hopeless place but she did rock up at the Emirates in 2018, the year the Gunners finished sixth.
At least she saw them beat Everton 5-1.
ASTON VILLA
By Alec Shilton
UNAI EMERY could be forgiven for spending all summer ruing the £100million refereeing blunder at Old Trafford on the final day of last season.
That decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ goal in the defeat by Manchester United cost Villa the riches of Champions League football.
It wrecked hopes of signing Marcus Rashford permanently and uncertainty hung over key players as the club complied with financial rules.
Boss Emery, Villa’s most vital asset, must feed off the frustration.
He has them playing in the Europa League — their third straight season in Europe.
Emery’s knack of coaxing the best from signings in their second season means much is expected from last summer’s big-money recruits Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen.
But Boubacar Kamara’s new contract is Villa’s best bit of business –
the Frenchman and Youri Tielemans can mix it with the very best midfields.
Success may lie in sorting out their flaky away form, having lost just twice at home last season.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Ian Maatsen, defender, £4m
On the face of it, two goals and two assists last season would appear a meagre return.
But players have a tendency of blossoming after a year of working with Unai Emery and big things are now expected of the Dutchman.
Has already shown glimpses and if he can repeat his Dortmund form, he will be a good fantasy asset.
FAMOUS FAN
Prince William wanted a club that could give him ‘rollercoaster moments’. Mission accomplished.
By virtue of being the future King of England, he pips fellow Villan Tom Hanks in the celebrity stakes.
BOURNEMOUTH
By Tom Barclay
ANDONI IRAOLA equalled the Cherries’ highest-ever finish last term.
Ending the campaign in ninth matched the position Eddie Howe achieved with Bournemouth back in 2016-17.
Now the question is can the Basque boss repeat the feat?
If he can, it will be even more impressive given he has lost his two most exciting defenders.
Centre-back Dean Huijsen was sold to Real Madrid for £50m, while Milos Kerkez went for £10m less to Liverpool.
Both sales reflect brilliantly on Iraola’s ability to develop talent but now he will have to do it again with new players.
French left-back Adrien Truffert has arrived from talent factory Rennes for £11.5m, along with Chelsea keeper Djordje Petrovic for £25m.
Crucially, they have also kept winger Antoine Semenyo who, after signing a new contract, declared: “This was my safe place.”
DREAM TEAM HERO: Antoine Semenyo, midfielder, £4.5m
Only Salah, Haaland and Palmer had more shots than Semenyo in the Prem last season, so he’s not afraid to take a pop.
Scored 13 times last season and weighed in with seven assists for a total of 262 points, at an average of 6.2 a game.
Surprisingly overlooked by fantasy managers last season, don’t expect him to go under the radar this time around.
FAMOUS FAN
Having briefly ruled Wakanda, Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan has taken the next logical step and become part-owner of Bournemouth.
The American has even designed a special edition shirt for the Cherries.
BRENTFORD
By Jack Rosser
BRENTFORD are stepping into a brave new world without Thomas Frank at the helm.
The Bees have almost outdone themselves by appointing set-piece coach Keith Andrews, who has no previous experience in a top job.
Andrews, an ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder and Sky Sports pundit, is certainly confident in his abilities but faces quite a task.
As well as having to replace an incredibly sensible manager, the Bees have lost their captain Christian Norgaard and top scorer Bryan Mbeumo.
Staying up has always been regarded as an achievement at the Gtech — now even more so after such a summer of upheaval.
There has been a sense of calm from those at the top over the changes but that will be put to the test if there is a rocky start to the campaign.
The addition of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson seems a smart one in terms of mentality and experience.
But, at 35, can he handle the pace after two years away from the Prem?
DREAM TEAM HERO: Jordan Henderson, midfielder, £2.5m
Back in Blightly after a miserable experience in Saudi Arabia and a bizarre spell in Amsterdam.
At 35, his best days are behind him, although clearly he still had enough in the tank to warrant an England recall from Thomas Tuchel and a move to Brentford.
Capable of conjuring assists, at £2.5m he is a cheap enabler for your fantasy team.
FAMOUS FAN
Claudia Schiffer taking a stake in Brentford is almost as surprising as Andrews becoming boss.
But the German supermodel has invested in the Bees along with hubby, X-Men director Sir Matthew Vaughn.
BRIGHTON
By Isabelle Barker
EVERYONE knows Tony Bloom likes a gamble but, even by his standards, appointing Fabian Hurzeler last season seemed a long shot.
But it appears to have paid off and Brighton are in a much stronger position than they were a year ago.
Hurzeler turned up to his first press conference with a haircut straight out of Dumb & Dumber.
But he is deadly serious about achieving everything Brighton missed out on last term.
They were a penalty shootout away from an FA Cup semi-final.
And they were an FA Cup final victory for arch-rivals Crystal Palace away from qualifying for the Conference League.
But Hurzeler has plenty to be optimistic about, despite the £60m exit of Joao Pedro to Chelsea and Pervis Estupinan going to AC Milan.
Sunderland winger Tom Watson, 19, has arrived along with another teen starlet, £31.5m Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas, 18.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Carlos Baleba, midfielder, £3.5m
The Manchester United target is an absolute tank – as anyone who came up against him last season will vouch.
But the Cameroonian isn’t just about winning battles in the middle of the park, he can play.
Scored a stoppage-time wonder goal against West Ham in April and starts pretty much every game.
Expect him to improve on four goals and two assists.
FAMOUS FAN
Norman Cook, AKA Fatboy Slim, is a well-loved supporter.
The DJ’s record label, Skint, became shirt sponsors when the club was actually skint.
The Brighton Rock-afeller was also the first artist to play the Amex.
BURNLEY
By Martin Blackburn
OWNER Alan Pace admitted the power of prayer led him to appoint Scott Parker last summer.
And, boy, did the former England midfielder answer it.
When Vincent Kompany walked out for Bayern Munich 15 months ago, he took with him the swashbuckling style that had captivated Clarets fans but had been their undoing in the top flight.
In his place came the more pragmatic approach of Parker.
It may not have had fans on the edge of their seats but just 16 goals conceded in the Championship was an incredible achievement.
You can expect Burnley to try to make themselves hard to beat as they seek survival this time around, even without keeper James Trafford.
Parker hopes his former Tottenham team-mate Kyle Walker can be key to that.
At 35, he may not have the speed he once had but his experience will be crucial.
Burnley face three Champions League outfits in their first six matches.
Not many will give them a prayer but Pace thinks his chosen one can come up with another miracle.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Kyle Walker, defender, £2.5m
Picking defenders from newly-promoted teams is always a risky business but Walker is a seasoned Dream Team veteran and has shown he can rack up fantasy points.
Of course, playing for Parker’s Burnley is very different to Pep’s City but the Clarets conceded only 16 goals in 46 league games last season and they will park the bus.
FAMOUS FAN
King Charles III surprisingly revealed he was a Claret in 2012 but whether he will turn up for Villa away with his son William is debatable.
He does have a VIP season ticket. And, no, he didn’t have to go on a waiting list.
CHELSEA
By Dan King
THE Blues go into the season as newly-crowned world champions.
Now the best way to silence anyone who questions the value of the Club World Cup will be to mount a challenge for the English throne.
Boss Enzo Maresca has a squad that would be the envy of most teams.
The difficulty is overtaking the three other outstanding sides, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
Maresca played down talk of the title when his side closed to within a few points of the Reds last year.
But he will find it harder to shake off the expectations of fans and owners in his second season.
Chelsea’s array of attacking talent is incredible and, in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, they have two world-class midfielders.
Defeating PSG in the CWC final was a positive sign.
Now, after all that exertion in the heat of the USA and a minimal pre-season, the Blues must deliver over a nine-month campaign.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Cole Palmer, midfielder, £6m
Player of the tournament at the Club World Cup and a fantasy favourite.
On song again after a blip last season where he went 16 games without a goal.
Even so, the England man still managed a very respectable 15 goals and 12 assists, amassing 327 points in Dream Team. If Chelsea ignite this season, he will be the spark.
FAMOUS FAN
Model and actress Cara Delevingne describes Chelsea Football Club as ‘home’, which is hardly surprising given she grew up a John Terry clearance away in nearby Belgravia.
Was seen sat behind the dugout in April 2024.
CRYSTAL PALACE
By Jack Rosser
HAVING enjoyed the most successful season in the club’s history, the celebrations were abruptly cut short.
The joy of lifting the FA Cup has been tainted by legal wranglings with Uefa over their European odyssey and relegation from the Europa League to the Conference League.
The summer has seen John Textor, the co-owner who caused all the trouble with Uefa, depart to be replaced by another American billionaire, Woody Johnson.
But despite weeks of bitter battles, this should still be a season for Palace fans to embrace – as the Community Shield win over Liverpool shows.
Playing on the European stage will bring countless memorable nights for supporters who have long craved a step up from simply surviving.
And given the performances of English teams on the Continent in recent years, there is quiet hope of a long run.
Key to Palace’s success will be Adam Wharton.
After a season interrupted by a groin injury, he will hope for a full campaign to get back to his best.
While that could attract suitors, it would give Oliver Glasner’s men more of a chance of springing a few surprises.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Daniel Munoz, defender, £5.5m
Few would have predicted Palace winning the FA Cup last season and even fewer would have forseen the impact of Munoz.
The Colombian has gone from being a relative unknown to the joint most expensive defender in Dream Team.
Played all but one Prem game last season and produced six goals and six assists overall.
FAMOUS FAN
TV anchor Susanna Reid wears Palace colours, is a club patron and has even dated chairman Steve Parish.
The Good Morning Britain host was at Wembley in May to watch her beloved Eagles win the FA Cup.
EVERTON
By Ken Lawrence
DAVID MOYES produced what may be his best body of work by returning to save Everton.
Now it will be steady as she goes, even though the Toffees have a new stadium and The Friedkin Group has wiped out a debt of £600million.
Boss Moyes may have unearthed a Prem diamond in Thierno Barry, a £27m signing from Villarreal.
The 6ft 5in striker also interested Manchester City and Tottenham after rising from France’s fifth tier to Spain’s LaLiga in the space of three years.
He will fill the hole left by Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s new contract means Moyes can again rely on a solid centre-back pairing with skipper James Tarkowski.
And Carlos Alcaraz’s permanent switch makes up for Abdoulaye Doucoure departing on a free.
Wingers Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye will again be crucial as the Toffees settle into their new home – and they will be aided by star loan signing Jack Grealish.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Iliman Ndiaye, midfielder, £4m
The Toffees will need someone to light up their new stadium and Ndiaye might just be the man to do it.
A Senegal winger, who can operate as an attacking midfielder, he scored 11 goals last season.
From a Dream Team perspective, he also earned 41 bonus points which makes him a very appealing fantasy pick.
FAMOUS FAN
Amanda Holden has been spotted home and away and, as a Britain’s Got Talent judge, is used to enduring the odd naff performance.
Revealed in May, she had ‘liberated’ a corner flag from Goodison Park.
FULHAM
By Isabelle Barker
FULHAM owners the Khans know it is do or die to keep manager Marco Silva this season.
The Portuguese boss said months ago the club knew exactly what he wanted going into the new campaign — so it was up to them to deliver.
It hasn’t been too shabby for the Whites in the three seasons since returning to the promised land of the Premier League.
And there is certainly a feeling that something special is brewing by the Thames.
An 11th-place finish and FA Cup quarter-final last term can be viewed as a stepping stone to potential glory this time around.
There was even talk of a European spot after Fulham lost just three of their first 13 games.
They will certainly hope to get off to a similarly fast start, despite facing Manchester United and Chelsea in August.
Silva rejected a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia in May and was on Spurs’ list of potential replacements for Ange Postecoglou.
So the Khans better keep their wits about them if they want to hang on to their Silva.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Alex Iwobi, midfielder, £3.5m
Solid fantasy performer and hidden gem with nine goals, six assists and a total of 224 points last season. That’s not to be sniffed at… particularly when you see his price is just £3.5m.
Fantasy managers opted for the more fancied Emile Smith Rowe last summer but he ended up with almost 100 points less. Don’t make that mistake again.
FAMOUS FAN
Aussie actress Margot Robbie has brought a different kind of Barbie to the Cottage thanks to her Fulham-supporting husband Tom Ackerley.
Whether fans will see a special edition pink kit in the future remains to be seen.
LEEDS
By Gary Stonehouse
LEEDS have gone about their business quietly as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
The Elland Road giants bolstered their attack with Lukas Nmecha arriving early doors.
The £12m acquisition of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle appears to be shrewd and German Anton Stach adds steel to the midfield.
Tying star winger Dan James down to a new long-term deal was just as important to Leeds.
But maybe the most important decision was keeping manager Daniel Farke.
The double decker’s engine was still warm after their Championship trophy parade when rumours arose Farke was about to be axed.
Chief Paraag Marathe quickly shut it down and publicly backed “his man” to lead them in the Prem.
But, as ever with Leeds, a crisis is never far away.
And you suspect that could all change should they fail to make a good start.
With Newcastle and Arsenal to play in their first four fixtures, the pressure could be back on Farke swiftly.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Dan James, midfielder, £2.5m
Lightning fast and out to prove a point following his last foray with the Premier League.
The Welsh flier was a pivotal part of Leeds’ promotion campaign, netting 12 goals and creating nine assists.
The Elland Road giants are far better equipped to survive in the top flight than most promoted teams and James could rack up some big returns.
FAMOUS FAN
Are you not entertained? Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe became a Leeds fan in the 70s when the only gladiator in town was Norman Hunter.
Has since taken a stake in the club and narrated a club documentary for them.
LIVERPOOL
By Ken Lawrence
ARNE SLOT will hope Florian Wirtz can provide some comfort for Anfield’s broken hearts.
The tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and brother Andre Silva understandably overshadowed the £100m arrival of German wunderkind Wirtz.
Liverpool will no doubt honour Jota by rising to the challenge on the pitch.
And in playmaker Wirtz, 22, they have a force that can not only help them defend the title but also offer Champions League glory.
Wirtz, the best attacking talent reared in the Bundesliga for a generation, is likely to play mainly as a No10.
Yet he can be deployed all along the frontline and is comfortable in a deeper role.
Slot has promised Wirtz he can roam free and that was the reason he chose Merseyside over Munich.
Wirtz is joined by two other Bundesliga export… Leverkusen pal Jeremie Frimpong lines up at right-back after a £29.5m switch, while French striker Hugo Ekitike was a £69m capture from Frankfurt and scored a beauty in the Community Shield.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez also signed for £40m.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Mo Salah, forward, £7.5m
It’s a no brainer, isn’t it? You need at least one marquee player and surely that has to be Salah.
The numbers speak for themselves. Liverpool’s Egyptian king scored a whopping 503 points in Dream Team last season at an average of 9.7 a game, netting 34 goals and 23 assists.
And just for good measure he had 61 shots on target in the Prem.
FAMOUS FAN
Samuel L Jackson adopted Liverpool after filming in the city in 2000 and attending a match at Anfield.
Once tweeted ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone, baby’ which wouldn’t sound cool coming from anyone else.
MAN CITY
By Martin Blackburn
PEP GUARDIOLA always knew the glittering run of success could not go on for ever.
But even the wise old Manchester City boss did not expect the drop-off to be quite so steep last season.
Who could have predicted they would finish 13 points off the top and also end the campaign without major silverware for the first time in eight years?
But the Catalan loves a challenge and trying to get his team back to the summit of English football will be relished.
Talisman Kevin De Bruyne has gone in the middle of the park but do not underestimate the significance of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri returning after nine months out with injury.
Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders give different options in midfield, while they have finally signed a natural left-back in Rayan Ait-Nouri.
And City know if anyone can get them back to the top, it is six-time Prem winner Pep.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Erling Haaland, forward, £7.5m
Last season proved City weren’t invincible. But perhaps more shockingly, it showed Haaland is human after all.
Who would have thought fantasy managers would be ditching the Norwegian Terminator mid-season?
And yet he still managed 367 points, scoring 26 in one game alone.
With that in mind, it would take a brave soul not to pick him.
FAMOUS FAN
Legendary Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher are no strangers to the odd fallout.
But the one constant in their relationship is a shared love of their football club.
Clearly, when it comes to City, they just roll with it.
MAN UTD
By Martin Blackburn
SURELY the only way is up for Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim’s men ended a thoroughly dismal campaign empty handed and 15th in the Prem — only passing the 40-point mark on the final day.
That means no European football at Old Trafford for only the second time in 35 years.
As a result, the Portuguese boss knows the pressure will be on him right from the off — just as it was for his predecessor Erik ten Hag 12 months ago.
The fixture computer has done him no favours, either.
United will face last season’s top four in their first eight matches.
So fans should get an early idea of whether the former Sporting coach is the answer or not.
A lack of goals was the major problem last season as United returned a dismal 44 in 38 matches.
Amorim has tried to address that by paying a total of £127.5m to bring in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo – and then finally got himself a No9, Benjamin Sesko, for £74m.
It will at least provide a few more thrills as entertainment was in short supply at the Theatre of Dreams in 2024-25.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Bruno Fernandes, midfielder, £6m
Amid all of United’s woes last season, Fernandes still performed.
Yes, he moaned a fair bit but at least he cared. And that’s what you want from your fantasy performers.
That and someone who’s going to play a lot and score a lot.
Bruno did both – 56 games in total, 19 goals, 18 assists, 50 bonus points and 443 points overall.
FAMOUS FAN
Countdown’s Rachel Riley is a big fan of United, although solving the current conundrum might be beyond her.
It doesn’t take a maths whiz to work out 44 goals from 38 Prem games last season adds up to sweet FA.
NEWCASTLE
By Gary Stonehouse
EDDIE HOWE performed a mini miracle yet again last season by writing his name into Toon folklore.
Despite the squad being reduced to ease PSR fears, the Magpies boss still produced the magic.
Not only did he lead Newcastle back into the Champions League but he finally secured major silverware after a 70-year domestic wait.
But, with the extra commitment European football brings, things are going to get even harder for Howe.
He called for the club to move quickly in the transfer market but, just two days into his summer holiday, he was rocked by the exit of sporting director Paul Mitchell.
That led to Howe taking more of a hands-on role in signings.
He did capture £55m Anthony Elanga but he missed out on Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo, while Alexander Isak’s situation has clouded the Toon’s vision and continues to be a major headache.
There is no doubt their first XI can compete with almost anybody but, with the added workload, it remains to be seen what Howe can squeeze out of them.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Anthony Elanga, midfielder, £4m
The Toon’s new signing ticks a lot of boxes.
A key figure in Forest reaching Europe last season, he found the net six times and set up his team-mates on 12 occasions.
He also offers a cheaper route into the Newcastle midfield than his more expensive counterparts Bruno Guimaraes, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.
FAMOUS FAN
No stranger to TV awards, Ant and Dec finally got to see their beloved Toon pick up a trophy last season.
Although waiting for it to happen was probably far more of an ordeal than any bushtucker trial.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
By Martin Lipton
SO near, yet so far for Forest last season.
And now Nuno Espirito Santo has to use the frustration of missing out on the Champions League to continue to take the club forwards.
The loss of Anthony Elanga is a blow. Without the Swede’s ability to kill teams on the counter, one of Nuno’s tactical weapons has disappeared.
But keeping hold of Morgan Gibbs-White will lift the squad and the fans.
Forest have also been able to retain the rock-solid defensive unit in front of Matz Sels.
But Nuno may have to refine his style as the rest of the Prem are unlikely to fall into his trap so readily again.
Expecting Chris Wood to repeat his 20 Prem-goal season is a bit of a stretch.
But arguably Nuno’s biggest test will be finding a way to keep owner Evangelos Marinakis out of the headlines.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Chris Wood, forward, £4m
A huge presence up front in more ways than one.
Most were surprised the 6ft 3in Kiwi hit the 20-goal milestone in the Prem last season but he did manage 14 the season before, so maybe it shouldn’t have come as such a shock.
At £4m, he’s the perfect enabler for a premium striker and midfielder.
The question is can Forest repeat their success?
FAMOUS FAN
Born in Nottingham and with the City Ground a reverse sweep away from the boundary of Trent Bridge, it’s no surprise former England cricketer Stuart Broad is a supporter.
He even covered them once for Sky Sports News.
SUNDERLAND
By Gary Stonehouse
THE Black Cats are back in the Premier League and there is a real feel of boom or bust about what lies ahead.
Within weeks of sealing their return to the top flight, midfield talisman Jobe Bellingham was on his way to Borussia Dortmund.
But boss Regis Le Bris and the ambitious North East club spent no time licking their wounds and have stuck with the same philosophy that got them promoted.
On paper, the French coach looks to have a young and exciting Sunderland side at his disposal.
And with what appears to be a kind start fixture-wise, there is every possibility they can continue last season’s momentum and put points on the board early.
However, the big question marks will no doubt come once the hard times begin.
And we won’t know for sure if the Black Cats’ unity will hold firm until the inevitable run of losses occurs.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Trai Hume, defender, £2.5m
Full-backs produce crosses and crosses lead to assists – Hume managed six of those last season and also scored three goals.
He was Sunderland’s Player of the Year and is definitely one to consider if you’re looking for a cheap defender who is going to be an ever present, particularly as his first four fixtures are kind.
FAMOUS FAN
Reality star Charlotte Crosby made her name as an outspoken star of Geordie Shore.
And she proved her Sunderland loyalties by posting a foul-mouthed tweet labelling Newcastle legend Alan Shearer a “t**t”.
TOTTENHAM
By Tom Barclay
IT is all change once again for Daniel Levy’s Tottenham.
Ange Postecoglou has gone, despite ending the club’s 17-year trophy curse with a Europa League triumph in Bilbao.
Thomas Frank takes his place, finally landing a big role after six-and-a-half brilliant years at Brentford — becoming Levy’s 14th permanent manager in the process.
There has been upheaval behind the scenes, too, from the directors’ box to the medical team, as Spurs plot a different course to the one that saw them finish 17th, in spite of their European success.
Mohammed Kudus has arrived for £55million from West Ham.
The Ghanaian is the first player to move from the Irons to Spurs since Scott Parker 11 years ago — and the winger looked fantastic in the friendlies which is good news in the light of James Maddison’s injury.
Loanees Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have also had their deals turned permanent.
Tottenham surely cannot have a worse league campaign than last term but, then again, fans will argue it was worth it having finally won a trophy.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Pedro Porro, defender, £5m
A little expensive but worth every penny.
Let’s face it, Tottenham were bang average last season and yet Porro still scored 295 points in Dream Team thanks largely to four goals and nine assists.
You would expect Spurs to improve this season and be more solid under Frank, so Porro could amass more than the six clean sheets last time.
FAMOUS FAN
Adele was born in Tottenham, has a Tottenham Hale Tube sign in her garden and, when not setting fire to the rain, has been known to belt out the odd rendition of Glory, Glory, Tottenham Hotspur.
WEST HAM
By Jack Rosser
AFTER a dramatic season for all the wrong reasons, West Ham have an awful lot of making up to do this year.
The Hammers went through £130m and a manager last season to just finish 14th.
Graham Potter’s appointment was hardly met with huge fanfare by supporters and their form, after his arrival in January, did little to get the juices flowing for his first full term in charge.
Potter knows there is a chunk of fans to be won over at the often moody London Stadium.
That will require a fast start to the season before questions are asked of those who made the appointment.
The Englishman spent the second half of last season assessing the squad and tightening up a leaky defence.
Mohammed Kudus’ sale to Tottenham released funds for a new full-back in El Hadji Malick Diouf.
While up front, there are positive vibes about the shape of injury-hit Niclas Fullkrug in pre-season.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Jarrod Bowen, forward, £5m
The talisman of the Hammers and always a consistent pick in fantasy football.
Last season, he hit double figures for goals (14) and assists (11) and managed 37 shots on target in the league.
That secured a Dream Team tally of 277 points and a place in the top six strikers this time around.
If you can’t afford Salah and Haaland, Bowen is a very able deputy.
FAMOUS FAN
Danny Dyer loves the club while his daughter Dani loves the captain… it’s a match made in heaven.
The fans Hammers even have a ‘romantic song’ to serenade Dani and her new husband Jarrod Bowen.
WOLVES
By Martin Lipton
PUB-LOVING Vitor Pereira’s appetite for pints as well as points has rapidly made him a favourite with the Molineux fans.
The Portuguese gaffer dragged Wolves from 19th, when he replaced Gary O’Neil just before Christmas, to safety with five matches to spare.
But Pereira would be justified in wondering if the asset strippers have been in since those survival celebrations.
The sales of 15-goal top scorer Matheus Cunha and full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri have helped balance the books but left two gaping holes in the on-field ledger.
Norway’s Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored 14 Prem goals last term, has turned his loan from Celta Vigo into a £23m permanent deal.
But splashing out nearly £20m on rookie winger Fer Lopez, who scored just two LaLiga goals for Vigo last term, looks like a major gamble of limited funds.
That will be a concern to fans, who had hoped Wolves could finally set down Prem foundations.
An opener with Manchester City isn’t exactly a morale-booster, either.
DREAM TEAM HERO: Joao Gomes, midfielder, £3m
The Brazilian went a little unnoticed but he was a pivotal player in Wolves’ turnaround under Vitor Pereira last season.
Rock solid as the men from Molineux won six on the trot between mid-March and late April to dispel any fears of relegation.
Has the potential to have a big season if Wolves can continue their upsurge.
FAMOUS FAN
Led Zeppelin’s legendary frontman Robert Plant found his stairway to heaven at Molineux.
He is a Wolves vice-president and and has even created a new mix of his songs to be pumped out pre-match.
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