17 Aug 2026 16:26:45
Hi Ed01,
Just wondering what your thoughts are for this season? Any predictions? Chelsea look a bit stronger (and only have PL to concentrate on), Citeh look a bit weaker, Arsenal about the same or slightly improved. If Barcola and Mbaye/Rayan arrive and another midfielder then I'd say we've strengthened and we should improve from last season (which isn't saying much). Thanks
{Ed001's Note - I expect us to be much better this season, but it will take time to get going most likely. Arsenal have the best squad and should win easily, their biggest weakness is the manager still and his caution will stop them running away with the league this season. With a bit of luck, it might be enough to give us a shot, though that is unlikely.
City will likely be hampered by Maresca, who is not a top class manager by any means. His inability to organise a defence is likely to be their undoing. Chelsea can be a threat, but they lack players at their peak. Everyone is either young or veterans, which is an issue for a team aiming for a title.}
17 Aug 2026 17:37:37
Spot on Ed1
Don't underestimate Villa and I think Spurs will be stronger this season. I think we will get a CL spot and be much closer to Arsenal than last season. May need to do business in the winter window to deal with a lack of squad depth.
Ido think all our new signings look promising so better than last window and last seasons signings are looking better. Overall we are looking like a stronger team and most importantly we are looking a lot fitter.
{Ed001's Note - Spurs will be stronger? They were battling relegation last season, of course they will be stronger, but they are still full of trash and have a manager that falls out with his own shadow.}
17 Aug 2026 17:36:34
Thankks Ed, I completely agree and I think we will try to strenghten in January
{Ed001's Note - we are always looking to strengthen. Last January we signed Jacquet, for example. We never stopped trying to improve.}
17 Aug 2026 17:57:49
Couldn't agree more with Maresca comment Ed001, I can't believe that's the route they have taken. If I have to eat my words then so be it but he seems like he needed time at a club where he can show his worth, he's destined to fail at a City team no where near as strong as they used to be. AI might succeed and he might not but he's shown what he can do with Bournemouth therefore earned this shot. Same with Xabi earning this opportunity though I think his is also a big jump. It's so open if the top teams play to their best ability but it's rare that happens.
Only discouraging thing this season is that the mid table teams that were causing upsets last year seem to have all weakened, personally I think that's gutting as being tested every game makes for such a better season. We should be there or thereabouts come Christmas and hopefully that gives us opportunity to tinker with a few places in the market. Just can't look past Arsenal with that squad. Terribly boring but effective and depth to last the whole way in all comps.
17 Aug 2026 19:36:21
Arsenal def stronger, but won't be so aided by the refs at set pieces. We will def improve. Our defense will be much better, but we still need to sort the midfield. Chelsea, the unknown.
Spurs will start well, but fade. We have a favourable fixture list to bed in players and get fitness levels up. Newcastle was a tough one initially, but imo they will struggle this season.