Show/hide article…
Stream live Premier League games on talkSPORT.com. Click here for commentary match details.
LIVERPOOL
In a nutshell
Champions League was secured on the final day for Liverpool as they finally returned to Europe’s premier competition. Damaging defeats hindered a promising start last campaign, but they still rallied to a top four finish.
Expectations
A title challenge will be desired, but a Champions League place offers its own weight in gold within the competitive climate of the Premier League. A poor FA cup showing where they were knocked out by Wolves last season will want to be put right with a serious challenge for silverware in this campaign.
Transfer business
Mohamed Salah has returned to the league looking to show added value following his ill-fated spell at Chelsea. His addition of pace and charisma in attacking midfield should fit the mould in Klopp’s Liverpool team. Dominic Solanke is a young prospect, moving from Chelsea after rejecting an offer of a new contract, and he will be determined to get more of a chance at Anfield.
Do they need to add?
They have looked to add in defence with Virgil van Dijk being courted throughout the summer, though bids for the player have been rejected.
Star players
Sadio Mane proved to be both exciting and influential after his move from Southampton last summer and should star again this campaign. Another important player is Philippe Coutinho, his future at Anfield looking very uncertain following audacious bids from Barcelona, and a reported transfer request, but he certainly offers star quality to Liverpool if he stays.
How safe is the manager?
Jurgen Klopp has got Liverpool back on track with a top four finish last season, but trophies still elude him as manager. A strong campaign, with an inspiring cup run will be no doubt be sufficient.
WATFORD
In a nutshell
A poor season saw Watford narrowly avoid relegation, finishing 17th. Walter Mazarri’s departure from Vicarage Road sees Marco Silva take charge after an impressive stint at Hull in the Premier League, although he couldn’t quite guide them away from relegation.
Expectations
Dismal results last season didn’t make for pleasant viewing as Watford produced the bare minimum to guarantee promotion. Some pleasing transfer business this summer and a new manager in charge will offer the expectation that a mid-table finish can be achieved instead of a relegation dogfight.
Transfer business
Will Hughes from Derby looks like a good buy for minimal money. He is a player who has been eye-catching in the Championship, and should provide excellent value. Andre Gray moved from Burnley in a club record deal and is an exciting prospect in attack, providing goals and a good work-rate. His arrival will provide healthy competition in attack alongside Troy Deeney, who endured a difficult campaign last time out.
Do they need to add?
The Hornets have made a number of additions in midfield and attack, but some defensive recruits would further strengthen this Watford team.
Star players
Etienne Capoue was impressive in midfield at the start of last season and was integral in getting points on the board early before a dramatic dip. He could be important again. Troy Deeney will want to return to a starring role, as he was largely ineffective last year.
How safe is the manager?
The Watford board have been quick to fire managers in the past and will hope Silva can guarantee security. He is still inexperienced in terms of management in England and if he struggles to deliver at Watford his time at the helm could be short-lived.
BRIGHTON
In a nutshell
Promotion from the Championship put Brighton into the Premier League for the first time as they finished runners-up, Newcastle pipping them to the title on the final day of last season.
Expectations
Survival will be the primary target, as they will want to ensure their climb to the summit of the elite tier of English football is not short lived.
Transfer business
Davy Propper and Jose Izgueirdo are two midfielders brought in, breaking their transfer record twice for their services. Australian international goalkeeper Mathew Ryan offers quality in goal for the Seagulls.
Do they need to add?
Their first season in the Premier League will be tough. They will need all the quality they can get to help strengthen their bid for survival, so more top additions before the window closes will be essential.
Star player
Anthony Knockaert was the Championship Player of the Year last season and will want to transfer his fine form into the Premier League to boost the Sussex club’s survival hopes.
How safe is the manager?
Chris Hughton can certainly be guaranteed plenty of time to manage Brighton to a successful season. His experience in the Premier League with Newcastle and Norwich will be critical in guiding the team to positive results and grinding out precious points at important times.
SOUTHAMPTON
In a nutshell
A League Cu final appearance and an eighth placed finish looked like a good season on paper for Southampton, however, fans’ frustration with the team’s style of play and disappointing results saw Claude Puel lose his job after one season in charge. Mauricio Pellegrino has been appointed and will hope to satisfy the supporters with a more attractive brand of football.
Expectations
A return to Europe will be the ultimate expectation this season, as will pleasing fans with better results and more eye-catching football. A better points tally will be expected as Southampton’s league position disguised the fact they only picked up 46 points.
Transfer business
Mario Lemina is the only main piece of business in midfield, however he is an ambitious buy from Juventus.
Do they need to add?
A lack of goals was a problem last season and Charlie Austin and Manolo Gabbiadini will need to step up, but a striker could be seen as a welcome addition. Keeping Virgil van Dijk could be viewed as a new signing, such is his quality.
Key player
Van Dijk is a defensive rock at the back and is certainly a star in defence for them if he somehow manages to remain at St Mary’s. Oriol Romeu had a good year last year so could be an important figure. It remains to be seen if a striker can step up and produce the goals that significantly lacked last campaign. Gabbiadini could be good for that.
How safe is the manager?
Mauricio Pellegrino should be given time to settle in on the south coast, but he still must get this Southampton to play football that is akin to a top 10 side. A further lack of progression in terms of results and lack of attacking quality could see the Southampton make a managerial change once again.
Go to the original article…
...childishly brought into existence by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
| 
| 
| 
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56158079/Screen_Shot_2017_08_11_at_1.11.21_PM.0.png)
