AND IT'S LIVE! The Premier League 2022/23 season, as predicted by you...
Photography by Rikesh Chauhan and Luke Alland, using Leica's Q2 Reporter.
“What is a club in any case? Not the buildings or the directors or the people who are paid to represent it. It’s not the television contracts, get-out clauses, marketing departments or executive boxes.
It’s the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city. It’s a small boy clambering up stadium steps for the very first time, gripping his father’s hand, gawping at that hallowed stretch of turf beneath him and, without being able to do a thing about it, falling in love.”
- Bobby Robson.
A great quote from an even greater man. Though, given the record attendance at Wembley for the Women's Euros (87,192, in case you wondered), it's just as much mother-daughter today as it is father-son. Anyway, the 2022/23 season is upon us, players have come and gone, and FPL tinkering is in full swing. We sat down with fans of all twenty clubs to go through how they think the season will go, and it's safe to say there's a lot to be excited about. Oh, and throw in a winter World Cup for good measure.
Arsenal, Niran Vinod
Who will finish in the Top 4: Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal
Who's ending up in the Bottom 3: Everton, Southampton, Brentford
Are you happy with your club's business in the summer window?
Very happy with Arsenal’s business, building on the foundation laid last summer with depth which we sorely lacked last year and it cost us Top 4. We just need to get Saka and Saliba to sign new contracts and it’s an A* window for Arsenal.
Where do you think you'll finish?
I’m hoping for 3rd, but realistically think we will be 4th. Injuries and the World Cup may mess things up—we have more depth in some areas, but still lacking in parts.
Would you be happy with that?
I’ll be happy with Top 4 and a trophy; incremental progress like Klopp did at Liverpool. Arteta has done a fantastic job of changing the culture at the club which was dire towards the end of Wenger’s era, coupled with the mismanaged contract/sales from the leadership team of the past.
Which player should we keep an eye on / chuck in the fantasy team?
Jesus. He is risen and will finally get a solid run of games. Lacazette was a good player for us but faded too quickly to be leading our line—not having a striker last season cost us. He’s hungry, experienced and brings the winner mindset over. We need experience for this young team!
Aston Villa, Sayali Marathe
Top 4: Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea
Bottom 3: Fulham, Bournemouth, Leeds United
Are you happy with your club's business in the summer window?
I’m actually very stoked with the progress we’ve made. We’ve signed an incredible centre back, Diego Carlos, and exactly what we needed in the midfield with Boubacar Kamara. We’ve strengthened our keepers’ bench and brought in some real talent from the Youth Academy. I think we’ve been a bit measured with who we've said goodbye to; players like Bertrand Traoré and Anwar El Ghazi deserve a chance to go to clubs that will give them first team football. I think we could still do with a central defensive midfielder and another striker. Gerrard is pretty candid in most of his interviews and the club putting off publishing squad numbers (at the time of writing) leads me to believe we might still be in for some last-minute business—but only time will tell! Overall, I think the Gerrard Effect is very clear on our recruiting this transfer window.
Where do you think you'll finish?
I think best case scenario, we’ll finish 8th. Worst case, 13th.
Would you be happy with that?
I’ll be happy if we finish anywhere in the Top 10.
Which player should we keep an eye on / chuck in the fantasy team?
Keep an eye on Matty Cash and our homegrown talent, Cameron Archer. Coutinho’s first full season for us will be incredible. A low-key player for your FPL: Calum Chambers.
Bournemouth, Greg Masding
Top 4: Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal
Bottom 3: Bournemouth, Fulham, Brentford
Are you happy with your club's business in the summer window?
I'm not particularly happy so far. The players we've signed—Tavernier, Rothwell and Fredericks—are good, but we need more. We got rid of eight players and have signed three. The rumours are starting to hot up now, so it should be an exciting end to the window.
Where do you think you'll finish?
My gut feeling says we'll finish 18th. Maybe with some more bodies in before the end of the window, we can give ourselves a fighting chance.
Would you be happy with that?
Obviously I wouldn't be happy, but it's to be expected. So likely won't hurt as much as when we were relegated before.
Which player should we keep an eye on / chuck in the fantasy team?
Dom Solanke—not a bad price and will be our go-to for goals. And he's on penalties.
Brentford, Himesh Gadhvi
Top 4: Well, the top two speak for themselves. They’ll still be a country mile ahead of the rest, as they’ve spent big to strengthen their attack whilst still retaining the majority of their core squads. It’s a toss of a coin who wins the league. For the rest, I’ve got a sneaky feeling Spurs will finish 3rd. They finished last season strongly, and bringing in Richarlison will prove to be a shrewd signing. Chelsea, on the other hand, tailed off after a strong start, and despite bringing in proven performers like Sterling and Koulibaly, I think they’ll finish a place below last season. Although, Manchester United—potentially revitalised under Ten Hag—could prove to be a dark horse for that fourth Champions League spot.
Bottom 3: I can’t see Bournemouth surviving this season, based on their lack of transfer activity. Their problem lies in defence: unless they can make the Nat Phillips loan a permanent signing and replace Gary Cahill, then this could be a long, hard season for them. Fulham spent big the last time they were in the Premier League, and though they’ve been less extravagant in the transfer market, much will rely on Mitrović’s goals to keep them up, but I don’t think that’ll be enough. Lastly, I can seriously see Everton struggling again this season. McNeil and Tarkowski won't change up an already brittle squad, and without replacing Richarlison with an equally dynamic signing, it could be the end of the road for Everton’s long stay in the top flight.
Are you happy with your club's business in the summer window?
The main question for this summer, was… would he stay or would he go? Even the most optimistic of Bees fans couldn’t hold a great deal of hope in Eriksen staying, so it was no surprise he left to seek pastures new. With rumours of his Danish heir apparent Mikkel Damsgaard replacing him at the Bees, however, the blow may not be so severe. Aaron Hickey from Bologna is an exciting signing and Thomas Strakosha from Lazio will prove stellar competition for Raya between the sticks. But Ben Mee’s signing could be the most significant of them all—a tried and tested performer with bags of Premier League experience could be invaluable during the inevitable difficult periods in the season. Solid signings, but as with any football fan, you hope for one or two more before the window shuts!
Where do you think you'll finish?
Last season was in three phases for us: an exciting start, a demoralising middle and a rejuvenated end. The signing of Eriksen proved a real turning point in January, inspiring the team to new heights, including that memorable win at the Bridge. I think any genuine Bees fan would’ve taken 13th before last season began, and I think 13th is something most fans would take now. A lot will depend on the potential Damsgaard signing going through, which may push us closer to the top 10, but a repeat of 13th is the more realistic prediction.
Would you be happy with that?
Ultimately, another season of survival in the Premier League for a team with our wage bill and structure would be huge. I’d love to have seen us continue where we left off at the end of last season, with Toney’s goals and Eriksen’s assists pushing us on. Without Eriksen pulling the strings, we’re entering this season with a sense of trepidation. However, retaining your place in the most competitive league in the world for a club of our size is the most important factor.
Which player should we keep an eye on / chuck in the fantasy team?
I have reason to believe Sergi Canós is listed as a Defender on Fantasy at £5m!
You're correct, although he's suspended until 13th August...
In any case, he’s definitely one to keep your eyes on for the long game, as he plays on the wing for us, chipping in with goals and assists. Otherwise, I have high hopes for Aaron Hickey this season. If not for Andy Robertson, he’d be first choice left back for club and country. And at just 20 years old, his best years are still ahead of him. Pick him up while he’s cheap!
Brighton & Hove Albion, Connor of @bhafconly
Top 4: Manchester City, Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal
Bottom 3: Bournemouth, Leeds United, Southampton
Are you happy with your club's business in the summer window?
Fairly happy. Need to recruit more and scared about losing Cucurella with no cover—been a weird one really.
Where do you think you'll finish?
14th.
Would you be happy with that?
Yes but it would be a decline from last season. With the lack of recruitment and losing key players, I'd say fair.
Which player should we keep an eye on / chuck in the fantasy team?
Moisés Caicedo—very cheap, young player that will start most games and chip in with goal contributions.
Chelsea, Bola Odusina
Top 4: Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs
Bottom 3: Forest, Bournemouth, Leeds
Are you happy with your club's business in the summer window?
Yes and no. Sterling is a great signing but Barcelona have been stealing our targets, Jules Koundé the latest acquisition. It’s a shame we were unable to sign him, even after our offer was accepted. I think it is key for Chelsea to secure defenders, and especially a centre back.
Where do you think you'll finish?
Realistically I think we will finish 3rd as City and Liverpool are a class above. It will be difficult to keep up with them.
Would you be happy with that?
I would be happy with 3rd if a trophy is also included.
Which player should we keep an eye on / chuck in the fantasy team?
My brother, Bradford City defender, Timi Odusina (Had to be done!) I think Sterling is the player to keep an eye on for FPL. I’m optimistic he won’t have to adjust too much and will go out and perform at a high level from day one.
Crystal Palace, Michael Scriven
Top 4: Manchester City, Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal
Bottom 3: Leeds United, Bournemouth, Fulham
Are you happy with your club's business in the summer window?
It has been exceptional, once again backing Vieira with some great options. Still need one or two more through the door in midfield for it to be a very good window; centre mid is lacking for us.
W