Welcome to the first Winning Ways Newsletter and our Premier League preview! In this special edition of WWN we will talk about the 20 teams participating in this years Premier League season and then we will have our predictions for the table and awards at the end of the newsletter.

We hope that you enjoy this first instalment of WWN, any feedback would be greatly appreciated and you can give us this feedback over on our Twitter @WWNewsletter

Countdown To New Season

AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth did well to avoid the drop last season, even managing to pick up a valuable 3 points against Liverpool when it came down to crunch time. Will they be able to survive the drop this season or will they return to the Championship...

They have made a few signings, but one of main names is Justin Kluivert (AS Roma), son of Patrick. This could be the attacking flair that Bournemouth need to help them maintain their Premier League status for years to come. Other than a few other incomings they have had a quiet transfer window. The main departure being Mr Yellow Card himself Jefferson Lerma, who has joined Premier League rivals Crystal Palace. We think Bournemouth will be battling for survival this season again, but ultimately, they will stay up.

Prediction: 16th

Arsenal FC

Well, where do we start with Arsenal. What an incredible last season they produced. With the attacking prowess of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as a solid backline, they were a force to be reckoned with. Arguably one of the biggest surprise packages of the 2022/23 season was Arsenal's 2nd place finish. Could Mikel Arteta and Co go all the way this time round?

Arsenal have spent smartly this transfer window, making their intentions clear for the upcoming season. Firstly, they acquired Declan Rice (West Ham) as a replacement for the aging Granit Xhaka, who departed from the Gunners for Bundesliga side Bayern Leverkusen. He will add a cool head and great ball playing ability to help kickstart Arsenal's attacks. Declan Rice also boasts the most interceptions in the premier league last season with 63. Just ahead of Moises Caicedo from Brighton who is also in high demand this window. As well as Rice, Arsenal have also signed Kai Havertz (Chelsea) and Jurrien Timber (Ajax) which will help them challenge for the title again this season. One area they lack is a striker that is going to score 20+ goals a season. Although Jesus was important last season, he doesn’t have the goal scoring ability of the likes of Kane/Haaland.

As the season draws nearer and now with a Community Shield under their belt, Arsenal will be strong. However, a few key injuries last year completely depleted their title charge and we think they just don’t have enough quality in depth to go one step further.

Prediction: 3rd

Aston Villa

Under Unai Emery, the Villans were flying last season. They finished 7th and now have European football back at Villa Park. Will this be Aston Villa's season to win some silverware?

Villa have done some incredible business, signing Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen), Pau Torres (Villarreal) and Youri Tielemans (Leicester City). These additions have helped bolster their squad, providing additional quality in the right areas. This is pivotal if they want to be able to contend in Europe as well as in the league again. We expect Villa to do well in the Conference League under the experienced Emery which could take away their focus from the premier league. However their squad depth has gone under the radar and will prove pivotal. They have a high level of competition on most areas of the pitch which is more than capable of competing on multiple fronts.

The key to their success will be the solid defensive shape we saw last year and what you normally associate with an Emery team. Last season they had the 4th best defensive record in the league since Emery took over. If they maintain that level and Ollie Watkins continues his fine form then they are a big threat for any team in the league.

Prediction: 8th

Brentford FC

Brentford had an unbelievable season last year, just narrowly missing out on a European spot. This season they will look to improve upon last seasons efforts and reach those coveted European spots.

The big question surrounds Ivan Toney. With the main man for Brentford out until mid January, can the likes of Mbeumo step up or are Toney’s boots too big to fill?

They have been fairly quiet in this transfer window, but they have brought in two young players in. Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Kevin Schade (SC Freiberg) will look to provide a youthful aspect to the Bees defence and attack this year. They have only sold Pontus Jansen (Malmo FF) who only made 12 appearances but will they have a good replacement for captain in Christian Norgaard? They have made a smart signing in Mark Flekken to replace David Raya as his move away looks imminent. He mirrors Raya’s calmness with the ball, but most importantly is a good shot stopper which is crucial as Raya made the most saves in the league last season.

Thomas Frank will remain in charge and he plays the type of football that most clubs dream of. With some savvy signings, we think Brentford will have another solid season. However the absence of key man Toney for the first half they will be unable to push for those European spots.

Prediction: 10th

Brighton & Hove Albion FC

How good were Brighton last year! They were one of the surprise packages of the 22/23 season, doing the double over Manchester United and being able to beat Liverpool at home. Having lost one of their main playmakers, will they be able to repeat the successes of last season or will being in Europe prove to be a step too far for the Seagulls?

This year Brighton have been fairly quiet in terms of incomings, but with their outgoings they have lost Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) and Moises Caicedo is rumoured to be heading to London. We are sure Brighton will be able to find a replacement as they always do. The signing of Joao Pedro (Watford) could turn out to be a canny one, with the Brazilian already netting in Pre-Season and looks to be providing competition for the promising Evan Ferguson

Again, another team with a quality manager and an attractive style of play. Can Mitoma keep up his good form of last season and help the seagulls excel again?

Prediction: 9th

Burnley FC

After Burnley got relegated in the 21/22 season, they appointed Vincent Kompany as their manager. Then they coasted to promotion in the Championship last season. They will be looking to cement their status as a Premier League side this coming season, with anything but relegation to be surely deemed a success by the members of the board as well as the Burnley fans.

Notably, the ex Manchester City captain and his board have signed Under 21s European Championship hero James Trafford (Manchester City). The young goalkeeper pulled off a miraculous penalty save against Spain in the dying embers of the U21s European Championship Final. The young man did not concede a single goal in the entirety of the tournament so can he take this form with him to the Premier League this year? They haven't had many outgoings but the most notable name is Ashley Barnes who racked up 268 appearances for the clarets. They have looked to replace him in the form of Zeki Amdouni (FC Basel). The youngster from Switzerland had an impressive scoring record in the Europa Conference League scoring 7 times in only 11 appearances. However, the main concern for Burnley will be not being able to complete the signings of some key loan players. Nathan Tella (Southampton) was their top scorer last season with 17 goals and a permanent deal is looking increasingly unlikely. On top of that they have also been unable to bring back Harwood-Bellis (Man City) a key part of the defence and Ian Maatsen (Chelsea) who was the best left-back in the championship last year.

Last season Burnley liked to control possession and replicated the top premier league teams with adopting the tactic of an inverted full-back with the ball. Inevitably they won’t have the license to dominate the ball as much as they did in the championship. So the big question will be how will Kompany adapt their style of play in the premier league?

Prediction: 12th

Chelsea FC

Chelsea's efforts last season were shambolic, they signed anyone and everyone hoping to challenge for the title only to finish in 12th behind Crystal Palace and Fulham. Graham Potter was almost doomed to fail from the start with Todd Boelhy throwing money about as if he is Leonardo Di Caprio in the Wolf of Wall Street. Now with Mauricio Pochettino at the helm and the players having a much needed pre season together plus the pivotal Premier League experience, could Chelsea look to push for a Champions League spot or will they have their sights set on some silverware?

Unlike last season Chelsea have been fairly quiet in terms of incomings but they have added Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig) to help their attack which is an aspect they struggled with. It will be interesting to see if Pochettino will play Nkunku in his centre forward/attacking midfielder roll that he adopted when he was playing for RB Leipzig or if he plays a wider roll as he has done in the pre season tour of America. However it unfortunately looks like he will be out for a few months after picking up an injury, throwing a spanner into the works for Pochettino’s plans.

Despite the huge influx of signings over the last year, they have also managed to offload a lot of the deadwood with 11 first team outgoings already. This has left them very thin on options in midfield with Gallagher and Fernandez being their only senior options, meaning they are currently relying on youngsters Santos and Casadei who have impressed in pre-season. They are rumoured to be looking at bringing in Caicedo (Brighton) or Lavia (Southampton) but nothing has been confirmed yet by either team. I also expect them to sign a striker before the window ends with Lukaku not part of Chelsea’s plans.

Prediction: 4th

Crystal Palace FC

Crystal Palace were bang average last season. They were unable to ever string a run of results together and it was somewhat a weird season for them. They started off the season really underperforming but were able to turn things around when they got Roy Hodgson in helping them get a mid-table finish. With the likes of Olise and Eze we think that they will have a repeat of last season, but there are other teams in the hunt for these players.

The Eagles have been dormant this transfer window only signing Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer from Bournemouth. I don't think he will have that much of an impact on Palace, obviously they could still sign some people and I could see them needing to do this in order to get a mid-table finish. They have lost Wilfred Zaha on a free to Besiktas in Turkey. It is somewhat strange thinking of Zaha playing for anyone other than Palace…

With the lack of transfer activity so far, we do expect their to be more incomings in the next few weeks. With Mateta and Ayew both heading for the exit door, a striker will surely be a priority for the Eagles. Arguably the most important bit of business this window will be keeping hold of star assets Olise and Eze which will be imperative for any success this season.

Prediction: 13th

Everton FC

Everton were just two points off of being relegated for the first time in the history of the Premier League last season. It was a train wreck under Frank Lampard and it took the appointment of Sean Dyche in order to save the club from certain relegation. Are they going to look to return higher up in the table or will they face similar problems that lie deeper in the club?

The Toffees have been very quiet in this transfer window signing the ever aging Ashley Young (Aston Villa) on a free transfer. 38 years of age and still playing in the Premier League is an impressive feat but we just can't look beyond his age. Everton’s quest for success will depend on their solution for their number 9. They have sold youngster Ellis Sims (Coventry) and failed prospect Moise Kean (Juventus). With questions over Dominic Calvert-Lewin's fitness we think they are fairly light in this department unless they sign someone late on in the window. Everton’s lack of goals has been a key problem for a few seasons now and is ultimately the difference between them being in a relegation battle and finishing mid-table.

We expect it to be another season to forget with the Toffees just escaping the drop. Their robust defensive organisation will be the key to seeing them over the line.

Prediction: 17th

Fulham FC

We believe that last season Fulham were excellent. Over performing in all aspects of their team. To finish 10th was incredible and with so many players standing out from the likes of Joao Palhinha, Tim Ream and Bernd Leno all stepping up. Now they have a Serbian sized hole to fill with the rumours of Alexander Mitrovic reportedly refusing to play for Fulham after a move to Saudi Arabia fell through. Will he lace up his boots for Fulham again or will he try and force his way out of the club?

Fulham haven't spent much this transfer window, signing Calvin Bassey (Ajax) and Raul Jimenez (Wolverhampton Wanderers) with no real big departures to speak of. Obviously if Mitrovic was to leave that could be a season defining loss if Jimenez was not able to step up but those are just rumours as of now.

We could see Fulham being able to surprise a few people this year with a few giant killings. It could be another good season for Fulham fans as we think they could have a mid table finish again.

Prediction: 11th

Liverpool FC

Liverpool are a bit of an odd one. We feel like looking back on their season we would say it was a complete disaster, but when all things are said and done they only finished four points off of a Champions League spot. It is questionably Liverpool's fault that we hold so high standards for them especially with their recent seasons of success but maybe this season in the Europa League will help them to challenge for the title.

They have been able to sign two really good and promising midfielders. One in the form of Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Leipzig) and World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton). Both are fairly young, 22 and 24 respectively, and look to bolster that midfield with their attacking flair and really get the Reds flying again. Both come from teams that specialised in the counter press - a tactic that Klopp made his name with. The two of them will provide much needed energy in the midfield which the likes of Henderson/Fabinho could no longer provide. However they should also provide much improved output attacking and we expect to see plenty of goal contributions.

Despite arguably having some of the strongest firepower offensively in the league, Liverpool’s season will depend on them finding a solution to resolve the defensive frailties we witnessed last season. Currently they have no recognised number 6 and with the new inverted right back formation with trent picking up midfield positions they remain very vulnerable defensively

Prediction: 5th

Luton Town FC

Luton town are the 51st team to have played at least a season in the Premier League. It is nothing short of remarkable thinking that Erling Haaland will be walking out at Kenilworth Road. They had an unbelievable season last year to get to the Premier League and surely anything but relegation, or 20th place, will result in an open top bus parade around Luton Town. I can not see anything being able to keep them up this season, but stranger things have happened...

The Hatters have not made many signings this transfer window, but the two names that may ring a bell is Tahith Chong (Birmingham City) having came up through the ranks in the Manchester United academy and Marvelous Nakamba formerly of Aston Villa.

Unfortunately we am unable to say that we believe these signings to be enough to get them safety in the Premier League. We think it will just be a great season regardless for the Luton Town faithful, getting the opportunity to watch some of the best football players in the world week in week out.

Prediction: 20th

Manchester City

This super team have finally done it. They conquered the Champions League and were able to complete the treble to match. What a season for Pep Guardiola and his men. They have found a formula which works, and they have stuck to it. The addition of Haaland last year was a bit of a cheat code if we’re being honest and it only enabled them to progress further. You’d be a brave man to back against City doing it for a fourth time in a row. Pep Guardiola is one of a kind and he and City do not look like letting up. His apprentice gave him a fair challenge last season but was it ever in doubt? The fact that when Arsenal were 13 points clear at the top of the table in January and people were still confident that City would do it, well, says it all really doesn’t it.

They have had a few departures following their treble success, Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona) and Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli), but in the City fashion of being able to bring in like for like replacements they have done just that. Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea) will swap the blue of Chelsea for the sky blue of City; we believe that he will ultimately play as Gundogan once did. He does have some big shoes to fill though as Gundogan in the last couple of months of the season was just a different animal. They are also looking to sign Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig) but at the moment nothing has been confirmed. The 21 year old centre back could be linking up with his Croatian counterpart Kovacic at the Etihad next season. For a reported €90 million could we see arguably the best defence of last year bolster its ranks?

Prediction: 1st

Manchester United

The Red Devils experienced some major ups and downs last season. Getting embarrassed by Liverpool 7-0 at Anfield and losing 4-0 at Brentford to start their season. City dismantled them at the Etihad but they sought revenge at Old Trafford with a clever/dubious Bruno Fernandes' equaliser. But ultimately, we feel most fans would consider their season a success with a top 4 finish, that was comfortable in the end, and also a Carabao Cup to back that up. Ten Hag has had some ruthless decisions to make including the nightmare that was Ronaldo and also Maguire and his role within the club. This potential United takeover feels just around the corner but at the same time a million miles away.

Transfers needed to be made and quite an obvious position was that of David De Gea in goal. His tenure has been a rollercoaster ride at United with a lot of poor seasons where he was the best player in the squad. However, a few errors (and big ones at that) probably have been creeping into his game since the 2018 World Cup. His inability to play out well from the back has led to Ten Hag opting for his former Ajax goalie in Andre Onana.

An interesting purchase and probably by most, unexpected, was the acquisition of Mason Mount from Chelsea. A Cobham boy through and through now living it up in Manchester with the boys from Carrington. It will be interesting to see how he fares in red after a stop start season with Chelsea last year. He fits Erik’s style of play with the ability to press and find those pockets of space that will serve United well.

Prediction: 2nd

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe, take a bow! What a season for the Magpies. Champions League football for the first time since the 2002/2003 season. That was so long a go it was when the second group stage existed. The Saudi backing has obviously been the driving force but not many Newcastle fans could have been expecting to finish in the top 4, and comfortably at that, only getting pipped to 3^rd by the red side of Manchester.

Bruno Guimaraes has been a revelation for the toon army alongside the resurgence of the one and only Joelinton. Every position on the pitch was solid for Newcastle including the backline. The same 5 for most of the season was key, Trippier and co only conceded 33 goals in the league. The joint lowest alongside Manchester City.

They have spent their money, all be it they have a lot of it, wisely this transfer window. Bringing in Sandro Tonali (AC Milan) and Harvey Barnes (Leicester) will surely add to the depth and or starting XI. Barnes brings some pace to the wing which they have definitely lost with the departure of Alan Saint Maximin (Al Ahli). Tonali will look to play in defensive midfield protecting that already tried and tested defence of Newcastle.

Prediction: 6th

Nottingham Forrest

Nottingham Forest had a bit of a mixed season under the circumstances. After a successful time in the Championship winning the playoffs, many wondered how Forest would fare back in the top division after a 23 year absence. The summer transfer window of last season more than showed their intent. Signing a full cohort of players including big steals like 3 time Champions League winner Keylor Navas from PSG. They also ventured to Spain and poached Renan Lodi from Atletico Madrid. There were plenty more signings for the men in red as they were starting life in the Premier League like they were there to stay. Steve Cooper was doing an excellent job and their Greek Ownership was right behind him.

Their season as a whole though, was very underwhelming, although the main goal was achieved. Some of their signings didn’t hit the heights that they did elsewhere in Europe but we give them time to settle. It was Brennan Johnson and another signing Morgan Gibbs White who were vital to Forest’s campaign. Combining together for crucial goals which helped forest avoid the relegation battle on the final day of the season.

I’m sure some Forest fans would be a little disappointed after the excitement and promise of the transfer window. However, they are in the Premier League for another year and having played together for a year now, maybe this group can surprise a few this season.

This transfer window has been a lot quieter for Forest, signing Anthony Elanga (Manchester United) and Chris Wood (Newcastle) amongst some loanees. Elanga never really reached his potential at United but his youthful presence could help him flourish under Steve Cooper and alongside Morgan Gibbs-White and Brennan Johnson.

Prediction: 14th

Sheffield United

Newcomer Alert! The blades have been here many times before, but can they stay in the top division for a sustainable amount of time? After a successful stint in the Championship reaching a comfortable second place, they will want to bolster their squad in order to mix with the big boys. However with the financial issues they are currently dealing with, there is a lot of doom and gloom around the Sheffield fanbase.

A spanner in the works was losing Iliman Ndiaye to Marseille. They have replaced him with Benie Traore (Hacken) but we aren't going to act like we are avid fans of the Swedish League and we have no idea about this kid. What we do know is that he has some very big boots to fill. Ndiaye racked up 14 goals and 11 assists last year for the Blades in their quest to return to the Premier League. Filling this hole that has been left from Ndiaye's departure will make it hard to remain in the Premier League. Furthermore they have lost another key midfield man Sander Berge to fellow newcomers Burnley.

As a result of them losing some major players and not having the resources to replace them, we think it will be a tough season for Sheffield with them going straight back down.

Prediction: 18th

Tottenham Hotspur

Well, this segment may well have been labelled Harry Kane, what a talisman he has been for Spurs, is NOW the season to leave, with Bayern and PSG around the corner could Shearer’s record be safe, from Kane anyway, that Robot might have something to say further down the line. One is to wonder where Tottenham would have actually finished in the league last season if it wasn’t for their number 10. With Son having an off season, new signing Richarlison scoring more offside goals than onside ones. It was a season to forget. The only positive for Tottenham is that they were so bad that they didn’t manage to get a European place at all. So, it’s a few less trips into the depths of Europe for them this year. With a new manager in Postecoglou on the horizon, can he be the one to bring spurs back to the big time, or can he just manage to keep Kane. Only time will tell.

The addition of James Maddison (Leicester City) is a very promising start. He is some player and way too talented to be playing in the championship. The move was inevitable, but Tottenham got their man with competition from the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and United who were all interested at times. This creativity could ever increase Kane’s (Tottenham’s) goals especially if Son can fire. The backline is in question but if Romero can keep his head and an addition or two can be made, they could be looking at a European finish next season.

Prediction: 7th

West Ham United

West Ham were disappointing last season and this has to change. One particular stand out was the ever-present Declan Rice, saving the Hammers from any unspeakable misery last season. With Rice (Arsenal) now departing for pastures new across London, West Ham need to use the £100 Million wisely. With Moyes at the helm, the credentials are there. The talent is there too, with the likes of Benhrama and Paqueta still with higher ceilings than they have displayed in the premier league. What is the missing piece for West Ham?

Can someone tell the West Ham board that they can sign someone. At the time of writing this up they have signed no one! I can imagine there are a lot of West Ham fans unhappy with the board for not making any signings for pre season. Especially with there fairly turbulent time last season. It's not like they don't even have any money to spend as the money from the Rice to Arsenal would be more than sufficient. With rumours surrounding Paqueta’s future at the Hammers too they will have an abundance of money to spend with the reported fee of above €70 million they could have an abundance of money to spend.

The clock is ticking on the transfer window and West Ham need to strengthen their squad; especially if they are going to have a decent run in the Europa League this season.

Prediction: 15th

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton Wanderers experienced what can only be described as a very underwhelming season. A new era with the appointment of Lopetegui lifted spirits and raised expectations for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. Despite the Wolves backline remaining ‘steady’ at best, their chance creation and goalscoring was not far from dire. They scored 23 goals in 23 games at an average of a goal a game. Prior to Lopetugui's appointment they had scored only 8 goals in 15 games averaging 0.53 goals a game and ending the season with the worst goal scoring record in the Premier League last season. There was a clear path to improvement and with Jimenez understandably not the same after that disastrous head injury, it’s simple. They need a striker, and fast. With Lopetegui now leaving the club before the season has even started, wolves are going into the first game with no clear direction.

Wolves’ transfer window so far has been filled with multiple outgoings, key players like Rueben Neves to Saudi Arabia for a big paycheck and Raul Jimenez moving south to Craven Cottage, there is work to do. However they have started this work. Signing Matheus Cunha (Athletico Madrid) after his loan spell at the Molineux as well as bringing in young Boubacar Traore who will look to take Reuben Neves' place following his departure.

Sadly we think this could be the end of Wolves’ top flight run in the Premier League this season. Lopetugui leaving them just a week before the season surely leaves Wolves in a dire position.

Prediction: 19th

Our Predictions

Best Signing - Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool have lost a lot of midfielders this transfer window, but we feel that the addition of this man could prove pivotal for the Reds this season, already with exposure to the Premier League he will only have to adapt to Klopp’s way of playing. He not only matches the physical profile of previous Klopp midfielders, but also has a unique ability to play passes in between the lines something Liverpool have lacked since Coutinho.

Golden glove - Ederson, this man has one of the best defences in the league in front of him and a team which has the ability to dominate any opponent. If they are able to add Gvardiol to this already incredible defence I can’t see anyone else winning this

Golden boot - Erling Haaland, need we do a write up? He is not human, the man just scores for fun. When watching him play you feel like you are watching some older kid bully a bunch of receptions. He will win the golden boot we are sure of it.

Manager of the season - Vincent Kompany, we are expecting big things from Burnley this season and we think this man could be the one to deliver them to a comfortable position in the premier league. On their return to the Premier League we think that they have signed smartly and sold a lot of the older members of the squad. We think that Kompany will look to play an entertaining brand of football, one that we aren’t accustomed to them playing.

Flop of the season - Sandro Tonali, Newcastle is a big change from Milan and we don’t think that this man will have the passion and desire to show up and perform for the Toon army. It is going to be a big job for Eddie Howe and Co to change this man’s mentality and really start performing for the Magpies.

Here’s how we think the table could look:

1. Manchester City

2. Manchester United

3. Arsenal

4. Chelsea

5. Liverpool

6. Newcastle

7. Tottenham

8. Aston Villa

9. Brighton

10. Brentford

11. Fulham

12. Burnley

13. Crystal Palace

14. Nottingham Forest

15. West Ham

16. Bournemouth

17. Everton

18. Sheffield United

19. Wolverhampton

20. Luton