Premier League table

Manchester City defend the title, while Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest are back in the top flight.

Is Joelinton going to win player of the year? AP: Kevin De Bruyne. He’s been the best player in one of the best Premier League teams of all time, and it feels like he’s still not quite getting enough credit for that – somehow. More seriously, how teams like Brentford or Wolves look to potentially switch systems and still progress, and also how Steve Cooper – an England youth World Cup-winning manager, long touted as a top coach – fares in the top flight. MC: Kevin De Bruyne. Recovered from the signs of age, injury and fatigue to decide the title race last season. I’d be curious as to the future of Ralph Hassenhuttl, for example, and it’s for that reason I’m going for Southampton, Everton and Bournemouth. KJ: Jesse Lingard. Much like his loan move to West Ham triggered a reaction, consistent minutes under Steve Cooper will see the ex-Man Utd playmaker as Forest’s focal point, both on the pitch and the terraces. KM: Kevin de Bruyne or Thiago Alcantara. One of the two midfield schemers will be the difference between tired draws and vital wins during a relentless season. Out of all the promoted teams, Bournemouth feel less well-equipped to cope with the jump up. A first full season of Antonio Conte should guarantee at least fourth for Tottenham. The last spot is harder to nail down. Chelsea’s mini-rebuild has left a lot of questions but you expect that in the end, Thomas Tuchel will have enough answers. JB: Manchester City, Tottenham, Arsenal. The signings of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus are smart buys that can help Mikel Arteta’s side take the next step. Karl Matchett: Liverpool. The attack is now a slightly smaller group, but all of a more even (read: higher) level of quality.