With Premier League clubs finishing their pre-season preparations, the question now is who will earn starting spots? Here, football writer Adrian Clarke picks out who he thinks will start in each team's strongest line-up.
This can be particularly helpful for Fantasy Premier League managers as they pick their squads for Gameweek 1.
Arsenal
It has been over 90 years since Arsenal won back-to-back league titles, so that is the challenge the reigning champions are setting themselves for 2026/27.
For the third consecutive Premier League campaign, no one scored more set-piece goals than the Gunners (who produced 25) including a record-breaking 19 from corners. With Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka supplying elite-level deliveries, aided by new signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, the supply line will remain top class.
The arrival of former Newcastle United captain Guimaraes has further strengthened Arsenal’s midfield. The Brazilian’s rounded skillset should improve them in and out of possession, and his potential partnership with Rice looks formidable.
Mikel Arteta has built his side’s success around defensive stability, keeping 19 clean sheets en route to landing the title in May. This will be the cornerstone again, but early season injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber will test their depth in this department.
Arsenal's potential best XI
Arsenal’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan Meslier
Defenders: Jurrien Timber, Ben White, William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Marli Salmon
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri, Fabio Vieira, Max Dowman
Forwards: Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Christos Tzolis, Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson
Aston Villa
Unai Emery’s mission was accomplished last season when Aston Villa finished fourth and won the UEFA Europa League, but a summer of change presents challenges heading into 2026/27.
Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne are high-profile departures, while lauded set-piece coach Austin McPhee has also moved on, joining Rogers at Chelsea. So, there is a sense a new cycle is beginning at Villa Park.
Freshening up the squad could be seen as a positive move though, as Villa boasted the oldest average starting XI in the Premier League last season (28 years, 178 days).
It is hoped combative midfielder Joao Gomes, signed from Wolverhampton Wonderers, can work well alongside Boubacar Kamara, and that Switzerland's 2026 FIFA World Cup star Johan Manzambi will shine as brightly as Rogers did before making his move to Chelsea.
Aston Vila's potential best XI
Aston Villa's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Marco Bizot
Defenders: Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, Kosta Nedeljkovic, Modou Keba Cisse
Midfielders: Joao Gomes, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi, Emi Buendia, Ross Barkley, Lamare Bogarde, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, Bradley Burrowes, George Hemmings
Forwards: Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham, Alejandro Garnacho, Brian Madjo, Leon Bailey, Alysson
AFC Bournemouth
New Cherries head coach Marco Rose has large boots to fill as he tries to build on AFC Bournemouth’s best-ever sixth-place finish under Andoni Iraola.
That task will be further complicated by the club’s involvement in the UEFA Europa League, but the south coast side has never been in better shape, even if Junior Kroupi’s foot injury and the departure of influential defender Marcos Senesi are blows for Rose to contend with.
The new boss will hope former Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva and striker Alvaro Rodriguez, signed from Elche, can both settle in quickly and fill the gaps left by Kroupi (temporarily) and Senesi (permanently).
Bournemouth have coped well with change in the past however, and with the outstanding Alex Scott, Adrien Truffert and Rayan in their ranks, they should give opponents plenty of headaches.
Bournemouth's potential best XI
Bournemouth’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Djordje Petrovic, Fraser Forster, Will Dennis
Defenders: Adam Smith, Juanlu Sanchez, Julian Araujo, James Hill, Antonio Silva, Adrien Truffert, Julio Soler, Bafode Diakite, Veljko Milosavljevic
Midfielders: Lewis Cook, Alex Toth, Alex Scott, Tyler Adams, Marcus Tavernier, David Brooks, Ryan Christie, Justin Kluivert
Forwards: Evanilson, Junior Kroupi, Ben Gannon-Doak, Daniel Jebbison, Rayan, Alvaro Rodriguez, Amine Adli
Brentford
Keith Andrews silenced all the doubters by expertly steering Brentford to a ninth-place finish in his first campaign as a top-flight head coach. The Bees ranked top in the division for both goals from fast breaks (with nine) and goals from throw-ins (six).
Will Andrews be able to repeat the same success with those tactics in his second campaign? Or will he have to evolve?
Leading scorer Igor Thiago will be a marked man this time around. The Brazil international plundered 22 goals in 2025/26, earning his team an extra 17 points. New signings Callum Wilson and Jaidon Anthony have proven they can score goals at this level.
Hopes are also high that new signing Mamadou Sangare is going to be a difference maker in central midfield. His elite ball-winning qualities look well suited to a Bees side that will be difficult to beat.
Brentford's potential best XI
Brentford's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Hakon Valdimarsson, Ellery Balcombe
Defenders: Sepp van den Berg, Kristoffer Ajer, Nathan Collins, Michael Kayode, Ethan Pinnock, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Jannick Schuster, Jayden Meghoma, Kim Ji-Soo, Benjamin Arthur
Midfielders: Mamadou Sangare, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Mikkel Damsgaard, Mathias Jensen, Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt, Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo, Yunes Emire Konak
Forwards: Igor Thiago, Kevin Schade, Dango Ouattara, Callum Wilson, Jaidon Anthony, Kaye Furo, Gustavo Nunes
Brighton & Hove Albion
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler has enjoyed two impressive campaigns at Brighton & Hove Albion, developing a clear tactical identity.
His side are incredibly difficult to play against. They also share the goals around extremely well. Brighton may lack an out-and-out goalscorer, but 19 different players scored for them in 2025/26, the most of any side.
The biggest change this summer has been in defence, with two new centre-backs set to start for the Sussex side. The experienced Pascal Struijk has come in from Leeds United to take over the mantle from ageing skipper Lewis Dunk, while talented Croatian teenager Luka Vuskovic will step in for Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined Tottenham Hotspur.
Danny Welbeck’s departure for Chelsea has weakened Brighton’s goal threat, so a new striker could arrive before the summer transfer window closes in September.
Brighton's potential best XI
Brighton's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen, Jason Steele, Tom McGill
Defenders: Pascal Struijk, Ferdi Kadioglu, Maxim De Cuyper, Luka Vuskovic, Lewis Dunk, Michael Svoboda, Olivier Boscagli, Mats Wieffer, Costinha, Igor Julio, Eiran Cashin
Midfielders: Pascal Gross, Yasin Ayari, Carlos Baleba, Jack Hinshelwood, Diego Gomez, Matt O’Riley, Malick Yalcouye
Forwards: Georginio Rutter, Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Charalampos Kostoulas, Zadock Yohanna, Evan Ferguson, Stefanos Tzimas, Ibrahim Osman
Chelsea
With no European football to distract them in 2026/27, Chelsea hold a key advantage over some of their rivals which could bode well for new manager Xabi Alonso.
While the prospect of pairing close friends Cole Palmer and Rogers as attacking midfielders operating behind Joao Pedro is an exciting change, finding greater defensive resilience must form a starting point for Alonso.
Losing seven home games, and 14 of their 38 league fixtures overall last season, the club recognised the need for greater nous and leadership by adding senior players Jordan Henderson and Welbeck to the dressing room.
With eight summer signings on board, and the squad seemingly ready to embrace new ideas, there is fresh optimism at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's potential best XI
Chelsea's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Mike Penders
Defenders: Levi Colwill, Reece James, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jorell Hato, Benoit Badiashile, Mamadou Sarr, Pep Chavarria
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Dario Essugo
Forwards: Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Estevao, Pedro Neto, Geovany Quenda, Jamie Gittens, Marc Guiu, Mykhailo Mudryk, Emmanuel Emegha
Coventry City
Nine years ago, the Sky Blues were preparing for a campaign in League Two, so their return to top-flight football – a quarter of a century since they were last in the Premier League – is a fairytale of sorts.
Legendary midfielder Frank Lampard masterminded a wonderful title-winning 2025/26 Championship campaign, with Coventry playing a brand of attractive attacking football, scoring 97 goals.
Captain Matt Grimes is their talisman in central midfield and also their chief set-piece taker. Dead-ball excellence is a core part of their armoury, scoring a Championship-high 29 goals via set plays en route to promotion. Powerful in the air, no one in that division netted more headers (19) during the season.
A busy summer of transfer business has seen Lampard top up his squad with plenty of fresh talent, with promising Ghanaian midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi an eye-catching recruit.
Coventry's potential best XI
Coventry’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Carl Rushworth, Ben Wilson, Oliver Dovin
Defenders: Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching, Aurele Amenda, Joel Latibeaudiere, Milan van Ewijk, Jay Dasilva, Jake Bidwell, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Luke Woolfenden, Miguel Angel Brau
Midfielders: Matt Grimes, Jack Rudoni, Tatushiro Sakamato, Caleb Yirenkyi, Frank Onyeka, Josh Eccles, Victor Torp, Gustavo Hamer
Forwards: Haji Wright, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Ellis Simms, Ephron Mason-Clark, Loum Tchaouna
Crystal Palace
Pierre Sage has replaced Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park, but we will see a continuation of the 3-4-2-1 formation which has worked so well for the Eagles in recent seasons.
However, under Sage, Palace are likely to build from the back and as a result, they will probably increase their average 45.6 per cent share of the ball in 2025/26. Adam Wharton, the Eagles’ best passer, is therefore going to be even more of a pivotal figure.
It has been a quiet summer of transfer business so far, with experienced Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza replacing Maxence Lacroix, and former Arsenal man Takehiro Tomiyasu also bolstering their back-three options. Full-back and winger Anan Khalaili has also arrived from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Dwight McNeil, who could play as a wing-back or an attacking midfielder, has arrived on a swap deal with Brennan Johnson heading to Everton.
Crystal Palace's potential best XI
Crystal Palace's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Walter Benitez, Remi Matthews
Defenders: Chris Richards, Oscar Mingueza, Daniel Munoz, Tyrick Mitchell, Jaydee Canvot, Chadi Riad, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Borna Sosa, Anan Khalaili
Midfielders: Daichi Kamada, Will Hughes, Adam Wharton, Yeremy Pino, Justin Devenny, Jefferson Lerma, Matheus Franca, Cheick Doucoure, David Ozoh
Forwards: Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Ismaila Sarr, Dwight McNeil, Eddie Nketiah, Romain Esse, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Evann Guessand
Everton
Everton are one of the best out-of-possession sides in the country. Only Arsenal and Manchester City conceded fewer away goals than the Toffees (23) who were resilient and tough to break down on their travels.
To take the next step in 2026/27, manager David Moyes must find greater attacking thrust.
Strikers Beto and Thierno Barry each had moments where they shone, but neither player reached double figures for Premier League goals. The addition of Johnson will provide the Toffees manager with an alternative type of forward, while Hayden Hackney’s arrival from Middlesbrough should bring added creativity and drive inside the opposition half.
A new-look central midfield unit containing Hackney, Christian Norgaard and James Garner is strong on paper, especially with Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall flanking them.
Everton's potential best XI
Everton's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Mark Travers
Defenders: James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane, Jake O’Brien, Vitalii Mykolenko, Nathan Patterson, Adam Aznou
Midfielders: James Garner, Christian Norgaard, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Hayden Hackney, Tim Iroegbunam, Merlin Rohl, Tyler Dibling, Charly Alcaraz, Harrison Armstrong
Forwards: Beto, Thierno Barry, Iliman Ndiaye, Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George
Fulham
It’s the dawn of a new era at Craven Cottage, with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa taking over from Marco Silva who had spent five years in charge of the west Londoners.
During pre-season the former Real Madrid boss has implemented a distinct tactical identity.
From a 4-2-3-1 base he has placed a huge emphasis on using the width of the pitch to create 2v1 or 3v2 overloads. Asking his full-backs to overlap on a regular basis, especially down the left, they will target wide areas during the upcoming campaign. This will suit ball carriers like Antonee Robinson, Ryan Sessegnon, Kevin and Oscar Bobb.
They will supply ammunition for new 22-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia, who has followed Arbeloa from Real Madrid and is the Cottagers' marquee recruit so far this window.
Fulham's potential best XI
Fulham's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Benjamin Lacomte
Defenders: Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Kenny Tete, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson, Timothy Castagne
Midfielders: Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi, Shea Charles, Josh King, Emile Smith Rowe, Ryan Sessegnon, Tom Cairney, Harrison Reed, Luke Harris, Cesar Palacios
Forwards: Gonzalo Garcia, Rodrigo Muniz, Kevin, Oscar Bobb, Jonah Kusi-Asare
Hull City
Sergej Jakirovic proved himself to be a head coach with exceptional tactical acumen during the business end of 2025/26, expertly steering the unheralded Tigers to Championship playoff glory.
Reinforcing the defensive spine has been a summer priority for Jakirovic, who has brought in highly-rated Greece international keeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos and Senegalese centre-back Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano.
Fellow defenders Elliot Stroud and Lucas Herrington, plus midfield talents Hidemasa Morita and Jens Hjerto-Dahl also look like quality additions.
Hull will be a counter attacking side who raid down the flanks at pace, before supplying crosses for target man Oli McBurnie, their match-winner in the playoff final.
Hull's potential best XI
Hull's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Konstantinos Tzolakis, Jack Butland, Dillon Phillips
Defenders: Nobel Mendy, Lucas Herrington, Charlie Hughes, Semi Ajayi, Lewie Coyle, Ryan Giles, John Egan, Elliot Stroud, Matt Targett, Cody Drameh, Paddy McNair, Matty Jacob
Midfielders: Regan Slater, Jens Hjert-Dahl, Matt Crooks, Hidemasa Morita, Kieran Dowell, Oscar Zambrano, Elliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi, Abdulkadir Omur, Lucas Gourna-Douath
Forwards: Oli McBurnie, Mohammed Belloumi, Liam Millar, Joe Gelhardt, David Akintola, Enis Destan
Ipswich Town
There is a sense that Gary O’Neil is prepared to make Ipswich Town a touch more pragmatic as they begin a second crack at Premier League football in three seasons after finishing as runners-up in the Championship.
In goal, Ipswich will boast the tallest player in Premier League history with Kjell Scherpen standing at 6ft 9in. This should ensure opponents have little joy hanging high crosses into the box.
The acquisition of two holding midfielders, Sasa Lukic and Florentino Luis, is designed to help shield a back four who will sit back in a low block against stronger opponents. In certain fixtures, they may revert to a 5-4-1.
O’Neil won’t just park the bus, however. At Portman Road, especially in games where they feel they can be proactive, the Blues will display good movement, pass sharply and be entertaining to watch.
Ipswich's potential best XI
Ipswich's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Kjell Scherpen, Alex Palmer, Kayne van Oevelen, Christian Walton
Defenders: Dara O’Shea, Jacob Greaves, Issa Diop, Cedric Kipre, Leif Davis, Darnell Furlong, Ben Johnson
Midfielders: Sasa Lukic, Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor, Florentino Luis, Marcelino Nunez, Cameron Humphreys
Forwards: Emersonn, Sindre Walle Egeli, Daezen Maeda, George Hirst, Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene, Abdul Fatawu, Kasey McAteer, Chuba Akpom, Anis Mehmeti, Ali Al-Hamadi, Chiedozie Ogbene
Leeds United
Losing just three of their last 14 matches of 2025/26, Daniel Farke’s Leeds have stacks of optimism heading into the new campaign.
Very much at ease in their 3-4-2-1 shape, the Yorkshire giants have developed a nice blend, marrying physicality and aggression with technical ability. Noah Okafor’s goal contributions towards the end of the campaign made a difference, as will the arrival of Harry Wilson from Fulham, who looks well suited to being one of Farke’s twin No 10s.
In goal, the capture of James Trafford is a real coup for Leeds. With his eyes firmly set on usurping Jordan Pickford as England’s No 1, the 23-year-old is primed to have a fantastic season.
Farke’s side have a nice energy about them - no team covered more distance last term – and with a back three that now includes highly-rated Bosnian central defender Tarik Muharemovic, they look solid enough to target a mid-table finish.
Leeds' potential best XI
Leeds' squad in full
Goalkeepers: James Trafford, Lucas Perri, Alex Cairns
Defenders: Joe Rodon, Tarik Muharemovic, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, James Justin, Sebastian Bornauw
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu, Harry Wilson, Anton Stach, Brendon Aaronson, Ao Tanaka, Sean Longstaff, Ilia Gruev
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor, Daniel James, Lukas Nmecha, Joel Piroe, Wilfred Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, Largie Ramazani
Liverpool
Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout, and on paper at least, the Spaniard’s style of play looks closer to the ‘‘heavy metal’’ philosophy which proved so popular among Liverpool fans during the Jurgen Klopp era.
His pressing style should provide fresh energy, and with possession-heavy football not his priority, Iraola can also revive the Reds’ renowned potency on the counter-attack.
There are a few questions the new boss will soon have to answer: will he use Ronald Araujo or Jeremy Jacquet alongside Virgil van Dijk? Could Dominik Szoboszlai play in a deeper role? How much game time will he afford teen sensation Rio Ngumoha? And who starts up top between Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, once the Frenchman returns from injury?
How the former Bournemouth head coach handles those calls and the pressure of taking the reins at such a big club, is going to key to their success.
Liverpool's potential best XI
Liverpool's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Calvin Ramsay
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell
Forwards: Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa
Manchester City
Tactically, Enzo Maresca's principles are similar to Pep Guardiola, who he worked alongside as an assistant during their Treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.
Large swathes of possession are needed to gain the control he wants, and from a 4-2-3-1 base you will see Man City in a 3-2-2-3 shape when building attacks on the ball. This means at least one full-back, most likely Nico O’Reilly, will invert into central midfield.
Maresca loves to pack out central areas to free up his wingers for 1v1s or 2v1s, so he will be thrilled to have Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku at his disposal. Erling Haaland’s firepower always gives City a chance, but to wrestle back their crown you sense much will depend on how Elliot Anderson adjusts to life at the Etihad.
With Rodri moving to Barcelona, his midfield place could be filled by Mateo Kovacic, who started the Community Shield against Arsenal, although at least one new signing in this area seems likely.
Man City's potential best XI
Man City's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Geronimo Rulli, Marcus Bettinelli
Defenders: Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rico Lewis, Vitor Reis
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, Jack Grealish, Claudio Echeverri
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Jeremy Monga
Manchester United
Michael Carrick’s focus this summer was on revamping his midfield, and a new-look pairing of Tielemans and Andrey Santos does look an upgrade, with and without the ball. With Bruno Fernandes for company, it’s a unit that’s sure to be the heartbeat of Manchester United’s side.
The extra workload brought on by UEFA Champions League football will bring obstacles they must navigate to continue on their upward curve, but the vibes are largely positive.
No top-flight team attempted more shots or had a greater number of shots on target than Carrick’s United, so creativity is unlikely to be in short supply.
The key to unlocking their full potential could be Benjamin Sesko finding a hot streak. His shot conversion rate of over 18 per cent was the highest at the club, so do not be surprised if the striker comfortably beats his tally of 11 goals in 2025/26.
Man Utd's potential best XI
Man Utd's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Senne Lammens, Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton
Defenders: Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Manuel Ugarte, Jack Fletcher, Toby Collyer
Forwards: Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Amad, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Shea Lacey
Newcastle United
A summer of upheaval at St James’ Park saw head coach Eddie Howe part ways with Newcastle United, along with Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. So, the Magpies come into this campaign at the start of a brand-new era.
Matthias Jaissle is in charge now, and his background with Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli suggests the German can reenergise the side. High-octane football is a non-negotiable for the 38-year-old, who has already won two Austrian titles, and a pair of Asian Champions Leagues.
He likes the 4-4-2 diamond set-up but is more likely to stick with 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 on Tyneside, with high pressing and fast transitions high on his list of strategic priorities. With plenty of pace at his disposal this feels like a wise move.
New midfield talents Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur should generate plenty of excitement, as will skilful wide forward Bazoumana Toure.
Newcastle's potential best XI
Newcastle's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek, Nick Pope, Ewan Jaouen
Defenders: Dan Burn, Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar
Midfielders: Aladji Bamba, Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley, Sean Steur, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock
Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Will Osula, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes, Bazoumana Toure, Anthony Elanga
Nottingham Forest
Losing Anderson to Man City was an obvious blow, but Nottingham Forest are still in fine fettle ahead of the new season.
New head coach Oliver Glasner has signed compatriot Xaver Schlager as the Englishman’s replacement, and having worked together successfully at Wolfsburg, the Austrian international is likely to settle in quickly.
Forest certainly look ideally suited to Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 formation. Adding classy centre-back Ousmande Diomande from Sporting Lisbon to a rearguard already containing Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, surely means Forest will be difficult to break down.
Flanked by adventurous wing-backs, who open up space for the gifted Morgan Gibbs-White infield, the tactical balance looks right.
Nott'm Forest's potential best XI
Nott'm Forest's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Matz Sels, John Victor
Defenders: Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Ousmane Diomande, Neco Williams, Ola Aina, Morato, Nicolo Savona, Jair Cunha, Eric da Silva Moreira, Zach Abbott, Tyler Bindon, Luca Netz, Omar Richards
Midfielders: Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White, Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Dominguez, Ryan Yates, James McAtee
Forwards: Igor Jesus, Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, Dan Ndoye, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Dilane Bakwa
Sunderland
It’s been a very quiet summer at the Stadium of Light, with veteran Belgian full-back Thomas Meunier the only new face added so far to Regis Le Bris’ well-oiled squad.
Sunderland’s remarkable seventh-place finish in May owed much to keeping things tight at the back. They let in just 48 goals in 2025/26; a tally which was less than Man Utd, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Led by talismanic midfielder Granit Xhaka but ably supported by a spine that also includes Dan Ballard, Noah Sadiki and Brian Brobbey, Sunderland have developed a formula which gives opponents a headache.
Balancing domestic form with midweek UEFA Europa League football won’t be easy, but there is a spirit and work ethic in the squad that should not be underestimated.
Sunderland's potential best XI
Sunderland's squad in full
Goalkeepers: Robin Roefs, Simon Moore, Melker Ellborg
Defenders: Dan Ballard, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo, Trai Hume, Thomas Meunier, Jenson Seelt, Aji Alese
Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee, Chemsdine Talbi, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chris Rigg, Alan Browne, Luke O’Nien, Abdoullah Ba
Forwards: Brian Brobbey, Wilson Isidor, Nilson Angulo, Romaine Mundle, Luis Semedo, Jocelin Ta Bi
Tottenham Hotspur
Roberto De Zerbi has transformed Tottenham Hotspur’s defence and midfield, bringing in five top-class signings.
Van Hecke and Senesi are two of the classiest ball-playing centre-backs in English football, so you can expect Spurs to move the ball out from the back with increased quality. At left back, Andy Robertson’s leadership will undoubtedly have a positive impact too.
Ahead of them, Tonali and Mateus Fernandes will improve Spurs’ dynamism inside central midfield.This ambitious recruitment drive, with a clear identity now in place, has lifted spirits and optimism.
With James Maddison returning from injury, and Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus stepping up their fitness after lengthy absences, Spurs will expect to boost their goal output too after netting 48 times in 38 league matches in 2025/26.
Spurs' potential best XI
Spurs' squad in full
Goalkeepers: Antonin Kinsky, Guglielmo Vicario, Martin Dubravka, Brandon Austin
Defenders: Micky van de Ven, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Andy Robertson, Destiny Udogie, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Kota Takai, Souza
Midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr, Archie Gray
Forwards: Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, Dane Scarlett, Luca Williams-Barnett