David Maddock (The Mirror)
We caught up with David Maddock from the Daily Mirror to gather his thoughts ahead of the big kick-off...
Who will win the league?
I'm going with Manchester City, because they've spent about 200 hundred zillion on defenders. They have an amazing attacking line-up, and if any of their new defenders can actually defend, then they'll be very, very hard to beat. Spending that much money, the law of averages suggest a couple of them must be decent… though the likes of Otamendi and Mangala show that's no given.
Where will Liverpool finish?
Second. Behind City again. I can see them doing really well in the Premier League this season, perhaps looking stronger here than in Europe. I like what I've seen in pre-season, Klopp has got his side fit and strong and ready to hit the ground running, and that could give them a strong start to the campaign. Get out ahead and stay there…that's the plan and I think it's possible.
What do you think of the new additions to the squad?
So far, Salah looks to have pace and instinct in front of goal, which are exactly the qualities you want in a wide player. From what I've seen in pre-season, he and Mane can form a devastating front line with Firmino. Solanke is a promising youngster, but it could be a couple of years before we see the best of him, same with Robertson perhaps.
Surprise package team?
There are few surprises these days, because the top six is stitched up, and Everton will hardly be a surprise if they force themselves into that equation. But maybe Brighton. It will be a surprise if they're not relegated, and I think they could play enough football to stay up.
Player of the Year?
Gabriel Jesus. The kid is stunning, and given an injury-free year in City's team, he will show his class.
Relegated?
Newcastle, Huddersfield, Swansea. The promoted teams tend to go down, but given I'm suggesting Brighton may be a surprise package, I think Swansea may struggle this season with Sigurdsson on his way.
LFC player to watch?
Coutinho, obviously. But I like Grujic. I'm not sure he'll get many chances this season, but he is big, powerful, has quality on the ball and can score goals too. If he stays clear of injury and circumstances give him an opening, then he could begin to show those qualities.
One hope as a reporter this season?
Manchester United don't bore their way to the Premier League title. I still haven't forgotten the day Mourinho played anti-football with Chelsea to deny Liverpool the title, with the tactic of literally keeping the ball out of play. That was a crime against football, and no manager who can devise that should ever have success in this game.